Ms. Rhodora: Practical Skills and Winter Wonders

Posted on by Rhodora Santayana

Last week, the children engaged deeply with new practical life activities designed to refine their movements and build concentration. The food preparation area continues to be a hub of activity, where children practice real-life skills with purpose and care. We introduced soap grating, where children carefully grate bars of soap into flakes, and suds whipping, where they transform those flakes into fluffy whipped soap. These activities not only develop fine motor control but also provide a sensory-rich experience that children find deeply satisfying.

The metal insets remain popular, allowing children to practice precise hand movements while creating beautiful geometric designs. Mirror polishing has also captured the children’s attention—they take great pride in seeing their reflections become clearer as they work. Eggshell pounding offers another way for children to refine their hand-eye coordination while experiencing the transformation of materials.

Understanding Animals in Winter

Alongside our practical life work, we have been studying how animals survive winter through hibernation, migration, and adaptation. This study connects beautifully to the seasonal changes the children observe outside our windows each day, making their learning immediate and relevant to their own experiences.

Extending Learning at Home

  • Invite your child to help with real kitchen tasks like grating cheese or whipping cream
  • Practice polishing skills at home with child-safe cleaners on mirrors, silverware, or shoes
  • Notice together how the winter weather affects the animals and plants in your neighborhood

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS
This Week
Monday, December 15: Classroom Hanukkah Celebration
Thursday, December 18: Classroom Christmas Celebration
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

Mrs. Lopes: Learning How Our Bodies Work

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

Last week, the classroom was filled with curiosity as we continued our study of the human body. The children explored the fascinating functions of our organs and how each one plays a vital role in keeping us healthy and strong. We introduced a new body apron work where the children carefully matched each organ to its proper place on the body. This hands-on material allowed them to visualize where organs like the heart, lungs, and stomach are located while learning what each one does.

Our exploration naturally extended into discussions about nutrition and wellness. The children examined different food groups and engaged in thoughtful conversations about which foods help our bodies grow strong and which ones we should enjoy in moderation. They were particularly interested in making connections between the foods they eat and how those foods support the organs we’ve been studying.

Extending Learning at Home

  • Look at food labels together at the grocery store and talk about what makes food healthy
  • Create a simple drawing of the body and have your child place different colored stickers where they think organs might be located
  • During meals, discuss which foods help different parts of our body (carrots for eyes, milk for bones, etc.)

ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS
This Week
Tuesday, December 16: Classroom Hanukkah book reading 9:30 a.m.-Carina A., Hanukkah snack of latkes and applesauce provided by Katie R.
Thursday, December 18: Classroom Twas’ the Night Before Christmas book reading 9:30 a.m.-Courtney M.
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

Mrs. Sargeant: Journey to Antarctica

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

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

Ms. Rhodora: Journey to the Frozen Continent

Posted on by Rhodora Santayana

Last week, our classroom embarked on an exciting exploration of Antarctica! The children were captivated as we studied this unique continent, learning about its extreme weather conditions, fascinating wildlife, and the scientists who dedicate their lives to research there. We discussed the specialized clothing people wear to survive the cold, observed how animals like penguins and seals have adapted to their frozen environment, and explored how scientists study the air, water, and animals in this remarkable place.

The children showed particular interest in understanding how people hunt fish in Antarctica and the important work scientists do to protect this pristine environment. This study beautifully connected our practical life, sensorial, and cultural studies areas as the children made observations and connections about climate, adaptation, and human exploration.

New Works on Our Shelves

Several engaging materials were introduced this week to support the children’s growing independence and academic development. In practical life, the children are now working with sewing, polishing a mirror, and hammering—each activity building fine motor skills, concentration, and care of the environment. These purposeful activities help children develop the coordination and focus they need for all areas of learning.

On the language shelves, we introduced beginning sound games to support early literacy development. In mathematics, the addition strip board appeared, offering children a concrete, hands-on way to explore number combinations and build their mathematical minds.

Holiday Magic and Community Celebrations

The spirit of the season filled our classroom this week! After reading a beautiful St. Nicholas book together, the children discovered a special surprise the following morning—a boot filled with candy canes from St. Nick himself. Their faces lit up with wonder and delight at this magical tradition.

