The Power of Words

“Raise your words, not your voice.  It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.” ~Rumi

I have a number of friends who have done a plant growing experiment with their children, recently.  It is not your typical grow a plant from a seed experiment.  It has a dual purpose.  The idea of the experiment is to show children the power of words and actions.  You plant one set of seeds (green bean seeds grow quickly) and have your children talk to the plants with encouraging and loving words.  You plant another set of seeds and have your children talk meanly to them, yell at them, or ignore them.  Make sure to make it scientifically valid by using same type of container, equal number of seeds, water the same, same temperature, same sunlight, etc…  Below are pictures from the experiment (yellow=kind words, blue=mean words).  You may be amazed at the results.  It helps kids realize how powerful words are and that they cannot be taken back once said.  It is also a great way to have the dialogue as a family!  Consider doing it this spring to bring the conversation into your house!

Due to lack of participation, we will not have the final parent coffee/book study for the school year.  We had no one show up for the last get-together.  If you have ideas for parent coffees or other parent/principal get-togethers, please send them to me (mbaier@eagleridgeacademy.org).  I would like to revamp the concept for 16-17 and am eager for suggestions.

Attention School of Grammar Students!
Mr. Anderson is issuing a special Spring Break Drawing Challenge. This optional challenge is a great way to practice your drawing skills and have some fun making art over break. Each student that turns in all nine complete drawings to Mr. Anderson by Friday, April 9^th will receive a certificate of completion. ONE lucky winner will be drawn to receive an additional prize! You can find and download the Spring Break Drawing Challenge form at Mr. Anderson’s website. Happy drawing!

Have a wonderful spring break!

Mrs. Baier

Exploring the World

“Everyone is an explorer.  How could you possibly live your life looking at a door and not open it?” ~Unknown

First graders have been exploring different habitats and the animals that live in those habitats this year in science.  They have learned about forests, meadows, oceans, freshwater ponds and lakes, tundra, and underground habitats.  Most recently, they have been studying the savanna.  They have connected their science study to writing, reading, and even classroom art.  Below you will see writing projects and elephants made using those important cutting and drawing skills.  Just another example of integration at its finest at Eagle Ridge Academy.

Friday is Historical Character Day at Eagle Ridge Academy.  Your child’s classroom teacher should have sent home specifics about the day for your child’s grade level.  It is a great way to have students live as some of the historical characters they study in our Core Knowledge curriculum!

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Baier

Working Together

“Coming together is a beginning.  Keeping together is progress.  Working together is success.”            ~ Henry Ford

What a wonderful turn out for parent/teacher conferences last Friday.  I am so appreciative of the teaming parents and teachers do at Eagle Ridge Academy for the success of the students.  Supporting each other to help your children grow in all areas is the key to our community.  I hope these conversations continue well beyond your conferences.  What child cannot succeed when the adults in his/her life are dedicated to working together to support his/her needs.  I appreciate the work you do together on a daily basis (not just at conference time), and hope you realize the possibilities are endless for your child when you develop those collaborative relationships.  Thank you for fostering those relationships by attending conferences!

Mr. Anderson has been decorating the Lower School office again!  This time we have some fantastic first grade Aztec Sun Calendars.  Students have learned about the Aztec Sun Calendars, as well as symmetry and texture in art class.  Here are some of their finished products.

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Baier