Montessori Classroom News September 28, 2017

Jesus loves children

Mark 10:13-16

In our bible story last week, we learned that Jesus was angry when he heard his disciples sending children away. Jesus welcomed the children to come to him, explaining that children are important to God.

Song: Jesus Loves Me

We sing this traditional song to a different tune and add another verse:

Jesus loves me, this I know

For the bible tells me so.

Little ones to him belong;

They are weak but he is strong

Na na na…

Jesus loves us, everyone

Every grown-up, daughter, son

Every culture, every shade,

In God’s image we are made

Health & Wellness

A major theme we discuss and teach is how we can take care of ourselves and be healthy – the food we eat, being active, getting rest, etc. At this time of year, we also talk about germs that can make us sick! In addition to handwashing, we practice “catching” coughs and sneezes in our elbow. Teaching children to cover their mouths with an arm/elbow is recommended because children won’t remember or be able to wash their hands every time they cough or sneeze, and germs on their hand quickly spread to any surface they touch!

Upcoming Events

Saturday, Sept. 30, 12-5pm

Hearts and Hands Festival

Street festival on Jasper Street – food, crafts, music, dancing, and performances

Tuesday, Oct. 3

Field Trip. Please sign and return permission form!

Montessori Classroom News September 22, 2017

Back-to-School Night Recap:

Ms. Kristin, Ms. Ivette and I are all enjoying getting to know our new students and reconnecting with our returning students. We love the important work we get to do of helping children learn and develop. Your child’s brain grows and changes more in the first six years of life than in all the rest of their life! These early years give us parents and teachers the best opportunity to positively impact each child’s brain!

Poem of the Week

10 Little Fingers

I have 10 little fingers

And they all belong to me!

I can do many things with them – would you like to see?

I can close them up tight,

I can open them wide.

I can put them together

And I can make them hide.

I can raise them up high,

I can put them down low.

I can fold them together

And hold them just so.

We are Marching in the Light of God

This is a song we often sing walking to and from the park for recess (after we sneak past the other classrooms as quiet as foxes!)

We are marching in the light of God (4x)

We are marching, oh, we are marching in the light of God.

Caminamos en la luz de Dios (4x)

Caminamos, oh, Caminamos en la luz de Dios.

Fall is here!

We celebrated the beginning of fall today, singing “Happy Fall to You” (tune of Happy Birthday). We noticed the color of the leaves on the trees and took a nature walk in the park

A song about the seasons:

(tune: Old McDonald had a farm)

Winter, spring, summer, fall;

These are our 4 seasons

Every year we have them all –

Winter, spring, summer, fall.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, Sept. 30, 12-5pm

Hearts and Hands Festival

Street festival on Jasper Street – food, crafts, music, dancing, and performances

Montessori Classroom News September 14, 2017

We had a great first week of school and are excited about the year ahead! Our goal for the first few weeks is for the children to feel connected, comfortable, and confident in the classroom. The children are learning the expectations, procedures, and culture of the class. Taking the time to establish a strong learning environment in the first few weeks allows us to focus on in-depth, individualized learning the rest of the year.

Poem of the Week:

 The Apple Tree

Way up high in the apple tree

Two little apples smiled at me.

I shook that tree as hard as I could;

Down came the apples

Mmmm, they were good.

 This week we are talking about how we treat one another in the classroom. The children enjoy singing our “teamwork song” – see if your child will teach you some of the signs.

The more we get together, together, together;

The more we get together the happier we’ll be.

For your friends are my friends

and my friends are your friends

The more we get together the happier we’ll be

(other verses – the more we sing/play/work together…).

What is Montessori?

An active, hands-on approach to learning – children learn by doing!!!

An approach that understands how children best learn and develop, and deeply respects each child as a unique, capable, intelligent individual.

Individualized lessons – teachers guide each child through the curriculum at their own pace.

Montessori teaches academic skills as well as problem-solving skills, confidence, responsibility and kindness