Hello, all! We have been talking about apples this month. We have been learning about the life cycle of apples, the parts of apples, and sampling different kinds of apples. To end this unit, we are going to be making homemade applesauce, starting tomorrow, Tuesday September 27. I brought in a hand-cranked machine that peels, cores, and slices an apple. Then the slices will be put into a slow-cooker, and where it will simmer until it's ready to be tasted the next day.
Another thing that is happening Tuesday and Wednesday is our school's service project. It involves bringing in recyclable bottles (NO GLASS) to help raise money. The theme is "giving drink to the thirsty." On another note, something we do every day in class is pray. We have a morning prayer at circle, which goes like this: Thank you God, for this new day In my school to work and play. Please be with me all day long, in every story, game, and song. Maybe all the happy things we do, make you, our Father, happy, too! Before every special class (Spanish or Music or P.E.), we say our Learn, Lead, Serve prayer. Miss Rachel is teaching the children to also say it in sign language! Dear Lord, Let me Learn with enthusiasm, Lead with humility, and Serve with respect. Amen. The Montessori students are all settling in. Routines are becoming more familiar, and the children are growing more comfortable with each other! It's an exciting time of blossoming friendships, as well as each child's discovery of their own interests. They are beginning to understand that they may choose their own work, and that we expect them to choose something that they enjoy and will truly keep their attention. Using this framework, a Montessori student is making progress when they stop asking us, "What can I do?" and instead tell us, "This is what I want to work on." If work is unfamiliar, the expectation is that they will ask for a lesson. A teacher will demonstrate the work, then put it away so that the student may choose it next. Next month, our theme will be deciduous trees and all things FALL. Have a great week!
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Hello, all! Our Montessori class had our first Special subject today, and it was Music with Mr. Sean Polen. The children had a great time dancing with scarves to familiar tunes. We also sing every day in the classroom. Some parents have told us that their children are singing songs, but that they can't catch all the words, so I thought I'd post the lyrics of some of most popular songs that we tend so sing all year long. To get everyone's attention, we say a poem called, "Open them, Shut them." Open them, shut them, (open and close hands) Open them, shut them. Give a little clap (clap, clap). Open them, shut them, Open them, shut them, Put them in your lap (lap, lap). Creep them, creep them right up to your chin, (walk fingers up to chin) Open up your little mouth...... But do not let them in! (quickly put hands behind back) Miss Krista's favorite song that she teaches the children is called "Peace in our Fingers" I've got peace, peace, peace in my fingers. Watch what I can do! I've got peace, peace, peace in my fingers, And I want to hold hands with you. I've got words, words, words in my head. Watch what I can do! I've got words, words, words in my head, And I want to talk things over with you. I've got love, love, love in my heart. Watch what I can do! I've got love, love, love in my heart, And I want to give some to you. I've got peace, peace, peace in my fingers, words, words, words in my head, love, love, love in my heart, And I want to give some to you! We also sing a song called "Community." Community means we are one, We are one. We are one. Community means we are one, Friends forever! Miss Rachel enjoys a calming song that also helps focus our attention at circle. Zum gali gali gali zum gali gali. Zum gali gali gali zum gali gali Zum gali gali gali zum gali gali Zum gali gali gali Zum. Peace was meant for our classroom, Our classroom was meant for peace. Peace was meant for our classroom. Our classroom was meant for peace. (Back to Zum gali gali gali....) We don't just sing for fun, we also sing for learning. We have a days of the week song that goes with the tune, "Found a Peanut." There are seven days, there are seven days, there are seven days a week, There are seven days, there are seven days, there are seven days a week. Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday. Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday. Also our Months of the Year song, to the tune of "Michael Finegan." January, February, March, April, May, June, July and August, September, October, November, December. Those are the twelve months of the year. We also sing the "Continent Song" every time we use the world map or globe. There are seven continents in the world, And this is what they are. North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia. Don't forget Australia, Don't forget Antarctica. North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia. Well, we've gotten through our first week! Thank you to all families for your patience during phasing in. As you might have seen, it is stressful for children to go to a new classroom, and at this young age, this stress can manifest in tears, tantrums, lots of questions, and clinginess to Mom and Dad. The very important work of absorbing the new environment, meeting new people, and adjusting to a new routine can leave a child tired for the first few weeks. This is normal, and completely expected. A good bedtime, a calm morning routine, and loving reassurance is often enough to help a reluctant student look forward to school.
I have taken photos of our friends hard at work during this week. Please look under the heading, "A Peek Inside the Classroom." I will keep taking photos and update this page often. On Monday, we begin our normal drop-off procedures, in which we assist children with getting out of the cars. A teacher will be by the door by the new church from 7:40 to 7:50 am. A map was sent home to illustrate the entrance off Stahley Dr. that goes into a circle by the back doors. We also ask that all students wear uniforms beginning Monday. Uniform attire includes sneakers. Sneakers are mandatory for using the gymnasium, and also safer for classroom and playground use. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. My personal phone number is 716-435-5783, or you may e-mail me at mch1@stmaryschoolswormville, org. This information is also permanently on the "Contact" page of this website. Miss Krtista, Miss Rachel, and I are looking forward to a fun, productive, and exciting year with our students and their families! |
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Ms. Teresa is just one of the three fantastic teachers in St. Mary's Montessori Children's House! |