Blog

This Week in Upper El

Posted on by Karen Sankey

Tuesday, October 7, from 9-2: Field Trip to The Adventure Park

It was a short but wonderful week in Upper El. During our writing lesson at the beginning of the week, we learned how to identify and fix run-on sentences. The students grasped how to construct sentences properly to communicate clearly and effectively in their writing.

In geometry, the fourth graders identified six different types of polygons and learned about their various parts. Meanwhile, the fifth graders focused on finding the area of right triangles using three different formulas.

Our history lesson examined the differences between homologies— inherited, similar characteristics shared between species—and analogies, which are similarities that evolved independently as adaptations. In our literature circle, we will wrap up our first book this week, and each student will begin a new book.

As always, we concluded our week by reading with our wonderful kindergarten buddies during Book Buddies time.

This Week in Upper El

Posted on by Karen Sankey

Upcoming Important Dates:

  • Tuesday, October 7: Field Trip to The Adventure Park at the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport. We would love to have parent volunteers on this trip. If you would like to join us, please reach out.
    • Please sign your child’s waiver here.
    • Bring a bagged lunch that day.
    • Dress in layers and wear sneakers (no open toed shoes or Crocs).
  • Thursday, October 2: No School – Yom Kippur
  • Thursday, October 9 @ 8:30: October Birthday Breakfast – Read about birthday breakfasts and view the year’s schedule here.
We had a fantastic week in Upper El! It was wonderful to see everyone at Curriculum Night last week. If you weren’t able to attend and have any questions about the information shared during the presentation, please feel free to reach out. I would be happy to talk and answer any questions you may have.
In our lessons this week, the fourth graders continued their follow-up work on quadrilaterals in geometry, while the fifth graders finished their lessons on finding the area of acute triangles. In grammar, the fourth graders learned about concrete and abstract nouns, whereas the fifth graders worked on participles and infinitives. In our biology lesson on the vital functions of animals, we discussed the differences between chordates and non-chordates, and examined the phyla and classes on our evolutionary timeline. Our history lesson focused on exploring the relationship between humans and other animals through a discussion of their shared characteristics.
This week, we will have our final Literature Circle assignment for our first book. The discussions in our Literature Circles have been lively, with students enthusiastically sharing their thoughts with one another.

Ms. Rhodora: Autumn Season

Posted on by Rhodora Santayana

We started our week learning about living and nonliving things. The children had fun pointing out living and nonliving things around the classroom. We would say, “This is living, it grows, eats food, and drinks water and breathes,” or, “This is nonliving, it does not grow, it does not eat or drink, and it does not breathe.”

We have definitely entered the fall season. The leaves are changing color and falling to the ground. The children observe autumn leaves as they use their senses to explore the colors of leaves, the scents of the season, and the textures of the leaves. We also learned about deciduous trees and evergreen trees. Evergreen trees are trees with leaves that stay green all year round. Deciduous trees have leaves that turn brown, yellow, or red in the autumn and fall off.

As the weather gets colder, please make sure to send in an extra set of weather-appropriate clothing for school.

Have a wonderful weekend

Ms. Rhodora & Ms. Anabel

Building Bridges Through Books

Posted on by Jill Skilton

Building Bridges Through Books: The Magic of Fraser Woods Montessori’s Book Buddies Program

In the warm, light-filled spaces of Fraser Woods Montessori School in Newtown, Connecticut, something beautiful unfolds each week as younger and older students come together for a shared love of reading. The school’s Book Buddies program exemplifies the Montessori philosophy of mixed-age learning, creating meaningful connections that extend far beyond the pages of a book.

This innovative program demonstrates why Fraser Woods Montessori School has been a leader in authentic Montessori education throughout Fairfield County for over 55 years, serving students from 15 months through 8th grade.

