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Mrs. Hood: Gratitude and Joy!

Posted on by Andrea Hood

Gratitude is an essential part of who we are as humans. It strengthens our relationships, deepens our connections to our communities, and helps us become happier and more compassionate people. While adults understand the importance of expressing gratitude, young children need guidance to truly grasp its meaning. It’s more than saying “please” and “thank you”; it’s about cultivating empathy and valuing the kindness of others—a skill that takes time and modeling to develop. Dr. Montessori understood the value of nurturing a grateful nature in children to help them become compassionate citizens of the world.

In our Montessori environment, gratitude is woven into the fabric of our daily life, and this value truly shone during our heartwarming Thanksgiving ceremony last week. The day began with the joyful Sharing Bread ceremony, where we proudly presented the special bread we made as a class. Students from various levels then expressed their gratitude in diverse ways and languages, creating a beautifully inclusive and memorable experience. Afterward, we gathered in our classroom to share the bread, spreading the delicious homemade butter we had lovingly prepared together that morning. It was such a meaningful and joyful celebration! Thank you all for helping make this occasion so special!

One resource I’ve found invaluable in teaching gratitude to toddlers is The Thankful Book by Todd Parr. The children love it, and it’s been heartwarming to hear our verbal toddlers begin expressing thankfulness. I highly recommend it as a wonderful addition to your home library!

As we dive into December, the classroom is bright with materials that reflect the beauty of the holidays. We’ve started exploring Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, celebrating the joy and wonder these traditions bring. There’s something magical about experiencing this season through the eyes of the children—their curiosity and excitement make every moment special.

We look forward to the coming weeks of learning, exploring, and sharing in the spirit of the holidays together!

Stay warm and enjoy the pictures of your children,

Mrs. Hood and Ms. Patty

Makerspace: Monthly Update

Posted on by Carl Frisk

Things continue to move right along in Makerspace. The Garden Tower and Vermicomposter (worm composter) are both doing great, and some students have already enjoyed an occasional harvest of lettuce and bush beans. We had a slight issue with the bell peppers, but they are bouncing back, and we should have a few more ripening in the next week or so. Cucumbers have finally begun to flower, so the Kindergarteners will take over pollinating those with some tiny paintbrushes in the coming weeks.

The kindergartners have been busy choosing a variety of work each week. Making masks is still a hit, and we recently introduced OZObots, which are small robots with light and proximity sensors. The students are able to draw paths on paper that the robots will follow, and they’re able to explore how more complex paths impact the robot’s behavior while we get to talk a little bit about coding and commands.

Lower El has also had the chance to explore the OZObots, but we’ve stepped up the complexity by introducing how blocks of color along the pathways can direct the robots to do different things (speed up, slow down, turn around, and even do a little dance with music). The knitting projects have also continued and are progressing wonderfully. Some arm warmers, small bags, and pillows are nearly complete, and some larger projects are reaching very exciting heights.

Upper El is continuing with its cardboard projects, making everything from cars to scale models of household items and buildings to storage organizers. As these have finished up, some students have taken on making props and parts of costumes for Performing Arts. These projects have just begun but are already showing very exciting potential. Along with some Lego Spike challenges, we’ve also introduced Sphero robots, which are programmable/codable and allow the students to have fun while working on coding precise movements.

Middle School has taken on some personal, long-term projects ranging from clothing design and pattern drafting to 3D modeling projects. When taking breaks from these, we’ve also recently introduced some electronic dissection, researching the purpose, model, manufacturer, and critical parts of various electronics and then carefully taking these apart to find useful and interesting parts and pieces. Any useful pieces will be used for future projects, and the students have already begun to brainstorm future projects for the circuit boards, mounting hardware, and other parts. The STEAM cities are also nearing completion, with just the final details and placement needed to finish these up before the holiday break.

Ms. Handibode’s Happenings: Giving Thanks

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

 

The education of even a small child, therefore, does not aim at preparing him for school, but for life. –Maria Montessori

For many, the holiday season is a time for giving. Perhaps more than ever, it is so important for our children to understand that giving does not have to be a materialistic gift. Simple and heartfelt words of love and friendship will last much longer than most anything that can be bought from a shelf. It can be an amazing and powerful gift to our children if, in all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we take time to slow down and model being grateful.

This week we asked each child to share what they are thankful for. While their messages will make you smile and warm your heart, there is beauty in their simplicity.

