Mrs. Hood: “Help me to do it myself!”

Posted on September 29, 2023September 29, 2023 by Andrea Hood

“If teaching is to be effective with young children, it must assist them to advance on the way to independence. It must initiate them into those kinds of activities that they can perform themselves and that keep them from being a burden to others because of their inabilities. We must help them to learn how to walk without assistance, to run, to go up and down stairs, to pick up fallen objects, to dress and undress, to wash, to express their needs in a way that is clearly understood, and to attempt to satisfy their desires through their efforts. All this is part of an education for independence”.

Dr. Maria Montessori

Toddlers are naturally eager to learn these things. “Do it myself” might well be the refrain for the toddler years! Our day-to-day lives often make for less-than-ideal circumstances to help our children achieve the independence they crave. Our homes are not optimized around a little person with a height of under three feet: Objects are hard to reach, too heavy, or too big for little hands to use. Our days are not set up to move at their speed: We rarely just happen to have ten spare minutes to wait while our almost two-year-olds put on their jacket!

Yet enabling a toddler to become more independent has huge short-term and long-term benefits. Power struggles decrease when a child feels more in control. Temper tantrums are less frequent when toddlers are busy doing things for themselves rather than resisting their parent’s efforts to do things for them! A child who feels capable because they can act in the world without needing to rely on grown-ups for every little thing is a child who is developing self-confidence.

We have introduced the routine of changing into indoor shoes at the beginning of the morning! At this point, most of the children have learned to recognize their space and continue to work hard in the skill of removing their shoes, coordinating their hands to get the new shoe on, and pulling and closing the velcro tabs. Your children have been working on the skill of taking their snack box from the snack shelf as well, carrying it and bringing it to their respective table, opening the box, and taking their snack out. In addition, they have been learning the importance of asking for help when needed and remaining seated while eating. These are big steps for little people, but your children have been absorbing the routines beautifully, and their skills improve daily.

Children received a lesson on water transferring this week. To make it even more interesting, we used a sea wool sponge for transferring. The “magic” of watching the water disappear and get inside the sponge is fun, but it’s even more fun when suddenly you squeeze the sponge and all the vanished water comes out. Children received two new vocabulary words when observing the bowls used for the transfer. They like to repeat them over and over: empty and full. At the end of the activity, they were encouraged to look for spills and wipe them up on the table with a towel and on the floor with a mop.

Continuing our apple studies this week, we explored a Granny Smith apple for our food-tasting lesson. Skin, flesh, stem, core, and seeds are vocabulary words we often repeat these days.

As an extra sensorial addition, we worked on an apple stamping art piece. Children enjoyed dipping the apple halves into different colored paints and stamping them all over their papers! They seemed very proud of their work!

We celebrated another birthday, and the children were, of course, really happy to celebrate, especially because they knew there was a special treat! 🙂

Lastly, children seemed to enjoy our new song, “Way Up High in the Apple Tree.” Children practiced the numbers one through five using their hands. As children are working on copying fingerplays and growing in language, feel free to practice it at home with your child.

Way up high in that apple tree. (Place left hand under right elbow and lift right arm with fingers open, forming a tree.)
Five red apples smiled down at me. (wiggle fingers)
I shook that tree as hard as I could. (shake right arm and hand)
Down came an apple! Mmmmm, it was good! (hide your thumb and pretend to eat an apple.)
Way up high in the apple tree, four red apples smiled down at me (count fingers)

Repeat the song until there are zero apples in the tree.

Have a great weekend,

Mrs. Hood and Ms. Mollie

Mrs. Doyle: One Step At A Time!

Posted on September 29, 2023 by Michelle Handibode

We know it takes time for the new rhythm of school days to become familiar. So, while taking one step at a time, we are slowly building the foundations for a smooth, exciting school year.

In just a few short days, we as a class are learning:

how to navigate our way around the environment
how to wait for a lesson
the routines of our school day
how to prepare for snack and lunch independently
about being part of a large group meeting by listening and sharing
care of self and care of the environment

Our returning friends have been role models for our new friends. It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to be a leader. It wasn’t so long ago that they were new to the classroom themselves, and they accepted this new responsibility with excitement and confidence.

