Ms. Handibode: Literary Treasures & the Joy of Reading

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

Children’s literature is a passion of mine, and I truly hope that each child who spends time in our classroom will quickly absorb not only how important literature is but also how much enjoyment it brings. Books are everywhere in our classroom, and we read throughout the day. We have a book corner in our classroom, a wonderful spot for a “brain break’ or to spend quiet time with a beautiful story. We read a chapter (or two or three) each afternoon from a chapter book. Our older friends have both private reading and partner reading built into their day. When a child says, “I don’t know what to do,” I just give them that well-practiced teacher look, and usually they say, “I know, I know, I can read!” In our classroom, we call books “treasures” and speak about how important it is to take care of our books. The children love to hear how many of the books I bring to class are the same ones from my childhood. It is an absolute joy to witness the impact of literature on every child.

We asked the children to share the title of one of their favorite books:

Adeline: Those Darn Squirrels
Brooks: The Unicorn Book
Charlie D: Astronauts
Charley W: Santa Cat
Connor: The Grinch
Eloise: Ariel
Forrest: Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer
Hannah: The Three Super Pigs
Jasper: Minecraft
Jaxxon: The Grumpy Monkey
Johnny: How Do Dinosaurs Show Good Manners
Layla: The Hungry, Hungry Hippo
Melia: Peppa Pig
Mila: Daniel Tiger
Morgan: Dragons Love Tacos
Nitzan: I Really Want the Cake
Olivia: My Princess books
Remi: Zzzzzz, A Book of Sleep
Veda: The Lion King
Wilder: The Princess Book
Zaki: Cars and Trucks and Things That Go
Zion: The Lion King
Ms. Maria: We All Sing The Same Song
Miss Marisa: Goodnight Moon & Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Ms. Handibode: Jonathan Livingston Seagull and The Little Prince

We had a different kind of treasure last week in our class. Connor’s grandmother returned to delight the children with three different stories. Using props and many different voices, she entertained and enthralled everyone!

Extending Learning at Home

Create special reading moments at home by designating a cozy reading corner with pillows and good lighting. Visit your local library together and let your child choose books that interest them. Read aloud together each day, and encourage your child to “read” to you by describing the pictures in their favorite books. Model the joy of reading by letting your child see you reading your own books.

Upcoming Events & Announcements

This Week

  • Monday-Friday
    Moving Up Classroom Observations
  • Wednesday, February 4
    Isle of Skoo Assembly for Primary-Upper Elementary students at 9 am

Next Week

  • Tuesday, February 10
     – Welcome to Kindergarten! Talk at 8:45 a.m. for parents of P4 students
    –     Moving Up Night at 5:30 p.m. for parents of K students
  • Thursday, February 12
    Classroom Valentine Exchange
  • Friday, February 13
    No School | Teacher Professional Development Day

Mrs. Lopes: Winter Wonder

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

Last week, with winter in full swing, our classroom was filled with conversations about snow. The children eagerly shared stories of their snowy adventures—building snowmen, sledding, and catching snowflakes. We brought the winter experience indoors by reading several books about snow and adding fresh snow to our sensory bin. The children observed how the snow changed from solid to liquid as it warmed in the classroom, sparking conversations about the properties of snow and ice. This natural curiosity about winter weather provided a wonderful opportunity to explore seasonal changes and how they affect our daily lives. The children’s excitement about snow demonstrates their growing connection to the natural world around them.

Extending Learning at Home

Take advantage of winter weather by observing snow and ice with your child. Collect snow in a clear container and watch it melt together, or freeze water in different-shaped containers and observe the ice. Talk about what you wear in winter versus other seasons, and notice how animals and plants respond to the cold weather.