  • Arya–              I am thankful for Grandma Feifei because she plays hide and seek with me.
  • Connor–        I am thankful that I have playdough at home and at school.  That’s so cool!
  • Ella–               I am thankful for my whole family because I love them so much.
  • Hadley–         I am thankful for unicorns and horses because they are so beautiful.
  • Hannah–       I am thankful for rainbows because they are just so beautiful.
  • Haroun–       I am thankful for books.
  • Harper–        I am thankful my brother Spencer because we do puppet shows together.
  • Jacob–           I am thankful for my brother Alex because I can give him high 5s.
  • Jaxxon–         I am thankful for my popcorn because I can eat so much of it.
  • Joseph–          I am thankful for my Hot Wheels shirt because it is so cool.
  • Maayan–         I am thankful for my dog Sunny because he loves to play with me.
  • Melina–          I am thankful for going to California because I get to see all of my family.
  • Morgan—         I am thankful for my monster trucks because I play car wash and put them in the washing machine.
  • Oliver–             I am thankful for my Mommy and Daddy because they are always so nice to me.
  • Reagan—          I am thankful for all of my baby doll toys because I take really good care of them.
  • Remi–               I am thankful for my Dad because I like to give him big hugs and my Mom because she always plays with me.
  • River–             I am thankful for my family because they give me hugs and kisses.
  • Ryan–              I am thankful for my stuffed animals because they make me feel happy.
  • Tommy–         I am thankful for Minecraft because it is so much fun to play.
  • Wilder–          I am thankful for my Daddy because he helps me do flips and it is so much fun.
  • Zaki–               I am thankful for all of my trucks because I can make them stop and go.
  • Zion–                I am thankful for my Mommy because we like to play games together.

Maria and I are grateful for the time we spend with the children each day and for the relationships we develop with each of you.  Wishing you all a week filled with peace and love.

Michelle & Maria

Mrs. Lopes: A Look at Our Week

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

The education of even a small child, therefore, does not aim at preparing him for school, but for life. –Maria Montessori

For many, the holiday season is a time for giving. Perhaps more than ever, it is so important for our children to understand that giving does not have to be a materialistic gift. Simple and heartfelt words of love and friendship will last much longer than most anything that can be bought from a shelf. It can be an amazing and powerful gift to our children if, in all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we take time to slow down and model being grateful.

This week, we asked each child to share what they are thankful for. While their messages will make you smile and warm your heart, there is beauty in their simplicity.

  • Amelia– I am thankful for the swimming pool because I love to go swimming.
  • Arhan– I am thankful for my red car and dinosaurs.        
  • Arian–  I am thankful for my friends because I like to play with them.               
  • Ben– I am thankful for sleeping because I like my bed.
  • Brisa–  I am thankful for mommy’s homemade noodles, they are my favorite.   
  • Casey– I am thankful for the food Mommy makes me for dinner.
  • Declan–  I am thankful for my sister because I like to play downstairs with her.      
  • Elanour–  I am thankful for my friends because they make me happy.          
  • Enzo–  I am thankful for my sister because it is fun to play the falling down game with her.       
  • Evie– I am thankful for my teachers because I love them.
  • Fiona– I am thankful for hugs and kisses because they make me feel loved.
  • Helena–   I am thankful for my brother because I like to play with him at the park.       
  • Kaiah—  I am thankful for my brother and sister.      
  • Kimberlin–  I am thankful for my grandparents because they make me fruit toast snacks.
  • Love– I am thankful for my house.
  • Nicolas—  I am thankful for my books because I like to read them.
  • Olivia– I am thankful for bear-bear because he’s always so nice and I like to sleep with him.
  • Ryder–  I am thankful for my dog, Cooper, because he is so soft and I like to pet him.           
  • Sadie– I am thankful for playing outside in the leaves. 
  • Scotlyn– I am thankful for Caraluzzi’s because that’s where we get food.
  • Zion–  I am thankful for Mommy’s car because I like to drive places.               

Hema and I are grateful for the time we spend with the children each day and for the relationships we develop with each of you.  Wishing you all a week filled with peace and love.

Amanda & Hema

Mrs. Sargeant: A Peek at the Week

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

The education of even a small child, therefore, does not aim at preparing him for school, but for life. -Maria Montessori

For many, the holiday season is a time for giving. Perhaps more than ever, it is so important for our children to understand that giving does not have to be a materialistic gift. Simple and heartfelt words of love and friendship will last much longer than most anything that can be bought from a shelf. It can be an amazing and powerful gift to our children if, in all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we take time to slow down and model being grateful.

This week, we asked each child to share what they are thankful for. While their messages will make you smile and warm your heart, there is beauty in their simplicity.