We also celebrated a friend’s birthday with a special snack that everyone enjoyed. The sense of community was further strengthened when a grandmother joined us to read a book to the class, reminding us how much our classroom benefits from family involvement.

Extending Learning at Home

  • Antarctic exploration: Look at maps together and find Antarctica. Talk about what makes it different from where we live. Watch nature documentaries about penguins or seals.
  • Practical life practice: Let your child help with real tasks like polishing shoes or mirrors at home, or simple sewing projects like sewing buttons.
  • Holiday traditions: Share your family’s special holiday traditions and the stories behind them, just as we’ve been learning about St. Nicholas in school.

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

***Winter Weather Reminder: Please make sure your child has snow boots, pants, gloves, winter coat, and hat. It is so helpful if each piece of clothing is labeled! Also, please let us know if you would prefer your child’s snow gear to go home each day or stay in their locker at school.

This Week
Monday, December 8:
Tuesday, December 9:
Wednesday, December 10: 

Next Week
Tuesday, December 16: Classroom Hanukkah Celebration
Thursday, December 18: Classroom Christmas Celebration
Friday, December 19: Winter Showcase (PA Breakfast 10am, Half-Day Dismissal for All Students 11:30am

Winter Break
Monday, December 22, 05 – Friday, January 2, 2026
School resumes on Monday, January 5, 026

Mrs. Sargeant: Growing Confidence in Self-Care

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

Last week, the children demonstrated beautiful examples of grace and courtesy as older students naturally stepped in to help their younger classmates with zipping coats and putting on mittens. These spontaneous moments of mentorship show how our mixed-age classroom creates a caring community where children look out for one another.

The children are also showing impressive problem-solving skills during snack time. When they encounter a challenging package—whether it’s a bag of goldfish or a granola bar—they independently seek out scissors to open it rather than asking an adult for help. This simple act represents a significant step in their growing confidence and resourcefulness.

Holiday Traditions and Wonder

The children returned from Thanksgiving break eager to share stories about their family celebrations, sparking rich conversations about different traditions, customs, and holidays. We read about St. Nicholas and discussed how some cultures celebrate St. Nicholas Day on December 6th. The following morning, the children’s eyes lit up with surprise and delight when they discovered candy canes waiting in a pair of boots by the door!

The Art of Bubble Making

One of the most popular activities this week has been bubble making using soap and an egg beater. This seemingly simple work involves an impressive sequence of steps that require concentration, coordination, and care of the environment. The children put on their smocks, fill the pitcher at the sink, walk carefully back to their workspace, pour water into the bowl, and use a dropper to squeeze just the right amount of soap. Operating the egg beater takes considerable hand-eye coordination as they work to create satisfying suds.

Once complete, the children pour the soapy water into a bucket, carry it carefully to the sink to discard, then use a sponge and towel to ensure the work is clean and dry for the next friend. This multi-step activity beautifully integrates practical life skills with sensorial exploration and grace and courtesy.

Extending Learning at Home

  • Building independence with outerwear: Leave extra time in the morning for your child to practice putting on their jacket independently without feeling rushed. We always tell the children to leave the gloves until last, as this helps them manage the process more successfully.
  • Holiday traditions: Talk with your child about your family’s special holiday customs and traditions. Ask them what they’ve been learning about different celebrations at school.
  • Multi-step activities: Encourage your child to help with tasks that have several steps, like setting the table or helping prepare simple snacks. These activities build executive function and independence.

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

***Winter Weather Reminder: Please make sure your child has snow boots, pants, gloves, winter coat, and hat. It is so helpful if each piece of clothing is labeled! Also, please let us know if you would prefer your child’s snow gear to go home each day or stay in their locker at school.

This Week
Tuesday, December 9: Junia Playground volunteer
Friday, December 12: Marissa guest reader

Next Week
Tuesday, December 16: Celebrate Kaiya’s Half Birthday
Thursday, December 18: Liz A. reading
Friday, December 19: Winter Showcase (PA Breakfast 10am, Half-Day Dismissal for All Students 11:30am

Winter Break
Monday, December 22, 05 – Friday, January 2, 2026
School resumes on Monday, January 5, 026

Ms. Handibode: Discovering Diversity Through Holiday Celebrations

Posted on by Michelle Handibode

Last week, we embarked on a journey through different cultural celebrations happening around the world during this special season. As Montessori teachers, we embrace the knowledge that promoting peace and understanding begins with introducing children to the rich tapestry of traditions celebrated by people everywhere. Over the next few weeks, we will be learning about Hanukkah, St. Nicholas Day, Christmas, and Kwanzaa through literature, artifacts, and thoughtful conversations that highlight both the similarities and differences in how families celebrate.

