Over the course of the last few weeks,  we have been learning that winter can be very harsh for animals. The weather and lack of food can make their survival difficult. To help ensure their survival, animals will hibernate, migrate, or adapt to their surroundings.

Animals that hibernate for the winter go into a deep sleep. Their body’s temperature drops, their heartbeat and breathing slow down and they use very little energy. We’ve learned what animals hibernate as well as where they hibernate.  Places that animals hibernate can be above ground such as a cave, nest or den or they can be below ground such as a burrow, a hole or deep down in the mud.  We explored which animals migrated or traveled to other places where the weather is warmer and they will be able to find food. We also examined why animals would migrate and where they may go. Animals that adapt, remain and stay active in their environment. They adapt to the changing weather and their behavior and bodies may change too.  We talk about what changes animals may make to ensure they will have enough food for the winter.

So, as the cold weather is becoming more frequent, how many of us are thinking about hibernating or migrating?

Parent/Teacher Conferences are quickly approaching.  An email, with a link to sign up for a time slot will be shared today.  We look forward to meeting with all of you to share your child’s growth and progress since our last conference.  Please be sure to leave a comment on the sign up, stating whether you prefer a phone conference or zoom conference.

Have a warm and happy week!

Michelle & Lizette

Normalization is a buzzword often used by Montessori teachers everywhere. So what exactly does it mean, and more importantly, how do we achieve it? When children in a Montessori environment demonstrate deep concentration, self-discipline, social skills, and a true love of work, we describe this as a normalized classroom. Normalization is achieved by consistent and clear ground rules that everyone is familiar with. It is our job to ensure the environment is always well prepared and designed to meet the needs of the children. As Montessori teachers, we are confident that if we do our job well and the children are free to experience the opportunities provided by the environment and Montessori materials, they will thrive.

After the winter break and upon our return in January, we often see noticeable growth in the children’s social and emotional development. They come back eager to learn and raring to go! The first half of the year, they have become comfortable and confident with our classroom routines and expectations. They have developed deeper relationships with their peers and teachers. It is always an exciting time and sets the groundwork for the second half of the school year.

Have a wonderful week!

Michelle & Lizette

We 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.  There are three states of matter: 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.

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.  When we get some snow on the ground, our plan is to explore the life cycle of a snowman and observe how it changes from a solid to a liquid to a gas.

Please be sure to check this week’s Friday folder for a letter regarding the upcoming Valentine’s Day protocols.

Lastly, we are thrilled to welcome back our friend, Simrin, to our classroom community.  The children have been so excited to see her and help her step right back into our classroom routines.

Wishing everyone a wonderful week!

Michelle & Lizette