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.

Learning about islands and lakes.

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 getting a sense of the vastness of space.  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 is introduced and practiced regularly.

Feeling an iceberg and using a polar bear model.

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).  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. You also may want to point out the moon and explain that it orbits our Earth in a 28 day cycle.  Looking up at the night sky can also fuel wonder in your child as they begin to tune into the natural environment around them.

Exploring pine cones with a magnifying glass.

Completing the decimal layout.

REMINDERS

Kindergarten enrollment information night is on Wednesday, 1/30 at 5:00.  A great opportunity to learn about what makes the FMS Montessori Kindergarten program so special.  

First grade enrollment information night is on Thursday, 1/31 at 5:00.  Enjoy a thorough description of making a smooth transition from our primary to our lower elementary grade level, including the diverse and rich curriculum.

Friday, 2/1 is our PTO Family Dance from 5:30-9:00 at the Henderson Convention Center.  You may purchase tickets for this school-wide event in the courtyard starting on Monday 1/14.

Tuesday, 2/5 is our second Parent/Child Night: Students whose last names begins with  A-M (4:15-5:00) and students whose last name begins with N-Z (5:00-5:45)

Celebrating a chapter book party in Kindergarten:

THANKS:

Thanks to Ben, Penelope, Carl and their families for supplying healthy and beautiful snacks, in addition to flowers for our classroom.

Constructing an igloo.