During our study of frogs, we have been talking about vertebrates and invertebrates. We all felt our backbones, or our spines, and realized that we (humans) are vertebrates! We then looked at pictures of animals and tried to make a hypothesis on whether they had a backbone or not. We very easily decided that slugs and earthworms do NOT have backbones and are invertebrates, but things like fish and starfish had us pausing in thought!

Our next step is to look at x-rays of animals and get a really clear picture! The children had fun making guesses and seeing if they were right or wrong.

We have also had many new Practical Life activities. Children have been busy learning how to use screwdrivers and hammers! To juxtapose these “heavy” activities, we also have been learning how to gently clean a mirror and organize a wallet. So much fun!

We venture into a new continent next month during our travels around the globe. Next stop: Africa!

This week’s cold weather has had us exercising all different kinds of skills! One of our Kindergarteners volunteered to teach the class how (and in what order) to get dressed for the snow. First snow pants, then boots, jacket, hat, and gloves! We discussed the importance of snow pants first and gloves last. How can we put our shoes on if we put our gloves on first?! Asking questions like these can help a child’s mind make sense of seemingly arbitrary systems we adults put into place!

In Early Childhood, “care of self” can often be the center of our days. Changing shoes and unpacking belongings from backpacks, finding snacks and water bottles and putting them in designated places, getting ready for the playground, packing up at the end of the day – even organizing and keeping track of work during the day are all skills children are learning! All of these things can set the mood for what is to come for a young child. In the Montessori Classroom, we try to provide scaffolding in a way where we, as adults, fade into the background, and the items with which the child must interact – are appropriately fitting/sized and in a place they can easily access in order to set them up for success. This is called “The Prepared Environment.” This is our work behind the scenes so that our children can thrive without us. It is such an important part of life!

Ways you can “prepare the environment” at home:

Have a designated spot for outdoor shoes and jackets that are at your child’s height,

Have a stool so children can have access to the toilet or sink so that they can be independent in bathrooming,

Have a floor bed or a bed that is low to the ground so children can start simple chores like making their own bed,

Have healthy snacks in a low drawer or cabinet that are always a “yes” snack that your child can get on their own,

“Help with your words” when you know your child is capable of doing something but needs a little outside support from a grownup.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Marissa & Sue

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: the children truly enjoy them.

The Kindergarteners have started their daily Work Plans. We make a plan of all the work they need to practice for the week and word towards a goal each day. It is a great way (and a great time of year) to give our oldest students a guided checklist and a visual and tangible way of accomplishing goals! The younger students always watch our Kindergarteners with such admiration! It will be their turn one day.

Hope your week adds up to one filled with peace and love.

Warmly,

Marissa & Sue

“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! In 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.

We have started our study on frogs and amphibians this month! The children were amazed that “baby frogs,” aka tadpoles, looked so differently from their adult counterparts!

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 do this by engaging the children through literature, sharing artifacts, and conversations.

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.

Thank you to everyone for contributing to such a special week!

Have a wonderful holiday break!

Warmly,

Marissa & Sue

This week, we had so many lovely visitors in our classroom! Many dads to read stories and moms and aunties to help with crafts. It is always fun to have guests help us with our day.

We learned about Hanukkah and Christmas this week, and if we weren’t excited already – we are now! All the children have been busy practicing songs for our upcoming Holiday Concert, filling the classroom with joy. We hope to see you there!

We have continued our ocean study, learning about the first three layers of the ocean. We now know the top layer closest to the surface is the Sunlight Zone, followed by the Twilight Zone and the Midnight Zone. We loved seeing different sea creatures like the angler fish and stingrays!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Marissa & Sue

This week a new friend joined our class! The children welcomed her with open arms, showed her around the classroom, gave her lessons on new work, and were great role models in general.

The weather brought a lot of excitement – a Kindergarten student gave us a lesson on how to put snow gear on in the correct order. Snow pants, boots, jacket, hat, and gloves! After watching the lesson, we all gave putting our own snow gear on a try. So many children were able to dress themselves, and most others only needed a small amount of help. Encourage independence at home – the children are so capable! Sometimes, we say, “I can help with my words,” if we think they need a little “sportscasting,” and then sometimes, we, of course, just go ahead and help if a child truly needs it.

We introduced the children to the tradition of St. Nicholas and read a book about his history. We left a pair of empty boots in the hallway, and the next morning, we were surprised with boots filled with candy canes!

Next week, we look forward to hearing about Christmas and Hanukkah.

Have a lovely weekend,

Marissa & Sue

This week, we continued our work in the classroom, focusing on landmarks around the world, button sewing, and fire prevention! It was a busy five days!

Kindergarten students have been determined to finish their large-format maps of South America this week! They have been drawing lines, painting countries and oceans, and labeling. The other students are continually impressed and inspired by them.

Button sewing on fabric has been very popular this week. You may see many button bracelets coming home! Children are learning to cut thread to length, thread a needle, and sew through the four holes of a button. We’ve been making decorative pieces of fabric and then using felt for bracelets.

We had the opportunity to learn from Fireman Bill this week when the class was invited to climb aboard a real fire truck and look inside. We discussed fire prevention and fire safety so if your child reminds you to check the smoke alarms – now you know why!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Marissa & Sue