Ms. Marissa: Celebrating Black History Month

Posted on by Marissa Frisk

Last week, our morning circle time was dedicated to celebrating Black Americans in history. Throughout February, we’ve been learning about remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions to our world. The children discussed Lonnie Johnson, Garrett Morgan, and Katherine Johnson, learning about their incredible achievements and innovations. The children were especially amazed by Lonnie Johnson’s Super Soaker invention! 

Valentine’s Day provided a wonderful opportunity to focus on friendship, grace and courtesy, and love for our families. The children made cards for one another, practiced noticing the kindness of others, and learned how to be extra special friends. This celebration beautifully reinforced the care and compassion we cultivate in our classroom community every day.

This time of year, we’re really seeing the mixed-age classroom thrive in beautiful ways. The kindergarteners have fully settled into their roles as classroom leaders—now in the final stretch of their Primary years. They model grace, courtesy, and mastery of materials for their younger friends. First-year children have developed so many skills, but still benefit from guidance from their older friends, who are always happy to step in and help. The second-year children have the best of both worlds! They know the lay of the land and are looking forward to their time as classroom role models next year. This dynamic creates a supportive, family-like environment where everyone has something to offer and something to learn.

After experiencing sub-zero temperatures, last week felt like spring! The children truly enjoyed getting outside, and the warmer weather has given us more opportunities to explore our beautiful campus and connect with nature.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Kindergarten parents please look for a letter in Thursday’s take home folder, explaining the 100th day of School celebration.
We will be celebrating this big day on Tuesday, February 17th.

This Week

    • Monday, February 16
      ⋅ No School | President’s Day
    • Tuesday, February 17
      ⋅ Kindergarten 100th Day Celebration

Mrs. Sargeant: Exploring Africa and Discovering Rocks & Minerals

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

Last week, we began our study of Africa, the second largest continent. The children gathered around our continent map with great interest as we discussed the remarkable features of this diverse landmass. We learned that Africa is home to 54 countries and that over one thousand languages are spoken by the people who live there. The children were fascinated to discover that the Nile, the longest river in the world, flows through Africa, and that the Sahara, the world’s largest desert, is located on this continent. We discussed Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, and the children were amazed to learn that glaciers can be found at its summit even though the base is near the equator. We also talked about the incredible animals found in Africa, including the world’s tallest animal, the giraffe, and the largest land animal, the African elephant. Alongside our Africa study, the children have been exploring rocks and minerals. They’ve been using magnifying glasses to examine the specimens closely, studying their colors, textures, and unique characteristics.

There has been enthusiastic discussion about birthstones, with children looking through our reference book to find their own birthstones and those of their classmates. We’ve also witnessed beautiful connections across the curriculum this week. One child noticed that the squares from the bead cabinet are similar to the pink tower, demonstrating an understanding of geometric relationships. Another child enthusiastically interrupted a geometric solid lesson to point out that the knobless cylinders are cylinders as well—showing the joy of making mathematical discoveries! The orange juicing work has been particularly popular on our practical life shelves this week, with children developing their coordination and independence through this purposeful activity.

Extending Learning at Home

Take a nature walk with your child and look for interesting rocks and stones. Examine them together, noticing their colors, textures, and patterns. You might start a small rock collection at home, or use a magnifying glass to look at specimens more closely. If your family is traveling, please consider picking up a postcard for our classroom—we would love to build our geography collection with photos from around the world!

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Kindergarten parents please look for a letter in Thursday’s take home folder, explaining the 100th day of School celebration.We will be celebrating this big day on Tuesday, February 17th.

This Week

    • Monday, February 16
      ⋅ No School | President’s Day
    • Tuesday, February 17⋅
    • Sharing Bag, Flowers/Food – Arsalan
      ⋅ Kindergarten 100th Day celebration
    • Wednesday, February 18
      ⋅ Guest Reader – Dan D.
    • Thursday, February 19
      ⋅ Celebrate Rayna’s Half Birthday

Mrs. Lopes: Discovering Asia

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

Last week marked the beginning of our exploration of Asia, the largest continent in the world. The children gathered around the continent map with curiosity, tracing their fingers along the vast landmass and identifying Asia’s unique shape and size.

Through our cultural studies, the children learned that Asia spans diverse climates and topographies—from the towering Himalayan mountains to tropical rainforests and vast deserts. We discussed the incredible variety of animals that call Asia home, including giant pandas, tigers, elephants, and snow leopards. The children were particularly fascinated by the unique landmarks and features of several Asian countries, sparking conversations about how people live in different parts of the world.

The new Asia lessons on our culture shelf have drawn significant interest. The children have been exploring these materials during their work periods, making connections between geography, biology, and cultural studies as they discover this remarkable continent.

Extending Learning at Home

Continue the conversation about Asia at home by looking at a world map or globe together. Ask your child to show you where Asia is located and share what they’ve learned about the continent. You might also explore Asian foods at your local grocery store or prepare a simple Asian-inspired meal together, discussing how food varies across different countries and cultures.