Our introduction to St. Nicholas Day brought pure delight to the children. We learned about the tradition and left a pair of boots outside our classroom door. The next morning, the children discovered those boots filled with candy canes—a magical moment that captured their imagination and sparked wonderful discussions about traditions and surprises.

Scientific Exploration: The Animal Kingdom

The children have been deeply engaged in classification work, building their understanding of the natural world. We began by distinguishing between living and non-living things, then explored what makes an animal a vertebrate or invertebrate. Now we are learning the specific characteristics that classify an animal as a mammal. Ask your children if they are mammals—they may surprise you with their confident answers!

Our geography work has taken us to the continent of Antarctica, where we are discovering this unique and remote part of our world.

Special Guest

We had the absolute pleasure of welcoming Connor’s grandmother as our guest reader this week. She captivated the children by reading Heckedy Peg by Audrey Wood and No Roses for Harry!  by Gene Zion. These special moments when family members join our classroom community are treasured by both the children and teachers.

Extending Learning at Home

  • Observe and classify animals you encounter together—at the park, in books, or even pets at home. Can your child identify which are mammals and explain why?
  • Share your own family’s holiday traditions with your child. Talk about special foods, decorations, or activities that are meaningful to your family.
  • Look at a globe or map together and find Antarctica. Discuss what makes this continent special and different from where we live.

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

***Winter Weather Reminder: Please make sure your child has snow boots, pants, gloves, winter coat, and hat. It is so helpful if each piece of clothing is labeled! Also, please let us know if you would prefer your child’s snow gear to go home each day or stay in their locker at school.

This Week
Monday, December 8: Sharing Box and flowers—Olivia S.
Tuesday, December 9: Playground Volunteer—Bradley S.
Wednesday, December 10: Guest Reader—Katie D.

Next Week
Tuesday, December 16: Classroom Hanukkah Celebration
Thursday, December 18: Classroom Christmas Celebration
Friday, December 19: Winter Showcase (PA Breakfast 10am, Half-Day Dismissal for All Students 11:30am

Winter Break
Monday, December 22, 05 – Friday, January 2, 2026
School resumes on Monday, January 5, 026

Mrs. Lopes: Exploring the Human Body

Posted on by Amanda Lopes

We began our study of the human body last week. The children learned about their skeletons and why our bodies need bones to stand tall, move, and protect our important organs. Through hands-on exploration and group discussions, they discovered the functions of different organs in our bodies.

Our practical life area welcomed new seasonal work for December, giving the children fresh opportunities to practice fine motor skills and independence as we move into the winter season. The children have been deeply engaged in these new materials, taking great care as they practice coordination and concentration.

Extending Learning at Home

You can continue exploring the human body at home with simple activities:

  • Play “Simon Says” focusing on body parts and movements to help your child connect with their own body awareness
  • Look at books together about how our bodies work—many wonderful picture books explain bones, organs, and body systems in child-friendly ways
  • During bath time or getting dressed, talk about bones you can feel and muscles that help us move

UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

***As the weather turns colder, please send in a full set of snow gear to keep at school. This includes snow pants, boots, gloves, and a hat. Please make sure all articles of clothing are labeled with your child’s name.

***In addition, remember to switch out your child’s extra clothing in their locker with long sleeve shirts, long pants, and socks. Children often need extra clothes to change after playing in the snow.

This Week
Tuesday, December 9: Playground Volunteer–Katie R.
Wednesday, December 10: Guest Reader–Raia Family

Next Week
Tuesday, December 16: Classroom Hanukkah Celebration
Thursday, December 18: Classroom Christmas Celebration
Friday, December 19: Winter Showcase (PA Breakfast 10am, Concert begins 10:30am), Half-Day Dismissal for All Students 11:30am

Winter Break
Monday, December 22, 05 – Friday, January 2, 2026
School resumes on Monday, January 5, 026