Ms. Handibode: A Week of Stories, Pajamas, and the Magic of Books

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

“You can find magic wherever you look. So sit back and relax, all you need is a book.”
— Dr. Seuss

Last week, we celebrated Read Across America, a national initiative launched by the National Education Association to encourage a lifelong love of reading in children. Observed on March 2nd, it is one of our favorite days of the year. At Fraser Woods Montessori, we mark the occasion with Pajama Day, and the children bring their favorite books from home to share with the class. The room was cozy, cheerful, and full of stories.

In our classroom, we call books treasures, and reading is woven into the fabric of every school day. This week was a beautiful reminder of why. We were treated to a special guest reader: Hanna’s mom, Kate, who sang her way through the delightful book ZooZical! — a book we highly recommend sharing at home. We are also deeply grateful to Maycie R.’s family for the incredible green eggs and ham and the One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish parfaits. The care and effort that went into those treats did not go unnoticed.

Extending Learning at Home

Here are some simple, meaningful ways to nurture a love of reading at home:

  • Keep books everywhere. In the car, in every room, tucked into backpacks and bags. The more accessible books are, the more children reach for them.
  • Visit the library often. Getting a library card and learning to ask a librarian for help are empowering experiences for young readers.
  • Get caught reading. Children imitate the adults around them. Let them see you reading — a magazine, a novel, anything — and reading becomes the cool thing to do.
  • Read aloud to your child. No matter their age, reading aloud builds vocabulary, language skills, and opens the door to rich conversations.
  • Let your child read to you, too. You never know what you might learn!

For more on the tremendous benefits of reading with your child, visit childmind.org.

Wishing everyone a very peaceful break. Happy reading!

Mrs. Lopes: The Earth Beneath Our Feet

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

Last week, the classroom was buzzing with curiosity as we launched our study of rocks and minerals. We began by exploring a fascinating truth: no matter where you live in the world, you are standing on rock. Rocks cover the entire Earth, and most of them are millions and millions of years old.

The children were introduced to the three types of rocks — igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic — and discussed the unique properties that distinguish each one. We examined real specimens from each category, giving the children the opportunity to hold history in their hands. A new shelf work featuring a magnifying glass and a collection of small rocks and gems was an immediate hit. The children were completely absorbed, studying the texture, color, and structure of each sample with careful, scientific eyes.

Extending Learning at Home

Rocks are everywhere — on sidewalks, in gardens, along stream beds. Invite your child on a neighborhood rock hunt and ask them to describe what they notice: Is it smooth or rough? Shiny or dull? Heavy or light? You can also sort your findings by color or texture, just as we do with materials in the classroom. For an added layer of fun, visit your local library and look for a field guide to rocks and minerals together.

Mrs. Sargeant: Tacos, Taekwondo, and a Very Exciting Tooth

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

“You can find magic wherever you look. So sit back and relax, all you need is a book.”
— Dr. Seuss

Last week brought Read Across America to our classroom, and with it, one of the most joyful days of the year. On March 2nd, the children arrived in their pajamas, arms full of their favorite books. They loved sharing their picks with one another, and there was genuine curiosity about which titles their friends had chosen. We read Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin together, and true to the spirit of the story, Gabriel’s family treated the class to their very own tacos and sour cream. It was a special snack that we are so grateful for.

On Thursday, we attended a Taekwondo demonstration that had the children completely captivated from start to finish. And as if the week weren’t exciting enough, one of our friends lost her very first tooth during afternoon circle — right in the middle of our latest Magic Treehouse book! The whole class erupted with excitement. It was one of those unrepeatable classroom moments.

Reading is an integral part of each school day, and we hope to pass on our passion for books to your children. An article from nationaldaycalendar.com offers some wonderful ideas for motivating young readers wherever they are:

  • Keep books everywhere. In the car, in every room, tucked in backpacks and purses. Accessibility makes all the difference.
  • Visit the library often. Encourage your child to use their own voice to ask a librarian for help finding books on a topic they love — a wonderful confidence builder.
  • Get caught reading. Children imitate the adults around them. Whether it’s a magazine, newspaper, or novel, let them see that reading is something grown-ups do and enjoy.
  • Read to your children. No matter their age, reading aloud strengthens vocabulary and language skills and opens up meaningful conversation.
  • Let your children read to you, too. You might just be surprised!

Extending Learning at Home

Consider taking your child to the local library to get their very own library card. Encourage them to walk up to a librarian and ask — in their own words — for help finding a book on a topic they’re curious about. This small act of advocacy builds confidence, independence, and a lifelong relationship with one of the best resources in any community.

Ms. Marissa: Rainbows, Rain, and the Water Cycle

Posted on by Marissa Frisk

Last week, the classroom was filled with wonder as we began our study of rainbows and the water cycle. The children were amazed to discover that light itself splits into seven colors — and that rainbows are waiting to be found in the rain, in mist, after a storm, and even in the spray of a garden hose!

