Mrs. Doyle’s Class: Hidden Treasures Everywhere

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

 

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.  Each month we do an author study, learning about the author and reading their books. 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 we speak about how important it is to take care of our books.  The children love to hear how so many of the books I bring to class are the very same ones  from my childhood.  I saved them and shared them with my own children and now I am sharing with each of them.  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.

  • Elliot:  All the Lego books in the world.
  • Gregory L.:  The Magic Tree House Books
  • Harper:  Miss Nelson Went Missing
  • Julianna:  The Very Hungry Caterpillar
  • Mya:  The Bible
  • Anchor:  Dragons Love Tacos
  • Gregory G:  Lego City Fire Department
  • Lily:  The Going To Bed Book
  • Xander:  Bob Books
  • Carmen:  Paw Patrol Books
  • Greyson:  Construction Site
  • Landon:  The Noisy Dinosaur
  • Luca:  Five Little Monkeys Jumping On The Bed
  • Olivia:  Baby Shark

Happy Reading!

Michelle & Lizette

 

Mrs. Lopes’s Class: Off to a Great Start!

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

The holiday season came and went in a hurry and the new year has officially begun. Coming back to the classroom after our winter break is always one of our favorite times of the year.  The children are familiar with the classroom routines and often return to school ready and excited to learn!  We begin to introduce longer, more involved lessons and we see their academic development begin to take off.

This month our classroom travels will be taking us to the continent of Asia, the largest of the seven continents. We look forward to exploring the various countries, customs, animals, foods, music, and literature this culturally rich continent has to offer.  This week we focused on China.  We explored Chinese writing and how they use characters to represent words rather than letters.  The children enjoyed trying out some of the characters on our Buddha board.  We also discussed how several countries in Asia use chopsticks as an eating utensil.  We added a pair of chopsticks to our practical life area for the children to practice their skills.

As we begin this new year, we would like to wish you all a very happy new year and look forward to what the remainder of the school year will bring!

All the best,

Amanda and Sharlene

Mrs. Doyle’s Class: The Best Gift Of All

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

As the Holidays are quickly approaching, we hear the children speak throughout the day of what they hope to receive as a gift. Through literature, classroom conversations and taking a peek into the different holidays celebrated by those around the world, we introduce the concept and power of giving as the best gift of all.

We asked each child what gift they could share during this holiday season.  We told them it does not need to cost anything and it really is about helping others and our communities.  They could share their gift with a loved one or even be a secret gift giver and do something anonymously for someone in need.  The simplicity of their words is heartwarming.

The world could learn a lot by listening to these children!

Elliot–I know a lot of stories and I can tell them to kids that don’t know them.

Gregory L–I can share my toys with kids that don’t have any.

Harper–I made special bead works to share with everyone.

Julianna–I am going to give hot dogs to people who are hungry.

Mya– I am going to leave little notes to share with my friends when they are sad.

Anchor–I am going to read books to our new baby.

Gregory G–I am going to give all of my picture stories to Ms. Michele in the office because I’m pretty sure it will make her happy.

Lily–I am going to water all the plants in my house and help with my sister, Annie.

Marin–I can help James with all of his homework.

Xander–I can share my artwork with everyone because it makes them happy.

Carmen–I can give my sister Cheyenne hugs when she is sick.

Greyson–I can help Daddy shovel when it snows.

Landon–I can help Mommy make cookies and pizza.

Luca–I can get my Dad tools when he needs them.

Olivia–I can give Ella Bella a hug when she’s crying.

Wishing each and everyone of you peace and love during this holiday season.

Michelle & Lizette

Mrs. Lopes’s Class: Happy Holiday Wishes

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

“The best and most beautiful things cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart” -Helen Keller

We cannot believe how quickly the month of December has passed and winter break is upon us!  This month the children have enjoyed learning about all the special holidays that are celebrated in December. Learning about the holidays of different cultures embraces the Montessori principals of inclusion and peace and helps students understand that celebrations have had a great significance to people throughout time and across all cultures. Rituals and celebrations are a large part of human history. They have to do with your culture, as well as your time and place in history. As we celebrate the holiday season we encourage you to create your own rituals as a family and celebrate this season of togetherness, especially as many of us cannot be with the ones we love this year.

