Montessori Radmoor

12/22/17

Hello Families!

Celebrating Diversity

This week we have been learning about the different ways that people celebrate this time of the year. We read books about Kwanza, Hanukkah and Christmas. We also had some special guests come in so we could learn more about Hanukkah and light the menorah together. A special thank you to Linsay Conn and Tracey Epley! 

One focus of conversation was learning about different religions so we could understand them and to celebrate with each other! The children really have enjoyed exploring the beliefs of others. 

We also were busy making holiday gifts for others. The idea of gift giving helps promote generosity and thoughtfulness within children. Giving gifts also takes the spotlight off of their own wish lists and teaches them how much fun it can be to give to other people.

We sent everything at your child’s coat hook home for break so it can be washed and replenished, as need be. When school starts back up again, please be sure to send your child to school with a spare set of clothing (to be put in the bag at their coat hook with their name on it), a pair of indoor shoes, and outdoor gear appropriate for the temperatures.

I hope everyone has a wonderful break and Happy Holidays!

Peace,

Ms. Sara, Ms. Danielle and Mr. Ben 

 

12/15/17

Hello Families!

Our classroom as a whole is working on our mindful choices. This week we are focusing on thinking. We have each letter of the word THINK representing something we need to check before we say or do something. Before the children say or do something, they should ask themselves:

Is what I am about to say or do……

T: Truthful

H: Helpful

I: Inspiring

N: Necessary

K: Kind

If they answer no to any of these questions, their actions or words are not necessary to do or say. This has been a great tool to refer to with the children when we are problem solving. Also, it is just a great tool to use to have the children be mindful about what they are saying or doing. This could be a helpful tool to use at home with your children as well.

We have been busy working on our math facts and spelling as usual. In addition to that, in geography and history we have been learning about continental drift and tectonic plates. Some students have really taken an interest in Pangea and what our world looked like 200 million years ago!

Second levels are working on geography charts dealing with the temperature of our days and nights. In one lesson, we crossed our curriculum over to art and learned about different shades of colors.

Next week, we will be doing some art projects and baking. Please send your child to school in clothes that are able to get messy.

Lastly, know this is a busy time of year and many people are traveling. If you will be traveling and your child will not be in school, please be sure to send me an email. 

Peace,

Ms. Sara, Ms. Danielle & Mr. Ben

Week of 12/1/17

Hello Families!
 
When we come back to school after a long weekend, it is always a good time to review the guidelines and procedures of our classroom.
 
One procedure we focused on in our room this week was being mindful of our work space. We talked about the importance of keeping all of our materials either on our rug, or neatly stacked at our table space. This ensures a tidy working environment for all.
 
Another thing we have been focusing on is being mindful of the decisions we make. We described being mindful as being careful and aware of our well thought out choices. We talked about having a purpose for our actions and not acting on impulse.
 
One example of this is when our movable alphabet was dropped in the middle of the room. Usually, students want to swarm the dreaded mess, however, this week, students just looked up from their work and after seeing one person going to help clean it up, they began their work again. While it is nice that many people usually want to help clean up the mess, students noticed that there was help already offered and they would be best suited still focusing on their work.
 
Our big hit lesson for this week was geometric math. Many students started depicting multiplication problems on graph paper. “This is the best lesson ever, Ms. Sara, can I make a book of these math problems?” It is always great to hear that enthusiasm in the students. In the coming weeks, we will go from not only depicting the problems on graph paper, but adding all of the products up to get a final answer.
 
We have our bake sale Monday, December 4th through Wednesday December 6th. Please see iVolunteer to opportunities to volunteer to help sell CLICK HERE!
 
Please note that the field trip for December 5th has been canceled.
 
We have community lunch on Friday, December 9th.
 
As the weather is getting colder, please be sure to send your child with clothing appropriate for the temperatures.
 
Peace,
Ms. Sara, Ms. Danielle and Mr. Ben

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