“Growth is not merely a harmonious increase in size, but a transformation” -Maria Montessori

This week we have been learning all about the life cycle of a butterfly.  We had five caterpillars join our classroom last week and the children have been captivated by the rate of change we observe each day.  The caterpillars arrived very tiny and over the last week have grown and shed their exoskeleton several times.  We are anxiously waiting for our caterpillars to enter into the final stages, the chrysalises, before emerging as butterflies.  The children have spent many days learning about the magic of this transformation called metamorphosis, and are eager to see when our butterflies will join us!

We also had so much fun going on a nature scavenger hunt outside this week.  With the warm weather finally arriving, we were all excited to do some outdoor learning.  Children were given a checklist to search for natural objects on the playground – rocks, leaves, soil, and of course some insects.  We collected as many as we could find and the children were thrilled to share all the objects they were able to collect!

Have a wonderful week,

Amanda & Heather

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22 to show support for environmental protection.  Maria Montessori believed in giving children experiences in nature.  In Montessori education, Earth Day principles are a natural part of everyday learning.  Children are encouraged to think about the Earth and how they can take care of the world we all share.

This week we celebrated Earth Day in our classroom as an extra way to show respect for the Earth and to build community.  Our class discussed what it means to reduce, reuse, and recycle.  We made a list of things they can do to help the environment, check out the list below of all the wonderful ideas the children had.  The children also planted flower seeds in a biodegradable pot.  By celebrating Earth Day and encouraging children’s participation at a young age, we contribute to cultivating lifelong caretakers of this planet we call home.

Beauden- I have lots of plants in my house to keep the air clean.

Sullivan- I walk to the playground instead of driving.

Advay- I throw the garbage in the garbage can.

Rowan- I make a ship with boxes.

Desi- I recycle a lot of things everyday like tomato cans and chicken broth boxes.

Owen- I don’t leave the trash on the floor because I don’t want to make the Earth dirty.

Elara- I put the garbage in the garbage can.

Anaya- I turn off the tap when I’m brushing my teeth and done taking a shower.

Nina- I turn off the water when I’m washing my hands.

Carmen- I picked up garbage and put it in the trash can when I was walking in the woods.

Aya- I walk to Hawley School to play instead of driving there.

Ella- If I find garbage at the beach I pick it up, bring it home, and put it in the trash.

Eve- I plant new plants to help the Earth.

Noelle- I pick flowers from my garden and put them in a watering can.

Kian- I help the Earth by turning off the lights.

Levi- I will walk to the store instead of driving.

Annie- I can turn off the lights when I’m not using them.

Peace and love,

Amanda and Heather

“A child, more than anyone else, is a spontaneous observer of nature.” – Maria Montessori

Flowers aren’t the only ones that come out of hiding during spring. After the cold of winter you’ll notice more insects start making their appearance. Curiosity towards these six legged friends hits a high note in April, and we take the cue to “follow the child” and their deep affection for insects. Over the next several weeks we will continue to support your children’s curiosity, exploration, and understanding of insects through hands-on activities, songs, lessons, and outdoor exploration. The intent is to encourage their interest in the diversity, beauty, and joy of nature.

Is a spider an insect? What are the 3 parts of an insect?  The children know, ask them.

Have a warm and wonderful week!

Amanda & Heather