One of the unique aspects of a Montessori classroom is a three-year learning cycle. This allows, ideally, a child to stay with the same teaching team, in the same classroom for three consecutive years. When students return to the same classroom, the transition moving into each school year is easier. The child feels at home much more quickly, since the environment, rules, routines, and people are all familiar. This continuity between school years is illustrated in our yard. Our decomposing pumpkin, which broke down, then sprouted, then wilted, in an aquarium in the classroom, was planted in May. The vines are now sprawling across the garden, and there are four pumpkins currently growing. The plan is to pick one of those pumpkins for a jack o'lantern, and keep another one for observation of decomposition this year. We also sprouted corn seeds inside last year, and then planted the young sprouts in our garden. The corn stalks are now at least six feet tall, and growing ears. What a reward for our efforts, and what a beautiful illustration of the circle of life! And then today, I saw an interesting sight on the classroom window. Last year, in the late spring, we were given a cluster of praying mantis eggs. When they hatched, we observed them for a few days, and then let them go in the wooded area by the playground. Well, today, a praying mantis visited our classroom! Truly a reminder of the work and learning that went into last year! I am grateful to all who decided to continue their learning journey in the Montessori Children's House, as well as those who are trusting us as their children's first teachers. Our focus is more than simply September through June, but the long-term goals and success of our students.
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Hello from the Montessori Children's House of St. Mary School of Swormville! We were pleased to meet several new friends today at First Lessons. We were also happy to see some returning friends, who grew tall over the short summer!
First, I'd like to introduce everyone to Miss Rachel, who will work in the Children's House this year with Miss Krista and myself. Miss Rachel has extensive Montessori experience, and we are so excited to have her join us! On Thursday, September 1, First Lessons and Orientation for Montessori 5-year-0lds will be held. They will also be able to take a ride on a school bus. First lessons will begin at 8:45 and end at 9 am. Phasing-in will begin on Wednesday, September 7. You should have received a phasing-in schedule in your welcome packet. The 3- and 4-year-olds will be in two groups, and each will have class for one hour. During this first day, your child's hour of classtime is when parents can attend Orientation with Gina Charland. The next day, Thursday, each group will have class for one and a half hours, and on Friday, each group will be in class for two hours, and the groups will be together for a time. This is an important step to easing your child into the school routine, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation. Five-year-olds will go for their normally scheduled day. On Monday, September 12, everyone will come for their normal schedule, and please begin wearing uniforms on that day. Very soon, all Montessori parents will receive an e-mail about our snack procedure. Each family will be responsible for one week's worth of snack during the school year. The coming letter will have more detail. Parents will also get a detailed description of our new drop-off procedure in the mornings. To prevent traffic congestion, Montessori drop-off will be at a different door than last year. Again, the communication will have a detailed description and a map explaining it all. For phasing-in, we ask that parents bring their students to the room, but please leave them at the door. A quick and cheerful goodbye, even for a crying child, is more effective than staying for "just one more minute." Please, if you have any questions or concerns, you can call me, Miss Teresa, at 1-716-435-5783, from 8 am - 8 pm. During classtime, I will not be able to answer the phone, but if you leave a message with a contact number and a good time to call you, I will. You can also reach me by e-mail, at [email protected]. I usually can answer e-mails within a day. |
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Ms. Teresa is just one of the three fantastic teachers in St. Mary's Montessori Children's House! |