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Lower Elementary- Wrapping up February

Posted on by Ashley O'Connell

Like every other month of the year, February is a time for celebrating each other! Valentine’s Day is in the middle of February and is a reminder to express love and gratitude for the ones we love and appreciate. Lower Elementary enjoyed celebrating their classmates last week, passing out Valentines to each other. There is always so much affection and joy in the classroom, but this day was extra special. Thank you to the parent volunteers who sent in treats and supplies to make our party happen!

One aspect of the Montessori curriculum is the integration of peace education and tolerance. Helping the students embrace each other’s differences is a vital role for the Montessori educator.  February is Black History Month, a time that we celebrate the accomplishments of Black lives that have helped formed our nation. Over the past few weeks, we have recognized the contributions of several African Americans throughout history by reading stories and engaging in conversation. On Tuesday, we visited the Black History Month Gallery in the commons, put together by the Middle School students and teachers.

Mrs. Doyle: All You Need Is Love

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

While last week was a short week, it was a busy one.  Last week, the children exchanged Valentine’s with each other and had the opportunity to decorate a cookie to take home. We asked the children what love means. Their answers are sure to bring a smile to your face.  In similar posts that we’ve done in the past, we always say the world would do well to listen to these children. It rings true with this post as well.

This past Tuesday, we celebrated the 100th day of school. From the very first day of school, the kindergarten children have been learning to count by 1’s, 5’s, and 10’s to 100. They spent the afternoon going to different stations that revolved around 100. They drew pictures of what they would like when they were 100, what they would buy with $100, and what they wished they had a hundred of, made a 100 headband, and then played a game called Race to 100.  They even did 100 exercises and learned how hard it was to sit quietly for 100 seconds. The highlight was bringing home a delicious 100th-day-of-school snack. As always, thank you for the behind-the-scenes help from all of our parent volunteers to make these memories possible.

Love Is……….

Ainsley–         Doing things together with my family.

Alex–                Reading my construction book with my Mommy.

Angie–              Helping someone you care about.

Bodie–              Playing games with my Nana.

Ella–                 Mommy taking me to the park and giving me lots of kisses.

EmmaJo–       Being nice to people.

Greyson–        Giving people gifts that they will really like.

Harper–           Giving hearts to people to make them happy.

Isla–                   Giving your family lots of hugs and kisses.

Jonathan–       Eating popcorn, watching movies, and snuggling with Mommy, Daddy, and Gregory.

Landon–           Playing games with Mommy and Daddy.

Livie–                 Spending time with your loved ones.

Leo–                   Treating people the way you want to be treated.

Melina–            Giving Mommy and Daddy lots of kisses.

Noah–                Hugging my Mom a lot.

River–               Giving everyone in our class a valentine’s heart.

Saanvi–             Cooking buttered pasta with sauce for anyone who is hungry.

Stephen–          Kissing and hugging people you love.

Tommy–           Going to the park or playing games together like Paw Patrol together.

Zara–                  Taking care of people, reading to them, and saying prayers with them.

Wishing you all a week filled with peace and love.

Michelle & Maria

Mrs. Lopes: All You Need is Love

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

While last week was a short week, it was a busy one.  Last Tuesday, the children exchanged Valentine’s with each other and had the opportunity to decorate a cookie to take home. We asked the children what love means. Their answers are sure to bring a smile to your face.  In similar posts that we’ve done in the past, we always say the world would do well to listen to these children. It rings true with this post as well.

Last Wednesday, the Kindergarten children took place in their first author sharing with Mr. Newman and the Middle School students as their audience. It takes a lot of courage to speak in front of a crowd, and this is always a tradition that kindergarten children look forward to.

This past Tuesday, we celebrated the 100th day of school. From the very first day of school, the kindergarten children have been learning to count by 1’s, 5’s, and 10’s to 100. They spent the afternoon going to different stations that revolved around 100. They drew pictures of what they would look like when they were 100, what they wished they had a hundred of, made a 100 headband, and then played a game called Race to 100.  They even did 100 exercises and learned how hard it was to sit quietly for 100 seconds. The highlight was bringing home a delicious 100th-day-of-school snack. As always, thank you for the behind-the-scenes help from all of our parent volunteers to make these memories possible.