  • Olive- my family, friends, teachers, Thanksgiving, and the Earth
  • Katie- my cat, my Mama and Daddy, my dog and Sofia
  • Ethan- playing outside with my brother and my dog, my family, and running in the snow
  • Ava- my Mom, Dad, brother and sisters
  • Otto- leaves and jumping into a leaf pile, and my baby, my Mommy and Daddy – fruit snacks, too!
  • William- Halloween and Mommy, Cooper, and my cat, too
  • Olson- my parents, my school, grapes and skyscrapers
  • Ivy- Magna tiles, Mom, Dad, my dog, and vanilla with cherry ice cream
  • Arsalan- my family, my Grandma and Grandpa, my teachers and police officers
  • Emma- my sister, and my Mom and Dad because they make me breakfast
  • Eliot- my lovely school and teachers, my friends, my parents, and my baby sister and brothers
  • Hayes- my Mom and my Dad and the whole city – also my brothers because I like to play with them
  • Rayna- my family
  • Cameron-my Mommy’s kisses and ice cream from Daddy, the beach, and playing Roblox with my brother
  • Aira- toys, my Mommy and Daddy, my dog, Saltines and dessert, and flowers in the summer
  • Divya- my cousins because they do make-up for me, my dollies, my family because they love me so much, and my neighbor
  • Matteo-my six dogs, my parents, Didi and Woowoo, also for my microscope so I can be a scientist
  • Luke- my Mom and my Dad and my dog and all my family, and for chocolate ice cream with sprinkles
  • Anaya-Christmas and Halloween and all the holidays, and for my Mom and Daddy, my sister and my friends
  • Eliana- my family and for happy birthdays
  • Oscar- Halloween and Christmas, because I love them! Also, for my Mama and Dad because I like to do puzzles with them

We are grateful for all of you and for the relationships we have built with your children.

Wishing you all a peaceful week. Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate! Enjoy listening to ‘Shoo Turkey’ which has been a recent classroom favorite.

Christine & Fatima

Mrs. Wilson: Explorers, Bakers and Firefighters

Posted on by Cynthia Wilson


This week was filled with fun and exciting activities. We took the children on a hike along our campus trails on Monday and we were so proud of them for making it to the gazebo! Our little explorers eagerly ventured into the woods, played in piles of leaves, and discovered an abundance of acorns. It was clear they enjoyed the change of scenery. This was just the first of many hikes planned for this year.

On Tuesday, we were delighted to have a visit from the Botsford Fire and Rescue Department. The children had the chance to sit inside the fire truck and receive their very own fire hats. A big thank you to Fire Chief Bill for the wonderful visit!

On Thursday, the children worked with Sofia’s mom and Harlow’s mom to make homemade white bread and butter. After that, they listened to the story Squirrel is Hungry by Satoshi Kitamura. The delightful aroma of the bread baking in the bread machine filled the room! These loaves of bread will be shared with our community during the school-wide Thanksgiving ceremony on Tuesday, November 26th. The toddlers will enjoy their bread together in our classroom that day.

The children tasted raw cranberries and cranberry sauce. The raw cranberries were tart, and their reactions as they bit into them were fun to watch.

To conclude this week’s blog, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our families. We truly appreciate your trust in us to care for your children every day. They bring a smile to our faces, even on the busiest days. Thank you!

Love and Light,

Cynthia and Sara

Physical Education Monthly Update

Posted on by Dylan Fisher

The last few weeks flew by for the PE classes at FWM. Another month of beautiful weather allowed students to continue to enjoy the new turf field. The additional space allows the students to embrace the fresh air while learning and building camaraderie during PE class.

The kindergarten and lower elementary students continued to work on moving in control around their peers during physical activity. This month they participated in various activities including relay races, many variations of tag, and kickball, to name a few. The students’ enthusiasm for being active and helping one another has been encouraging to see.

In upper elementary, the students are working hard on improving their sportsmanship. Much of the last month was spent learning the rules and playing ultimate frisbee. Being a team game, ultimate frisbee requires not only sportsmanship, but strategy and cooperation, for success. The students embraced the challenge and enjoyed the friendly competition.

Similarly, the middle school students spent much of the last month learning and playing ultimate frisbee. Many middle schoolers were familiar with the game, but those who weren’t showed enthusiasm towards learning a new outdoor activity. Watching students devise different in-game strategies and explain rules to their peers helped make the unit a success.

Lower El’s Visit from the Botsford Fire Department

Posted on by Ashley O'Connell

This week, we had an exciting and educational visit from the Botsford Fire Department! The firefighters arrived with their full gear and brought along one of their impressive fire trucks, ready to teach us about fire safety and prevention.

Students learned about the importance of creating a fire escape plan, what to do if there’s smoke in a building, and how to “stop, drop, and roll.” The kids were thrilled to explore the fire truck and see all the equipment up close! The firefighters showed us their tools, explained their functions, and even let one student try on their fireman suits. Students asked thoughtful questions and learned how the firefighters work as a team to keep the community safe.

Thank you to the Botsford Fire Department for a visit full of valuable lessons and fun memories!

As the weather gets colder, please ensure your child is dressed appropriately with warm coats, hats, and gloves for outdoor activities. It’s especially helpful if clothing is labeled with your child’s name to avoid any mix-ups. Thank you for your support!