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Week

  • Monday, February 16
    • No School | President’s Day
  • Tuesday, February 17
    • Kindergarten 100th Day of School Celebration
  • Wednesday, February 18
    • Guest Reader – Regine H.

Next Week

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

Ms. Handibode: What Love Means

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

 

We asked the children what love means. Their answers are sure to bring a smile to your face. In similar posts that we’ve done in the past, we always say the world would do well to listen to these children. It rings true with this post as well. We hope you enjoy their responses as much as we did!

Adeline: Love is giving hugs, kisses, and pictures to my family and friends.
Brooks: Love is Daddy going to work on Saturdays and nighttime.
Charlie D: Love is giving hugs to my Mommy and Daddy.
Charley W: Love is having calm days.
Connor: Love is giving presents to other people, even if it is gold.
Eloise: Love is giving cards to my uncle, especially Minnie Mouse cards.
Forrest: Love is giving people pictures.
Hannah: Love is when you give someone a piece of your heart.
Jasper: Love is being nice to everybody.
Jaxxon: Love is giving kisses to my Mommy and Daddy.
Johnny: Love is helping Mama and Papa.
Layla: Love is helping my little sister get her stuffed elephant up on the shelf.
Melia: Love is when Mommy reads books to me.
Mila: Love is playing with my sisters.
Morgan: Love is jumping on the trampoline with Dad.
Nitzan: Love is playing with your friends.
Olivia: Love is giving people presents.
Remi: Love is hugging my sister and my dog, Bodie.
Veda: Love is giving people care and helping them.
Wilder: Love is sharing all of your love with others.
Zaki:  Love is giving hugs and kisses.
Zion:  Love is giving people everything you have.

We were also delighted to have Morgan’s mom visit our classroom to read The Invisible String and There’s an Alligator Under My Bed. The children loved having a special guest reader, and these stories sparked wonderful conversations about love and family connections.

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Kindergarten parents please look for a letter in Thursday’s take home folder, explaining the 100th day of School celebration. We will be celebrating this big day on Tuesday, February 17th.

This Week

    • Monday, February 16
      ⋅ No School | President’s Day
    • Tuesday, February 17
      ⋅ Sharing Box and Flowers – Veda N.
      ⋅ Kindergarten 100th Day of School Celebration
    • Wednesday, February 18
      ⋅ Guest Reader – Sasha J.

Next Week

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

Ms. Handibode: Surviving Winter

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

Over the past few weeks, we explored how animals survive the harsh conditions of winter. The children learned that animals have three strategies: hibernate, migrate, or adapt. We discovered that hibernating animals enter a deep sleep where their body temperature drops, their heartbeat and breathing slow down, and they conserve energy. The children were fascinated to learn where different animals hibernate—some above ground in caves, nests, or dens, and others below ground in burrows or deep in the mud.

We also examined migration, discussing why animals travel to warmer places where food is more plentiful and where they might go. Finally, we looked at animals that adapt by staying active in their environment, changing their behavior, and even their bodies to ensure they have enough food through winter. This naturally led to conversations about whether we would choose to hibernate or migrate during our cold Connecticut winters!

On Wednesday, we had a special visit from Francine Wheeler, a former Fraser Woods parent and teacher, who presented The Isle of Skoo. This interactive puppet-based social-emotional learning program used puppets, music, storytelling, movement, and audience participation to help the children explore feelings and behaviors such as shyness and frustration. It was a wonderful experience that connected beautifully to our classroom’s ongoing work with grace and courtesy.

Extending Learning at Home

Take nature walks to observe how local animals are surviving winter. Look for bird tracks in the snow, notice which birds are still visiting feeders (they’ve adapted!), or discuss animals you no longer see (have they hibernated?). You might also talk about how your family adapts to winter—layering clothing, eating warm foods, or staying cozy indoors.

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Week

  • Monday, February 9
    ⋅ Sharing Box and Flowers – Morgan R.
  • Monday, February 9
    ⋅ Moving Up Day for Students (Kindergarten students visit Lower Elementary)
  • Tuesday, February 10
    ⋅ Welcome to Kindergarten! Talk at 8:45 a.m. (for parents of P4 students)
    ⋅ Moving Up Night at 5:30 p.m. (for parents of K students)
  • Wednesday, February 11
    ⋅ Guest Reader – Maycie R.
  • Thursday, February 12
    ⋅ Classroom Valentine Exchange
  • Friday, February 13
    ⋅ No School | Teacher Professional Development Day

Next Week

  • Monday, February 16
    ⋅ No School | President’s Day

Mrs. Lopes’ Class

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

Last week, we introduced a delightful new food preparation lesson to our shelves: juicing oranges. The children practiced cutting oranges in half, carefully using a small hand juicer to extract the juice, and pouring their fresh-squeezed creation into a cup to enjoy. This work combines precise hand movements, sequencing steps, and the wonderful reward of tasting something they made themselves. The concentration on their faces as they worked the juicer and the pride they felt sipping their fresh juice was beautiful to witness.

