Ms. Handibode’s Happenings: Giving Thanks

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

 

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.

  • Arya–              I am thankful for Grandma Feifei because she plays hide and seek with me.
  • Connor–        I am thankful that I have playdough at home and at school.  That’s so cool!
  • Ella–               I am thankful for my whole family because I love them so much.
  • Hadley–         I am thankful for unicorns and horses because they are so beautiful.
  • Hannah–       I am thankful for rainbows because they are just so beautiful.
  • Haroun–       I am thankful for books.
  • Harper–        I am thankful my brother Spencer because we do puppet shows together.
  • Jacob–           I am thankful for my brother Alex because I can give him high 5s.
  • Jaxxon–         I am thankful for my popcorn because I can eat so much of it.
  • Joseph–          I am thankful for my Hot Wheels shirt because it is so cool.
  • Maayan–         I am thankful for my dog Sunny because he loves to play with me.
  • Melina–          I am thankful for going to California because I get to see all of my family.
  • Morgan—         I am thankful for my monster trucks because I play car wash and put them in the washing machine.
  • Oliver–             I am thankful for my Mommy and Daddy because they are always so nice to me.
  • Reagan—          I am thankful for all of my baby doll toys because I take really good care of them.
  • Remi–               I am thankful for my Dad because I like to give him big hugs and my Mom because she always plays with me.
  • River–             I am thankful for my family because they give me hugs and kisses.
  • Ryan–              I am thankful for my stuffed animals because they make me feel happy.
  • Tommy–         I am thankful for Minecraft because it is so much fun to play.
  • Wilder–          I am thankful for my Daddy because he helps me do flips and it is so much fun.
  • Zaki–               I am thankful for all of my trucks because I can make them stop and go.
  • Zion–                I am thankful for my Mommy because we like to play games together.

Maria 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.

Michelle & Maria

Mrs. Lopes: A Look at Our Week

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

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.

  • Amelia– I am thankful for the swimming pool because I love to go swimming.
  • Arhan– I am thankful for my red car and dinosaurs.        
  • Arian–  I am thankful for my friends because I like to play with them.               
  • Ben– I am thankful for sleeping because I like my bed.
  • Brisa–  I am thankful for mommy’s homemade noodles, they are my favorite.   
  • Casey– I am thankful for the food Mommy makes me for dinner.
  • Declan–  I am thankful for my sister because I like to play downstairs with her.      
  • Elanour–  I am thankful for my friends because they make me happy.          
  • Enzo–  I am thankful for my sister because it is fun to play the falling down game with her.       
  • Evie– I am thankful for my teachers because I love them.
  • Fiona– I am thankful for hugs and kisses because they make me feel loved.
  • Helena–   I am thankful for my brother because I like to play with him at the park.       
  • Kaiah—  I am thankful for my brother and sister.      
  • Kimberlin–  I am thankful for my grandparents because they make me fruit toast snacks.
  • Love– I am thankful for my house.
  • Nicolas—  I am thankful for my books because I like to read them.
  • Olivia– I am thankful for bear-bear because he’s always so nice and I like to sleep with him.
  • Ryder–  I am thankful for my dog, Cooper, because he is so soft and I like to pet him.           
  • Sadie– I am thankful for playing outside in the leaves. 
  • Scotlyn– I am thankful for Caraluzzi’s because that’s where we get food.
  • Zion–  I am thankful for Mommy’s car because I like to drive places.               

Hema 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.

Amanda & Hema

Mrs. Sargeant: A Peek at the Week

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

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.

  • Olive- my family, friends, teachers, Thanksgiving, and the Earth
  • Katie- my cat, my Mama and Daddy, my dog and Sofia
  • Ethan- playing outside with my brother and my dog, my family, and running in the snow
  • Ava- my Mom, Dad, brother and sisters
  • Otto- leaves and jumping into a leaf pile, and my baby, my Mommy and Daddy – fruit snacks, too!
  • William- Halloween and Mommy, Cooper, and my cat, too
  • Olson- my parents, my school, grapes and skyscrapers
  • Ivy- Magna tiles, Mom, Dad, my dog, and vanilla with cherry ice cream
  • Arsalan- my family, my Grandma and Grandpa, my teachers and police officers
  • Emma- my sister, and my Mom and Dad because they make me breakfast
  • Eliot- my lovely school and teachers, my friends, my parents, and my baby sister and brothers
  • Hayes- my Mom and my Dad and the whole city – also my brothers because I like to play with them
  • Rayna- my family
  • Cameron-my Mommy’s kisses and ice cream from Daddy, the beach, and playing Roblox with my brother
  • Aira- toys, my Mommy and Daddy, my dog, Saltines and dessert, and flowers in the summer
  • Divya- my cousins because they do make-up for me, my dollies, my family because they love me so much, and my neighbor
  • Matteo-my six dogs, my parents, Didi and Woowoo, also for my microscope so I can be a scientist
  • Luke- my Mom and my Dad and my dog and all my family, and for chocolate ice cream with sprinkles
  • Anaya-Christmas and Halloween and all the holidays, and for my Mom and Daddy, my sister and my friends
  • Eliana- my family and for happy birthdays
  • Oscar- Halloween and Christmas, because I love them! Also, for my Mama and Dad because I like to do puzzles with them

We are grateful for all of you and for the relationships we have built with your children.

