We recently celebrated a few birthdays in class. Silas, Lucca, and Callen brought in yummy treats for all to enjoy. Thank you to the Vachons, Allegrettos, and Mahoneys for spending time with us.

The rocks that the children washed were painted with yellow and blue. These special rocks will be making an appearance in your homes soon. 🙂

 

Hope you all enjoyed your Memorial Day weekend!

Jayne Bidaut a parent of an Upper Elementary student gifted us with a cocoon. Inside the cocoon a Cecropia Moth was going through the process of metamorphosis. When we returned on Tuesday our moth has emerged. Jayne stopped in to check in on the moth and we found out the moth is a female. She has around 100 eggs in her abdomen. She showed the children all the different parts of the moth and the difference between the moth and butterfly. Jayne also dissected the cocoon for the children and we explored what was inside. Inside was some silk and the chrysalis. Thank you Jayne for bringing in this beautiful insect.

This week we also celebrated Maren’s and Hudson’s birthday!

Mrs. Wilson and Miss Sharlene

Being a teacher is one of the most rewarding jobs out there. It was an honor to have been entrusted in the care of your child/children. I will miss their laughter, silliness and the unexpected hugs. Sharlene and I want to give a heart felt thank you to you all for the generous gifts you gave.

Lots of end of the year memories were made this last week. We had a blast using the parachute and doing the egg on a spoon race during field day! The crossing the bridge ceremony was beautiful and enjoying some time together on the playground was wonderful!

We hope you all enjoy your summer!

Cynthia and Sharlene

“Let the children be free; encourage them; let them run outside when it is raining; let them remove their shoes when they find a puddle of water; and, when the grass of the meadows is damp with dew, let them run on it and trample it with their bare feet…let them shout and laugh when the sun wakes them in the morning.” Maria Montessori

On Tuesday, the children watch as we released all five Painted Lady Butterflies back into nature.

As the school year is coming to an end the two toddler classrooms have began merging together in the playground. This has been a beautiful experience for the toddlers to begin interacting and forming bonds beyond their own classroom.

When the weather is warm we will spend much more time exploring the outdoors. This will provide them with opportunity that the inside classroom cannot provide. For example when your children climb the tree they are given the opportunity to use their whole body, to problem solve (How high is too high? How can I get down?) and to learn patience as they wait for their turn.  When your children dig in the sandbox it is not just for digging but they are using their imaginations, creating stories and lots of chocolate cake.

Miss Sharlene and I would like to thank everyone for the beautiful birthday flowers, cards, special treat, and gifts! You all made us feel very special and loved! What a very sweet surprise!

“Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better.” – Albert Einstein

Mrs. Wilson and Miss Sharlene

You may be wondering, “Why is my child washing rocks?” There are several answers to this question, but let’s begin with the Montessori purpose. The dishwashing table in the photos can and should be used for more than just dirty dishes. Children love the feel of cool water, slippery soap, and the rough bristles of a nail brush on their hands. But we must keep them interested and challenged, and smooth, dusty rocks the size of their hands are a fun change from dishes. These rocks will also be used for a project next week (it’s a surprise!) and that is the other reason they are being washed.

Lately the two Toddler classes have been having outdoor time together. We have been slowly transitioning to a joint recess so our students who are moving up to the next level will be more familiar with their peers in these new environments in the fall. This week continued to be a huge success as they are sitting on the bench together, drawing with chalk on the large rock, and chasing each other through the tunnel.

“April Showers Bring May Flowers” and all the other wonderful things that grow. That is what we will be exploring for the next couple of weeks. The children learned that not only do butterflies, chickens and birds have a life cycle but so do plants and flowers. This week we talked about parts of a flower and the life cycle of the sunflower. The children painted their own terracotta pots on Tuesday. On Wednesday we mixed the crushed up egg shells with soil, filled our pots, made a wish and gave our little seed a kiss before sowing it into the dirt. One child wished that their flower grows up to the clouds. Their wish just may come true as we planted Mammoth Sunflowers.

This week for our food tasting, the children tasted lemons. It was priceless to see the faces they made as they tasted the sour fruit. The activity began by giving them clues about the food. We talk about the parts of the lemon and used our senses to feel and smell before tasting. Most really seem to enjoy it even while puckering from its sourness.

Exciting News!
Our Painted Lady Butterflies have began emerging from their chrysalis!

Enjoy!
Mrs. Wilson and Miss Sharlene