A Community United by Stories

The excitement is palpable when Fraser Woods’ kindergarten students are paired with their Book Buddies from the Upper Elementary classroom. As Mrs. Sargeant notes, “Our children were ecstatic about this endeavor and are eager to meet up with them again next week.” This enthusiasm captures the essence of what makes the Book Buddies program so special—it transforms reading from a solitary activity into a shared adventure.

The program brings together students from different grade levels, with kindergarten students paired with 5th graders, creating natural mentorship opportunities that benefit both age groups. In comfortable reading nooks, outdoor benches, and cozy classroom corners throughout our 8-acre campus in Newtown, these partnerships bloom as older students guide younger ones through the wonderful world of literature.

The Power of Reading Aloud in Montessori Education

Research consistently shows that reading aloud to children provides numerous cognitive and developmental benefits. In the Book Buddies program at Fraser Woods Montessori, older students read to younger students, helping them become familiar with reading and literacy while developing reading fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary through this 1-on-1 pairing.

Equally important is the practice young readers receive when they read aloud themselves. The National Reading Panel found that “repeated oral reading substantially improves word recognition, speed, and accuracy as well as fluency” and that guided oral reading exercises have “an appreciable positive effect” on reading achievement metrics. Studies demonstrate that oral reading practice also has the potential to boost learners’ reading comprehension, with research showing that children understand more through the process of oral rather than silent reading.

For optimal benefits, experts recommend that children engage in reading aloud practice for at least 15 minutes daily. This regular practice helps move words into automatic recognition, freeing up cognitive resources for comprehension. Research evidence shows that both reading a correct word aloud and accumulating multiple exposures to a word help move words into memory so readers can recognize them automatically in future readings.

When Upper Elementary students read books like “The Berenstain Bears New Pup” or other age-appropriate selections to their younger buddies, they’re not just sharing a story—they’re modeling proper reading techniques, expression, and the joy that comes from engaging with literature while simultaneously strengthening their own fluency skills. The younger students absorb not only the content but also the rhythm and flow of language, building crucial pre-reading skills, and may even take turns reading portions aloud themselves, further reinforcing the learning process.

Developing Leadership and Empathy Through Mixed-Age Learning

Mixed-age learning is a cornerstone of authentic Montessori education, and the Book Buddies program at Fraser Woods Montessori School demonstrates this principle beautifully. Older students become role models and mentors, developing leadership skills by guiding and supporting their younger buddies both in and out of the classroom. This responsibility helps Upper Elementary students mature in ways that traditional same-age interactions might not provide.

The program also nurtures critical social-emotional development. Students develop important social-emotional skills such as communication, patience, empathy, and understanding. Older students serve as role models to demonstrate healthy ways to regulate their emotions, and their younger buddies learn best practices for discovering and managing their own emotions.

This approach aligns perfectly with the Montessori philosophy that recognizes children learn best when they can teach and mentor others, creating a collaborative learning environment that benefits all participants.

Building School Community in Newtown’s Premier Montessori Environment

A Book Buddy program fosters community and connection amongst different age groups. The older students help make the youngest students feel like they are a part of the school community. Together, they develop respect, empathy, responsibility, and understanding. This sense of belonging is particularly important in a school environment, where younger students can sometimes feel overwhelmed or disconnected.

At Fraser Woods Montessori School in Newtown, CT, this community building aligns perfectly with the Montessori approach to education. The Fraser Woods Montessori curriculum is designed as a bridge between different levels, where each individual’s social, intellectual and emotional skill level is respected, and the Book Buddies program embodies this philosophy beautifully.

As an independent day school serving families throughout Fairfield County, Fraser Woods creates an inclusive community where students from toddler programs through middle school interact naturally and meaningfully.

Enhancing Listening and Responsibility Skills

The benefits of the program extend beyond just the act of reading. Younger students improve their listening and comprehension skills by hearing stories read aloud and discussing them with their older buddies. Concurrently, older students also improve their listening skills, as they become responsible mentors for their younger peers, making sure that they are heard and respected.

