“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.

This week, the lower elementary students had the opportunity to attend a performance by the New Haven Symphony Orchestra at Southern Connecticut State University, following their studies of orchestral instruments in music class. This experience proved to be both enriching and magical for the children, as they were captivated by the symphony’s performance and able to recognize the instruments they had learned about. The outing served as a culmination of their musical education, leaving them with a newfound appreciation for the beauty of orchestral music and inspiring them to continue exploring the world of music with enthusiasm and wonder.

The children were so excited all week as the anticipation of Research Night crept up. They were thrilled to share their projects with people they love deeply. The third-year students had their first public speaking experience, presenting before classmates and families. They were amazing! Although it was optional, some second- and first-year students wanted to present to their peers, too! They were all so brave! The children worked diligently and should be very proud of their work, as are we.

Have a relaxing and peaceful spring break!

Lower elementary classrooms are fertile ground for cultivating a lifelong passion for learning. With their boundless curiosity and infectious enthusiasm, young learners approach each day with wonder and excitement. Teachers have the opportunity to ignite this spark, fostering a love for exploration and discovery that will serve students well in the years to come.

Education extends far beyond academic achievement. It’s a time when social, emotional, and physical development are equally prioritized. Through cooperative play, group activities, and guided interactions, children learn invaluable lessons in empathy, communication, and teamwork. These skills lay the foundation for healthy relationships and emotional resilience.

Recognizing that every child learns at their own pace, lower elementary classrooms emphasize personalized instruction. Teachers have the flexibility to tailor their approach to suit the diverse needs and learning styles of each student. Whether through small group activities, one-on-one guidance, or differentiated assignments, every child receives the support they need to thrive.

You are invited to Lower Elementary Research Night on Thursday, March 7th, from 5:00-6:00 pm. 

The children have been working diligently on completing their research papers, posters, and presentation boards. The third-year students and returning seconds have done an outstanding job mentoring the younger children during this process. This will be a ‘fair’ event where students will stand at their stations, and parents will browse around, stopping to learn about each project. After the fair portion of the event, the third-grade students will give an oral presentation to the group. The children are so eager to share their work with their loved ones!

We hope everyone can make it! If you know that you will not be in attendance, please let me know.