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.
