Ms Marissa: Not So Fast!

Posted on by Marissa Frisk

“Help me to do it myself.”

In our hurried world filled with timelines and schedules, it is often so much easier and quicker for a parent to help their child put on a pair of shoes, rather than encourage the child and patiently wait for them to put on their own shoes.  Doctor Maria Montessori recognized that children possess an innate need for independence. She also understood that this independence and the child’s desire to: “Help me to do it myself” was the key driver behind their intellectual and physical development.

According to Montessori theory, the child’s journey towards independence begins from the moment they are born, and progresses as children learn to become fully functioning, empowered individuals in our world.  Our classrooms are designed to allow the children to experience “real work” and to fulfill their need for independence. It is common for some children to immediately say “can you help me” or “I can’t do it” before even trying.  We ask the children to try something three times before seeking out help from a teacher.  Quite often, before that third try is up, they have found success. So, if you see your child is struggling or taking a long time to do something, take a step back and create the opportunity for them to independently be successful.

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead,

Marissa & Sue

Mrs. Lopes: Not So Fast!

Posted on by Amanda Lopes


“Help me to do it myself.”

In our hurried world filled with timelines and schedules, it is often so much easier and quicker for a parent to help their child put on a pair of shoes, rather than encourage the child and patiently wait for them to put on their own shoes.  Doctor Maria Montessori recognized that children possess an innate need for independence. She also understood that this independence and the child’s desire to: “Help me to do it myself” was the key driver behind their intellectual and physical development.

According to Montessori theory, the child’s journey towards independence begins from the moment they are born, and progresses as children learn to become fully functioning, empowered individuals in our world.  Our classrooms are designed to allow the children to experience “real work” and to fulfill their need for independence. It is common for some children to immediately say “can you help me” or “I can’t do it” before even trying.  We ask the children to try something three times before seeking out help from a teacher.  Quite often, before that third try is up, they have found success. So, if you see your child is struggling or taking a long time to do something, take a step back and create the opportunity for them to independently be successful.

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead,

Amanda & Hema

Mrs. Doyle: Not So Fast!

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

 

“Help me to do it myself.”

In our hurried world filled with timelines and schedules, it is often so much easier and quicker for a parent to help their child put on a pair of shoes, rather than encourage the child and patiently wait for them to put on their own shoes.  Doctor Maria Montessori recognized that children possess an innate need for independence. She also understood that this independence and the child’s desire to: “Help me to do it myself” was the key driver behind their intellectual and physical development.

According to Montessori theory, the child’s journey towards independence begins from the moment they are born, and progresses as children learn to become fully functioning, empowered individuals in our world.  Our classrooms are designed to allow the children to experience “real work” and to fulfill their need for independence. It is common for some children to immediately say “can you help me” or “I can’t do it” before even trying.  We ask the children to try something three times before seeking out help from a teacher.  Quite often, before that third try is up, they have found success. So, if you see your child is struggling or taking a long time to do something, take a step back and create the opportunity for them to independently be successful.

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead,

Michelle & Maria

Mrs. Sargeant: A Peek at the Week

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

 

This week, many of our discussions revolved around instilling a deep respect for books. We have placed a few regular books onto the bookshelf, (as opposed to board books) and have discussed the importance of caring for them tenderly. As always, we’d love it if this could be reinforced at home. 

In addition to books, your children love music! As soon as we finish singing one song, their symphony of “more, more, more” begins. I will attach one of their recent favorites, called These Are My Glasses, by Laurie Berkner. The children love to open and close their imaginary book.

Additionally, we’ve delved into the world of yoga, exploring various poses together, fostering mindfulness and relaxation.

The children explored the versatility of chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans. They eagerly embraced the experience, delighting in the chance to spread hummus onto pita bread. 

We all enjoyed the rejuvenating spring weather this week on the playground. We took a walk and found buds growing on trees, as we discussed the change of seasons. 

We are looking forward to the week ahead! Christine & Lizette

Mrs. Doyle: Next Stop, South America!

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

 

 

We are now studying the continent of South America in our classroom. South America is pink on the Montessori map and a topic of great fascination for the children. It is a beautiful region with vibrant cultures and traditions and a wide range of climates and terrains.

South America is the fourth largest continent in our world and comprises twelve individual countries. It is connected to North America by the Isthmus of Panama. An isthmus is one of the landforms we study. Brazil is the largest country in South America, and the major languages spoken are Spanish and Portuguese.

Located in South America, the largest rainforest in the world is the Amazon Jungle. So it makes sense that we start to explore the rainforest as well. The rainforest is an ecosystem with a dense tree canopy that lets very little light through. To be considered a rainforest, there must be more than 60 inches of rain each year. Rainforests also contain over 40% of the world’s animal and plant species. There are four layers in a rainforest; each layer receives different amounts of sun, rain, and wind and is home to various species.

As the weather gets warmer, now is a great time to check the extra clothes in your child’s locker to see if they should be changed from winter clothes to spring/summer clothes.

Please click here to access the Sign Up Genius so that you may choose your conference time.  We look forward to sharing your child’s wonderful accomplishments with you.

