Happy new year!  Settling back into our school routine after our recent winter break, came easily to our students as they were reminded of the four simple rules governing our classroom: “show respect for the environment, the jobs, ourselves and to practice being kind to each other.”

Eager to try the myriad of new jobs placed on the shelves; the children moved quietly around the room taking jobs off the shelves, digging into the use of the materials and then returning the work to their proper places.

The hush of the room confirmed the level of engagement in our classroom, allowing many opportunities for the teachers to quietly observe the focused activities of the students.

 In the Montessori classroom quiet, focused attention is achieved when each of the students has reached a true level of independence and are able to move from one completed task to another.

 A “normalized” classroom is a  term used to describe the collective feeling that the classroom as  a whole is working. Materials are being used with intent and purpose, interactions between students are easy and communal and there is a flow of activity that is clearly productive.

When a visitor steps into a normalized Montessori classroom, there is a tangible impression that the children are content in their roles as learners and that the teachers are actually there to guide the process.

 Even when the children have differences among themselves, a teacher can influence the resolution process, but the real work of settling disputes rests with the children.

In a normalized room the students have the tools and the desire to engage peacefully. The overall atmosphere in the room is conducive for deeper learning as the children experience a quiet of mind and an openness to the depth of learning available to them.

We are studying the solar system and constellations this month and encourage you to spend a little time with your child looking at the night sky, observing the moon and even experiencing a full sunset with them.

Small moments like these can leave a lasting impression upon your child, igniting a passion for learning about the natural world around them.

REMINDERS

We are pleased to announce a uniquely Montessori parenting education opportunity you won’t want to miss.  Mark your calendar for a visit to FMS on Thursday, January 29th at 5:30p.m. for a speaking engagement by Betsy Holke.

“Betsy Hoke is a Master Trainer for the Gurian Institute and an Education Consultant working with private, public and charter schools across the country and abroad.  A Colorado teacher and administrator for 39 years, she joined the Gurian Institute’s training staff in 2006. After graduating from DePauw University in English and Secondary Education, she completed her Montessori early childhood teaching certification in London, England.

As the Head of School at Montessori School of Evergreen for 29 years, she expanded the program from a small preschool to a school of 300 students ages 2 through middle school while continuing to teach for many years at the preschool/kindergarten level. She is currently an instructor at Montessori Education Center of the Rockies, teaching Montessori Philosophy and Classroom Leadership to future Montessori teachers at the early childhood level. “

No school on Monday, January 19th in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

The Primary classes went on a “global safari” this week, with our enthusiastic guide, as she brought rescued animals to the multi-purpose room and we traveled through six of the seven continents looking at animals indigenous to those locations.

The “milk snake” hails from North America and got its name from the dairy farmers who would often find this type of snake trying to help themselves to milk fresh from the cows.  We saw a red-headed parrot from Europe whose green-headed mate does all the food gathering for her, allowing this beauty to spend most of her time sitting on her eggs in their nest.

 

A lizard (has eyelids, allowing them to blink) who looked very much like a snake, came from Australia and when in danger, will drop its very long tail and throw the hunter off its trail. We saw a tortoise from Africa who only eats at sunrise and sunset and a “side neck” water turtle from Asia whose neck can bend to the side when he feels like he is in danger.

Our safari glided to a sweet stop with an adorable chinchilla from South America, who was placid enough to endure gentle pats on the back from four classes of primary aged children..

A hearty thanks to Paxton and Saagar and their families for providing delicious snacks  for our classroom.