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Week

  • Monday–Friday
    Moving Up Classroom Observations
  • Tuesday, February 3
    Brooke’s Half Birthday Walk
  • Wednesday, February 4
    Isle of Skoo Assembly for Primary–Upper Elementary students at 9 a.m.
  • Thursday, February 5
    Arhan’s Half Birthday Walk

Next Week

  • Tuesday, February 10
    Welcome to Kindergarten! Talk at 8:45 a.m. for parents of P4 students
    Moving Up Night at 5:30 p.m. for parents of K students
  • Wednesday, February 11
    Guest Reader – Devin W.
  • Thursday, February 12
    Classroom Valentine Exchange
  • Friday, February 13
    No School | Teacher Professional Development Day

Mrs. Sargeant: Exploring Dimensions and Classic Tales

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

Last week brought exciting new materials to our practical life and sensorial areas. The children discovered cucumber slicing and spooning split peas with a new wooden spoon. Many children were fascinated by the split peas, which sparked conversations about the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. We explored several versions of this classic tale using finger puppets and different picture books, allowing the children to compare and contrast how the same story can be told in various ways.

The children showed great interest in learning the names of the geometric solids. We discussed the difference between two-dimensional shapes—such as those included in the metal insets and geometry cabinet—and three-dimensional shapes. They enjoyed playing games with their eyes closed to feel which geometric solid they were holding, engaging their tactile sense to distinguish between spheres, cubes, cylinders, and cones. Next week we will add a blindfold to focus specifically on their stereognostic sense, helping them refine their ability to identify objects through touch alone.

The cold weather meant we spent considerable time indoors, though we were fortunate to use the gym where children enjoyed balls, hula hoops, and playing duck, duck, goose—a game that was new for many of the children. Throughout the week, we witnessed older children helping younger friends perfect their mat rolling skills and assisting them with sharpening pencils when needed. These moments of grace and courtesy demonstrate the compassion and community care growing within our classroom.

Extending Learning at Home

Look for three-dimensional shapes around your home—cans (cylinders), balls (spheres), boxes (rectangular prisms). Let your child hold these objects with eyes closed and describe what they feel. Practice the Goldilocks story together, encouraging your child to retell it in their own words. Simple practical life activities like slicing soft fruits with a butter knife or transferring dried beans between containers support their developing coordination and independence.

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Week

  • Monday–Friday
    – Moving Up Classroom Observations
  • Wednesday, February 4
    Isle of Skoo Assembly for Primary–Upper Elementary students at 9 a.m.

Next Week

  • Tuesday, February 10
    Welcome to Kindergarten! Talk at 8:45 a.m. for parents of P4 students
    Moving Up Night at 5:30 p.m. for parents of K students
  • Thursday, February 12
    Classroom Valentine Exchange
  • Friday, February 13
    No School | Teacher Professional Development Day

Ms. Marissa: Building Community

Posted on by Jill Skilton

Last week, frigid temperatures kept us indoors, but we made the most of our indoor spaces! The children got excellent exercise in the gym and our Primary Open Space, using wobble boards, stationary bikes, climbing cubes, and more. This indoor time also provided wonderful opportunities for the children to strengthen their classroom community. One of the most beautiful developments we observed was how naturally the children are supporting one another. We always suggest to the children to “ask three friends before you ask a teacher” for help with work. This has been working beautifully, as we are seeing our little classroom community working together and collaborating. Watching older children guide younger friends through work and seeing peers problem-solve together demonstrates the power of our mixed-age environment. The children have easily adjusted to having me back from maternity leave, and I have really been enjoying getting to know all my “new” students! Their warmth and adaptability continue to impress me daily.

In mathematics, we were busy practicing skip counting by 10’s, working on The Snake Game, exploring addends of 10, and building numbers with The Golden Beads. These foundational math materials support the children’s development of their “mathematical mind” and help them understand abstract concepts through concrete, hands-on experiences. Looking ahead, we are excited about Valentine’s Day! February also brings us Black History Month, and we will be celebrating Black Americans throughout history.

Extending Learning at Home

Practice skip counting during everyday activities—count by 10’s while putting away toys or going up stairs. Look for groups of 10 items around the house (silverware, toys, books) to reinforce this concept. Encourage your child to help siblings or friends with tasks, reinforcing the “ask three friends” approach we use in the classroom.

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Week

  • Monday–Friday
    – Book Loan Month: Quinn & Leo
    – Moving Up Classroom Observations
    – Food & Flowers: Eowyn
  • Monday, February 2
    James’ Birthday Walk
  • Wednesday, February 4
    Isle of Skoo Assembly for Primary–Upper Elementary students at 9 a.m.

