Ms. Handibode: Moving Like Molecules

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

We are just beginning our science unit on States of Matter. Matter is all around us. Everything that you can touch, taste, smell, and see is made of matter. The three main states of matter are solids, liquids, and gases.

Solids have a definite shape because these molecules are very close together and do not move very much. The shapes of solids do not change unless some type of force makes them change. Liquid matter does not have its own shape. The tiny molecules in liquids are not as close together as solid molecules, and they move around more. Liquids take the shape of the container they are in. Gas matter also does not have its own shape. The molecules in a gas are far apart, and they move around a lot. Gases spread out and fill up their container, too.  We did several experiments to learn more about the states of matter, including “dancing raisins,” where we watched raisins dance up and down when put into a container with carbonated water.  We also blew up a balloon using a water bottle filled with vinegar and baking soda.

We are eagerly waiting for some snowfall so that we can build a snowman, bring him inside, and observe how he will change from a solid to a liquid and finally a gas.

Wishing everyone a week filled with peace and love!

Michelle & Maria

Mrs. Lopes: A Look at Our Week

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

We are just finishing up our science unit on States of Matter. Matter is all around us. Everything that you can touch, taste, smell, and see is made of matter. The three main states of matter are solids, liquids, and gases.

Solids have a definite shape because these molecules are very close together and do not move very much. The shapes of solids do not change unless some type of force makes them change. Liquid matter does not have its own shape. The tiny molecules in liquids are not as close together as solid molecules, and they move around more. Liquids take the shape of the container they are in. Gas matter also does not have its own shape. The molecules in a gas are far apart, and they move around a lot. Gases spread out and fill up their container, too. We did several experiments to learn more about the states of matter, including “dancing corn kernels,” where we watched the kernels dance up and down when put into a container with water and Alka seltzer.  We also blew up a balloon using a water bottle filled with water and Alka seltzer.

We are eagerly waiting for some snowfall so that we can build a snowman, bring him inside, and observe how he will change from a solid to a liquid and finally a gas.

Wishing everyone a week filled with peace and love!

Amanda & Hema

Mrs. Sargeant: A Peek at the Week

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

We have begun a science unit on States of Matter. Matter is all around us. Everything that you can touch, taste, smell, and see is made of matter. The three main states of matter are solids, liquids, and gases.

Solids have a definite shape because these molecules are very close together and do not move very much. The shapes of solids do not change unless some type of force makes them change. Liquid matter does not have its own shape. The tiny molecules in liquids are not as close together as solid molecules, and they move around more. Liquids take the shape of the container they are in. Gas matter also does not have its own shape. The molecules in a gas are far apart, and they move around a lot. Gases spread out and fill up their container, too.

This week, we talked about experiments and making predictions. We blew up a balloon using something other than our mouths – we poured vinegar into a bottle, then added baking soda to the balloon, put it right on top, and watched the reaction as the balloon filled.

We are eagerly awaiting a snowfall so that we can build a snowperson, bring them inside, and observe the transformation from a solid to a liquid and finally a gas.

We also took a trip to the gym this week to watch the Middle Schoolers’ performance of Set in Stone. It was such a treat, and your children were a very respectful audience!

Wishing everyone a fabulous week!

Christine & Fatima

Ms. Marissa: Weekly Update

Posted on by Marissa Frisk

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!

Ms. Marissa: Weekly Update

Posted on by Marissa Frisk

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

Ms. Handibode: Hidden Treasures Everywhere!

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

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.

  • Arya–              The Lion King
  • Connor–         The Robot Book
  • Ella–                Toys Go Out
  • Hadley–          You Are Fantastic
  • Hannah–       The Guest 
  • Harper–         Raya and the Last Dragon
  • Jacob–            Minecraft
  • Jaxxon–         A Monster Truck
  • Joseph–          Hop on Pop
  • Maayan–        Barbie, A Horse Ride
  • Melina–          Pinkalicisous
  • Morgan—        Dragons Love Tacos
  • Oliver–            Pirate Nell’s Tale to Tell
  • Reagan—         How To Catch a Unicorn
  • Remi–             Dragons Love Tacos
  • River–             Pinkalicious
  • Ryan–              Paw Patrol
  • Tommy–         Minecraft
  • Wilder–          Dragons Love Tacos
  • Zaki–               Cars and Trucks
  • Zion–               Avengers

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

Michelle & Maria

 

Mrs. Lopes: A Look at Our Week

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

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.

  • Amelia– The Unicorn Book 
  • Arhan–  A book about cars       
  • Arian–  The Colossal Book              
  • Ben– Elephant and Piggie books
  • Brisa– 5 Minute Princess Stories
  • Brooke– The Songs Book 
  • Casey– Runaway Bunny
  • Declan–  Fox Goes Home     
  • Elanour– There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly          
  • Enzo– The Magic Treehouse books 
  • Evie–  The Magic Treehouse books
  • Fiona– The Hug Machine
  • Helena– Donald Cries Wolf       
  • Kaiah– The Ballerina book      
  • Kimberlin–  The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear
  • Love– The book about the ballerina
  • Nicolas– The Duckling Gets a Cookie
  • Olivia–  The Bible at home that my grandparents gave me
  • Ryder–  Submarine books
  • Sadie– Tiny and the Big Dig
  • Scotlyn– Bluey books
  • Zion–  The bear book              

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

Amanda & Hema

 

Mrs. Sargeant: A Peek at the Week

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

 

We spend a lot of time reading to and with the children in the classroom. The Kindergarten students have been writing their own stories, which include a beginning, a middle, and an end. They have recently begun to write their very own ‘How to’ books, where they are sharing their expertise and breaking instructions into small steps. We talk about the difference between fiction and non-fiction books, and our book corner is filled with a variety of both.

This week, our Kindergarten students were paired with ‘Book Buddies’ from the Upper Elementary classroom. Our children were ecstatic about this endeavor and are eager to meet up with them again next week.

We stress the importance of taking excellent care of books, as they are special and delicate – some are even ancient, as they are some of the books that I have treasured since my own childhood. It is an absolute joy to witness the impact of literature on every child.

We have read a few versions of The Gingerbread Man (Boy/Baby/Girl), and the children have enjoyed using the cookie cutters and playdough to make their own. There is a silly action song that the children often request during our group meeting time. It’s called Gingerbread Man by The Kiboomers. We play it on Spotify.

We asked the children to share the title of one of their favorite books. Here is what they said:

Aira- The Friedman Family Adventures
Anaya- Anna & Elsa & Lego
Arsalan- Curious George
Ava- Bluey and Bingo
Cameron- The Missing Piece
Divya- The Lion Inside
Ellie- The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear
Emma- The Cat in the Hat
Eliot- The Dinosaur’s Hamburger
Ethan- Hot Wheels
Hayes- Gerald the Elephant and Piggie
Ivy- Uni the Unicorn and Little Blue Truck
Katie- Never Let a Dinosaur Scribble
Lucia- Elsa
Luke- Woody books from Toy Story
Matteo- What Should I Wear?
Olive- Curious George
Olson- Go, Dog. Go!
Oscar- Paw Patrol & Gabby
Otto- Spiderman
Rayna- When Mommy reads to me
William- A Space book

Wishing all of your families a wonderful week,

Christine & Fatima