April was a busy month as we learned about the rainforests of the world.  We took a closer look at the Amazon Rainforest in South America by learning about the different layers of the rainforest and the animals that live in them.  We also took a look at some of the items we use everyday that originated in the rainforest such as bananas, cocoa, vanilla, pineapple, rubber, rice, oranges, bamboo, different types of woods and medicines.

We also spent some time learning about birds.  These feathered animals are vertebrates, breathe with lungs, and lay eggs.  We had some interesting lessons on birds that do not fly, such as penguins, ostriches and emus.

We also discovered flowers growing in the school garden and the Outdoor Classroom and did some planting with Ms. Gayle.  Students were able to take their flowers home in a biodegradable ice cream cone that can be planted in a garden.

At the end of the month, Ms. Kini did a wonderful presentation for all the students on different aspects of South America.  She brought in items from Peru and Brazil and showed the location of these countries on the map.  She read 2 stories about children and families from Brazil, shared a Carnival Mask making project and taught the children some Samba dancing.

Please enjoy these photos of our month in P1!

Photos of April work in P1

This month all the Primary classrooms completed a service project.  We collected supplies for  The Lullaby Connection, a nonprofit organization here in Henderson that provides diapers, clothing and other items for at risk infants.  So many items were donated during the first week of our service project that we needed to drop them off, then continue for another week!   Thank you for all your generosity and support!

Photos of Donations for the Lullaby Connection

May is right around the corner and with it, our last month of school!  We will be learning about insects and how they are important to our world.  We will also be revisiting the continent of Africa (our class represented Africa on International Children’s Day back in October).  We do have some important dates to remember for May:

Friday, May 14 – Field Day from 9:00 – 10:00.  Students will need to bring a swimsuit and towel for this fun filled morning with Coach Bob.

Tuesday, May 18 – Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony at 1:00

Friday, May 21 – Last Day of School

P1 Blog for April 15

One of our goals in Montessori education is to help children understand the natural world around them.  We do this in a variety of ways including plant and animal studies throughout the year, gardening in the courtyard and Outdoor Classroom, literature and experiments in class, and simply spending time outside.  These activities build connections to nature.

Why is this important?

Gardening allows children to gain understanding of where our food comes from and what plants need in order to live and grow.  Learning about trees and plants also helps children understand that these plants give us fresh air to breathe and provide homes and food for animals.  Spending time outside, exploring, playing and learning gives children a connection to the world they live in and as well as a respect for nature. 

Playing in nature builds confidence.  Indoor play tends to be very structured, but there are infinite creative ways to interact with outdoor environments.  Letting children choose how they play outside not only gives them power over their own actions, but  allows them to design their own activities which promotes creativity and imagination.  Nature provides stimulation for the senses with so many things to see, hear, smell and touch. Nature also provides the opportunity for movement.  Walking, riding a bike, hiking or running across a field of grass are all great ways to get exercise.  This can not only help to increase focus in children, it decreases stress.

What are some ways you can build a love of nature with your child? 

Hiking

Gardening

Camping

Spend time at parks

Enjoying time in your backyard

Here is a link to an article about the importance of connecting children with nature.

Why Connect with Nature?

Here are some pictures of the P1 students enjoying nature in the garden, the Outdoor classroom, at recess and at P.E. with Coach Bob.

April 15 Blog Photos

This month we are also doing a service project by donating supplies to The Lullaby Connection, an organization that provides essential items to underprivileged babies here in our community.  If you would like to donate items, The Lullaby Connection has requested new baby clothes (onesies are great), diapers sizes 1-3 and baby hygiene items such as baby wash, baby shampoo, hand sanitizer and baby wipes.  We will be collecting donations until the end of the day on Friday April 23, then delivering the supplies to The Lullaby Connection.  

Thank you for your support!

Ms. Melissa, Ms. Diana and Ms. Kini