Via Virtual Reality, the 4th grade History class traveled back in time to visit the ̈Gallo-romans ̈ and see the artifacts they left in France. This new pedagogical tool allowed us to focus on one of the most famous constructions still in place nowadays: the amphitheater of Nîmes.
While a group of students was working on gathering information from a website, another group went to the Innovation Lab and walked through the amphitheater ́s arena, stairs and corridors. They were awed and impressed.
At SDFAS we strive to offer unique experiences to students that reinforce what they learn in a tangible way.
https://www.sdfrenchschool.org/vid_20191119_130822-5/
We were happy to welcome Sylvie Jarlov, former Pre-elementary director, and Christian Jarlov, former HOS, to visit our campus this week.
As part of our community, maintaining a strong connection with the Jarlov’s is our privilege. They helped build upon the foundation laid by André and Chandra Bordes and continued us on the trajectory of a thriving bilingual school. They know and love many of our students. They were key in the development of building our identity and are part of who we are today.
They were ahead of the trend and offered “the mindfulness program” that we continue to grow as we implement the SEL program with Responsive Classroom. Their legacy lives on as we continue with a holistic approach to education, work in our gardens, play the musical instruments outside, and marvel in the butterfly garden.
During their visit the Jarlov’s discovered the mindful ¨zen zones ̈ within our classrooms and they even participated in a coding activity in our new Innovation Lab here on campus. The 3rd graders took this opportunity to share a poem with them.
Fourth graders are learning about the solar system in French. To illustrate the concepts, the San Diego Astronomy Association brought telescopes for students to view the clear night sky. The students enjoyed the opportunity to view a full moon, Saturn, Jupiter, and Mercury and other bright star clusters- as well as a surprise group of satellites passing by! The students used their knowledge learned in French to ask questions in English to the members. We could hear everyone sharing knowledge in both English and French all night long.
-Cathleen Anderson-
Keeping up with the most effective teaching practices to promote learning is a priority for teachers at SDFAS. One such method is flexible seating. It helps students gain learning autonomy, stay focused for long periods of time and work effectively.
Flexible seating fonctions in two phases.
It begins in a classic frontal instruction style. Teachers ask students to be attentive during short lessons and/or the presentation of instructions.
In phase two, the students are invited to put into practice what has been taught. They will settle down to work where they are most comfortable. Students have the choice to sit anywhere within the classroom empowering them and giving them some control over their environment within the established frame.
The ability to move about makes time in class more enjoyable for everyone.
As we do every year, we have celebrated Halloween at SDFAS. After welcoming many grand-parents, following the pre-school parade, the elementary students have presented a new flash-mob.
Here is the video:
