Blog

Mrs. Wilson: Bear, Squirrel, Moose Oh My!

Posted on by Cynthia Wilson

What a lovely and peaceful week we had in our classroom. After the excitement of last week’s activities, it felt refreshing to return to a familiar rhythm. Our only major event was the celebration of a special friend who turned three, which brought great joy to our community.

Throughout the week, we observed the children showing increasing independence as they selected work that captured their interest. Many were drawn to our woodland animal materials and enjoyed identifying animals such as the bear, moose, fox, beaver, and owl through our figure-to-picture matching work. The change in seasons also inspired the children to explore the falling leaves outdoors, taking time to notice and name their many vibrant autumn colors.

During our circle gatherings, the children continued to enjoy singing “Grey Squirrel, Grey Squirrel.” They took turns holding our classroom squirrel and offering it a gentle hug while participating in the song:

Grey squirrel, grey squirrel, swish your bushy tail.
Grey squirrel, grey squirrel, swish your bushy tail.
Crinkle up your little nose,
Hold an acorn between your toes.
Grey squirrel, grey squirrel, swish your bushy tail.

Our food-tasting experience this week introduced the children to cranberries. They listened closely as Mrs. Wilson bit into a raw cranberry so they could hear the distinct pop it makes. Each child was invited to taste the raw berry—crisp and tart—followed by a sample of sweet whole-berry cranberry sauce. To deepen their learning, the children discovered that cranberries grow in water called a bog. We then created our own cranberry bog in the sensory bin, where the children used scoops to collect the floating berries, combining sensory exploration with practical life skills.

Love and light,
Cynthia and Sara

Ms. Mollie: Being Present

Posted on by Mollie Smith

This week in our Montessori Toddler community, we focused on slowing down and finding calm in the simple routines of our day. Toddlers thrive when life moves at a peaceful, predictable pace, and we saw so many beautiful moments where children were truly present—whether carrying their work slowly across the room, pausing to observe a friend, or taking the time to complete a task with intention.

One of our highlights was introducing new Grace and Courtesy lessons centered around table manners. During snack and lunch, we practiced our “tummy to table, feet on the floor” posture—an important part of helping children feel grounded and ready to enjoy their meal. We modeled how to sit safely, use quiet hands, wait for a turn, and gently say “all done” and “may I please be excused” before leaving the table.

The children also practiced:

  • Wiping their spots when finished
  • Using polite language such as “please” and “thank you”
  • Waiting patiently while a friend finishes a turn.

These moments are small, but they are the building blocks of independence, confidence, and respect for self and others.

As we slow down together, we’re reminded that toddlers learn best when life is unhurried—and that even everyday routines can be opportunities for connection, care, and mindful presence.

With Full Hearts,

Ms. Mollie and Ms. Lizette

Mrs. Lopes: Exploring Our Continent

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

Last week, the classroom was filled with discovery as we began our study of North America. The children gathered eagerly as we introduced The Continent Song and learned that North America is the continent we all live on.

We explored this vast continent through multiple lenses. The children learned that the land we call home was first inhabited by Native Americans, and they were fascinated to discover the diverse animals that share our continent—from grizzly bears to bald eagles. The North America puzzle map became one of the most popular works on our cultural shelves, with the Kindergarten children tracing the outlines of the countries in North America.

The pumpkin hammering work in the sensory bin provided a perfect seasonal connection to our study. Children practiced hand-eye coordination and built strength in their hands, while making designs in the pumpkin.  They created the designs by hammering golf tees into the pumpkins.

The mixed-age community truly shone this week, with older children helping younger friends locate North America on the globe and teaching them the continent names.

On Thursday, we were treated to a Diwali presentation organized by our Admissions Director, Ms. Paromita.  The children were read to story of Diwali, watched a traditional dance, and had the opportunity to try some traditional Indian foods.  This program was thoroughly enjoyed by all!

