We are closing out the first month of our new year, and the students have embraced our solar system, space and constellations studies with gusto.

Kindergartners methodically created their own paper version of the solar system after hearing lessons from Ms. Melissa and Ms. Diana about each planet.  

Keeping with Montessori practices of presenting material in a concrete way, the children were taught about our solar system through songs and movement.  During whole group instruction, one child was chosen to be the sun, another the earth and the third child represented the moon.  The proper rotation times were then recited; for instance “it takes 365 days for the earth to go around the sun” and “it takes 28 days for the moon to go around the earth.”

Completing a page about Mars.

An ample supply of planet books in our science area gave even our youngest students the chance to learn about our solar system.

On to a more earthly subject, considerable effort is used to teach and reinforce grace and courtesy in the classroom.  This week, Ms. Melissa delivered a lesson on using “please, thank you and excuse me.”  In a style that is direct, kind and simple, Ms. Melissa conveyed to the students the importance of using these words as they interact with each other and with the teachers.

It has a profound effect on the room when students are using their good manners.  As their interactions are respectful of each other, the room is more peaceful and deeper levels of concentration and learning are experienced in the space.

Giving a cultural lesson.

Let’s keep this process going both at home and at school.  We find that the more children use these terms in their daily interactions, the more natural and unprompted their responses become.

THANK YOUS

We were delighted by the presentation by Amalia (Guillermo’s mom) about Spain. In addition to good visuals, she reinforced her lesson by providing warm bread and olive oil for the children to eat.  Then she set up her juicer and the children tasted fresh orange juice!  Gracias!

Our children were also treated to a fun and edible lesson in the kitchen as Karri (Gabrielle’s mom) and Mae (Vivian’s mom) made fruit and cheese rocket ships on a stick.  Delicious, fun and in line with our current solar system studies.  Thanks!

REMINDERS

Wednesday, 2/1 is kindergarten enrollment information night at 5:00pm for the 2017-18 school year.  All families who have currently enrolled pre-K children are encouraged to attend.

Thursday, 2/2 is 1st grade enrollment information night at 5:00pm for the 2017-18 school year.  All families who have currently enrolled kindergarten children are encouraged to attend.

Completing an addition equation, using stamp box materials.

Tuesday, 2/7 is Parent/Child night where your child demonstrates favorite works in the classroom.  Families whose names end in A-M are invited to the classroom from 5:00pm-5:45pm.  Families whose names end in N-Z are invited to the classroom from 5:45pm-6:30pm.

Friday, 2/10 is the PTO Family Dance from 5:00pm-8:00 pm, you won’t want to miss this!!

SNACK AND FLOWER THANKS

A great big thanks to Willow, Morgan, and their families for providing delicious snacks and beautiful flowers for our classroom.

Snowflake matching job (not an easy task).

Happy new year to all of our families!  We have gotten off to a great start this year, as each of the children returned to school eager and ready to meet the challenges of being in a Montessori classroom.  

A quiet, engaged hum has descended upon the room as we see the children working with purpose, concentration, and looks of deep satisfaction.  

We are focused on learning about the solar system, space, and the constellations during the month of January.

Learning about our solar system is always fun as we begin to explore amazing concepts like how big the sun really is in relation to the planets, and could we live on other planets.  

Using a spatula to scoop out “planets” and “stars.”

We sing a planet song that describes the order of the planets and the fact that they all rotate around the sun.

Language acquisition in a Montessori classroom is a continuous process where real terminology (names of the planets, vertebrate, invertebrate, etc.) is introduced and practiced regularly.

Blue step board work;
matching shapes.

Now would be a good time to watch a sunset with your child and experience the transition from day to night (the rotation of Earth on its axis).

Kindergarten work and art being done at the same table.

Although it appears like Earth is stationary in space, our planet is actually moving 67,000 miles per hour around the sun.  It takes 365 days for Earth to make a full rotation around the sun.

Shoe polishing, developing fine motor skills and concentration.

Looking up at the night sky can also fuel wonder in your child as they begin to tune into the natural environment around them.

Completing a multiplication problem.

As we were making our January calendars with a depiction of the Big Dipper, we learned that literally the same calcium that makes up the human skeleton was created originally in the birth of our sun.  We really are made up of stardust.

Completing the decimal layout.

REMINDERS:

No school on Monday, 1/16 in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Building words, in Spanish.

Working with the 0-9, hanging bead frame.

Learning to tie a shoe.

THANKS:

Thanks to Gabriel and his family for bringing in delicious and healthy snacks for our classroom.

Matching letters on the blue step board.

Working on a Spanish language job.

Working in our cultural area.

Doing the “100 board.”

Squishing black play dough in her hands.