The first and second graders were ecstatic to learn about reptiles this week! The lessons began by taking a moment to observe Rocky, our leopard gecko, closely. You can see their excitement through the smiles on their faces, even behind the masks! From there, we had a group discussion to share our observations and our previous knowledge about reptiles. The first years learned about the external parts of a reptile, meanwhile, second graders took a closer look at the inside of reptiles; learning about the body functions. Working with the biology materials help enhance reading comprehension as well as teach organization, classification, and making comparisons and contrasts.

The third graders were immersed in history this week, learning about the Clock of Eons. We zoomed into the clock and took a closer look at the Hadeon Eon and explored the time of formation, bombardment, volcanoes, cooling, and layering. This eon of time is when our planet, Earth, was formed! Ask your child what they learned about proto earth and the planet, Theia!

“The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, “The children are now working as if I did not exist.”  ~Maria Montessori

After a few short weeks due to holidays and snow days, we are happy to be back in our routine. Even happier to welcome a new friend, Ellis, into our class community! We are thrilled to have you back.

A Montessori classroom is a sacred space. Each child in a Montessori classroom is working to become independent. To be successful with this independence, the children have to feel empowered to solve their own problems, have a consistent and predictable routine, and have the opportunity to work cooperatively and independently. The Lower Elementary classroom is a community where I take the growth in independence of each child seriously. I strive to provide a space where the children feel comfortable and confident. This enables them to become independent and helps to shape them as they grow.

 

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!