Older students learn to take responsibility for their younger buddies, which can translate to better personal responsibility in other academic and social-emotional areas. By serving as a role model, the older buddy also demonstrates responsibility to their younger buddy.

These skills are essential components of child-centered learning, where students develop not just academic capabilities but also the social and emotional intelligence needed for lifelong success.

Creating Lasting Memories and Love for Literature

Fraser Woods Montessori emphasizes taking excellent care of books, as they are special and delicate – some are even ancient, as they are some of the books that have been treasured since childhood. It is an absolute joy to witness the impact of literature on every child. This reverence for books and reading creates an environment where literature is valued and respected.

The program creates positive associations with reading that can last a lifetime. When a kindergartener snuggles up next to a fifth-grader to hear a beloved story, they’re not just learning about plot and characters—they’re learning that reading is something to be shared, enjoyed, and celebrated.

This love for learning and literature is one of the hallmarks that make Fraser Woods stand out among private schools in Fairfield County, creating lifelong learners who carry their passion for knowledge into their futures.

A Model for Cross-Age Learning in Montessori Education

The success of Fraser Woods’ Book Buddies program demonstrates the power of intentional cross-age interactions in educational settings. By creating structured opportunities for students of different ages to learn together, Montessori schools can foster the kind of authentic mentorship and community building that enhances the educational experience for all involved.

As captured in the warm, inviting spaces where these reading partnerships unfold—whether in comfortable indoor reading areas with colorful rainbow arches and cozy seating, or on outdoor benches throughout our beautiful 8-acre campus where natural light filters through—the Book Buddies program at Fraser Woods creates an environment where learning is joyful, collaborative, and deeply meaningful.

The program stands as a testament to the idea that Montessori education is not just about individual achievement, but about building community, fostering empathy, and creating connections that enrich the learning experience for everyone involved. In sharing stories, these students are also sharing themselves—building bridges that will serve them well beyond their school years.

Experience Mixed-Age Learning at Fraser Woods Montessori

The Book Buddies program is just one example of how Fraser Woods Montessori School in Newtown, Connecticut, creates meaningful learning experiences that extend beyond traditional academic instruction. Our authentic Montessori approach serves children from 15 months through 8th grade, fostering the whole child’s development in a nurturing, supportive environment.

Ready to see mixed-age learning in action? We invite families throughout Fairfield County to visit our campus and observe how programs like Book Buddies create lasting connections and inspire a love of learning that extends far beyond the classroom.

Discover Fraser Woods Montessori School

  • Location: 173 South Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470
  • Programs: Toddler (15 months) through Middle School (8th grade)
  • Philosophy: Authentic Montessori education with mixed-age learning
  • Campus: Beautiful 8-acre natural setting
  • Community: Serving Fairfield County families since 1968

Schedule a campus tour to experience the magic of Montessori mixed-age learning and see why families throughout Newtown and Fairfield County choose Fraser Woods for their children’s educational journey.

Learn more about our programs or contact us to discover how your child can benefit from the unique learning environment at Fraser Woods Montessori School.

Middle School: Week in Review

Posted on by Michelle Lamb

Hope you’ve had a great week! We had our first rainy day since school started, so we enjoyed an indoor lunch and games on Thursday. We also had our first High School visit this year. Westover School spoke to our female students about life and academics on its campus.

Here are some upcoming announcements:

  • Tuesday, 10/7: Team Building day @ The Adventure Park. 9 am-2 pm. Please sign the waiver here and pack a lunch with snacks. Closed-toed sneakers needed (no Crocs).
  • Thursday, 10/16: Catherine Violet Hubbard Stream Study & Sanctuary Visit. Permission forms will go home next week.  PLEASE read this for the attire needed for this visit.
  • SAVE THE DATE: Friday, 10/24 @ 6:30 pm: Middle School Halloween Movie Night

Science

This week, Middle School students were able to start the week working on Unit Conversions. In the science world, Unit Conversions are basic, so scientists can communicate their findings around the world. 6th and 7th graders started with unit conversions within the Imperial System, and 8th Graders started their unit conversion between Imperial and International System.

