In the fall, our classroom was full of exploration and figuring things out—new routines, new friendships, new challenges. Winter brought more confidence and stamina. And now, in spring, there’s a peaceful rhythm to our days that speaks to the deep inner work these students have done.

There’s something special about springtime in a Lower El classroom. The days are a little brighter, shoes are a little dustier, and the energy has this calm, confident flow. After months of building routines, relationships, and skills, things start to fall into place—independence grows, collaboration comes naturally, and joy is woven into the day. You’ll see students diving into research, tackling big math work with pride, and writing stories filled with imagination. The classroom hums with focus and curiosity, and the best part? It’s all student-driven.

By now, routines feel natural, and students are stepping up as leaders—welcoming visitors, helping peers, and caring for their space like pros. They remind each other of classroom norms, settle small conflicts on their own, and beam with pride when sharing their work. Sure, there’s still some silliness and the occasional off-moment (they’re kids, after all!), but the foundation is strong. Spring brings out their best, and it’s such a joy to see them shine.

Our lower elementary students have been hard at work these past few weeks, diving deep into their informational writing books! It has been wonderful to see their creativity and enthusiasm as they bring their ideas to life on paper.

Throughout this process, they have practiced brainstorming topics, crafting engaging introductions, and organizing their information into clear topics and subtopics. First, students selected topics they felt knowledgeable and passionate about, ranging from animals to space, sports, and beyond. Then, they mapped out their ideas by breaking them into subtopics, ensuring their books would be well-structured and easy to follow. They worked hard on writing strong introductions to hook their readers and provide an overview of what they would be teaching. As their books have taken shape, they’ve also been practicing revising and expanding their ideas to make their writing even stronger!

Next week, we will focus on conclusions—an important final step in tying their books together! Students will learn how to wrap up their writing in a way that leaves their readers feeling informed and satisfied. Be on the lookout in the coming weeks for their finished books, which will be sent home in Friday Folders. We can’t wait for you to see all of their hard work!

Lower Elementary students have been hands-on with geometry this week, using movement and Montessori materials to explore lines, angles, and polygons!

First Grade: Lines in Motion
First graders are discovering horizontal, vertical, and oblique lines with the Box of Sticks—and even using their own bodies to form them! This interactive approach helps solidify their understanding of these fundamental concepts.

Second Grade: Measuring Angles
Second graders are mastering the Montessori Protractor, measuring, and adding angles together. Some even challenged themselves by combining more than two angles at a time, deepening their grasp of geometry through exploration.

Third Grade: Building Polygons
Third graders are constructing polygons with the Box of Sticks, reinforcing their knowledge of sides, vertices, angles, region, perimeter, and more! This hands-on activity helps bring geometric concepts to life in a meaningful way.

By engaging in active, tactile learning, students are building a strong foundation in geometry—one that fosters curiosity, confidence, and deeper understanding. We’re excited to see where their discoveries take them next!

Read the March 8 blog post here.

What an incredible week it has been! Our students have been working tirelessly for months, and on Research Night, their hard work truly paid off. It was amazing to see them present their projects with confidence, sharing their knowledge and passion with all of you. The energy in the room was inspiring, and it was heartwarming to see so many families come out to support the students. Thank you for being there to celebrate their dedication and accomplishments!

As if that wasn’t exciting enough, we also had a fantastic field trip to the Yale Peabody Museum with Upper Elementary and Middle School. The students were captivated by the incredible exhibits, from towering dinosaur fossils to stunning mineral collections. It was a wonderful opportunity to extend their learning beyond the classroom and spark their curiosity about the natural world. A huge thank you to our chaperone volunteers—your support made this experience even more special!

Wishing all our families a joyful and relaxing spring break!

This time of year brings remarkable growth in our Lower Elementary students, both academically and emotionally. Skills that once seemed challenging—reading complex texts, solving multi-step math problems, and writing detailed stories—are now tackled with confidence and independence. Their persistence has strengthened, and they are beginning to take ownership of their learning. In addition, their ability to navigate friendships and social dynamics has matured, with more kindness, patience, and self-advocacy emerging in daily interactions.

