As the school year winds down and summer break begins, children look forward to fun, freedom, and plenty of playtime. But while summer is a well-deserved break, it also comes with a hidden challenge known as the “summer slide.” This term refers to the learning loss that can happen when children are away from the classroom for an extended period, especially in reading and math.

The good news? Preventing the summer slide is easier than you might think. Keeping learning going in small, consistent ways over the summer helps children stay sharp and confident, making the transition back to school smoother in the fall. Whether it’s reading a book before bed, practicing math during a trip to the grocery store, or exploring science in the backyard, learning can be part of everyday summer fun.

To support families in this effort, our teachers have thoughtfully curated a list of age-appropriate summer learning resources for every grade level. These tools are designed to be flexible, engaging, and easy to use at home, giving parents the support they need to keep learning alive all summer long. Upper Elementary and Middle School students’ summer learning includes specific assignments from their teachers to be completed over the summer. 

These resources will be available on your MyFWM dashboard in the coming weeks.

Together, we can ensure that our students return in the fall not only refreshed but also ready to jump back into learning!

This month’s edition of the Family Connection is about the Montessori Decalogue, a set of ten guiding principles for interacting with children. The article dives into each principle, providing clear explanations and practical tips for fostering those important interactions, which promote respectful and meaningful relationships between adults and children.

1. Never touch a child unless invited by them (in some form or another).
2. Never speak ill of them in their presence or absence.
3. Concentrate on developing and strengthening what is good in them.
4. Take meticulous and constant care of the environment.
5. Be ever ready to answer the call of the child.
6. Respect the child who makes a mistake without correcting directly.
7. Respect the child who takes a rest or observes others.
8. Help those who are in search of activity without finding it.
9. Be untiring in repeating presentations.
10. Always treat the child with the best of good manners.

In today’s fast-paced world, our brains are constantly exposed to a flood of information and sensory input. Whether it’s the steady buzz of notifications, the nonstop flow of online content, or the noise and activity of busy environments, we are rarely without some form of mental stimulation. Bright screens, social media updates, and the pressure to keep up with everything happening around us can make it difficult to slow down and concentrate. For adults and children alike, this relentless stream of input can make it challenging to focus, process information effectively, and maintain a sense of calm and clarity.

In a recent article, Sharlene Habermeyer, M.A., the author of Good Music, Brighter Children, discussed how research suggests that 21 songs are proven to change the electromagnetic frequency of brain waves for optimal focus and should be the “soundtrack to your child’s homework.” 

Studies have shown that music can enhance brain function by stimulating areas responsible for language, memory, problem-solving, and overall cognitive organization. Specifically, classical music has been found to activate the auditory, visual/spatial, and motor regions of the brain—areas that support skills critical for academic success, such as reading comprehension, math reasoning, and concentration.

However, not all music has the same impact. 

Research by Donald Shetler of the Eastman School of Music revealed that students who listened to classical music for just 20 minutes a day experienced notable improvements in language development and memory. Similarly, psychiatrist and educator Dr. Georgi Lozanov found that certain classical pieces can shift the brain into a more focused and receptive state known as Alpha Mode, ideal for studying and completing assignments efficiently.

Dr. Georgi Lozanov conducted scientific studies on specific musical compositions and found that they can enhance concentration and focus in both children and adults. Listening for 15 to 20 minutes can help shift the brain’s electromagnetic activity into a state that supports effective learning. For best results, these pieces should be played softly in the background while studying or working.

Here is the list of the 21 songs Habermeyer calls Music to Learn By:

Johann Sebastian Bach
Brandenburg Concertos
Fantasia for Organ in G Major
Fantasia in C Minor
Prelude and Fugue in G Major

Ludwig van Beethoven
“Emperor” Concerto for Piano, No. 5

Antonio Vivaldi
The Four Seasons

Johannes Brahms
Concerto for Violin, D Major, Op. 77

Arcangelo Corelli
Concerto Grossi, Op.6, Nos. 2, 4, 5, 8, 11, and 12

George Frideric Handel
Water Music
Concerto for Organ in B Flat Major, Op. 6, 7

Joseph Haydn
Concerto No. 1 for Violin
Concerto No. 2 for Violin
Symphony No. 101 (The Clock)
Symphony No. 94 in G Major

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Concerto for Violin No. 5 in A Major
Symphony No. 29 in A Major
Symphony No. 40 in G Minor
Symphony No. 35 in D Major
A Little Night Music

Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Concerto for Violin, Op. 35
Concerto for Piano, No. 1

This month’s Family Connection Newsletter from the American Montessori Society focuses on the Montessori prepared environment. The Montessori prepared environment is a thoughtfully designed learning space that caters to the unique needs of each child, emphasizing simplicity, order, and beauty. It promotes independence and self-motivation, allowing children to choose their activities based on personal interests and developmental stages. Key features include:

1. Freedom: Children select their own learning experiences, cultivating a sense of ownership.

2. Beauty: The environment is visually appealing and well-organized, encouraging exploration.

3. Exposure to Nature: Interactions with nature deepen children’s appreciation for the world and enhance their learning.

This environment is essential for fostering children’s independence, exploration, and growth, with educators and caregivers playing a vital role in maintaining it.