May your holidays be merry and filled with moments you’ll always remember.  See you in the new year!

Love,

Amanda and Sharlene

Mrs. Doyle’s Class: It’s Off To Work We Go!

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

When a child works, he does not do so to attain some further goal.  His objective in working is the work itself. – Maria Montessori

One of Maria Montessori’s more well known quotes is “play is the child’s work.”  We’re sure by now you have heard your child talk about their work at school. Maria Montessori preferred the word work rather than the word play, to describe the learning process children are constantly undergoing. Work conveys the amount of effort that children put into their physical, social, emotional, and academic growth. As adults, our definition of work has a very different meaning.

Children are driven by a strong unconscious internal growth process to seek out experiences that will meet their needs. Our role as Montessori teachers is to provide a well-prepared environment that encourages children to be independent and learn at their own pace. The children are free to choose their work and to use it repeatedly. So, while they are ‘working’ each child is also building independence, coordination, self-discipline, and concentration.

Enjoy your work!

Michelle & Lizette

Mrs. Lopes’s Class: Engaged in Meaningful Work

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

There exists in the small child an unconscious mental state which is of a creative nature. We have called it the “Absorbent Mind.” The tiny child’s absorbent mind finds all its nutriment in its surroundings…Especially at the beginning of life. We must, therefore, make the environment as interesting and attractive as we can. -Maria Montessori

Has your child been telling you about all the “works” they have been doing in our classroom?  We refer to the lessons on our shelves as “works” because it reinforces the important work or learning they are doing each day.  Montessori Method is based on self-motivation to learn. Children are considered to be at work during the day, but they have fun doing it. They go beyond life skills, learning geometry, geography, phonics, and much more. Young children have the capacity to absorb, learn, and do so much. They just need a controlled, creative environment to allow them to pursue their interests.

Enjoy these images of your children at work!

Amanda & Sharlene

Mrs. Doyle’s Class: Entering the Holiday Season

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

A Grateful Heart Is A Magnet For Miracles

For many, the holiday season is a time for giving. Perhaps more than ever, it is so important for our children to understand that giving does not have to be a materialistic gift. Simple and heartfelt words of love and friendship will last much longer than most anything that can be bought on a shelf. It can be an amazing and powerful gift to our children, if in all the hustle and bustle of the holidays we take time to slow down and model being grateful.

It was the perfect week to talk about St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas was a Bishop who inherited a lot of money from his family. He was also a very gentle, kind man who lived by the virtues of personal generosity, charity towards those in need, and taking care of the young and the most vulnerable. We learned that  St. Nicholas loved to perform random acts of kindness for those in need. Many people around the world celebrate St. Nicholas Day by leaving a pair of boots outside their door. So, we left boots outside our classroom door and, to our amazement, the boots were beautifully decorated and filled with candy canes the next morning.

Wishing you a week filled with peace and love.

Michelle & Lizette

Mrs. Lopes’s Class: Welcome December!

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

With the holidays approaching and the start of a new month, the children came back into an environment full of new lessons and materials to explore. This month we will be learning about the continent of Antarctica, food groups, and we’ll be discussing the various holidays celebrated around the world in December. One such holiday we talked about this week is St. Nicholas Day, which is celebrated on December 6.  St. Nicholas was a bishop in Europe. He was born into a wealthy family and at a young age made the choice to give away all his possessions to those with none. He is known for his kindness, generosity, and taking care of the young and in need. We learned that St. Nicholas would leave small gifts or treats during the night for the less fortunate in his community. St. Nicholas has evolved over the years into the Santa Claus we recognize today. Many people around the world celebrate St. Nicholas day by leaving a pair of boots outside their door. So in the spirit of the season, we decided to leave a pair of boots outside our classroom door. To our surprise, the boots were decorated and filled with candy canes the next morning!

Wishing you a peaceful week,

Amanda & Sharlene