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Week

  • Tuesday, February 10
    Welcome to Kindergarten! Talk at 8:45 a.m. for parents of P4 students
    Moving Up Night at 5:30 p.m. for parents of K students
  • Wednesday, February 11
    Guest Reader – Devin W.
  • Thursday, February 12
    Classroom Valentine Exchange
  • Friday, February 13
    No School | Teacher Professional Development Day

Next Week

  • Monday, February 16
    No School | President’s Day
  • Wednesday, February 17
    Guest Reader – Regine H.

Mrs. Sargeant: Community and Connection

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

Last week brought several exciting additions and experiences to our classroom. Hair styling has been a huge hit! The children have been practicing brushing, braiding, and using elastics to create ponytails on a model doll head. This work develops fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and patience while also being tremendously fun.

In the sensorial area, children have been noticing the connections between the geometric solids and metal insets, making observations about shapes, edges, and dimensions. This natural comparison demonstrates the beauty of the Montessori environment, where materials across different areas support and reinforce each other.

We’ve witnessed wonderful examples of the mixed-age dynamic supporting learning. Kindergarten students have been helping younger peers with the sometimes tricky task of putting on shoes, boots, snow pants, and gloves. With lots of practice throughout the week, we’re all getting better at remembering the order: snow pants, boots, jacket, hat, and gloves!

Last week also brought special community experiences. On Monday, we were audience members for the Middle School play, and on Wednesday, we were visited by Ben’s Lighthouse, who presented a puppet show assembly focused on kindness. It was an amazing experience that reinforced the values we practice daily.
We celebrated Thomas’s 6th birthday and Gabriel’s half birthday with beautiful Montessori birthday walks. The classroom has also been brightened by tulips in our flower arranging activity—a lovely reminder that spring is coming!

Extending Learning at Home

Practice the skills we’re building in grace and courtesy by giving your child opportunities to help younger siblings or cousins with their jackets and shoes. Even small acts of service help children recognize their own growing capabilities and build compassion for others.

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Week

  • Monday, February 9—Thursday, February 12
    ⋅ Food/Flowers/Sharing Bag Week – Kai’s Family
  • Monday, February 9
    ⋅ Moving Up Day for Students (Kindergarten students visit Lower Elementary)
  • Tuesday, February 10
    ⋅ Welcome to Kindergarten! Talk at 8:45 a.m. (for parents of P4 students)
    ⋅ Moving Up Night at 5:30 p.m. (for parents of K students)
    ⋅ Celebrate Rayna’s Half Birthday
  • Wednesday, February 11
    ⋅ Guest Reader – Jessica O.
  • Thursday, February 12
    ⋅ Classroom Valentine Exchange
  • Friday, February 13
    ⋅ No School | Teacher Professional Development Day

Next Week

  • Monday, February 16
    ⋅ No School | President’s Day

Ms. Marissa: The Joy of Mathematical Discovery

Posted on by Marissa Frisk

Last week, the math area captured so much enthusiasm in our classroom. The children have been deeply engaged with the concept of exchanging. We introduced The Exchange Game, where children roll a dice, count out unit beads, and exchange them for 10 bars. This playful work lays the foundation for dynamic addition (addition with carrying over). The children also learned The Snake Game, where they created a rainbow snake using the bead stair with addends of 10, and watched as the snake “sheds its skin” and transforms into a golden snake when we exchanged for 10 bars. The delight and excitement this work generates is wonderful to see!

During one lesson on four-digit addition with the golden beads, a child declared at the end that she wanted to do this work every day—a perfect example of the pure joy that comes from mathematical discovery and mastery.

With all the practice putting on snow gear, we’re all getting better at the routine! We’ve been repeating the order together: snow pants, boots, jacket, hat, and gloves. The growing independence and confidence in this practical life skill have been remarkable.

Our zoology shelf is currently featuring dinosaurs, and the children have been exploring this work with great interest. Next week, we’ll begin reading more scientific books on the topic and start our Black History Month lessons, focusing on celebrating the great accomplishments of Black Americans.

Extending Learning at Home

Practice counting and exchanging with everyday objects. Count out 10 pennies and exchange them for a dime, or count 10 dimes and exchange them for a dollar. Even organizing small objects like buttons or pasta pieces into groups of 10 reinforces the mathematical mind’s natural attraction to order and pattern.

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

This Week

  • Monday, February 9
    ⋅ Moving Up Day for Students (Kindergarten students visit Lower Elementary)
  • Tuesday, February 10
    ⋅ Welcome to Kindergarten! Talk at 8:45 a.m. (for parents of P4 students)
    ⋅ Moving Up Night at 5:30 p.m. (for parents of K students)
  • Thursday, February 12
    ⋅ Classroom Valentine Exchange
  • Friday, February 13
    ⋅ No School | Teacher Professional Development Day

Next Week

  • Monday, February 16
    ⋅ No School | President’s Day