Also, this week, Middle School students were able to apply all that they have learned about the Scientific Method this year. They did their first lab called Penny Lab. In this lab, students were able to learn about a few properties of water, knowing that water is a universal solvent and is very important for life. The properties of water mentioned in this lab are cohesion, adhesion, and superficial tension. Students were able to start to write a lab report sheet, where they had to predict which side of the Penny would hold a greater number of drops of water before spilling over. All students were able to write their main question and hypothesis. To write the hypothesis, students were able to recognize the independent variable, dependent variable, and controlled variables of the Penny Lab. They also learned the difference between the Experimental group and the Control group. The recognition of these variables and groups is the core of every experiment. Students are still working on their lab report.

Math

Pre-Transition: This week, students completed their learning of Chapter 1 concepts. Students can now rewrite improper fractions as mixed numbers, write the answer to division problems as a mixed number, and understand equivalent fractions. They can also order integers, fractions, and mixed numbers from least to greatest. Students learned how to graph positive and negative integers and fractions on a number line, and can correctly interpret situations with directions and amounts that are positive, negative, or correspond to zero. This class closed out the week reviewing these foundational concepts, will continue to review on Monday, and will take the Chapter 1 Assessment on Tuesday, September 30.

Transition: This week, the Transition class continued their learning of Chapter 1 concepts. Students can now write numbers and products in scientific notation, and know about other grouping symbols in the order of operations. This class learned about the structure of the coordinate grid and how to represent data on it, and they can interpret data from a scatterplot. This class closed out the week reviewing these foundational concepts, will continue to review on Monday, and will take the Chapter 1 Assessment on Tuesday, September 30.

Algebra: This week in Algebra, students wrapped up their learning of Chapter 1. They can now use an online graphing calculator to graph ordered pairs and know how to read the graph to determine whether expressions seem to be equivalent. The class also learned to evaluate expressions involving absolute value, calculate the range and mean of a data set, and find the mean absolute deviation. The class spent the end of the week reviewing concepts from Chapter 1 as a group to ensure a solid understanding of all concepts covered, as these are foundational concepts that will recur throughout the chapter. They will take the Chapter 1 assessment on Tuesday, September 30.

Geometry: This week in Geometry, students completed learning Chapter 1 concepts. This class can now recognize and use geometric notation for one-dimensional ideas, can recognize and use undefined terms and postulates, and can find the point of intersection of two lines. This class can also determine the distance between two points on a number line, also known as betweenness. Students wrapped up the week reviewing these foundational concepts and took the Chapter 1 Assessment on Friday.

Algebra II:  Algebra II closed out on Chapter 1 concepts this week. This class can now solve and check linear equations, rewrite formulas, and solve formulas for their variables. This class can also solve equations using a Computer Algebra System (graphing calculator) to solve equations or expand expressions. The week wrapped up with learning about explicit formulas for sequences and a review of Chapter 1 concepts. This class will continue to review these foundational concepts on Monday and will take the Chapter 1 Assessment on Tuesday, September 30.

Humanities

This week, the 6th and 7th grade groups dove into their class novel, Ties That Bind, Ties That Break by Lensey Namioka. This novel follows the fall of the Qing Dynasty and movement away from traditions such as Chinese foot binding. Students were quite curious about this form of body modification and learned more about the practice and history behind it. They are relieved to know it is a thing of the past for women in East Asia. Additionally, students read Pablo Neruda’s “Ode to the Apple.” They discussed the purpose of an ode and composed their own versions using objects in and around school. This assignment builds upon the usage of figurative language and strong word choice in writing pieces.