I hope you find the article educational and useful for your family.

Have a wonderful week ahead!
Karen Sankey

At FWM, we recognize that summer is a valuable time for students to reinforce their learning while also enjoying a more relaxed environment. 

Our Summer Learning Initiative is a new program that is still under construction. 

It is a half-day program designed to support academic growth with a focus on literacy instruction. Similar to what happens in the classroom, these two-week workshops provide opportunities for review and reinforcement for some students while also introducing new skills for the advancement of others. 

We have a workshop that focuses on students entering Kindergarten and First Grade, running from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. We are also working to develop another workshop for students entering grades 2-5. 

Our first two-week workshop:

• Week 1 – June 23 – June 27
• Week 2 – June 30 – July  3 (closed July 4)

The workshops are structured to be both educational and engaging. By creating a supportive and inclusive space, we aim to encourage students to continue developing their skills as they do throughout the school year.

If you’re interested in enrolling your child or learning more, please contact Gina Tryforos at gtryforos@fraserwoods.com

Intrinsic motivation is so important for personal fulfillment and finding joy in activities we do just because we want to, driven by our curiosity instead of outside rewards.

Many traditional methods in education lean heavily on external incentives, but the Montessori approach really stands out by creating engaging environments that support self-directed learning. By giving children the right materials and letting them take charge of their education, Montessori educators help build that intrinsic motivation. This not only encourages genuine exploration but also deeper understanding.

This month’s Family Connection Newsletter explains why intrinsic motivation matters in education and shares some strategies for supporting it in the home.  I hope you find the information useful!

Have a wonderful March Break!

Karen Sankey
Director of Montessori Education

Why Learning About Vision Therapy Matters for Teachers and Parents

Teachers play a key role in helping students succeed, but not all learning challenges are obvious. Vision issues, beyond just blurry eyesight, can make reading, writing, and focusing in class difficult. 

Today, we welcomed Sefra Norwitz, Director of Vision Therapy at SIGHT Multispecialty Center in Farmington, CT, who presented to both our Parent’s Association and teachers about how vision therapy can help.

Even kids with 20/20 eyesight can struggle with visual processing. If a child has trouble tracking words, focusing, or copying from the board, they might be dealing with an undiagnosed vision issue. Without this knowledge, these challenges can be mistaken for a learning issue or lack of effort.

We can spot early signs like:

• Losing place while reading
• Frequent headaches
• Poor handwriting or coordination
• Trouble staying focused on visual tasks
• Toe walking
• Difficulty sitting still
• Task avoidance 

What Teachers Can Do?

Simple classroom changes that can make a big difference:

• Adjusting lighting
• Offering larger print
• Preferential seating-front and center
• Slant board
• Giving additional time on tasks
• Allowing movement breaks

Understanding vision therapy helps teachers, parents, and specialists work together to support students. When teachers know what to look for, they can advocate for the right help, making school a better experience for every child.

Sefra shared a Vision Symptom Predictive Checklist for parents and teachers. 

A huge thank you to Sefra Norwitz for sharing her expertise with us today! 

“Of all things love is the most potent.”
– Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind

Among her revolutionary ideas on education and child development, Dr. Maria Montessori emphasized the fundamental importance of love in all aspects of human life, especially education. She saw love as the driving force behind learning, growth, and positive change in the world.

Modern scientific research from various fields, including psychology, neuroscience, and medicine, supports Montessori’s claim. Of course, when used in the context of social connection and human needs, “love” is an encompassing concept of belonging, acceptance, empathy, and compassion – all of which are foundational to the Fraser Woods Montessori experience.

• A Fundamental Human Need: Montessori believed love is as essential to human development as food and shelter. At Fraser Woods, our goal is to cultivate safe and nurturing environments where children can thrive emotionally, socially, and intellectually.
• The Driving Force Behind Learning: Montessori observed that children are naturally curious and have an innate desire to learn. She saw this as a form of love—a love for knowledge, understanding, and mastering new skills. At Fraser Woods, students at all levels are encouraged to follow their interests, cultivate passions, and learn at their own pace. In a loving and supportive environment, children are free to explore their interests, learn at their own pace, and develop their unique talents.
• The Foundation for World Peace: Montessori believed love was the key to creating a more peaceful and harmonious world. She thought it was the duty of adults to nurture love and compassion in children. At Fraser Woods, students are taught to see themselves as part of a global community. They learn about different cultures, develop empathy for others, and understand the importance of cooperation and respect.
• A Powerful Force for Change: Montessori recognized the transformative power of love. At Fraser Woods, we are motivated by a desire to create a more just and equitable society. FWM community members—students, teachers, and parents—act with kindness, generosity, and compassion.