Montessori Radmoor

Happy February!

January was conspicuously without snow locally, and the children do love playing in snow, so boy are we hopeful that February brings some snow!

It’s a nice balance with what we discuss each February – what one of our former students described as the “pinkest month of the year,” this month of Love. Each year in the classroom, right around this time, we discuss the heart. We talk about what the heart is, what it does and why it is connected to Valentine’s Day- the children always have so much to share about what they feel love is and how they show it.

This year in our community, we will celebrate Valentine’s Day on Tuesday, February 14th. We have a special snack and the children exchange valentines. For our exchange, please make sure that your child has enough valentines for ALL the children in our class- a total of 27 children. The valentines do NOT need to be addressed to a specific child, as many of the children distributing are not yet readers. We will be working on their valentine bags this week to prepare for our special day.

Looking ahead to next year – and observing this one

Thank you to those parents who were able to attend the Looking Ahead meetings that were held in mid-January.  I hope you enjoyed delving into a bit of the lessons your children are working on in a day in the life of our classroom environment.  I certainly enjoyed giving lessons to you, and appreciate the questions you had regarding the how’s and why’s of many of the activities.

It’s also been the time for visitors to attend our classroom, and questions sometimes come from those new parents who observe.  Because we have the opportunity to receive visitor feedback through your forms, we are able to address some of the inquiries regarding aspects of how our classroom functions.  So, this may be a great time to emphasize why freedom of movement is so essential to young children in the Montessori environment.

Some parents are amazed by the fact that with 27 students and three adults, that our room is as busy as it is, and also as quiet and organized as it is.  Maria Montessori knew that movement is important to children as they learn – and that’s movement between rugs or movement among work (such as finding the color blue in many areas of the classroom and labeling it).

We sometimes hear that movement of some children is distracting to others, or that some children cannot find work to do, or are wandering around the classroom.  Believe it or not, the wanderers can be learning too.  They can be observing works or behaviors and simply determining what lessons to ask for later.

By observing, they are learning and gaining confidence by seeing what other children are able to do.

Part of our job as parents and teachers is to encourage that confidence, then independence.  So, for example, this means emphasizing getting dressed in winter clothes (like snow pants and coats) by themselves.  The more practice your child gets, the quicker he will get at putting his clothes on and moving outside.  Zipping your child’s coat for her each day might tell her that she cannot do it herself. 

Celebrations past and present

Culturally, February is such an amazing month! We thank Jeanne Loh for coming in to give a presentation to us on Chinese New Year.  That is a highlight of the calendar because of the bright colors and years of animals.

Likewise, February is Black History Month! If there is anyone that would be interested in coming in and sharing a story, some history and accomplishments of African Americans in our community or elsewhere, famous or lesser-known, share a craft, or some yummy food with us, we would love to have you!  Please let me know if you are interested.

And, because you can never plan ahead far enough – International Night is coming in May, and Primary 3 has been given the continent of North America.  If you should have special artifacts or experience with the unique cultures that make up this continent we all share, please let me know – we really enjoy having parents share their expertise with us.

As always, thanks for reading. Please watch your email for messages regarding March conferences, as they are fast approaching!

 

Peace, Trish

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