8th-grade Humanities classes completed a variety of items this week. First, they continue to learn about Indigenous America. They focused on the value of land and stewardship by Indigenous groups. This led them to question, Who are the stewards in the US currently? What responsibilities do individuals and different groups have for maintaining land resources for the citizens of the US? For Poetry Tuesday, the class read Robert Frost’s “Mending Wall” and even listened to an audio of his recitation of the piece. While at first they weren’t sure what to make of the poem, with some guided questions, they were able to develop meaning and have a profound discussion about boundaries and borders. The 8th grade is also beginning to look at personal narrative writing. Finally, students read two essays, one from a former student and another called “A Plate of Peas” by Rick Beyer. They analyzed these for meaning, and next week will identify the qualities in the writing that worked for them.

Mrs. Wilson: Farm Animal Sounds and the Connection to Language

Posted on by Cynthia Wilson

As I mentioned in last week’s blog, we plan our monthly themes around the seasons and experiences that connect to the children’s world. This month, our focus on farm life has been a wonderful way to spark curiosity and language development. Many of the children have visited a farm, which makes the theme both relatable and exciting.

Did you know that farm animals are a fantastic way to build early language skills? Think of the sounds animals make—baaa, mooo, maaa. These playful sounds strengthen phonemic awareness, the foundation for future reading. The children are also practicing vocal imitation (an important step in speech development) and expanding their vocabulary by learning animal names, their sounds, and even their actions.

In the classroom, we’ve been using materials such as object-to-picture matching and picture-to-picture matching. These activities not only support language but also lay a strong foundation for early literacy.

We also introduced a new book to the environment that has quickly become a favorite (for me, too!). It’s called Morning on the Farm. This sweet story is sung aloud, filled with animal sounds, and gives the children a glimpse into farm life and the role of a farmer.

Food Tasting:
 This week, the children explored peppers! First, they passed around a green bell pepper, noticing its feel, weight, and smell. Then, we had a tasting of green, red, yellow, and orange pepper strips. It was a colorful—and tasty—experience!

Finally, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to those who were able to join us for Curriculum Night on Thursday evening. It was a joy to connect with you, share insights about our Montessori environment, and celebrate the beautiful work your children are doing each day.

Love and Light,

Cynthia and Sara

Happy Faces in Ms. Mollie’s class!

Posted on by lizettegeudes

We are very excited to share that Miss Mollie is back with us this week! She has seamlessly blended into the classroom as if she’s been here since the start of the year. Her presence has brought so much joy to our space, and it’s been wonderful to see how naturally she connects with the children.

This has truly been one of our best weeks yet — filled with smiles and very few tears. We continue to model kindness and respect within our classroom community, and we’re so proud of the children’s growth in these areas.

As Dr. Maria Montessori said, “Respect all the reasonable forms of activity in which the child engages and try to understand them.” We hold this belief at the heart of our approach — recognizing and honoring each child’s unique pace and way of engaging with the world.

A heartfelt thank you to all the parents for continuing to support our efforts — especially when it comes to encouraging respect for the environment. Simple habits like cleaning up after themselves and eating while seated at the table go a long way in creating a safe and respectful space for everyone. As we like to say, “Tummy to table — we sit while we eat!”

Thank you for your continued support!

Ms. Vicki’s Weekly Update

Posted on by Vicki Downs

The children are having such a great time now that we are really settled into routine!  We have been exploring lots of new materials in the room, participating in circle time, and running and playing outside.  We even got to stomp around in the rain this week!  A reminder that we can keep rain boots and rain jackets here if you’d like.

For food tasting this week we tried green and red grapes.  We talked about how the grapes were ovals, smooth, and a little squishy.  We cut into the grapes and looked at the inside as well.  We smelled them and enjoyed tasting the different flavors.

The children have also been helping to clean our classroom, wipe tables, and sweep up messes.

Enjoy all the pictures!

Ms. Vicki and Ms. Patty