Upcoming Events
December 9
Winter Concert I
K1, K2, Abreu
December 16
Winter Concert II
Bernstein Orchestra, Dudamel Orchestra
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Conservatory Lab
25 Arlington Street
Brighton, MA 02315
617.254.8904
www.conservatorylab.org
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| Family Notes
December 2, 2011
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Dear Families,
Where do wonderful ideas come from? Are some people born creative? Can innovation be taught? At Conservatory Lab, we believe that all children are born creative, and we can help them retain and develop their capacity for innovation by encouraging them to wonder, notice, and take risks.
Wonderful ideas begin with wonder. Scientists marvel at natural phenomena and make hypotheses. Musicians listen to the sounds that move them and are inspired to create. Children have no difficulty questioning the world around them because they have not yet settled into an understanding of the way things "should" be. When our K1 actors began planning their play, they were faced with an open question: "How can we tell this story as a class?" As we practice wondering with them, we hone our capacity to keep questions active-to see many perspectives and think in alternatives.
Noticing details grounds our ideas in reality. When the first graders began their "Small Moments" writing unit, they practiced "zooming in" to an important moment in their lives. The power of their writing is in the way it calls to the foreground the images, sounds, and feelings that are too easily glossed over. Creative ideas come from noticing what others may miss.
Ultimately, innovation is a risk. When a child shares a new idea or creation, she opens herself up to the reactions and judgment of an audience. The more opportunities we offer students to share their ideas and perform for others, the easier it becomes to take this risk. Each concert, book release, and play is a celebration of wonderful ideas and an affirmation of creativity.
Warmly,
Diana Lam
Head of School
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K1 Thespians Take on Carle's 'Caterpillar'
The K1 class has made their dramatic debut last week with an original adaptation of Eric Carle's "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." Having studied the text as a class, the students began by creating illustrations to represent the number patterns that drive the story. They studied the way the book's illustrations use color and texture to bring the story to life. They then set to work creating vivid costumes using a variety of painting techniques to emulate the the style of the illustrations.
The premiere received wild acclaim from families and classmates in attendance. Audiences marveled at students' mastery of "performance posture" and unique artistic interpretation. At the Friday morning assembly, the students were delighted to reprise their performance for the entire school.
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Winter Concerts
Winter Concert I December 9 - 3:30 pm K1, K2, Abreu Orchestra Winter Concert II December 16 - 3:30 pm Bernstein Orchestra, Dudamel Orchestra |
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Small Moments in First Grade
A great author can spin a story out of the most ordinary experience. In their Small Moments writing unit, the first grade class has learned to use sensory details to draw readers into ordinary moments from their lives. Their illustrated short stories are on display in the first and second grade hallway. Come by! 
The students reread their pieces many times, revising, editing, and adding details. They studied the writing styles of Marla Frazee in her story, "Roller Coaster," as well as Dav Pilkey in "The Paper Boy," using the books as mentor texts to shape their own writing. They took comments from their peers and teachers. At each step, they dove deeper into the moment, "zooming in" on the feelings, sights, and sounds that made the moment significant. When they were finally ready to publish, they held a celebration to share their work with one another.
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Hear Ye! Hear Ye! 2012 Calendar Now Available! The Conservatory Lab Charter School 2012 Calendar documents in high color photos, most of them taken by our own Ms. Toni Jackson, the remarkable and wonderful activities that engage our students year 'round. The calendar is a showcase of our beautiful children busy at work learning, playing and performing. It is a perfect keepsake and a wonderful gift for the holidays. Calendars will be available at both Winter Concerts. The price is $10.
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Parent Advisory Council Notes:
Save the Date!
When: Saturday, December 10th, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
What: A Mindful Movement Class led by Nicole Maniez
Where: Scores Room at Conservatory Lab Charter School
For Whom: Conservatory Lab families who want to have fun together with movement and mindfulness.
More detailed information coming soon.
Cornucopia of Cash - Keep selling those raffle tickets! The money and unsold tickets are due back at the school by Tuesday, December 13th. If you have any questions or need more tickets, please contact Jenna Wertheimer (jennawerth@gmail.com) or Nicole Maniez (nmaniez@hotmail.com). The more tickets we sell, the bigger the prizes!
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Community Concert:
Singers include our own Sofya and Mini Gurel and Tess Lepeska-True.
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