A question we frequently hear from parents is, “What can I do at home to help my child be successful at school?” One way to do so is to guide your child to become as independent as possible. Your child’s age and ability guide this independence. So there are no hard and fast rules to follow. A few important areas to focus on are setting up and cleaning up their lunch, putting on and taking off coats and boots, toileting themselves, packing and unpacking their backpacks, and carefully putting their toys away when they are done. This process is also one step at a time.

Thank you to all the parents who donated apples for our applesauce-making and apple-tasting this week. The children thoroughly enjoyed both activities. Be sure to ask your child which apple they liked best. We had a tie between Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for their favorite apple.

Here’s to new beginnings and a peaceful, fun school year for everyone!

Wishing you all a week filled with peace and love!

Michelle & Maria

Mrs. Lopes: One Step at a Time!

Posted on September 29, 2023 by Amanda Lopes

We know it takes time for the new rhythm of school days to become familiar. So, while taking one step at a time, we are slowly building the foundations for a smooth, exciting school year.

In just a few short days, we as a class are learning:

how to navigate our way around the environment
how to wait for a lesson
the routines of our school day
how to prepare for snack and lunch independently
about being part of a large group meeting by listening and sharing
care of self and care of the environment

Here’s to new beginnings and a peaceful, fun school year for everyone!

Wishing you all a week filled with peace and love!

Amanda & Hema

Middle School: Building a Team

Posted on September 29, 2023September 29, 2023 by Michelle Lamb

This week, we headed to The Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport for a day of fun, challenge, and overcoming obstacles. Each year, the middle school takes an early fall trip together as a new middle school group to do something that has students striving to reach new goals. Maybe it’s to complete the next level of challenge on the course from last year, maybe it’s just to attempt one of the courses, and maybe it’s to support a classmate in achieving their goals or overcoming their fears. Regardless of the personal goals, the trip always helps the group feel more cohesive. Stepping outside of the classroom helps our students see each other differently, and it is nice for students (and teachers) to learn something about another student that they may not have realized.

Enjoy the pictures from our trip!

Mrs. Wilson: Growth and Celebration

Posted on September 29, 2023 by Cynthia Wilson

It has been a fantastic week! The children are gradually developing their routines, becoming more aware of transitions, and learning the rhythm of the day.

This week, we concluded our apple exploration and farm animal sounds. Furthermore, we had a food-tasting activity where we sampled a yellow apple and learned about its different parts, including the skin, stem, core, seeds, and flesh. The children visually examined the apple parts up close with a magnifying glass.

We celebrated our first birthday of the school year. During the celebration, the birthday child helped to set up a sun with a numeral two, two dots, and two candles. We sang “Happy Birthday” while she walked around the sun. Afterward, we all sat together, enjoyed a small, delicious cupcake, and read her favorite book, What Do You Say Little Blue Truck.

Overall, it was a successful and enjoyable week.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Cynthia and Sara

Starting the New School Year Strong

Posted on September 22, 2023September 26, 2023 by Gina Tryforos

This past summer, I had the opportunity to attend a presentation by Phyllis L. Fagell, LCPC. Phyllis Fagell is a school counselor in Washington, DC, a therapist who works with children and teens in private practice, and an author and journalist.

Her most recent book, Middle School SuperPowers, Raising Resilient Tweens in Turbulent Times, is recommended for parents and educators of upper elementary-age children and up.

Amazon’s review of Phyllis Fagell’s book:

“Middle School Superpowers is an indispensable, engaging, and reassuring resource for anyone raising or educating tweens in today’s complicated world.”

The webinar was hosted by The Social Institute (TSI). TSI is dedicated to equipping educators with a valuable learning platform designed to help students effectively navigate their social environments, including the realm of social media and technology. Their mission is to promote students’ well-being and future success by reinforcing essential character traits such as empathy, integrity, and teamwork.