Love Is……….

Advay–  When I go to the park with my Daddy

Annie– Making crafts with Mommy

Arjuna— Playing hockey games with Daddy

Ayan– When my Mom tucks me in, hugs me and kisses me goodnight

Brisa– Watching the ducks swim in my pond

Carmen– Kissing and hugging my brother and sleeping with my Mom and Dad

Daniel–   Playing Lion King with Mommy and Daddy

Desi– Hugging my Mom

Eleanor– Snuggling with Mom and Dad and my sloth and stuffed animals

Evie– Playing Paw Patrol with Ruscher

Fiona–  Going for walks with Gigi and Pop Pop

Jack– Hugging my llama and my Mom and reading books

Kian— Playing Candyland with Ben

Nava–  Doing puzzles with Mommy

Noelle– When I hug my Mom

Owen–  Drawing pictures for my family

Parker– Hugging my Mommy and Daddy

Rowan– My Mama and my Bun Bun I sleep with

Sara–  Hugging my Mama before she went to Colombia

Sullivan–  Sleeping with my pets

Wishing each and every one of you much peace and love,

Amanda & Hema

Mrs. Semmah : All You Need Is Love

Posted on by Kaoutar Semmah

While last week was a short week, it was a busy one.  On Tuesday, the children exchanged Valentine’s with each other and had the opportunity to decorate a cookie to take home. On Wednesday, the Kindergarten children took place in their first author sharing with Mr. Newman and the Middle School students as their audience. It takes a lot of courage to speak in front of a crowd, and this is always a tradition that kindergarten children look forward to. We are also grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many parents during conference time last Thursday.

As Valentine’s Day has quickly come and gone, we thought we would ask the children what love means.  Their answers are sure to bring a smile to your face.  In similar posts that we’ve done in the past, we always say the world would do well to listen to these children. It rings true with this post as well.

Love Is……….

  • Simone–  When my Mom hugs and kisses me.
  • Soren–    Playing happy songs for someone.        
  • Levi—        Dancing with Ella.       
  • Casey–    I love my Mommy.                
  • Savina–  Kissing Mom and Dad.    
  • Ruscher–  Hugging twice my Dad.
  • Charlotte–   I love Mommy.  
  • Remi–       Kissing and hugging my Mommy and Daddy.
  • Elsie–      Hugs and kisses goodbye.         
  • Ella–         Hugs and kisses from my Mom and Dad.         
  • Carter—  A hug and a kiss from my Mom.    
  • David–      A hug from my Mommy.         
  • Jonathan–When my dad plays with me.
  • Katie–        Being kind.
  • Oliver–      A kiss and A Hug from my Mom.

Wishing each and every one of you much peace and love.

Kaoutar and Lizette

Mrs. Wilson: Celebrating Each Other

Posted on by Cynthia Wilson

Last week we celebrated our friendship and love for one another on Valentine’s Day. The children seemed to have fun making their own apple donuts with Kiana and Lisa. Then they passed out valentines cards to each of their friends. The children received a shiny red heart balloon from Ms. Sara and me, and we danced with them.

As some might know, I love learning about culture and the different ways we all celebrate. Cultural awareness helps children develop a sense of identity and cultural appreciation. This week the children participated in activities that symbolize Brazil’s biggest celebration Carnival. The children glued colorful pompoms and feathers onto an animal mask of their choice. They enjoyed a special treat of homemade ice cream using banana and strawberries on top with a tiny bit of sprinkles. Then we ended our celebration as we normally do with a fun dance party! They danced with colorful scarves to children’s Brazilian carnival music. Thank you to Vanessa and Erica for a fun experience!

Middle School News: February Coming to a Close

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

Happy Friday! Let’s catch up! First, thank you for providing delicious food for our Valentine’s Day celebration. Secondly, we had a wonderful evening showcasing grade 6 & 7 research projects on the 15th. The teachers appreciate your support for the students; they certainly felt accomplished. Finally, it was great to see all of you for parent conferences just before Presidents’ Day. The middle school conferences are unique because our students participate in the conversation, offering their reflection on the trimester and providing goals for the rest of the year.

