About Me

Head of Lower School at La Jolla Country Day School (mbaier@ljcds.org)

Monday, February 29, 2016

Observations

“It would be possible to describe everything scientifically, but it would make no sense; it would be without meaning, as if you described a Beethoven symphony as a variation of wave pressure.” ~ Albert Einstein

A Classical Education values deeply curiosity and wonder in students, particularly in the School of Grammar.  One of the easiest places to encourage curiosity is in science.  While students are exposed to the truths of science, they also continue to develop their powers of observation.  Giving them opportunities to observe nature and other truths of science is key at a young age.  We want them to be able to describe things scientifically, but we also want them to connect the power of language to describe the truth, beauty, and goodness they discover in science.

Recently, our kindergarten students have been using their powers of observation and description in science.  Each classroom has been hosting a habitat of earthworms.  Once students put on their scientist hats, they had to use their science vocabulary (not gross, icky, or eww…).  It was a chance for them many of them to challenge themselves in handling their scientific specimens and a chance to develop new words for description.






Last Saturday was the annual Lower School Variety Show.  It was a wonderful time for our students to show off some of their talents and build confidence in performing in front of others.  We had songs, dances, magic tricks, and speeches, just to name a few.  Thank you to Mrs. Nimchuk and Mrs. Ortgies for organizing such a wonderful community event!





Have a wonderful week!
Mrs. Baier

Friday, February 12, 2016

Age and Wisdom

In Western Civilization, our elders are books.” ~ Gary Snyder

We have all heard the talk about age bringing wisdom and I fully believe this is true.  In society we do need to honor our elders and learn from them.  Bringing the young and old together is a way to start to make those connections.  Our kindergarten teachers have taken a step in this by having students visit The Colony (an assisted living facility in Eden Prairie) each year.  The students take this trip in February to connect the kindness and love associated with valentines.  It is a delightful time of sharing cards, stories, and songs.  Much is gained by the senior citizens and our students!  If you know of an elder who would be interested in volunteering at our school, please make the connection.  It is another way for our students to learn, connect, and receive their wisdom.












Next week is Pillar week.  The schedule for days in the Lower School has been sent home by your child’s teacher and is available  here.
Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Baier

Monday, February 8, 2016

Lighting the Fire

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” ~ W.B. Yeats


Last Saturday fourth grade teachers and students continued stoking their education fire with “A Day in Sherwood Forest.”  Students participated in events and made items specially designed to develop wonder and awe of the time of Robin Hood.  They made their own archer’s caps and practiced being archers, among other things.  Not only was it a fun activity, but money raised will be donated to purchasing books for the new library.  A great time was had by all and wonder and awe fostered by the fourth grade teachers was priceless!






Have a wonderful week!
Mrs. Baier