SUMMER IS HERE!

The science museum has been buzzing with excitement for the past two months.  Kids on field trips have filled up our classrooms as well as the picnic area most days.  Walk through the halls and you’ll hear the giggles of 1^st graders learning about the butterfly lifecycle, the squeals of 2^nd graders touching a snake for the first time, or the surprised gasps of 4^th graders learning about Newton’s laws of motion. Who knew chaos could be so constructive. 

Teachers are gearing up for summer camp and registrations are coming in fast. Certain age groups of Beach week are already closed out.  Just as soon as school is out, the grounds of lead ponds preserve will be full of activity from 9am-4pm.  Call our registrar between 7:30am-3:00pm to ensure you’re a part of the fun.  I look forward to seeing you there. 

Woo-hoo, tank top season is finally here! 

Ms. Casey

Minecrat Club

For the past few months I have had the pleasure of leading the new Minecraft Club here at SMLI. I will admit I was nervous at the beginning because with a game as popular as Minecraft it was hard to speculate on the levels of ability that the kids would have. I had no way of knowing if there would be children who had never played before in the same room with children who knew more than I did. And even though that is sort of what happened, I was pleasantly surprised at the cohesive nature that the group developed.

The time spent playing has a lot to do with setting up a small virtual community within the game. The boys work to develop their own little piece of the map, while working together to accomplish larger goals. Some days, they are issued a challenge or a project designed to expand their knowledge of the game in areas that they had never delved before. The prizes that they receive from participating always keep them trying their hardest, and give a healthy competitive push.

All-in-all, I’m immensely happy about the little group that has formed that gathers every Monday to play Minecraft. I’m a little sad that we are taking a break during the summer months, but I’m looking forward to September and all the things these guys will work on. It has been amazing to see the boys who came in knowing a lot, take leadership roles in the club. It has been equally gratifying to see the guys who, in the beginning, struggled to remember simple crafting recipes, now craft items like it is second nature.

Owen