Phyllis Fagell introduces the concept of 12 Middle School Superpowers that empower young minds to manage disappointment, regulate their emotions, take healthy risks, and bounce back from setbacks.

These superpowers are:

Flexibility
Belonging
Sight
Bounce
Agency
Forcefield
Security
Healing
Vulnerability
Daring
Optimism
Balance

Some takeaways from Fagell’s talk to help us build their superpowers:

Social Media and Technology are prominent topics in students’ lives. Adults talk negatively about social media and technology, creating a disconnect with kids.
Disappointment is something kids can get through. We must help them understand what it means to be optimistic and feel validated without toxic positivity.
As educators, we must communicate respect for students’ needs and understand the developmental phase. Example: At that moment, when you overhear something mean or something that goes against the values of the classroom, the adults need to address it right away, not in a punitive way, but in a calm manner. The kids must know that we also are taking responsibility for preserving our community’s culture.
We do not talk down to children, we do not talk at them, and we need to be mindful not to use friendly sarcasm because you don’t know how that will land.
When a child comes to you on a Thursday and mentions that they have a track meet that weekend, or they’re excited because they’re visiting a grandparent, or maybe they have an exciting sleepover that they’re looking forward to, Fagell suggests that we write it down on a post-it note so that the following week or the next time you see them which might be several days later, you can circle back and ask them about those experiences. Those small gestures make a big difference.

An interesting fact Fagell shared:

Did you know that a significant 79% of students attribute their motivation to pursue their dreams to the guidance of their teachers? Educators play an indispensable role in shaping the path to student success.

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, my fellow educators and I intentionally work to contribute to the well-being, happiness, and future achievements of all our students every day.

Here is to the start of a wonderful school year!

Upper El: International Day of Peace 2023

Posted on September 22, 2023September 22, 2023 by Karen Sankey

“We shall walk together on this path of life, for all things are part of the universe and are connected with each other to form one whole unity.” -Dr. Maria Montessori

Every year, on the 21st of September, the International Day of Peace is observed worldwide. This day was established by the United Nations 42 years ago and is a reminder for all of us to commit to building a culture of peace. Montessori schools celebrate this day from New Zealand to Hawaii by singing for peace. Our school joined in on Thursday, with toddlers through eighth-grade gathering on the field to sing “Light a Candle For Peace” as a whole school. It was a beautiful celebration, with upper elementary and middle school students signing the lyrics while singing the song.

After our Peace Day gathering, Upper El students enthusiastically and sweetly volunteered to help some of our toddlers move from the field to the toddler playground, taking their hands and walking beside them. We also have some fifth-grade students volunteering daily to walk three-year-olds to dismissal and a waiting list of students who want to help next week. I am consistently impressed with their willingness to be helpful and kind. Our fourth- and fifth-grade students emerge as school leaders during their Upper Elementary years.

Another highlight of our week was a visit from guest speaker Kelsey Tainsh. Kelsey is a world champion athlete and acclaimed professional speaker who has survived two brain tumors, one at five and one at fifteen, and a stroke during her second surgery to remove her brain tumor. She inspires audiences through her life experience and met with Upper El and Middle School students, delivering her message of kindness, inclusion, and acceptance.

**A reminder that on Thursday, 9/28, we will travel to the Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport from 10 to 2 for a day of high ropes and fun! Closed-toed sneakers and a bagged lunch from home are needed. We have two parent volunteers and are happy to welcome more! Just let me know if you’d like to join us.

Wishing you a peaceful long weekend,

Karen and Deb

Middle School: Week in Review

Posted on September 22, 2023 by Michelle Lamb

Happy Friday, FWM Middle School community! Another great week is in the books. Students are moving right along with their independent study projects, joining their younger peers during Social Impact, and plugging away on their Leadership initiatives. They had a great experience hearing speaker Kelsey Tainsh and participating in International Peace Day with our school community.

Here’s what went on in some of their other classes this week:

Math

In the Pre-Transition math class, students worked hard to prepare for their first chapter quiz. Students learned how to find equal fractions, measure lengths in customary units, and convert mixed units to single units. This class works hard to stay organized with their daily notes and is now more comfortable using their binders to file past lesson master assignments.