The Middle School also completed a gallery in the commons celebrating historic Black figures in honor of Black History Month. They wrote short pieces highlighting the achievements of the individual they chose to research and created an artistic portrait in the style of artist Kehinde Wiley. Please feel free to come in and check it out!

Humanities

Grade 6 Humanities classes started the week with a reflective discussion about the research project. Then, looking back, they thought about what worked for them and what they might do differently moving forward with a long-term project. Next, the class has begun studying Ancient Egypt. They started by mapping the region’s geography and researching key terms they would hear during their study. Finally, students completed a unit of vocabulary this week.

Grade 7 Humanities classes also started the week with a reflective discussion about the research project. They had the unique opportunity to observe growth from last year’s project. They also considered what they might do differently moving forward with a long-term project. Next, students are in different phases of drafting their fables as we begin our next class novel, A Long Walk to Water, by Linda Sue Park. They will be reading this and looking at more modern Sudanese and South Sudanese history and the experience of the Lost Boys of Sudan. Finally, they completed a unit of vocabulary this week.

Grade 8 students studied the hard history of the transatlantic slave trade this week. First, they used the online database Slave Voyages, which logged all of the charters submitted by captains of ships, and it has a moving representation of the ships and the enslaved Africans they held captive over the course of 300 years. Next, the students were guided to do work that was analyzed and asked to make observations of this resource stemming from primary sources. Next, they watched and reflected on the transatlantic slave trade episode of Crash Course: Black American History, hosted by Clint Smith. Finally, students completed a unit of vocabulary.

Science

6th year Earth Science students are busy designing their hydroelectric and wind turbines as part of their unit, Natural Resources. Students are using the program Tinkercad with the help of Mr. Fuchs to print each of their designs. Once each turbine is created, students will test out the efficiency of their design in class. The hydroelectric turbine will be tested using a continued cycle of water flowing through a gutter, with its blade design attached to a wooden dowel. As the turbine spins from the water pressure, a string will wrap around the dowel, lifting a set unit of weight. Students will test how much weight their designs can lift and the time required to do so. As with the hydroelectric turbines, the wind turbines will have a similar concept of testing their efficiency using a hair dryer to simulate wind power.

7th-year Physical Science students are finishing up fine-tuning their pinewood derby cars as part of their unit, Kinetic and Potential Energy. Students generated a rough outline of their car design which was later sanded and painted in class. Each student was then tasked with determining the weight placement of their car to maximize the kinetic energy while traveling down the derby track. Students can adjust their car’s weight distribution after each run providing an immediate redesign application and assessment. Once the cars are dialed in, students will hold a pinewood derby contest for the rest of the Fraser Woods community to observe.

8th-year Life Science students are working on the unit Genetic Influences. Students are researching how geneticists can manipulate the genes of organisms to yield desirable traits resulting in higher production of a particular crop or studies that help individuals with a strong likelihood of acquiring genetic diseases. We have discussed what exactly GMOs are and the importance of being educated regarding such a title when it comes to what we put into our bodies.

Math

In the Pre-Transition math class, students completed three lessons this week; all focused on the theme of multiplication. This class is learning about calculating percentages of a quantity, evaluating expressions using order of operations, and multiplying positive and negative fractions. Students will conclude their learning of chapter 6 next week, and Ms. Sutherland encourages everyone to prepare well in advance for the upcoming assessment.
In the Transition math class, students finished learning the second half of chapter 8. They covered topics such as solving ax=b statements, graphing simple linear equations, and solving two-step algebraic equations. This class works very hard to connect their learning of linear equations and real-world application questions.
In the Algebra math class, students are excited to learn about power and root properties in different algebraic equations. This class has reviewed Quotient of powers, Product of powers, Negative exponents, and Power of powers rules for simplifying exponent expressions. In addition, this class is excited to use a doodle note study technique to help with remembering all the property rules and guidelines.
Math Joke: Why did the student wear glasses in math class?….. To help with their di-vision.
Have a wonderful weekend, Middle School Community!

