In our classroom these last few months, your children have been exploring the world around them by becoming biologists, astronauts, and now, paleontologists!  This month, your children have been immersed in the land of dinosaurs, learning all about what they looked like, where they lived, and what they ate. On our science shelf, the children have had an array of works that spark their creativity and curiosity about these giant reptiles from the past. They have been able to use crayons to make fossil rubbings, match dinosaurs with their fossils, and even sort dinosaurs according to if they walked on two feet or four feet. We have also been discussing the word “extinct” and possible reasons why the dinosaurs became extinct.  The children loved sharing their ideas about why they think there are no more dinosaurs.

Have a great week,

Amanda & Heather

We hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween weekend!  Last Wednesday, was our Annual Primary Harvest Celebration.  First, the children had a chance to search for a pumpkin on the playground during our “Pumpkin Hunt”.  The children were so excited to search the playground for the perfect pumpkin!  After finding a pumpkin, we came back inside to carve our class pumpkin.  Ms. Heather asked the children for suggestions on what type of face to carve and “spooky” won.  While Ms. Heather was carving the pumpkin, the children enjoyed a snack of mummy rice crispy treats, apple slices, and apple cider.  Once the pumpkin was carved we lit the pumpkin and read a Halloween story.  Finally, we sat outside our classroom to watch the Middle School/Elementary Halloween parade.  Lots of fun was had by all!  Thank you again to all who donated their time or supplies to make our celebration a success, we truly appreciate it!

Although I do miss “in person” conferences, it was so nice to see you all over Zoom last week!  I enjoyed sharing with you all the accomplishments and hard work your children have been doing in the classroom.  Thank you for all the open and honest conversations and your support for our home/school connection.  As always feel free to reach out as needed.

Have a wonderful week,

Amanda and Heather

The love of one’s environment is the secret of social evolution. -Maria Montessori

Walking to the basket to get a mat, picking it up carefully, finding the perfect spot to work, and rolling the mat out provides an opportunity to practice gross motor skills and body consciousness. Everything that gets placed on the mat thereafter becomes the responsibility (and privilege) of the child working on that mat.

Montessori work mats define a work space as the child’s own and sets an intention to “work.” Not only does the child know that their lesson is exclusive to them (unless they invite someone to join them on their mat), they also have the responsibility to put their materials away when they are finished and to roll up their mat and bring it back to the basket.

Our floors have been a sea of rugs! Your children are skillfully maneuvering themselves throughout the environment, careful not to disturb a friend’s work. I continue to be amazed at their growing control and respect for both friends and the environment.

We continued our unit on the solar system this week; learning interesting facts about each of the planets, talking about our moon, and exploring concepts such as a black hole.  The children are enjoying exploring our solar system lessons on the shelf and have been asking great questions about our universe.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Amanda and Heather