A message from Middle School: Order your 8th-grade-designed 2024 FWM sweatshirt ASAP! Orders close on April 27! Click here to order.

Wishing you a week filled with peace and love!

Michelle & Maria

Mrs. Lopes: Next Stop, South America!

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

We are now studying the continent of South America in our classroom. South America is pink on the Montessori map and a topic of great fascination for the children. It is a beautiful region with vibrant cultures and traditions and a wide range of climates and terrains.

South America is the fourth largest continent in our world and comprises twelve individual countries. It is connected to North America by the Isthmus of Panama. An isthmus is one of the landforms we study. Brazil is the largest country in South America, and the major languages spoken are Spanish and Portuguese.

Located in South America, the largest rainforest in the world is the Amazon Jungle. So it makes sense that we start to explore the rainforest as well. The rainforest is an ecosystem with a dense tree canopy that lets very little light through. To be considered a rainforest, there must be more than 60 inches of rain each year. Rainforests also contain over 40% of the world’s animal and plant species. There are four layers in a rainforest; each layer receives different amounts of sun, rain, and wind and is home to various species.

As the weather gets warmer, now is a great time to check the extra clothes in your child’s locker to see if they should be changed from winter clothes to spring/summer clothes.

Please click here to access the Sign Up Genius so that you may choose your conference time.  We look forward to sharing your child’s wonderful accomplishments with you.

Don’t forget, the last day you can purchase tickets for the FWM Annual Gala and Auction is Monday, April 22nd.  I will be going, and I’m looking forward to seeing all of you there.  Click here to buy your tickets now!

A message from Middle School: Order your 8th-grade-designed 2024 FWM sweatshirt ASAP! Orders close on April 27! Click here to order.

Wishing you a week filled with peace and love!

Amanda & Hema

Ms. Marissa: Repeat, Repeat, Repeat

Posted on by Marissa Frisk

In the Montessori classroom, we put a lot of emphasis on repetition. For example, a few weeks ago, we began our in-depth color-mixing journey. We learned how different amounts of reds, blues, and yellows would result in a variation of new colors. It was an extremely popular activity; I couldn’t keep it on the shelf! But, the children repeated and repeated and soon mastered that version of color mixing. Moving on to this month, we are studying birds. We always incorporate art into our work, especially science – the perfect way to continue color mixing but in a more creative way. Children were given drawings of feathers with “prompts” of which colors to use. Children can use these colors separately or mix them together to see what they create. It has been a popular project, and I have loved seeing children move from the mechanical practice of color mixing to the artistic practice!

Our Fraser Woods Auction is coming up on April 27th! I am attending as both a teacher and a parent and would LOVE to see you all there as well. It is a great way to show up to support our wonderful school AND have a fun time! The children in our class have worked so hard on our class project in honor of the event! April 22nd is the last day to purchase tickets, and you can do that HERE.

A message from Middle School: Order your 8th-grade-designed 2024 FWM sweatshirt ASAP! Orders close on April 27! Click here to order.

See the video below for a demonstration of our most recent color mixing!

Mrs. Sargeant: A Peek at the Week

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

We made the most of the rainy days this week. We played in the gym, in addition to a few rainy walks outdoors. We were inspired by one of our favorite books, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, to sing our song as we walked and were delighted to stumble upon the bear on the front lawn! How exciting! On the warm days, we were all thrilled to be outside on the playground without any coats!

We tried black beans this week, and almost all the children loved them. We looked at pictures of them in pods and sprouting. 

Grace and courtesy are fundamental parts of the Montessori curriculum. In short, this means teaching children to be respectful, kind, and empathetic; it is all about helping them understand how to be polite. Table manners are a grace and courtesy lesson that we have the opportunity to work on daily. 

Modeling appropriate table manners is key. We only eat food at the table. We model how to use utensils, chew with mouths closed, and how to ask for more food. We use placemats at lunchtime, set the table with either flowers or candles (flameless at school!), and play peaceful music. Mealtime is also a wonderful time for vocabulary enrichment. There are many adjectives to use in describing their food and beverages! 

Here are some ideas to keep in mind to encourage proper table manners at home:

-Prepare the environment: Set up a child-sized table and chair where your toddler can comfortably sit and reach their plate and utensils. Ensure that everything they need, such as napkins and water, is accessible to them.

-Involve them in meal preparation: Encourage your toddler to participate in meal preparation activities appropriate for their age, like washing fruits and vegetables or setting the table. This instills a sense of ownership and respect for the mealtime process.

-Teach basic etiquette: Use simple language to explain basic table manners, such as saying “please” and “thank you” and using napkins.

-Encourage self-serving: Provide small pitchers or bowls of food and allow your toddler to serve themselves. This promotes independence and develops fine motor skills.

-Maintain a positive atmosphere: Mealtime should be a pleasant experience, so create a calm and inviting atmosphere free from distractions like electronic devices. Engage in conversation and enjoy the opportunity to connect with your toddler.

See you all next week! Christine & Lizette 

PS. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets to the gala! We hope everyone can make it. The last day to get your tickets is April 22nd. Purchase tickets here.

A message from Middle School: Order your 8th-grade-designed 2024 FWM sweatshirt ASAP! Orders close on April 27! Click here to order.