This week brought the start of Hanukkah, offering a wonderful opportunity to explore this meaningful holiday with the children. We read both fiction and non-fiction stories about Hanukkah, helping the children understand the traditions and history behind the Festival of Lights. The children were particularly fascinated by the menorah, carefully placing candles into it and learning about the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days.

A huge thank you to Ivy and Gabriel’s moms for coordinating a special Hanukkah treat for the children. We enjoyed latkes and challah together, and the children made the connection that latkes are fried in oil—a reminder of the miracle we’d been learning about. These hands-on experiences with cultural traditions help the children develop a deeper appreciation for the diverse celebrations in our community.

Ava’s mom visited to share another beloved classroom tradition by reading “T’was the Night Before Christmas.” Thank you for sharing your time with us and for bringing the festive snack that made the morning even more special! These parent visits enrich our classroom community and show the children how much their families value learning together.

We had three rehearsals this week preparing for the Holiday Showcase, and the children’s excitement about sharing their songs with you was palpable. Their hard work and enthusiasm truly embodied the joy of working toward a common goal.

This week also brought special birthday celebrations. Two of our classmates turned four and a half, so we celebrated their half birthdays since we won’t be in school when they turn five in June. The Montessori birthday walk is always a meaningful way to honor each child’s journey around the sun.

We’re thrilled to share joyful news from two of our classroom families! Within the past month, Remy and Madison each welcomed baby brothers into their families. Congratulations to both families on this wonderful new chapter!

As winter settles in, the children have enjoyed a sensory experience that connects them to the season: making pomander balls with oranges and cloves. The delightful scent fills the classroom as they carefully press each clove into the orange, developing their fine motor skills while creating something beautiful to take home.

Extending Learning at Home

Encourage your child’s connection to winter traditions by:

• Creating simple sensory experiences with seasonal scents like cinnamon sticks, pine branches, or citrus fruits
• Practicing fine motor skills through holiday activities like threading beads, wrapping small gifts, or decorating cookies
• Exploring winter through nature walks, observing how plants and animals prepare for cold weather

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Monday, January 5: School Resumes
• Monday, January 5: Evie has Flowers/Food/Sharing Bag

Please send appropriate snow gear for outdoor play: hat, waterproof mittens, snow boots, and snow bibs or pants. A large open-top bag works best for storage. Thank you to Ava’s family for sending extra snow bibs and mittens to share with the classroom!

Last week brought exciting new learning to our classroom as we embarked on a study of Antarctica, the frozen continent at the bottom of our world. The children explored different types of penguins and seals through books and photographs, learning about how these remarkable animals thrive in one of Earth’s harshest environments. We also discussed the scientists who travel to Antarctica to study this unique ecosystem, sparking conversations about exploration and discovery.

To support this cultural study, we introduced a large penguin floor puzzle that has quickly become a classroom favorite. The children work together to assemble it, developing both their problem-solving skills and their collaborative abilities. We also added cinnamon grating to the practical life area, which the children can then sprinkle onto the apples they cut—a sensory experience that brings warmth and comfort during our winter studies.

In our mathematics area, the children have been exploring geometry through hands-on materials. Using the Triangle Box, they discovered the names and properties of different triangles: equilateral (all sides equal), isosceles (two sides equal), and scalene (all sides different). They also worked with geometric solids, learning to identify and name three-dimensional shapes like the cube, sphere, cone, and rectangular prism.

Grace and Courtesy: Caring for Our Community

This time of year brings particular attention to health and hygiene practices. We have been encouraging the children to properly blow their noses and wash their hands thoroughly, and to catch their coughs in their elbows. When we notice a child needs to blow their nose, we guide them to the mirror where they can independently take care of themselves. This builds both self-awareness and confidence in managing their own health needs.

As a reminder, we kindly ask that children please leave all toys at home. This helps maintain our classroom community and ensures that children remain engaged with the rich Montessori materials available to them.

Extending Learning at Home

• Look at a globe or map together and locate Antarctica—talk about what it means to be at the “bottom” of the world
• Watch age-appropriate documentaries about penguins and polar animals
• Practice identifying triangles in everyday objects around your home (sandwich halves, road signs, roof peaks)
• Model and practice proper hygiene routines, making handwashing and nose-blowing part of your regular routine

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS
This Week

Monday, December 15: Hanukkah Reading and Latke Tasting
Tuesday, December 16: Kaiya’s Half-Birthday Celebration
Wednesday, December 17: Maaz’s Half-Birthday Celebration
Thursday, December 18: Arrindell Christmas Reading
Friday, December 19: Winter Showcase* (Buses begin at 9:15 a.m., Concert begins 10:30am), Half-Day Dismissal for All Students 11:30am
* All Primary children participate in the Winter Showcase. Please check the dashboard for more information.

Winter Break
Monday, December 22, 2025 – Friday, January 2, 2026
School resumes on Monday, January 5, 2026