In continuation of our Composition of the Earth lessons, the children enjoyed learning about the Earth’s insulation. To begin the lesson, each child had a turn to feel the heat radiating off of a spoon that was heated up. From there we had a group discussion about the difference between warming your hands near an open fire and feeling the heat coming off of the spoon. From there, we talked about the two different types of heat: radiant and passive. Radiant heat comes from something burning; when the sun heats up the Earth’s surface. Passive heat comes from something that has collected heat from something that is burning; when the Earth’s surface heats up the atmosphere.

In addition, the children learned that as hot air rises, it cools and is forced to release moisture. To illustrate this concept, I boiled water in a pan and covered the pan with a cool glass bowl. Water droplets quickly appeared on the bowl because the coolness of the bowl allows the air to release its moisture. This is called condensation.

This week the children have been busy working on their research projects in preparation for the upcoming Research Fair on February 5th. This year, since we can’t have large group gatherings, their research will be presented to you via video. They are enjoying learning more about the topics they chose and they are looking forward to sharing all of their newly learned information with you!  First and second year students will make posters and write research papers, and third year students will make presentation boards, write papers, and give oral presentations. We will provide all of the information and resources for the children to complete this process successfully.

Also, please enjoy this heart warming video of the children sharing what they love most about Lower Elementary. This video was optional for the students to participate in and was made for Moving Up Night, for prospective parents entering LE and it was too great not to share with you all! I hope it makes you smile as much as it made me!

The students were hard at work this week working on their geometry and geography assignments.

In geography, the first graders enjoyed their follow up work, making a peninsula and gulf out of clay and water. The second years explored a Montessori material called lands end. With this material they learn about capes, peninsulas, promontories, isthmus, and spits. The third grade group was intrigued about the parts of a mountain. The parts of a mountain they are learning about are: summit, peak, crest, slope, and base.

In geometry, the third graders are continuing their study of polygons. They are having a blast making different polygons with the box of sticks and, as follow up work, polygon posters. The second graders have a great grasp of measuring angles with the Montessori protractor, which is a pretty difficult concept. Last but not least, the first years have begun their geometry study of basic concepts. Here they are studying the relationship between points, lines, surfaces, and solids.

This week we kicked off our non-fiction Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop. The classroom was buzzing with excitement!

Reader’s Workshop was started by reading the children both a fiction and non-fiction book and their job was to listen for any differences between the two. What they came up with was; nonfiction books had facts and information, unlike fiction books. Then, the children learned the importance of studying each page for detail when reading non-fiction books.

In Writer’s Workshop, the students began the new unit by partnering up and teaching each other all about something they are experts in. Here is what each student chose:

• Dante- drawing
• Gianni- frogs
• Lola- pets
• Matthew- throwing a birthday party
• Cecelia- riding a bike
• Henry- Mario Cart
• James- Dragamons
• Luke- football
• Lulu- baking and cooking
• Olive- going to bed
• Stella- riding a bike
• Maximo- Mario cart
• Alessandro- building
• Allie- Roblox
• Olivia- taking care of dogs
• Remy- horses
• Jane- Roblox

 

What a unique, challenging, but special year 2020 was. For me, one of this year’s highlights was having the blessing of being part of your child’s journey of life. Each and every one of them has not only grown physically, but emotionally and intellectually. I find such joy watching their individual personalities come to life! These children are such a gift and I can’t wait to watch them blossom even more in 2021!

Wishing you all peace and love during this holiday season. Here’s to a great 2021!

In the Montessori curriculum, care for living environments is one of the most important aspects. Children love animals and plants and can relate to them as individuals. Those relationships and that intimate, personal contact form the base for our biology curriculum. Children are drawn to living things and they want to know and learn more about them. We nuture and build on that interest by helping them to sharpen their skills in observation, and to learn and apply methods of appropriate caretaking.

Lower Elementary students have been loving their biology lessons! The third years are learning about the body functions and external parts of moss. They are enjoying searching for moss while outdoors and closely observing it under a magnifying glass. The first and second graders are learning about amphibians. The first year group is taking a close look at the external parts of a frog meanwhile the second years are studying the inside, the body functions of a frog.

 

It’s important to practice self reflection from a young age because it can help children recognize their emotions and regulate them. One way we did this was in our journal writing this week. The children wrote about something they liked about themselves, and something they thought they could work on. It was beautiful to watch each child express and reflect on themselves in different, unique ways. I feel so humbled I get to support and assist each child on this journey of life! Here is a list of what they came up with:

Favorite Qualities:

• Kind heart
• Positive attitude
• Eating a lot
• Being the best at staring contests
• Running fast
• My soul
• Playing soccer
• Reading and writing
• Being talented
• Not getting angry when people are upsetting me
• Being funny

Qualities to Work On:

• My art ability
• Climbing trees
• Math
• Remembering to brush my teeth
• Patience
• Manners
• Reading for Concepts
• Remembering to teach my dog
• Making my soul happier
• Being nice to people who upset me
• Getting over my fear of heights