Mrs. Hood: Emotional Intelligence

Posted on by Andrea Hood

Human emotion. We are so very lucky to each experience such a wide-ranging set of feelings, but that experience can be quite the roller coaster, especially if you are a toddler.

Supporting and teaching emotional intelligence to our students is one of our main goals in our toddler class. First, we do so by teaching the toddlers to identify and name emotions, their own emotions, and the emotions they see in others. It’s very important to teach children that there is a range of emotions and that ALL emotions are OK. Once children can name their emotions, they can better express themselves and feel heard and understood. We can then help the child develop techniques to manage emotion.

During the last two weeks, we have focused on talking about this in our environment. We use songs, group games, emotion cards, and beautiful books to practice the emotion names and what that emotion looks like. This week, children also had the opportunity to use the emotion cards as individual work using a table mirror. The children seem to love to observe the picture cards and copy the facial expressions in the mirror. With the older toddlers, we also use this work as an enrichment of vocabulary activity by establishing conversations with the child and wondering together what they think happened to the children in the picture. Why are they feeling that way? Oh! The stories they come up with are just so great!

Some of the emotions the children have been introduced to are: happy, sad, angry, silly, excited, scared, shy, and surprised. In the coming months, we will continue to add more to the list.

For some of you that are very interested in the books we read in the classroom, the favorite books this week have been: In My Heart by Jo Witek, The Feelings Book by Todd Parr, Feet Are Not For Kicking by Elizabeth Verdick, and especially another great book by this author called Calm Down Time. With the help of this book, children practiced the importance of breathing deeply when encountering difficult emotions. We practice by encouraging the toddlers to “Smell the flowers” (inhale) and “blow the bubbles” (exhale). We also encourage our students to use the teepee as our calm-down area to get some space and learn to regulate themselves. In this area children have a faux sheepskin rug, cushy pillows and often they will have a variety of calming items like sensory bottles or stretchy string fidgets to support this process.

On another note, children had a blast celebrating friendship on Valentine’s day and they were so focused on perfecting their spreading skills while creating “donuts” using apple rings, sunflower butter, delicious sprinkles and chocolate chips! They also enjoyed sharing their valentine’s with their friends and having fun in an epic balloon dance party!

For food tasting we explored Cauliflower and it was a well received vegetable by most!

Enjoy the pics!

Mrs. Hood and Ms. Marissa

Positive Discipline and Parent Workshop

Posted on by Gina Tryforos

My last blog post on Positive Discipline posed the question: 

What is Positive Discipline? 

Here is a more practical answer: 

Positive Discipline is a program designed to teach young people to become responsible, respectful, and resourceful members of their communities. Positive Discipline teaches critical social and life skills in a manner that is deeply respectful and encouraging for children and adults (including parents, teachers, childcare providers, youth workers, and others). 

One of my favorite quotes from Jane Nelson is:

“Where did we ever get the crazy idea that in order to make children do better, first we have to make them feel worse? Children do better when they feel better.” Jane Nelsen

Positive Discipline is based on the understanding that discipline must be taught and that discipline teaches. 

Our faculty spent time in professional development this past Friday. Our work focused on Positive Discipline in the Montessori classroom.

The big “take-aways” for us were:

Positive Discipline teaches adults to employ kindness and firmness at the same time, and is neither punitive nor permissive.

The tools and concepts of Positive Discipline include:

  • Mutual respect. Adults model firmness by respecting themselves and the situation’s needs and kindness by respecting the child’s needs.
  • Asking vs. Telling – the power of motivational questions.
  • Effective communication and problem-solving skills.
  • Discipline that teaches (and is neither permissive nor punitive).
  • Focusing on solutions instead of punishment.
  • Encouragement (instead of praise). Encouragement notices effort and improvement, not just success, and builds long-term self-esteem and empowerment.

Our first Parent Evening to come together and talk about Positive Discipline is on Thursday, March 30th from 7:00-8:00 pm. We look forward to seeing you!