Finally, we got a bit of the white stuff! And for a few days, there has been enough snow for our kiddos to play. Thank you everyone for dressing your children according to the weather. Of course, we want all of their cold weather gear to stay together. That is why it is so very important to label every piece of clothing. Initials even help. Also, we have been teaching our students to keep their hats and gloves in the sleeves of their coats, which keeps things more organized than setting those things into a cubby shared with another child. Additionally, when children dress themselves, it makes them more aware of what is theirs and what is not.
On another note, Valentine's Day is approaching. Traditionally, a Montessori classroom does not hold elaborate holiday parties. We want celebrations to be meaningful, not overwhelming, to the children. That said, Valentine cards are a great opportunity for our kids to practice signing their names, use grace and courtesy, and value friendship. If you send in valentines (and it is up to you whether you do), please make sure there are cards for every child. Addressing valentines to each and every child by name is not necessary. Please don't send in candy; it becomes a distraction to the meaning of the holiday. Of course, we encourage children to express friendship to each other every day. This is just another opportunity for that.
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The Montessori Class is reading and discussing the old tale, "Stone Soup." It is a story of cooperation and sharing. In that spirit, I would like to invite all of our families to contribute a little something toward a classroom cooking project. I will provide the "magic" stone and the crockpot. Look for the sign up sheet outside the Montessori Children's House to volunteer an ingredient. Please sign up for only one ingredient, and for the quantity asked. You may have some or most of these things in your kitchen right now! Please bring ingredients by Wednesday, January 27, so that we can prepare the soup, give it time to simmer, and enjoy it on Thursday, January 28.
Full Ingredient Sign-Up List:
January is the month we explore the geological aspects of our earth. The Montessori children are exploring with rocks, and minerals. We're learning that the earth is covered by rock, and this layer of rock determines all the land forms we see. We've read a book about mountains, and discussed how volcanos erupt. Small pieces of different colored play-dough were sprinkled on a tray, and then pressure was applied, to demonstrate how sedimentary rocks are formed. We've learned the definitions of islands, archipelagos, and peninsulas, among others.
Our students are also attracted to the magnet lessons (yes, pun intended!). We can sort objects by whether or not they are magnetic, test the strength of different magnets, and build with magnets. On another note, winter is here, both by date, and now, by weather. We know that on the way to school, the car can be warm, so that your little guys might not want to wear all of their winter gear, but please send in labeled gloves, a hat, and boots every day that has a forecasted (windchill-factored) temperature of 25 degrees or greater. Snowpants can either be sent in and kept at school, or can travel back and forth each day. If your child takes the bus, simply let us know if they need to go home. Children share cubbies, so labeling every piece is important. We also need to make sure that (labeled) sneakers are available to wear every day. Sneakers are more comfortable for wearing throughout the day, and those without sneakers cannot participate when we play in the gym. Again, if you want to leave a pair of sneakers at school, they can be kept in the cubby, otherwise, they can travel in the bookbag. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Lastly, please don't hesitate to call with any questions or concerns. My contact information is on this website. |
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Ms. Teresa is just one of the three fantastic teachers in St. Mary's Montessori Children's House! |