The Montessori math materials always begin with concrete, simple materials and lessons. When the child is ready, they are introduced to 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. Here’s the real secret behind the success of the Montessori math materials though, the children really and truly enjoy them.

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

~ Dr. Maria Montessori

“The need to define and “find” oneself…the need to understand one’s place in the world…the need to make sense out of cosmic reality of the universe.”(NAMTA)

Within our geography area, through sensory experiences and the use of the geography materials, children learn about both their physical world which includes land and water formations and the political world which includes the globe, maps, continents, flags and cultural customs. In geography, as with the Sensorial material, the child is given a vision of the whole first. Then he is prepared to study narrower divisions, moving from general to the particular. The child is vitally interested in the concrete, in language, and in people. He wants to understand, therefore we present him with something through which he can reach a desirable state of understanding. We have begun the year enjoying our studies of the physical world comparing a sphere to the shape of a globe, building land forms using play dough,and filling land form relief maps with water. We look forward to our year long study of the political world and the many materials and lessons that await us!

Please remember to access Myfwm.org and sign up for your Parent/Teacher Conference.  We look forward to sharing your child’s many accomplishments.

We enjoyed exploring our outdoor surroundings last week during our nature walk.  We used our senses to see chipmunks, butterflies and bees, as well as to hear birds singing, smell blooming flowers and touch the rough bark of a tree.  It was exciting to see the beautiful fall foliage and name the various colors of the changing leaves.

In our Geography area, our class has also blasted into space, as we have begun exploring our Solar System!  Friends are learning the order and names of the planets as well as other celestial bodies. We have had a great time discussing gravity and pretending to be astronauts as we do our slow “space walk.”  Please take a moment to look up at the clear night sky with your child and discuss what you see!

There are two main parts to the study of Geography in a Montessori classroom: Physical & Political (or Cultural). We begin with the big picture, our galaxy and Solar System, and eventually get to the details of a community, home, family, and ourselves. A major aim of the Montessori works is to introduce children to the fact that we are a small part of this giant universe and within that universe, we must co-exist with many others things in life.

Our class will be taking a field trip to Castle Hill Farm in Newtown on October 25th.  We will be departing at 9:15am and returning to school by 11:30am.  If you would like to volunteer to drive and be a chaperone, please contact our Class Parents: Lisa Jackson or Jennifer Nirenberg.  Thank you!

Our class enjoyed all the different areas of work involving apples. We enjoyed slicing apples, measuring and mixing ingredients for apple crisp last week.  Eating the delicious creation was even more fun!  Children are having a wonderful time slicing and serving apples to one another as well.  This lesson not only provides experience with food preparation, but also enhances their sense of Grace and Courtesy in the classroom as they share the fruits of their labor with friends. Grace and Courtesy lessons give children the vocabulary, actions, and steps needed for them to build awareness and responsiveness of the other children around them.

 

The Sensorial area in a Montessori classroom is filled with materials that help the child study his/her environment through their senses. Maria Montessori believed that for every child, sensorial experiences begin at birth and by refining these skills they begin to understand their surroundings. The child is a natural “sensorial explorer.”

The Sensorial materials allow the child to acquire concise information and classify things around them. In turn, the child is creating their own experiences and knowledge. There is also a built in control of error in each material, so that little teacher instruction is needed. The children are able to distinguish, to categorize, and to relate new information to what they already know.

Each of the Sensorial materials isolates one specific quality such as color, weight, shape, texture, size, sound or smell. These materials emphasizes this one particular quality by eliminating or minimizing other differences.

What the hand does, the mind remembers. –Maria Montessori

“Help me to do it myself.”

In our hurried world, it is easier to do it ourselves then to stop and show our children how to do a task, and patiently wait until they complete it. Montessori tells us that everything we do for the child that he can do for himself is an obstacle to his development. That bears thinking about!

Peace education is a basic tenet of the Montessori philosophy.  In the 3-6 environment, studying the seven continents including its people and cultures, provides a global view of our world.  Maria Montessori believed we should think of education as peace, not education for peace.

To celebrate the International Day of Peace, on September 21st, we participated in “Sing Peace Around The World.” Beginning in New Zealand and ending in Hawaii, Montessori schools around the world sang “Light A Candle For Peace” for five minutes and during a specific time slot.  So for 24 hours, this special song was being sung in a different part of the world by Montessori children.

We hope you enjoy the pictures and video of our school taking part in this simple yet beautiful ceremony.

                         Peace is what every human being is craving for, and it can be brought about by humanity through the child.

                                                                                                                    ——-Maria Montessori