Another exciting shift is their increased sense of responsibility within the classroom community. They are taking initiative in class routines, demonstrating leadership in group activities, and stepping into mentorship roles. These changes highlight their growing maturity and awareness of how their actions impact others. Witnessing these developmental leaps is a rewarding reminder of why I love teaching this age group—they are becoming more capable, thoughtful, and engaged learners, setting a strong foundation for future success.

We are so excited for next week’s Research Night! I hope to see everybody at 5:30 for the event on Tuesday, March 4th!

Mark your calendars! I am thrilled to invite you to Lower Elementary Research Night on Tuesday, March 4th, from 5:30-6:30 PM. This special evening will showcase our young researchers’ hard work, curiosity, and dedication.

Over the past several weeks, the children have diligently worked on their research papers, posters, and presentation boards. Our third-year and second-year students have stepped into mentor roles, guiding their younger peers through the research process with patience and enthusiasm. Their leadership has been instrumental in fostering a collaborative and enriching learning experience for all.

What to Expect

The event will be structured as a research fair. Students will stand at their stations, eager to share their findings with family and friends. Parents and guests are encouraged to walk around, engage with the students, and learn about a variety of topics.

Following the fair portion of the evening, our third-grade students will take center stage to present their research findings in an oral presentation to the group. This is an exciting opportunity for them to build confidence, practice public speaking, and showcase their deep understanding of their chosen topics.

Event Schedule

• 5:30-6:00 PM – Research fair in the hallway around the Zen Garden
• 6:00-6:30 PM – Third Grade oral presentations in the classroom

We know how much effort the students have put into their projects, and they are eager to share their hard work with you. We hope all families can attend to celebrate their achievements!

This week, we had the wonderful opportunity to celebrate Moving Up Day! Our third-year students stepped into Upper Elementary for a preview of the exciting journey ahead, while our incoming first-year students joined us in Lower Elementary for a glimpse into their next big step. It was a day filled with curiosity, enthusiasm, and meaningful connections.

One of the beautiful aspects of a Montessori classroom is the multi-age environment, where students naturally progress from being learners to leaders. Moving Up Day allowed our third-year students to experience life in Upper Elementary, guided by their future peers. Meanwhile, our first and second-year students welcomed the Kindergartners with open arms, taking on the role of mentors by leading engaging activities and making them feel at home. Watching our students embrace these roles with confidence and care was truly inspiring. Their ability to plan thoughtful activities and create a welcoming space for the younger students was a testament to their growth and leadership.

Alongside Moving Up Day, we also enjoyed a festive Valentine’s Day celebration! Students had a great time exchanging valentines, sharing sweet treats, and spreading kindness throughout the classroom. A big thank you to our families for their generosity in sending in goodies—it made the day even more special!

It’s moments like these that remind us of the strong sense of community we are building together. We look forward to more celebrations and milestones in the months ahead!

The Montessori three-year cycle fosters academic, social, and emotional growth within a mixed-age classroom. Each year plays a crucial role:

• • First-Year Students: These newcomers are observers, absorbing knowledge and adjusting to the classroom environment. They learn by watching older peers, gradually building confidence as they engage with Montessori materials and classroom routines.
  • Second-Year Students: In this transitional phase, students refine their skills and begin taking on small leadership roles. They reinforce their knowledge by assisting younger classmates and developing patience, empathy, and responsibility while continuing to learn from the oldest students.
  • Third-Year Students: As the oldest in the classroom, these students become mentors and role models. They take on leadership roles, guiding younger peers, solidifying their own learning by teaching, and gaining confidence in their abilities.

This cycle is evident in collaborative research projects, where students naturally practice teamwork, respect, and communication. Younger students learn by observing, second-years refine skills, and third-years guide the process. Through this experience, children build independence, responsibility, and confidence.

By the end of the cycle, students leave with a strong sense of community, leadership skills, and a love of learning—essential qualities that prepare them for future success.

Winter Reminder: Please ensure students come to school with appropriate winter gear, especially when there is snow on the ground. Snow gear is necessary to keep them comfortable and able to participate in outdoor activities. Also, please make sure your child has an extra set of clothes here at school so they can change if necessary. Thank you!