The highlight of this week was an amazing field trip to The Adventure Park, filled with climbing, zip lines, bravery, and trust. Each of us challenged ourselves to try elements of the ropes course that were demanding and, at times, even a little scary. Every student should be proud of their efforts, not only in trying new things but also in helping and encouraging their classmates along the way. They worked together, with more experienced climbers assisting the less experienced ones. Words of motivation were offered when friends were nervous and cheers when their peers completed a course. These students exhibited outstanding teamwork. Bravo, Lower El!

Thank you so much to the wonderful parents who volunteered to chaperone; you were a tremendous help!

This is Lily and Beau! This week, we are writing the blog.

We did this fun activity called the Web of Kindness. The web of kindness works like this: You take a ball of yarn and roll it across the circle to someone and say what you like/appreciate about them. Then, they hold onto a piece of the yarn and roll it to someone else. You keep repeating that until everyone has had a turn. When you finish, there will be a web.

“I thought that it was fun and kind and silly because some people had to go under the yarn.” -Lily

“I thought it was a really good connection activity.”  -Beau

This week, we celebrated Moving Up Day! Our third-year students had the opportunity to experience Upper Elementary, while our Kindergarten students joined us in Lower Elementary.

One of the key advantages of the Montessori classroom is its multi-age groupings. This structure allows children to engage in a cycle of mentorship, where they transition from being mentored to mentoring others. During Moving Up Day, our third-year students embraced their roles as mentees in Upper Elementary, while our second and some first-year students took on the role of mentors to their Kindergarten peers. Witnessing students from different levels fully engaged and joyful while collaborating with their future classmates was truly heartwarming. Additionally, our first and second-year students demonstrated exceptional skills in planning enjoyable and enriching activities for the Kindergartners.

There is such a great sense of community in our school. Within the class, the children love just spending time with one another. Every Thursday, we have community-building time in the outdoor classroom at the end of the day. The children play games, build with sticks, and get creative with friends. Most children play with different classmates each week, and, as a result, many friendships are being cultivated! I think that is part of the beauty of a Montessori classroom; the chance to collaborate with children from different age groups. Children of various ages, working together, will learn from each other, both as students and as teachers. Just as siblings learn and grow together, so do children in a mixed-age classroom environment! Our Lower Elementary classroom is very much a family!

In essence, a lower elementary classroom community is like a microcosm of society, where students learn essential social and emotional skills that will serve them well beyond their academic years. It’s a place where they not only grow academically but also develop into empathetic, responsible, and collaborative individuals.

“Of all things, love is the most potent.”
― Maria Montessori

In the bustling room of Lower Elementary, there are few occasions as heartwarming and joyful as Grandparents Day. On this special day, the classroom came alive with the laughter and chatter of children excitedly showing off their beloved grandparents and special friends. It’s a celebration of family, love, and the cherished bond between generations. The children enthusiastically showcased their work to their guests, filling the room with delightful energy and beaming smiles. Witnessing the children actively engaging with those who hold such a special place in their hearts was truly heartwarming. Grandparents’ Day is undoubtedly an event cherished by all!

The past week, Lower Elementary students entered into the world of magnetism! Here’s a glimpse into some activities we delved into:

Magnetic Hunt in the Classroom: We kicked off our exploration by conducting a “magnetic hunt” right in our own classroom. Armed with a magnet of their own, each child eagerly touched the magnet to various objects, carefully observing whether they were attracted or not. The excitement was palpable as they discovered that magnets have a special affinity for objects made of iron, steel, cobalt, and nickel. With each finding, they diligently recorded their observations, honing their observation skills in the process.

Salt and Iron Fillings Experiment: Next up was a hands-on experiment that everyone was eager to take off the shelf! In a non-metallic bowl, we mixed salt with iron fillings, creating an intriguing concoction. Wrapping a magnet in a cotton cloth, we held it just above the mixture, demonstrating how the magnet could attract the iron fillings even through the barrier of cloth. The children were fascinated as they witnessed the invisible force of magnetism at work, effortlessly separating the iron fillings from the salt with the help of the cloth.

It was wonderful connecting with all of you during the parent-teacher conferences! I truly enjoyed the opportunity to discuss each child’s growth and the unique contributions they bring to our classroom.

This week in class, the air has been buzzing with creativity as our young learners dive headfirst into the world of fiction storytelling. With pencils poised and imaginations ignited, our focus has centered on the foundational elements of character building and setting. From crafting courageous heroes to mischievous villains, the children have eagerly brought their characters to life, infusing them with personality and depth. Through guided exercises and interactive discussions, they are learning the importance of making characters come to life through descriptive details. Alongside this, they’ve explored the power of setting, painting vivid landscapes that serve as the backdrop for their adventures. They are learning about the setting and discovering the transformative power of time and place in shaping their stories.

Looking ahead, the adventure continues as we delve deeper into the realms of plot, conflict, and resolution.

In the end, it’s not just about crafting stories; it’s about embarking on a journey of discovery and creativity!

Don’t forget, the last day you can purchase tickets for the FWM Annual Gala and Auction is Monday, April 22nd.  Click here to buy your tickets now!

A message from Middle School: Order your 8th-grade-designed 2024 FWM sweatshirt ASAP! Orders close on April 27! Click here to order.

Math, often perceived as a daunting subject, can become a magical journey of discovery when approached through the lens of Montessori education. In our lower elementary, the Montessori method transforms abstract concepts into tangible experiences, fostering a deep understanding and love for numbers among young learners.

At the heart of Montessori math lies the principle of hands-on learning. Instead of memorizing abstract formulas, children engage in concrete activities using specially designed materials. These materials, meticulously crafted to appeal to the senses and spark curiosity, invite children to explore mathematical concepts at their own pace. Some of Lower Elementary’s favorite versatile concrete materials are the stamp game and bead frames. Other beautiful materials we often see children working on are the checkerboard for multiplication and test tubes for division.

Montessori math empowers children to become independent learners. In a Montessori classroom, teachers serve as guides, observing each child’s progress and offering individualized support when needed. Children are encouraged to choose their activities, work at their own pace, and explore mathematical concepts through self-directed discovery. This autonomy not only enhances children’s confidence but also cultivates a lifelong love for learning.