Mrs. Lopes’s Class: Our Five Senses

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

Children of all ages are eager to learn about their world and everything in it.  When young children use all of their five senses, they understand how their bodies work and find new ways to experience the world. In the Montessori environment, children are taught to experience the world through all five of their senses. This can give them new insights and allow them to think creatively.  This week we explored each of our senses in depth and talked about how we use our senses to understand the world around us. The children have been enjoying the new lessons this unit has brought to our Sensorial shelf.

Wishing you a wonderful week ahead,

Amanda and Sharlene

Mrs. Doyle’s Class: What Exactly Is a Normalized Classroom?

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

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

Mrs. Doyle’s Class: Moving Like Molecules

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

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

Mrs. Lopes’s Class: The Beauty of a Normalized Classroom

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

Normalization “is the most important single result of our whole work.” ~Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind

When hearing the term “normalization” for the first time, most people cringe, “What do you mean my child isn’t normal?”  The word normalization is actually a term borrowed from anthropology and means “becoming a contributing member of society.” As a Montessori teacher, we are constantly working toward this goal of a normalized classroom.  So what is a normalized classroom? 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 make sure 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 part, coupled with the opportunities provided by the environment and Montessori materials, our children 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.

Enjoy these pictures of your children hard at work!

Best,

Amanda & Sharlene

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