Mrs. Doyle: One Step At A Time!

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

 

We know it takes time for the new rhythm of school days to become familiar. So, while taking one step at a time, we are slowly building the foundations for a smooth, exciting school year.

In just a few short days, we as a class are learning:

  • how to navigate our way around the environment
  • how to wait for a lesson
  • the routines of our school day
  • how to prepare for snack and lunch independently
  • about being part of a large group meeting by listening and sharing
  • care of self and care of the environment

Our returning friends have been role models for our new friends. It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to be a leader. It wasn’t so long ago that they were new to the classroom themselves, and they accepted this new responsibility with excitement and confidence.

A question we frequently hear from parents is, “What can I do at home to help my child be successful at school?” One way to do so is to guide your child to become as independent as possible. Your child’s age and ability guide this independence. So there are no hard and fast rules to follow. A few important areas to focus on are setting up and cleaning up their lunch, putting on and taking off coats and boots, toileting themselves, packing and unpacking their backpacks, and carefully putting their toys away when they are done. This process is also one step at a time.

Thank you to all the parents who donated apples for our applesauce-making and apple-tasting this week. The children thoroughly enjoyed both activities. Be sure to ask your child which apple they liked best. We had a tie between Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for their favorite apple.

Here’s to new beginnings and a peaceful, fun school year for everyone!

Wishing you all a week filled with peace and love!

Michelle & Maria

Mrs. Lopes: One Step at a Time!

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

We know it takes time for the new rhythm of school days to become familiar. So, while taking one step at a time, we are slowly building the foundations for a smooth, exciting school year.

In just a few short days, we as a class are learning:

  • how to navigate our way around the environment
  • how to wait for a lesson
  • the routines of our school day
  • how to prepare for snack and lunch independently
  • about being part of a large group meeting by listening and sharing
  • care of self and care of the environment

Our returning friends have been role models for our new friends. It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to be a leader. It wasn’t so long ago that they were new to the classroom themselves, and they accepted this new responsibility with excitement and confidence.

A question we frequently hear from parents is, “What can I do at home to help my child be successful at school?” One way to do so is to guide your child to become as independent as possible. Your child’s age and ability guide this independence. So there are no hard and fast rules to follow. A few important areas to focus on are setting up and cleaning up their lunch, putting on and taking off coats and boots, toileting themselves, packing and unpacking their backpacks, and carefully putting their toys away when they are done. This process is also one step at a time.

Thank you to all the parents who donated apples for our applesauce-making and apple-tasting this week. The children thoroughly enjoyed both activities. Be sure to ask your child which apple they liked best. We had a tie between Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for their favorite apple.

Here’s to new beginnings and a peaceful, fun school year for everyone!

Wishing you all a week filled with peace and love!

Amanda & Hema

Mrs. Sargeant- A Wonderful Week

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

 

It was truly a wonderful week! The children seem to really enjoy each other. Their faces light up each morning when they are reunited, and they notice when their peers are absent. Observing the children help one another with various tasks has been heartwarming.

We welcomed a few Middle School students into the class as part of their “Social Impact” experience. The toddlers warmed up quickly and were fascinated by these role models. They seemed to especially enjoy looking at books and building with blocks beside their new friends. This is such a wonderful way to build community at our school. We’re looking forward to another visit next week!

We had a peaceful circle time to celebrate International Day of Peace. We sang ‘Light a Candle for Peace’ as we each “lit” a candle and took turns to hug our Earth pillow. Later, we joined the whole school on the field to sing the song together.

We celebrated a friend’s second birthday this week. Happy Birthday, Jaxxon! Thank you for buying a copy of your favorite Bluey book for our classroom library.

This week, the trampoline has been a big hit. The children are learning to take turns while waiting patiently for their friend to finish jumping. Outdoors, they’re taking turns on the slide. Most of the children now love our outside time on the playground. Some children enjoy discovering and collecting twigs and acorns. Others spend much of their time in the sandbox. This week, a few keen observers discovered an interesting caterpillar and a colorful beetle, and another group found a toad!

We’re excited to see what adventures next week will bring!

Mrs. Sargeant and Ms. Lizette

Mrs. Doyle: Sing Peace Around The World

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

 

Peace is what every human being is craving for, and it can be brought about by humanity through the child. -Maria Montessori

Peace education is a basic tenet of the Montessori philosophy. In the 3-6 environment, studying the seven continents, including their people and cultures, provides a global view of our world. As Montessori teachers, practicing and teaching peace, kindness, and acceptance is a natural part of our day. Dr. Maria Montessori believed we should think of education as peace, not education for peace. She also believed that young children were our hope for eliminating conflict and instilling peace throughout the world. Dr. Montessori, as always, knew that lecturing children would accomplish very little and that to truly understand peace, they would need to discover it for themselves.

To celebrate Peace Day, we participate in “Sing Peace Around The World.”  Beginning in New Zealand and ending in Hawaii, Montessori schools around the world sing “Light A Candle For Peace” for five minutes. At FWM, we gathered together and sang with the entire school early Thursday morning. It was a powerful moment and reminder of the importance of teaching and modeling peace to everyone we interact with. So, for 24 hours, Montessori children sang this special song continuously in different parts of the world.