Next Week

  • Tuesday, February 10
    Welcome to Kindergarten! Talk at 8:45 a.m. for parents of P4 students
    Moving Up Night at 5:30 p.m. for parents of K students
  • Thursday, February 12
    Classroom Valentine Exchange
  • Friday, February 13
    No School | Teacher Professional Development Day

Mrs. Sargeant: Scientific Discovery and Winter Preparations

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

As the cold weather and snow continue, please be sure to send boots, snow pants, and waterproof mittens with your child. Open-top bags, such as the large reusable ones from stores like Marshalls or canvas tote bags, work best, as the bag remains open and children can put their things away with ease. Please LABEL everything so items make their way back home.

Last week, the children became scientists as we conducted an experiment using vinegar and baking soda to blow up a balloon. The children loved this demonstration and cannot wait to do it again. We talked about what it means to be a scientist and the importance of careful observation—a skill that serves children well across all areas of learning.

New Works and Growing Independence

The classroom welcomed exciting new materials last week. We added a Button Sewing work to our Practical Life shelves, which has been drawing great interest from the children as they develop their fine motor skills and concentration. We also introduced a garlic press to the fresh homemade colorful play dough activity, which has been a big hit. The children have enjoyed exploring how the play dough transforms as it passes through the press, creating new shapes and textures.

Celebrating Our Community

We celebrated our friend Remy’s 4th birthday last week. The Montessori birthday walk reminded us all of the sun’s journey around Earth and helped Remy reflect on the special moments from each year of life.

Extending Learning at Home

Practice button sewing at home using old shirts or fabric scraps and large buttons. This practical life skill builds concentration, fine motor skills, and independence. For science exploration, try simple kitchen experiments together—mix baking soda with vinegar, watch ice melt, or observe what happens when you mix colors. These hands-on experiences foster scientific thinking and curiosity.

Upcoming Events & Announcements

This Week

  • Tuesday, January 27
    Kai’s Birthday Celebration
  • Friday, January 30
    Thomas’ Birthday Celebration

Next Week

  • Wednesday, February 4
    Isle of Skoo Assembly for Primary–Upper Elementary at 9 a.m.

Looking Ahead

Thursday, February 12
Valentine’s Day Exchange is a cherished friendship celebration in our Primary classrooms! On Thursday, February 12, the children will exchange valentines with their classmates, marking a special part of their school experience that emphasizes expressing love and gratitude for one another.

We encourage you to involve your child in preparing their Valentine’s Day cards. Please have your child sign their own name on each card—whether that’s their full name, just one letter, or their own special mark, every effort is meaningful and developmentally appropriate! Please allow ample time for this name-writing process, which serves as wonderful practice. (If writing their full name, remember to use uppercase only for the first letter.)

Important! Please leave the “To:” area blank. Do not address envelopes or cards with specific names. This allows children to distribute valentines independently without needing to read each classmate’s name, supporting their sense of capability and confidence. Note: If your child is able to read their classmates’ names, they may write names on the envelopes as additional reading practice—but this is entirely optional.

Ms. Handibode: Discovering Reptiles and the Mathematical Mind

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

The classroom was alive with curiosity last week as we began our study of reptiles. The children learned that reptiles are cold-blooded, have scaly skin, hatch from eggs, are vertebrates, and breathe air through their lungs. This classification work helps the children understand the natural world and recognize patterns across different animal groups.

The Joy of Mathematical Materials

“Children display a universal love of mathematics, which is par excellence the science of precision, order, and intelligence.” ~ Dr. Maria Montessori

The Montessori math materials continued to captivate the children last week. These visual and hands-on manipulatives allowed the children to understand mathematical concepts concretely. After many repetitions and when each child was ready, we introduced more complex and abstract concepts. We taught the process first because the goal was to develop true understanding of mathematical concepts, not simply memorization.

Maria Montessori believed that all children have a mathematical mind and an internal drive to understand the environment around them. The Practical Life activities have helped the children develop order, concentration, coordination, and independence, while the Sensorial materials have allowed them to recognize and extend patterns. The real secret behind the success of the Montessori math materials? The children truly enjoyed them.

