As we approach the end of March, it’s hard to believe spring break is just around the corner.

March was filled with different experiences from Asia, including discovering various animals that live in that part of the world, learning about different writing styles used in China and Japan, and how other children live and go to school.

We also had a great deal of excitement as we learned about dinosaurs.  Children love the idea of these often enormous animals that roamed the world millions of years ago.

We had interesting discussions about the differences between herbivores (plant eating dinosaurs) and carnivores (meat eating dinosaurs).

Working, using her Spanish language skills.

We are grateful to all of the families who met with us during conferences, giving us the chance to speak face to face about your child and the overall growth we have seen throughout the school year.

We know that an integral part of a Montessori education is the support that parents bring to the process.  A willingness to see that individualized, hands on approach to education is worth the effort and cost.

Binomial cube lesson being given.

Practicing with the trinomial cube.

We have observed that the most valuable Montessori experience occurs when the school environment and the home environment have symmetry, creating a true learning community for our children.

Kindergartners enjoying a chapter book party celebrating having finished reading “Not My Father’s Dragon.”

Upcoming field trip news:

On Thursday, April 20th, P1 and P2 students will be going on a field trip to Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary which is home to birds, goats, emus, and many other animals.  In 1920, a 1500-acre parcel of land was purchased by Leonard and Elda Gilcrease.  Over the years they ranched the land and then eventually gave the current parcel to the city to create a sanctuary where animals can be brought and cared for.

Special thanks to Karen  (Willow’s grandmother) for giving us a wonderful  tour of South Korea, and the many wonderful experiences she had visiting the country.

REMINDERS

Friday, April 7th is half-day dismissal at 11:15.  Spring break is from April 10 – April 14. Teacher in-service is on Monday, April 17.  School resumes on Tuesday, April 18.

We will be studying South America, parts of the flower, birds, and environmental awareness during the month of April.  If you have experience with any of these subjects and would like to make a short presentation (15-20 minutes) to our class, please let us know.  The children and the teachers really enjoy these interactions.

“Scrubbing a table” using large motor skills.

THANKS

A great big thanks to Johnny and Vanessa and their families for providing delicious snacks and beautiful flowers for our classroom.

FMS embraces Dr. Seuss Day with unbridled enthusiasm because Theodor Seuss Geisel was an inspired humorist and author.

Every year in March, the entire campus celebrates the author’s birthday with activities focused around  literature penned by Dr. Seuss.  Children are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Dr. Seuss character and we explore different ways of inspiring our students to experience the whimsy and depth of his stories.  

Part of the joy of reading his books is his genius for creating interesting and fanciful stories that rhyme.  Rhyming is a skill that we weave into our language curriculum and is an invaluable tool for reading development.

It is especially helpful for early readers to experience literature from this playful and humorous vantage point.

We were very grateful for the parents who helped to make our Dr. Seuss day so fun.  Diana (Gabriel’s mom) cut all the materials for our “Cat in the Hat” craft, and then Janell (Sydney’s mom) beautifully managed the table where the children did the craft.

Our snack for the day was cooked by the children under the careful supervision of Karri (Gabrielle’s mom) and Mae (Vivian’s mom).  Green eggs and ham never tasted so good. Thank you all for your help.

As we embark on our trip to the Montessori Conference, we are excited to be among Montessori teachers from around the country.  It is a great time to hear new ideas and see different ways of presenting materials.

Some of our favorite authors and presenters will be there such as Ms. Sonnie McFarland, author of “The Inner Light of the Child.”  We use her text as the backbone of our peace curriculum.

Special thanks to Will and Nancy Grounds (Valentina’s parents) for teaching our class about Australia.  

It is always appreciated to have parents come in and share their cultural experiences about the continent we are studying.  Here is the schedule for the remainder of the year:

March:  Asia

April:     South America

May:     Africa

REMINDERS:

Parent/teacher conferences are set for the afternoon of 3/23 and all day on 3/24.  Half day dismissal for students on 3/23 will be at 11:15am and no school for students on 3/24.

Saturday, April 1 is the PTO Family Fun Run.  See you all there!

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