Mrs. Semmah: Hidden Treasures

Children’s literature is a passion of mine. 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 so many 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.

  • Simone– Babar the Elephant
  • Soren–    Sneezy the Snowman         
  • Levi—       T-Rex Finds the Fish          
  • Casey–    Dinosaur Book                  
  • Savina–   The Bunny Book      
  • Ruscher– I Spy Penguin   
  • Charlotte–  Airplane Book       
  • Remi–       My Animal Book
  • Elsie–         Pepa Pig Book     
  • Ella–          Pete the Cat           
  • Lemon–    Rainbow Fish    
  • Carter—     Sleeping Tractor
  • Lucia–       The Continents Book      
  • David–      Biscuit the Dog          
  • Jonathan–The Lion Book
  • Katie–        Pepa Pig Books
  • Oliver–      Paw Patrol Books  

Wishing you a week filled with peace, love, and happy reading!

Kaoutar & Michelle


Mrs. Semmah: It All Adds Up With Montessori Math

“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 are visual and hands-on manipulatives, aiding in the ability of a child to understand mathematical concepts concretely. After many repetitions and when the child is ready,  we introduce the more complex and abstract concepts. We teach the process first because the goal is to develop a true understanding of mathematical concepts and not simply memorization. The materials are sequenced in a way that each success a child experiences is a building block for the next concept to be introduced.

Maria Montessori believed that all children have a mathematical mind and an internal drive to understand the environment around them. We know that the Montessori math materials are exact and precise and allow the child to have positive experiences in math right from the beginning.  We also know that the Practical Life activities have helped the child to develop order, concentration, coordination, and independence.  Likewise, the Sensorial materials have allowed the children to recognize and extend patterns.  Here’s the real secret behind the success of the Montessori math materials though, the children truly enjoy them.

Wishing you a peaceful weekend,

Kaoutar and Michelle


Mrs. Semmah: A Normalized Classroom

“Social grace, inner discipline, and joy. These are the birthright of the human being who has been allowed to develop essential human qualities.”  Maria Montessori

Normalization is a buzzword often used by Montessori teachers everywhere. So, what exactly does it mean, and more importantly, how do we achieve it? When children in a Montessori environment demonstrate deep concentration, self-discipline, social skills, and a true love of work, we describe this as a normalized classroom. Normalization is achieved by consistent and clear ground rules that everyone is familiar with. It is our job to ensure the environment is always well prepared and designed to meet the needs of the children. As Montessori teachers, we are confident that if we do our job well and the children are free to experience the opportunities provided by the environment and Montessori materials, they will thrive.

After the winter break and upon our return in January, we often see noticeable growth in the children’s social and emotional development. They come back eager to learn and raring to go! The first half of the year, they have become comfortable and confident with our classroom routines and expectations. They have developed deeper relationships with their peers and teachers. It is always an exciting time and sets the groundwork for the second half of the school year.

It was so wonderful to welcome the children back to class and observe all of their growth.  While nothing may seem normal as of late, our classroom was definitely normalized and brought us great joy and hope!

Wishing everyone a 2023 filled with much peace and love.

Kaoutar & Michelle


Mrs. Semmah: Celebrations Around The World

As Montessori teachers, we embrace the knowledge that one way we can promote peace and understanding of cultures around the world is to find age-appropriate ways to introduce the children to different traditions and celebrations.  While doing so in a very introductory way, it still allows us to highlight the similarities and differences of people everywhere.  These past few weeks have provided the opportunity to talk about Hanukkah, St. Nicholas Day, Christmas and Kwanzaa.

We learned about Hanukkah by reading stories, learning about a menorah, how to play the dreidel game and even had the opportunity to taste some delicious potato latkes.  We also learned about St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas was a Bishop who inherited a lot of money from his family. He was also a very gentle, kind man who lived by the virtues of personal generosity, charity towards those in need, and taking care of the young and the most vulnerable. We learned that St. Nicholas loved to perform random acts of kindness for those in need. Many people around the world celebrate St. Nicholas Day by leaving a pair of boots outside their door. So, we left boots outside our classroom door, and to our amazement, the boots were beautifully decorated and filled with candy canes the next morning.

Using age-appropriate literature, we introduced the importance of Christmas and Kwanzaa for those who celebrate. ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas was enjoyed by all and then we decorated Christmas cookies to bring home.  We also learned about Kwanzaa which was created in 1966 and is based on the elements of African heritage. It is a celebration lasting seven days, from December 26th to January 1st.  Each day a candle is lit to represent a different principle: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

A huge shout-out to parents who always help in any way they can.  I know there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to afford us these opportunities.  It is so very much appreciated.  As always, if there is anyone who may have different traditions or customs to share with us, please reach out.

Wishing you a holiday season filled with much peace, love and simplicity.

Kaoutar & Michelle


Mrs. Semmah: Gifts From The Heart

As the Holidays are quickly approaching, we often hear the children speak, throughout the day, of what they hope to receive as a gift. Through literature, classroom conversations and taking a peek into the different holidays celebrated by those around the world, we introduce the concept and power of giving as the best gift of all.

We asked each child what gift they could share during this holiday season.  We told them it does not need to cost anything and it really is about helping others and our communities.  They could share their gift with a loved one or even be a secret gift giver and do something anonymously for someone in need.  The simplicity of their words is heartwarming.

The world could learn a lot by listening to these children!