Special Visitors and Stories

Jasper’s mom, Avery, visited us last week to share about La Befana, the kind old woman from Italian folklore who brings gifts to children all over Italy on the night of January 5th, Epiphany Eve. We enjoyed listening to a story about La Befana, ate delicious Befanini cookies made with a special ingredient—love—and danced to the Italian song “La Befana Di Notte.” The children were enchanted by this cultural tradition.

Our guest reader last week was Remi’s mom, Sam, who shared the wonderful story “Little Comet.” All of the children really enjoyed listening to this delightful tale.

Extending Learning at Home

Look for reptiles in your everyday environment—at pet stores, in books, or even in nature during warmer months. Practice classification by asking your child what makes an animal a reptile versus a mammal or bird. For math practice, count everyday objects together and create patterns using items around your home like buttons, pasta, or toys.

 

Upcoming Events & Announcements

This Week

  • Monday, January 26
    Sharing Box and Flowers – Jasper T.
  • Friday, January 30
    Birthday Walk & Celebration of Life – Jasper T.

Next Week

  • Wednesday, February 4
    Isle of Skoo Assembly for Primary–Upper Elementary at 9 a.m.

Looking Ahead

Thursday, February 12
Valentine’s Day Exchange is a cherished friendship celebration in our Primary classrooms! On Thursday, February 12, the children will exchange valentines with their classmates, marking a special part of their school experience that emphasizes expressing love and gratitude for one another.

We encourage you to involve your child in preparing their Valentine’s Day cards. Please have your child sign their own name on each card—whether that’s their full name, just one letter, or their own special mark, every effort is meaningful and developmentally appropriate! Please allow ample time for this name-writing process, which serves as wonderful practice. (If writing their full name, remember to use uppercase only for the first letter.)

Important! Please leave the “To:” area blank. Do not address envelopes or cards with specific names. This allows children to distribute valentines independently without needing to read each classmate’s name, supporting their sense of capability and confidence. Note: If your child is able to read their classmates’ names, they may write names on the envelopes as additional reading practice—but this is entirely optional.

Mrs. Lopes: Exploring the States of Matter

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

Last week, the classroom was filled with excitement as we continued our exploration of the three states of matter—solid, liquid, and gas. The children engaged in several experiments that brought these abstract concepts to life in tangible, memorable ways.

Our first experiment combined corn kernels, a solid, with seltzer water, a liquid. The children watched in delight as the bubbles from the seltzer water attached to the corn kernels, making them “dance” up and down inside the jar. This simple demonstration sparked conversations about what makes something a solid versus a liquid, and how gases can interact with other states of matter.

Next, we combined vinegar, a liquid, with baking soda, a solid, and observed the chemical reaction that created a gas powerful enough to blow up a balloon. The children’s faces lit up with wonder as they saw the balloon inflate, and many expressed eagerness to try this experiment again.

Finally, we took advantage of the winter weather by building a snowman outside—a solid. We brought our frozen friend into the classroom and watched as it slowly transformed into a liquid puddle, and eventually into a gas as the water evaporated into the air. This observation helped the children understand that matter can change forms depending on temperature and environmental conditions.

These hands-on experiments allowed the children to observe scientific principles in action, fostering their natural curiosity and building the foundation for deeper scientific understanding.

Extending Learning at Home

Take advantage of everyday moments to explore states of matter with your child. Notice ice cubes melting in a drink (solid to liquid), watch steam rise from a hot bath (liquid to gas), or observe frost forming on windows (gas to solid). Ask your child to identify which state of matter different items around the house represent, and discuss what might make them change forms.

 

Upcoming Events & Announcements

This Week

  • Wednesday, January 28
    Olivia’s Half Birthday Walk
  • Thursday, January 29
    Zion’s Birthday Walk

Next Week

  • Wednesday, February 4
    Isle of Skoo Assembly for Primary–Upper Elementary at 9 a.m.
  • Thursday, February 5
    Arhan’s Half Birthday Walk

Looking Ahead

Thursday, February 12

Valentine’s Day at Fraser Woods is a cherished friendship celebration in our Primary classrooms! On Thursday, February 12, the children will exchange valentines with their classmates, marking a special part of their school experience that emphasizes expressing love and gratitude for one another. This celebration beautifully combines the joy and excitement children naturally feel about Valentine’s Day with important developmental skills like writing, independence, and expressing kindness toward others.