Extending Learning at Home

  • Take nature walks and look for animals native to North America—squirrels, robins, deer, or chipmunks
  • Find North America on a globe or map at home and talk about how far family members might live from you
  • Share family stories about where your ancestors came from and how they arrived in North America
  • Look at the shapes of states when traveling and see if your child can identify familiar ones

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Week
Tuesday, November 11: Playground Volunteer– Devin Wallace
Wednesday, November 12: Guest Reader–Katie Barron
Thursday, November 13: Kindergarten Vision Screening

Next Week
Thursday, November 20: Classroom Bread Baking 9:30 a.m.

Ms. Handibode: Light, Learning, and Community

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

Last week, our classroom community experienced the beauty of cultural celebration as the entire Primary level gathered in the gymnasium for a Diwali celebration. The children learned that this five-day festival represents new beginnings and the victory of light over darkness, good over evil—the triumph of righteousness and knowledge over ignorance.

Ms. Paromita, along with several parents and students from our community, wore traditional Indian attire and shared the richness of Indian culture with us. A few students from Primary, Lower Elementary, and Middle School read a book about Diwali, and then Ms. Paromita and the students danced to Indian music. The gymnasium was decorated with beautiful and meaningful items, and the children were mesmerized by the sights and sounds! They tasted traditional Indian food and experienced how families around the world celebrate with light, joy, and togetherness. We are deeply grateful to all who shared their culture!

In science, we launched our study of vertebrates and invertebrates. The children are beginning to classify animals based on whether they have a backbone, developing their powers of observation and scientific thinking.

Melia’s mom, Megan, was our guest reader this week and shared the beautiful story My Tree and Me. The children loved hearing about the special connection between a child and nature.

The Botsford Fire Department returned to Fraser Woods to teach us about fire safety. The children asked thoughtful and intelligent questions and learned what to do in a fire, explored the equipment firefighters use, and even spent time on a fire truck!

Extending Learning at Home

  • Look for vertebrates and invertebrates on nature walks—does it have a backbone? (Dogs and birds have backbones; insects and worms don’t!)
  • Practice your family’s fire safety plan—where would you meet outside if there were a fire?
  • Notice trees in your neighborhood and talk about how they change through the seasons

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Week
Monday, November 10: Jasper T. Flowers and Sharing Box
Tuesday, November 11: Playground Volunteer–Allissa S.
Wednesday, November 12: Guest Reader–Rob L.
Thursday, November 13: Kindergarten Vision Screening

Mrs. Sargeant: Celebrating Light and Learning

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

Last week, our classroom community gathered with all the Primary classes for a beautiful Diwali celebration in the gym. The children listened intently to a story about this five-day festival observed around the world. They learned that Diwali represents new beginnings and the victory of light over darkness, good over evil—the triumph of righteousness and knowledge over ignorance.

The experience came alive through the sights, sounds, and colors of Indian culture. Ms. Paromita, along with several parents and students, wore traditional Indian attire, and the children were mesmerized by the beauty of what they witnessed. They tasted traditional foods—rice pilaf and gajar ka halwa—and each child decorated their own rangoli design to take home. We are deeply grateful to all the families who shared their culture with us!

Our kindergarten students continued their impressive work with Number Rolls, practicing linear counting, place value, and proper numeral writing formation. The anticipation is building—in June, we’ll take these down to the gym, unroll them, and see just how long they’ve become! This work beautifully demonstrates the mathematical mind at work, as children make abstract numbers concrete and visible.

Magnets joined our shelves this week, sparking curiosity and scientific exploration. The children discovered which objects attract and which don’t, developing early hypotheses about the properties of different materials.

We also welcomed the Botsford Fire Department, who taught us valuable lessons about fire prevention. The children asked thoughtful questions and learned important safety practices they can use at home.

Extending Learning at Home

  • Celebrate light in your own way—light candles at dinner and talk about how light helps us see and feel safe
  • Practice counting by ones, fives, or tens during everyday activities like setting the table or climbing stairs
  • Explore magnetism using a refrigerator magnet—see what it sticks to around your home and what it doesn’t

Ms. Vicki’s Weekly Update

Posted on by Vicki Downs

What a busy and exciting week we’ve had together!  Our toddlers explored so many new sights, sounds, textures, and tastes as we continued learning about fall and the world around us.