  • David… I can help my mommy by giving her a big unicorn.
  • Lucia… I can help people by giving them a cry baby doll and they  can get hugs from the baby doll and feel special.
  • Ruscher…I can help people by giving them magnets, Legos, and Hot Wheel cars.
  • Remi…I can help my teachers by giving them a special card to make them feel happy.
  • Katie… I can help my mommy and daddy by giving them a little Christmas tree.
  • Soren…I can help my nonny who lives in California by giving her my Legos, dolls, and pictures of Disneyland to make her happy.
  • Elsie… I can help my mommy by giving her jewelry.
  • Ella…I can help my dad by giving him a red car.
  • Levi… I can help my mommy by giving her a  dragon that lights up and has a blue fire to warm her.
  • Casey…I can help my grammy by giving her my Shark Wave Transformer.
  • Jonathan…I can help my mommy by making bows.
  • Simone…I can help my mommy by giving her two baby dolls, two spoons, and a bowl.
  • Lemon… I can help my grandma by giving her a princess doll to hug.
  • Carter… I can help my nanna by giving her big hugs.
  • Oliver…I can help my mommy by giving her a big blue Monster Truck.
  • Savina… I can help people by giving them a flower on a rainbow.
  • Charlotte…I can help my mommy by giving her a princess dress.

Wishing each and every one of you peace and love during this holiday season.  Take time to enjoy the gifts that aren’t wrapped.

Warmly,

Kaoutar & Michelle


Mrs. Semmah: It’s Off To Work I Go!

When a child works, he does not do so to attain some further goal.  His objective in working is the work itself. Maria Montessori

One of Maria Montessori’s most noted quotes is “play is the child’s work.”  We’re sure by now you have heard your child talk about their work at school. Dr. Montessori preferred the word work rather than the word play to describe the learning process children are constantly undergoing. Work conveys the amount of effort that children put into their physical, social, emotional, and academic growth. As adults, our definition of work has a very different meaning.

Children are driven by a strong, unconscious internal growth process to seek out experiences that will meet their needs. Our role as Montessori teachers is to provide a well-prepared environment that encourages children to be independent and learn at their own pace. The children are free to choose their work and to use it repeatedly. So, while they are ‘working’ each child is also building independence, coordination, self-discipline, and concentration.

Enjoy your work!

Kaoutar & Michelle


Mrs. Semmah: Giving Thanks

The education of even a small child, therefore, does not aim at preparing him for school, but for life. 

    –Maria Montessori

For many, the holiday season is a time for giving. Perhaps more than ever, it is so important for our children to understand that giving does not have to be a materialistic gift. Simple and heartfelt words of love and friendship will last much longer than most anything that can be bought from a shelf. It can be an amazing and powerful gift to our children, if in all the hustle and bustle of the holidays we take time to slow down and model being grateful.

This week we asked each child to share what they are thankful for. While their messages will make you smile and warm your heart, there is beauty in their simplicity.

Søren– I am thankful  to go to New York city and seeing the pictures.

Carter– I am thankful when Daddy makes tents with me at home..

Jonathan– I am thankful to go to Disney World and to go to Lego World..

LuciaI am thankful to go to Mexico with my family.

Ruscher– I am  also thankful for my dogs and my goats. 

Ella– I am thankful for my Mommy and Daddy. My Grandpa too. 

Simone– I am thankful for my Mommy and Daddy because they hug me..

Oliver– I am thankful for my sister because she hugs me. I like it when she walks with me to my class.

Remington– I am thankful for my Daddy and my Mommy. She is so beautiful,

David– I love when my Mommy comes to school and lets me go on the playground.

Elsie– I am thankful for my daddy because he plays with me when he comes home.   

Casey–  I am thankful for my Mom and Dad. My Mommy reads me books at night time.

Savina– I am thankful for bunny cat. She sleeps with me every night. 

Lemon– I am thankful for my Mom making breakfast for me.

Charlotte — I am thankful for my Mommy  and my Daddy. My Daddy flies planes

Katie– I am thankful for my Mommy and Daddy. They give me big  hugs.     

Levi– I am thankful for taking care of my cat pumpkin.      

Michelle and I are grateful for the time we spend with the children each day and for the relationships we develop with each of you.  Wishing you all a week filled with peace and love.

Kaoutar & Michelle

Just a reminder, Tuesday, November 22nd is a half-day for all students with an early dismissal at 11:30 am.

We want to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving Break!


Mrs. Semmah: First Stop, North America!

 

These last few weeks have been a particularly busy and exciting time with your children. We have traveled through space, explored the eight planets, discovered that the sun is a star, and rocketed back to planet Earth. We are now exploring the first of seven continents, North America.  You may hear your children call it the orange continent. This is because on the Montessori globe and map, North America is indeed orange. We will continue to explore the animals native to our continent, map North America’s countries, examine topography, and study how a continent’s proximity to the equator impacts its climate.

The Montessori cultural studies curriculum provides children with an opportunity to explore the whole world, including the continents, countries, people, animals, terrain, music, and arts. Children use didactic Montessori materials to familiarize themselves with the needs of all humans for such things as food, housing, and clothing. This early cultural awareness helps cultivate independent, joyful citizens of our world.

In addition, meet Jack, our veggie skeleton prepared by the kindergarten students last week on Halloween.  It is always so wonderful to hear the children say they don’t like this vegetable or that one and then devour all of it!  On Tuesday, November 8th, we were treated with a special presentation about Diwali organized by Ms. Paromita, Ms. Hema, and a few of the parents. We had so much fun learning about this holiday, as well as the dancing, food, and crafts.

Wishing everyone a week filled with peace and love!

Kaoutar & Michelle