Week 4 of Tall tales

Dear Families,

This week we will be stepping into Week 4 of our Tall Tales block with the story of Annie Oakley, focusing on the ideas of focus, practice, and precision.

Rather than the larger-than-life legends alone, we’ll be sharing a gentle, story-based look at Annie Oakley as a real person—someone who became skilled through patience, repetition, and calm attention, not speed or perfection. This theme fits beautifully with the rhythm of our days and the developmental work of the children.

Throughout the week, students will explore these ideas in a variety of ways:

• Storytelling and discussion about what real skill requires

• Writing and drawing about practice and improvement

• Hands-on math and practical work through indoor activities and cooking

• Observation and reflection on what helps us focus and slow down

To support this theme, we’ll be bringing learning indoors on Tuesday and anchoring the week with a simple cooking project: cornbread and beans. Cooking gives the children a meaningful way to practice careful measuring, following steps, and working with fractions—all while experiencing how focus and patience lead to better results. The process matters more than the outcome.

You may hear your child talking about:

• Measuring cups and fractions

• Counting attempts and successes

• Practicing a skill more than once

• Noticing how it feels to slow down

Our goal this week is not speed or accuracy alone, but helping children experience the quiet confidence that grows from trying, adjusting, and trying again.

Thank you for partnering with us and for supporting this steady, thoughtful approach to learning. As always, please reach out if you have questions.

Warmly,

Ashley