In the Transition (pre-algebra) math class, students explored how to solve order of operations questions, convert powers to word names, and multiply rational numbers by powers of ten. This class wrote the Chapter 1 Quiz on Friday, September 22nd, and will receive their grades next week. Ms. Sutherland encourages all students to study well for assessments to feel prepared and confident in their work.

In the Algebra 1 math class, students concluded their learning of Chapter 1 and can now successfully use algebraic statements to describe unique patterns. This week, they learned about calculating a data set’s range, mean, and mean absolute deviation, as well as evaluating expressions with absolute values. This class will begin learning Chapter 2 next week!

In the Geometry math class, students finished learning all six lessons in Chapter 1 of the UCSMP textbook. This class was assessed on their understanding of determining distance on a number line, finding the point of intersection of two lines, and recognizing the use of different postulates. Next week, the class will begin learning Chapter 2, “The Language and Logic of Geometry.”

Math Joke:

What was Sir Isaac Newton’s favorite dessert?…. Apple Pi

Science

6th-year Earth Science students worked on creating their resin molds this week. Students chose an item they wished to preserve in their resin. Some students chose leaves of native plants, while others chose a mosquito (very Jurassic Park). The intention of this activity was for students to apply their working knowledge of the different elements that affect preservation potential.

This week, 7th-year Physical Science students finished their unit, Combining and Separating. Students were tasked with collaborating to separate a mixture using a set of materials provided and later separate a mixture independently. Students could determine which tool was best suited to remove certain items based on their physical properties, such as size, shape, color, density, or magnetism. Each student was able to apply their knowledge of past activities, making each process moving forward more efficient and effective.

8th-year Life Science students have worked hard creating their list of items to represent the organelles of both a plant and animal cell. Beginning next week, students will create their cell cake construction, which will be presented to and consumed by the middle school. In association with the unit Cell Theory, students are conducting research on the use of stem cells. Students will be divided into groups of two, providing evidence that is either in favor of or against using stem cells.

Humanities

The 6th-grade Humanities class had a busy week! They have been reading Sharon Draper’s Out of My Mind and getting into the book discussion flow. They have a lot of insight to offer, and the conversations surrounding the book have been great. They have been finding ways to relate to the novel, and the plot certainly evokes some strong emotions from the class. To hear the story of this week’s guest speaker, Kelsey Tainsh, offered another layer of understanding for this class. Like Melody, Kelsey’s physical challenges have caused people to have major misconceptions about what she can and cannot do. As the class learns about empathy, these stories give students perspective and another sense of understanding for the diverse people they have and will encounter. Additionally, this class completed revisions of their “Where I’m From” poems, learned and used editing marks, and began their descriptive writing unit.

7th-grade Humanities classes had students wrapping up summer work and continuing their study of China. First, students delivered presentations about their summer independent choice novels. A variety of genres and topics were covered in these books. It is always exciting for Mrs. Lamb to note what students recommend to add some new titles to the Humanities library! Next, the class continued reading Lensey Namioka’s Ties That Bind, Ties That Break. Students are following the story of Ailin, who is growing up in a changing culture with a family that is split on whether to maintain tradition or change with the times. Class book discussions have been gripping, with almost everyone getting involved and providing perspective for each chapter. Their reactions and insight have Mrs. Lamb excited for the rest of the year’s novels and topics! Finally, they will continue visiting China’s provinces virtually and wrap this up next week.

8th Humanities classes took on a good amount of reading this week. First, they continue to read their class fictional novel, The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton. They have reached the turning point in the story when a lot of action takes place. Book discussions surround their annotations on the chapters, and the students are providing insightful responses and reactions to the events in the plot. Additionally, they read the first chapter of A Different Mirror for Young People: A History of Multicultural America by Ronald Takaki. This chapter discussed the notion of the Master Narrative and what qualities determine if a person is American, addressing common assumptions as well. It tied in well with this week’s poem by Nellie Wong, “Where is My Country?”

Loading...