Wishing you all a peaceful week. Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate! Enjoy listening to ‘Shoo Turkey’ which has been a recent classroom favorite.

Christine & Fatima

Ms. Marissa: Weekly Update!

Posted on by Marissa Frisk

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

Mrs. Sargeant: A Peek at the Week

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

On Tuesday, the entire Primary level gathered in the gymnasium for a Diwali celebration. Diwali is a five-day festival that is observed around the world, and its rituals vary by region. Diwali represents new beginnings and the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. It is the triumph of righteousness, knowledge in place of ignorance. Homes are brightly illuminated with diyas (candles) and oil lamps, and people decorate their homes with rangoli. People also often wear new fine clothes and jewelry and celebrate with family and friends.

Ms. Paromita and Ms. Hema, along with several parents from our community – including some of our very own students’ Moms -were dressed in traditional Indian attire and provided our children with a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of Indian culture. A few students from lower and upper elementary read a book about Diwali.  Our children were mesmerized by the sights and sounds! Ms. Paromita danced to Indian music in her gorgeous attire, and the gymnasium was decorated with beautiful and meaningful items related to Diwali.  The children were able to taste traditional Indian food and decorate diyas to take home. We are so grateful to all who shared their culture!

Earlier in the week, we celebrated Ms. Tima’s birthday. She was delighted to receive so many wishes, flowers, and cards. Hayes’ Mom even baked a delicious coffee cake, which we shared as a group, as Ms. Tima blew out a candle and made a wish. We had a lovely week in the classroom.

Wishing everyone a week filled with peace and love. -Christine & Fatima

Ms. Handibode’s Happenings: Diwali Celebration

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

On Tuesday, the entire Primary level gathered in the gymnasium for a Diwali celebration. Diwali is a five-day festival that is observed around the world, and its rituals vary by region. Diwali represents new beginnings and the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. It is the triumph of righteousness, knowledge in place of ignorance. Homes are brightly illuminated with diyas (candles) and oil lamps, and people decorate their homes with rangoli. People also often wear new fine clothes and jewelry and celebrate with family and friends.

Ms. Paromita and Ms. Hema, along with several parents from our community, were dressed in traditional Indian attire and provided our children with a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of Indian culture. A few students from lower and upper elementary read a book about Diwali.  Our children were mesmerized by the sights and sounds! Ms. Paromita danced to Indian music in her gorgeous attire, and the gymnasium was decorated with beautiful and meaningful items related to Diwali.  The children were able to taste traditional Indian food and decorate diyas to take home. We are so grateful to all who shared their culture!

Wishing everyone a week filled with peace and love.

Michelle & Maria

Ms. Marissa: Weekly Update!

Posted on by Marissa Frisk

On Tuesday, the entire Primary level gathered in the gymnasium for a Diwali celebration. Diwali is a five-day festival that is observed around the world, and its rituals vary by region. Diwali represents new beginnings and the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. It is the triumph of righteousness, knowledge in place of ignorance. Homes are brightly illuminated with diyas (candles) and oil lamps, and people decorate their homes with rangoli. People also often wear new fine clothes and jewelry and celebrate with family and friends.

Ms. Paromita and Ms. Hema, along with several parents from our community, were dressed in traditional Indian attire and provided our children with a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of Indian culture. A few students from lower and upper elementary read a book about Diwali.  Our children were mesmerized by the sights and sounds! Ms. Paromita danced to Indian music in her gorgeous attire, and the gymnasium was decorated with beautiful and meaningful items related to Diwali.  The children were able to taste traditional Indian food and decorate diyas to take home. We are so grateful to all who shared their culture!

In the classroom, we were introduced to a new way of working with our Sensorial materials. We added blindfolds! Covering our vision adds a whole new component to activities like the cylinder blocks, the pink tower, and the geometric solids. Students found it so fun and quite challenging to complete these tasks without seeing. The classroom was filled with lots of laughter while the children practiced. What a fun game!

Have a lovely weekend.

Marissa & Sue

Mrs. Lopes: A Look at Our Week

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

On Tuesday, the entire Primary level gathered in the gymnasium for a Diwali celebration. Diwali is a five-day festival that is observed around the world, and its rituals vary by region. Diwali represents new beginnings and the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. It is the triumph of righteousness, knowledge in place of ignorance. Homes are brightly illuminated with diyas (candles) and oil lamps, and people decorate their homes with rangoli. People also often wear new fine clothes and jewelry and celebrate with family and friends.

Ms. Paromita and Ms. Hema, along with several parents from our community, were dressed in traditional Indian attire and provided our children with a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of Indian culture. A few students from lower and upper elementary read a book about Diwali.  Our children were mesmerized by the sights and sounds! Ms. Paromita danced to Indian music in her gorgeous attire, and the gymnasium was decorated with beautiful and meaningful items related to Diwali.  The children were able to taste traditional Indian food and decorate diyas to take home. We are so grateful to all who shared their culture!

This week we concluded our unit on the solar system.  I’ve included the lyrics for the song we have been singing to learn all the names of the planets as well as a video we watched with fun facts about the planets.  Thank you to our guest reader this week, Regine Hooper-Campbell!

The Planet Song

I know the planets, how about you (3x)
Let’s sing this song together,
Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars
Jupiter and Saturn among the stars
Uranus and Neptune are up there too
All spin around the sun it’s true.

The Solar System Song on YouTube:

Wishing everyone a week filled with peace and love.

Amanda & Hema