We are just finishing our science unit on States of Matter.  Matter is all around us.  Everything that you can touch, taste, smell, and see is made of matter.  The three main states of matter are solids, liquids, and gases.

We learned that solids have a definite shape because these molecules are very close together and do not move very much.  The shapes of solids do not change unless some type of force makes them change.  Liquid matter does not have its own shape.  The tiny molecules in liquids are not as close together as solid molecules and they move around more.  Liquids take the shape of the container they are in. Gas matter also does not have its own shape.  The molecules in gas are far apart and they move around a lot.  Gases spread out and fill up their container too.  Ask your children to move like the molecules in a solid, liquid, or gas!  They will love to show you.

The children loved taking part in experiments that helped to highlight the different properties of solids, liquids, and gases.  We made raisins dance and also blew up a balloon without blowing air into it. We are eagerly waiting some snowfall so that we can build a snowman, bring him inside and observe how he will change from a solid to a liquid and finally a gas.

Wishing everyone a week filled with peace and love!

Michelle & Maria

Children’s literature is a passion of mine. I truly hope that each child who spends time in our classroom will quickly absorb not only how important literature is, but also how much enjoyment it brings. Books are everywhere in our classroom and we read throughout the day. We have a book corner in our classroom, a wonderful spot for a ‘brain break’ or to spend quiet time with a beautiful story. We read a chapter (or two, or three) each afternoon from a chapter book. Our older friends have both private reading and partner reading built into their day. When a child says “I don’t know what to do,” I just give them that well-practiced teacher look, and usually they say, “I know, I know, I can read!”

In our classroom, we call books ‘treasures‘ and speak about how important it is to take care of our books. The children love to hear how so many books I bring to class are the same ones from my childhood. It is an absolute joy to witness the impact of literature on every child.

We asked the children to share the title of one of their favorite books.

• Alex–              Cars and Trucks
• Angie–           The Very Hungry Caterpillar
• Bodie—           Goodnight Moon
• Ella–               Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
• EmmaJo–     Elf On A Shelf
• Greyson–      Pinocchio
• Harper–        All of the Leo Lionni books
• Isla–               Elsa and Anna Stories
• Jonathan–    Every book I read
• Landon–       Plants vs. Zombies
• Leo–               A Little Blue Truck
• Melina–         Amelia Bedelia Books
• Noah—             The Gruffalo
• Olivia–           The Berenstain Bears
• River–            The Santa Claus Book
• Saanvi–         Charlotte’s Web
• Stephen–      Clifford The Big Red Dog
• Tommy–       If You Give A Mouse A Cookie
• Zara–             The Three Snow Bears

Wishing you a week filled with peace, love, and lots of happy reading!

Michelle & Maria

“Children display a universal love of mathematics, which is par excellence the science of precision, order, and intelligence.”~ Dr. Maria Montessori

The Montessori math materials are visual and hands-on manipulatives, aiding in the ability of a child to understand mathematical concepts concretely. After many repetitions and when the child is ready, we introduce the more complex and abstract concepts. We teach the process first because the goal is to develop a true understanding of mathematical concepts and not simply memorization. The materials are sequenced in a way that each success a child experiences is a building block for the next concept to be introduced.

Maria Montessori believed that all children have a mathematical mind and an internal drive to understand the environment around them. We know that the Montessori math materials are exact and precise and allow the child to have positive experiences in math right from the beginning.  We also know that the Practical Life activities have helped the child to develop order, concentration, coordination, and independence.  Likewise, the Sensorial materials have allowed the children to recognize and extend patterns.  Here’s the real secret behind the success of the Montessori math materials though, the children truly enjoy them.

Hope your week adds up to one filled with peace and love.

Michelle & Maria