“Children display a universal love of mathematics, which is par excellence the science of precision, order, and intelligence.”

~ Dr. Maria Montessori

The Montessori math materials are visual and hands-on manipulatives, aiding in the ability of a child to concretely  understand mathematical concepts. After much repetition and when the child is ready,  we introduce the more complex and abstract concepts. We teach the process first because the goal is to develop a true understanding of mathematical concepts and not simply memorization. The materials are sequenced in a way that each success a child experiences, is a building block for the next concept to be introduced.

Maria Montessori believed that all children have a mathematical mind and an internal drive to understand the environment around them. We know that the Montessori math materials are exact and precise and allow the child to have positive experiences in math right from the beginning.  We also know that the Practical Life activities have helped the child to develop order, concentration, coordination and independence.  Likewise, the Sensorial materials have allowed the children to recognize and extend patterns.  Here’s the real secret behind the success of the Montessori math materials though, the children truly enjoy them.

Wishing you all a week filled with peace and love!

Michelle & Lizette

Each time we study a new continent, we first find it on the globe of the world, then we locate the continent on the world map, and finally, we study the individual continent, using the specific continent maps. Currently, the children are learning about the continent of Africa. We learn about the geography, culture, weather, animals, and people of Africa.

We are learning lots of fun and fascinating facts about the continent of Africa.

• Africa is the second largest continent, with 54 countries.
• The longest river in the world, the Nile, is located in Africa.
• Over one thousand languages are spoken by the people in Africa.
• The Sahara, the world’s largest desert is located here.
• The highest mountain in Africa is Mount Kilimanjaro. It is so tall that glaciers can be found at its summit even though the mountain is near the equator.
• Africa is the most centrally located continent in the world. Both the prime meridian and the equator cut across it.
• The world’s tallest animal, the giraffe, and the largest land animal, the African elephant are found in Africa.

This Tuesday, we celebrated the 100th day of school. From the very first day of school, the kindergarten children have been learning to count by 1’s, 5’s, and 10’s to 100. They spent the afternoon going to different stations that all revolved around the number 100. They drew pictures of what they would like when they were 100, what they would buy with $100, what they wished they had a hundred of, made a 100 headband and then played a game called Race to 100. This year, more than ever, reaching 100 days in school was a reason to celebrate!!!

Wishing you a week filled with peace and love.

Michelle & Lizette

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