Wishing everyone a week filled with peace and love!

Michelle & Maria

Mrs. Lopes: Sing Peace Around the World

Posted on by Amanda Lopes


Peace is what every human being is craving for, and it can be brought about by humanity through the child. -Maria Montessori

Peace education is a basic tenet of the Montessori philosophy. In the 3-6 environment, studying the seven continents, including their people and cultures, provides a global view of our world. As Montessori teachers, practicing and teaching peace, kindness, and acceptance is a natural part of our day. Dr. Maria Montessori believed we should think of education as peace, not education for peace. She also believed that young children were our hope for eliminating conflict and instilling peace throughout the world. Dr. Montessori, as always, knew that lecturing children would accomplish very little and that to truly understand peace, they would need to discover it for themselves.

To celebrate Peace Day, we participate in “Sing Peace Around The World.”  Beginning in New Zealand and ending in Hawaii, Montessori schools around the world sing “Light A Candle For Peace” for five minutes. At FWM, we gathered together and sang with the entire school early Thursday morning. It was a powerful moment and reminder of the importance of teaching and modeling peace to everyone we interact with. So, for 24 hours, Montessori children sang this special song continuously in different parts of the world.

Wishing everyone a week filled with peace and love!

Amanda & Hema

Ms. Marissa: Sing Peace Around the World

Posted on by Marissa Frisk

 

Peace is what every human being is craving for, and it can be brought about by humanity through the child. -Maria Montessori

Peace education is a basic tenet of the Montessori philosophy. In the 3-6 environment, studying the seven continents, including their people and cultures, provides a global view of our world. As Montessori teachers, practicing and teaching peace, kindness, and acceptance is a natural part of our day. Dr. Maria Montessori believed we should think of education as peace, not education for peace. She also believed that young children were our hope for eliminating conflict and instilling peace throughout the world. Dr. Montessori, as always, knew that lecturing children would accomplish very little and that to truly understand peace, they would need to discover it for themselves.

To celebrate Peace Day, we participate in “Sing Peace Around The World.”  Beginning in New Zealand and ending in Hawaii, Montessori schools around the world sing “Light A Candle For Peace” for five minutes. At FWM, we gathered together and sang with the entire school early Thursday morning. It was a powerful moment and reminder of the importance of teaching and modeling peace to everyone we interact with. So, for 24 hours, Montessori children sang this special song continuously in different parts of the world.

Wishing everyone a week filled with peace and love!

Marissa & Sue

Mrs. Sargeant: Welcome!

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

What a week! The children have already become more comfortable in their new surroundings. They are becoming familiar with the daily routines and with each other. In just a short time, we have seen growth in the children’s interactions with each other. They are learning to communicate effectively and respectfully with their peers, and it has been very exciting to hear!

This week’s food tasting featured red apples. We discussed and examined the different parts of the apple: stem, skin, pulp, and seeds, and emphasized all the ways to describe the apple: red, crunchy, juicy, sweet, delicious, and crisp.

We’ve been enjoying singing together and taking turns to pop bubbles. ‘Five Little Monkeys’ appears to be the group favorite at the moment.

The children are slowly adapting to the playground routine. They are learning to walk in a line, using our rope, as we walk as a group through the halls all the way to the playground. This week, we joined the other toddler classes on the playground. By the end of the week, some children were eager and excited to see their new playmates.

We are thrilled to be on this enchanting journey with your children! This year will be filled with discovery, growth, and budding friendships.

Thank you for adhering to your child’s scheduled, staggered arrival and dismissal times. Unless your child has a sibling at the primary, elementary, or middle school levels, or you have registered for early drop-off, arrival for toddlers is from 8:30 to 8:45, and dismissal is at 2:45.

Wishing you all a happy weekend,

Mrs. Sargeant and Ms. Lizette

Mrs. Doyle: Swinging Into A New Year!

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

 

While our first week was a short one, it was also a very successful one. We know that the phase-in schedule can be challenging to manage, but it does allow us to set the tone for the year. We are grateful for your patience and understanding.

In just a few short days, the children are beginning to learn how to navigate the environment and the routines of our day. This is a work in progress and constantly evolving over the year. We had a very smooth start, and we are so excited to be part of this journey with all of the children and all of you!

The adage “a picture speaks a thousand words” comes to mind when you see all the smiles on each child’s face.

Next Thursday, September 21st, from 5:30-7:00, is Curriculum Night. This is a great time to spend some time in our classroom and get a sneak peek into how our days are spent. We will discuss each area of the classroom and the structure of our days and have some time to answer all of your questions.

We look forward to seeing everyone!

As a gentle reminder, to streamline our dismissal process, we ask that you please stay in your car as a teacher is bringing your child over. The teacher will assist the child in the car. Please pull forward against the side of the building before exiting the car and buckling them in.  Thank you for your help!

Thank you for adhering to your child’s scheduled, staggered arrival and dismissal time. Unless your child has a sibling at the elementary or middle school level, or you have registered for early drop-off, arrival for primary is from 8:20 to 8:30, and dismissal is from 3:00 to 3:20. 

Have a wonderful week!

Michelle & Maria