We spent some time experimenting with colors.  Using red and yellow paint, we mixed them together to see what would happen and discovered the beautiful fall color orange!  They loved watching the colors swirl and change right before their eyes.

We took a closer look at the inside of a pumpkin as well. The children used their hands to feel the squishy insides and find the seeds hiding inside. It was a great sensory experience to connect with the season.

This week’s food tasting included pomegranate seeds as well as raw and cooked broccoli. The children explored the textures and tastes and loved the pomegranate seeds!  Most of the children preferred the cooked broccoli over the raw.

We also had the opportunity to learn a little about Diwali, the Festival of Lights.  We watched a traditional dance, looked at bright and colorful decorations, and even tried a special rice dish.

To end the week, we had a special visit from the fire department! The children got to see a fire truck up close, go inside, and even take home their own firefighter hats.  It was such an exciting morning!

Reminders:

  • Check backpacks for notes letting you know if your children need more diapers or extra clothes.
  • The classroom door opens at 8:30, unless you have an older sibling (8:20) or have paid for early drop-off. Please adhere to that time, as we need time to prepare the classroom and for the children. We had a lot of children dropping off before 8:30 this week.

Enjoy all the pictures!

Middle School: Science Fair & Diwali

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

With two exciting events this week, the Middle School was busy! The culmination of a month-long science project resulted in a successful Science Fair on Wednesday afternoon. On Thursday morning, students gathered in the gym and listened to a presentation celebrating Diwali given by classmates. Students were even able to participate in an Indian dance and sample some delicious Indian cuisine.

A special thanks to the 8th-grade Leadership class for organizing a successful food drive this past week. The 8th grade organized the donations, checked for expiration dates, and loaded the vehicles for delivery. The FAITH Food Pantry in Newtown was grateful for the generosity of our school community. Thank you to all who donated!

Announcements:

  • Please ensure students are dressed for the seasonal weather with an outer layer, as we will continue to go outside. We require a jacket as well as covered arms and legs when temperatures dip below 50°F.
  • Check with your MS student(s) to make sure they have their refillable water bottle with them. 
  • Monday, 11/17 – Wednesday, 11/19: 8th Grade Internships
  • MS Flower Schedule

More About Science Fair

A middle school Science Fair is an exciting event where students get to explore their curiosity and research projects. It allows them to apply the scientific method to investigate questions about the world around them, in Biology, physics, and chemistry. During the fair, students presented their projects on display boards, shared their understanding and findings with other students and parents. Middle school students were able to practice their communication and critical thinking skills. This year, there were a variety of interesting projects, including a basic introduction to microbiology and how the presence of microbes is everywhere in our surroundings. All students followed the safety rules and protocols while they performed their experiments. The FWM Science Fair is a way to encourage students to learn through discovery and help them develop confidence in their scientific abilities.

Lower Elementary Field Trip

Posted on by Ashley O'Connell

Our class had an exciting field trip this week as we explored the fascinating world of light! From the moment we arrived, the children were engaged and curious, ready to dive into hands-on discovery.

We began our morning with a science demonstration that introduced us to some of the amazing ways light behaves. The children learned that light is all around us—both visible and invisible—and they were fascinated to discover the differences between ultraviolet and infrared light. Using special tools and visual aids, they saw how UV light can reveal hidden patterns and how infrared light helps us see heat. The children were also amazed to learn that light is actually a rainbow made up of many different colors that blend together to form what we see as white light.

Our day concluded in the Light Lab, where students had the chance to put their knowledge into action. They experimented with additive color mixing, combining red, green, and blue lights to create new colors—including white light! The children also had fun testing out optical illusions, discovering how our brains sometimes interpret light and color in unexpected ways. They moved from station to station, experimenting with lenses, prisms, and mirrors. They were especially intrigued by the section on rods and cones, the tiny cells in our eyes that help us see color and light. Many children were surprised to learn that these cells work together to help us perceive the full range of colors we see every day!

To make the week even more special, the children also enjoyed learning about Diwali through a beautiful presentation shared by teachers, staff, students, and families. They listened to stories, saw traditional clothing and decorations, and learned about the meaning of light in this joyful celebration. Thank you to everyone who helped make this a fun and memorable experience for the children!