We also explored the water cycle, learning how water moves in a continuous circular journey — from evaporation to condensation to precipitation and back again. This cyclical concept resonated beautifully with the children’s natural sense of pattern and order.

Several new materials were added to our rainbow and water cycle shelf to support this study. Non-fiction books help children build vocabulary and deepen their understanding of these natural phenomena. Open-ended play activities — including rainbow blocks, rainbow art, and cut-and-paste projects — invite the children to revisit and internalize the colors of the rainbow in creative ways. A highlight has been the water cycle wheel: children color, cut, and assemble their own turning wheel that shows each stage of the cycle in motion. It is a wonderful blend of fine motor work, science, and artistic expression.

Extending Learning at Home

The next time it rains, invite your child to look for a rainbow and name the seven colors in order: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. On a sunny day, try holding a garden hose at an angle in the sunlight — you may just make your own rainbow! You can also fill a clear glass with water and place it near a sunny window to observe how light passes through and casts colors on the wall.

Ms. Handibode: One Hundred Days Strong

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

Last week was a big one! We celebrated the 100th day of school—a milestone the kindergarteners have been working toward since the very first day. From day one, they have been practicing counting by 1s, 5s, and 10s, and this week, all of that daily effort paid off in a big way. The children rotated through stations where they drew pictures of what they would want when they turn 100, imagined how they would spend $100, and dreamed up what they would wish for if they had 100 of something. They made 100th-day headbands, played Race to 100, completed 100 exercises, and challenged themselves to sit quietly for 100 full seconds. They even enjoyed a special 100th-day snack. It was a joyful, memorable afternoon, and none of it would have come together without the generous behind-the-scenes support of our parent volunteers—thank you!

We were also delighted to welcome Zion’s mom as a guest reader. She shared a wonderful book called Looking for Smile, and the children loved having a special visitor join us for story time. This tradition of parents and family members reading aloud to the class is one we treasure.

Our cultural study has taken us to Africa, the second-largest continent in the world. As we do with each continent, we first found Africa on the globe, then located it on the world map, and now we are diving into its geography, culture, weather, animals, and people. The children have been learning some truly remarkable facts: Africa is home to 54 countries and more than one thousand languages. The Nile, the world’s longest river, flows through it. The Sahara, the world’s largest desert, stretches across its northern region. Mount Kilimanjaro rises so high that glaciers form at its summit—even near the equator. Africa is also the only continent through which both the prime meridian and the equator pass. And of course, it is home to the world’s tallest animal, the giraffe, and the largest land animal, the African elephant.

Extending Learning at Home

Pull up a map or globe with your child and find Africa together. Ask them to point out the Nile River or the Sahara Desert, or see if they can tell you something that surprised them about the continent. You might also visit your local library for picture books about African animals, geography, or cultures—there is so much richness to explore.

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Week

  • Monday, February 23
    ⋅ Sharing Box and Flowers – Charley W.
  • Wednesday, February 25
    ⋅ Guest Reader – Katie D.
  • Thursday, February 26
    ⋅ Birthday Celebration – Charley W.

Next Week

  • Monday, March 2
    ⋅ Sharing Box and Flowers – Olivia S.
  • Tuesday, March 3
    ⋅ Read Across America Day and Pajama Day
    Bring your favorite book and wear your pajamas to school
  • Wednesday, March 4
    ⋅ Guest Reader – Kate B.
  • Thursday, March 5
    ⋅ Taekwondo Demonstration at 9:30 a.m.
    ⋅ Birthday Celebration, Olivia S.

Looking Ahead

  • March 9—March 20
    ⋅ No School | March Break
      As a reminder, the Bridge to Spring program is available during March Break. Click here to register.

Mrs. Lopes: Our Journey Through Asia Continues

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

Last week, our study of Asia came alive as we focused on China and discovered something fascinating: not every language is written the same way. While we use letters to represent sounds, Chinese uses symbols—characters—where each symbol represents an entire word or idea. The children were captivated by this concept, and it opened a wonderful conversation about how many different ways people communicate across the world.

To bring this discovery to life, we introduced a new work to our shelves: the Buddha Board. Children can practice writing Chinese characters using only water and a special brush—the marks appear as they write and then slowly fade, inviting them to try again and again. It is a beautiful exercise in focus, patience, and fine motor control, and the children have been drawn to it throughout the week.

We also explored the celebration of the Chinese New Year—its traditions, its colors, and its vibrant imagery. The children were then invited to channel their creativity by making dragon masks or lion dancer puppets. Both the dragon and the lion are symbols of good luck and strength in Chinese culture, and the children brought real care and artistry to their creations.

Last Tuesday, we celebrated the 100th day of school—a milestone the kindergarteners have been working toward since the very first day. From day one, they have been practicing counting by 1s, 5s, and 10s, and this week, all of that daily effort paid off in a big way. The children rotated through stations where they drew pictures of what they would want when they turn 100, imagined how they would spend $100, and dreamed up what they would wish for if they had 100 of something. They made 100th-day headbands, played Race to 100, completed 100 exercises, and challenged themselves to sit quietly for 100 full seconds. They even enjoyed a special 100th-day snack. It was a joyful, memorable afternoon, and none of it would have come together without the generous behind-the-scenes support of our parent volunteers—thank you!