Preparing Valentines at Home: We encourage you to involve your child in preparing their valentines. Please have your child sign their own name on each card—whether that’s their full name, just one letter, or their own special mark, every effort is meaningful and developmentally appropriate! Please allow ample time for this name-writing process, which serves as wonderful practice. (If writing their full name, remember to use uppercase only for the first letter.)

Important: Please leave the “To:” area blank. Do not address envelopes or cards with specific names. This allows children to distribute valentines independently without needing to read each classmate’s name, supporting their sense of capability and confidence. Note: If your child is able to read their classmates’ names, they may write names on the envelopes as additional reading practice—but this is entirely optional.

Ms. Marissa: Building Independence Through Purposeful Work

Posted on by Marissa Frisk

Last week, the classroom was filled with multi-step practical life activities. Baby washing emerged as the biggest hit, capturing the children’s attention with its sequence of careful steps. This work involves so much more than it appears—children must follow a precise order, maintain focus throughout the process, and leave the materials ready for the next friend. Next week we will introduce table scrubbing, always a fan favorite in our classroom!

We have witnessed remarkable growth in the children’s ability to care for their belongings and prepare themselves for outdoor time. At drop-off, we encourage you to step back and allow your child to unpack their own things, change their shoes, hang up their coat, and decide what to bring into the classroom. Even if they make mistakes along the way, this is essential work for their independence journey. As Maria Montessori reminds us, “Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.” The classroom is the child’s world, and bringing what they need into it builds confidence and self-reliance.

Kindergarten Adventures

Our Kindergarten students began reading their first chapter book together: My Father’s Dragon. Each Friday, a kindergarten child takes home a stuffed dragon and a journal to record their adventures—a treasured rite of passage in this pinnacle year!

The whole class has been practicing syllable work, clapping out each child’s name to discover how many syllables we all have. This playful activity serves as a wonderful transition tool as we prepare for line time or head to recess. Letter sound recognition continues to be a focus across many levels, and our embedded mnemonics approach has proven extremely beneficial. If you hear your child saying “a apple /a/” or “z zebra /z/” at home, now you know where it comes from!

Extending Learning at Home

Support your child’s growing independence by creating opportunities for multi-step tasks at home. Let them help wash vegetables for dinner, set the table following a specific sequence, or care for a special toy or plant. The key is allowing them to complete the entire process and leave materials ready for next time.

For kindergarten families with the dragon journal, embrace this special ritual! Help your child document their weekend adventures together, but let them lead the storytelling and illustration.

Upcoming Events & Announcements

Next Week

  • Wednesday, February 4
    Isle of Skoo Assembly for Primary–Upper Elementary at 9 a.m.

Looking Ahead

Thursday, February 12
Valentine’s Day at Fraser Woods is a cherished friendship celebration in our Primary classrooms! On Thursday, February 12, the children will exchange valentines with their classmates, marking a special part of their school experience that emphasizes expressing love and gratitude for one another. This celebration beautifully combines the joy and excitement children naturally feel about Valentine’s Day with important developmental skills like writing, independence, and expressing kindness toward others.

Preparing Valentines at Home: We encourage you to involve your child in preparing their valentines. Please have your child sign their own name on each card—whether that’s their full name, just one letter, or their own special mark, every effort is meaningful and developmentally appropriate! Please allow ample time for this name-writing process, which serves as wonderful practice. (If writing their full name, remember to use uppercase only for the first letter.)

Important: Please leave the “To:” area blank. Do not address envelopes or cards with specific names. This allows children to distribute valentines independently without needing to read each classmate’s name, supporting their sense of capability and confidence. Note: If your child is able to read their classmates’ names, they may write names on the envelopes as additional reading practice—but this is entirely optional.