Extending Learning at Home

Look up a few simple Chinese characters together with your child—start with ones that are meaningful to them, like the symbols for “sun,” “moon,” or “tree.” You might also explore images of Chinese New Year celebrations online and ask your child to share what they know about the dragon or lion dance. Even a short conversation about how other cultures celebrate the new year can deepen and extend what they are discovering in the classroom.

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Week

  • Wednesday, February 25
    ⋅ Guest Reader – Petra H.
  • Friday, February 27
    ⋅ Love’s Half Birthday Celebration

Next Week

  • Tuesday, March 3
    ⋅ Read Across America Day and Pajama Day
    Bring your favorite book and wear your pajamas to school
  • Wednesday, March 4
    ⋅ Hadley’s Half Birthday Celebration
  • Thursday, March 5
    ⋅ Taekwondo Demonstration at 9:30 a.m.

Looking Ahead

  • March 9—March 20
    ⋅ No School | March Break
      As a reminder, the Bridge to Spring program is available during March Break. Click here to register.

Mrs. Sargeant: A World of Learning

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

 

Last week was filled with celebration and discovery. The children were thrilled to exchange valentines with their classmates, and the pride on their faces as they delivered a card to each friend’s mailbox bag was truly special. Every child took the time to write their own name on their cards—a meaningful moment of independence that doubles as beautiful writing practice. It was grace and courtesy in action.

We also celebrated the 100th day of school. The kindergarteners have been counting by 1s, 5s, and 10s since the very first day, and that daily practice led to a full afternoon of 100-themed activities. They drew what they would want at age 100, imagined what they would buy with $100, and listed what they would wish they had 100 of. They played Race to 100, completed 100 exercises, and tested their patience sitting quietly for 100 seconds. It was a joyful milestone, and the children rose to every challenge.

Beyond the celebrations, the children have been deeply engaged in their work on the shelves. Many have been drawn to the 100 Board, using it to reinforce their growing number sense through hands-on practice. Others have been captivated by our study of Africa, working to learn the names of African countries and creating their own maps of the continent. We also spent time discussing the Lunar New Year and the traditions associated with this celebration, connecting our classroom to the wider world.

Extending Learning at Home

To extend our Africa study, find the continent together on a map or globe and see if your child can name any of the countries or share a fact that surprised them. For Lunar New Year, look up images of the celebrations together and talk about how different cultures around the world mark the new year. And if your child has been working with numbers at home, try counting collections of small objects by 5s or 10s—it reinforces exactly the kind of mathematical thinking we are building in the classroom.

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Week

  • Monday, February 23
    ⋅ Guest Reader – Hennessey
  • Tuesday, February 24
    ⋅ Celebrate Violet’s Half Birthday
  • Wednesday, February 25
    ⋅ Guest Reader – Forgione

Next Week

  • Tuesday, March 3
    ⋅ Read Across America Day and Pajama Day
    Bring your favorite book and wear your pajamas to school
  • Thursday, March 5
    ⋅ Taekwondo Demonstration at 9:30 a.m.

Looking Ahead

  • March 9—March 20
    ⋅ No School | March Break
      As a reminder, the Bridge to Spring program is available during March Break. Click here to register.

Ms. Marissa: Sink or Float?

Posted on by Marissa Frisk

Last week was full of discovery! We kicked things off with a beloved classroom experiment: sink or float. The children were genuinely surprised by just how many objects sank and how few they could find that floated. What makes this experiment so special is that it isn’t just a quick demonstration — it requires the children to follow many steps from start to finish, building concentration, patience, and careful observation along the way.

The rainy weather kept us indoors more than usual, but that didn’t slow us down. When we couldn’t head outside, we made our way to the gym for movement time with hula hoops and balls. We also took full advantage of our Primary Open Space, which has quickly become a favorite. This space is rich with sensorial activities, gross motor opportunities, and even fort building with the nugget foam pieces. It has been a wonderful setting for practicing turn-taking and building community.
We were also happy to celebrate a half-birthday this week! If your child has a summer birthday, a half-birthday walk at school is a beautiful way to mark the occasion.

Extending Learning at Home

Try a sink or float experiment at your kitchen sink! Gather a mix of small household items — a coin, a sponge, a grape, a plastic spoon — and ask your child to predict before dropping each one in. Talk about what the items that float have in common. You may be just as surprised as we were!

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Week

Next Week

  • Tuesday, March 3
    ⋅ Read Across America Day and Pajama Day
    Bring your favorite book and wear your pajamas to school
  • Thursday, March 5
    ⋅ Taekwondo Demonstration at 9:30 a.m.

Looking Ahead

  • March 9—March 20
    ⋅ No School | March Break
      As a reminder, the Bridge to Spring program is available during March Break. Click here to register.