The Gazette
February 2015
A month of sharing and genorisity
During circle time, children continue to express themselves on a myriad of subjects. However, we are noticing that children have started to listen to each other better. There is more respect and interest when others speak. In the beginning, it was very much about 'me' and today, children are more concerned, curious and attentive when their peers speak.
When we celebrated Valentine's Day together, children displayed such joy in sharing and giving to their classmates. It was a fantastic opportunity to work on a 'grace and curtesy' exercise. When children arrived to school they placed their cards into our class mailbox and when it was time, children were able to deliver them. We spent quite a lot of time with both classes on this exercise. We really wanted to emphasize the importance of writing or giving something to someone. Therefore, each child collected his or her Valentines and presented them to each child, saying something like; 'This is for you, Kirill, Happy Valentine's Day'. The child would then respond: 'Thank you, Elizabeth, Happy Valentine's Day'. It was also neat to see that so many children had addressed their Valentines and signed them. Thank you very much, parents for taking the time to do this with your children.
Ms. Songul, Ms. Bridget and I also wanted to thank you for all the Valentine cards, crafts and goodies; what a treat!
Geography Center
Generally, when we begin working on the geography center, we start by showing a child a picture of the planet earth. We talk about how this is our planet, our home and that we need to take care of it. Next, we introduce the globes and have children observe that the earth is made up of water and land. As we continue our study, we begin to introduce terms like continent and ocean. Very quickly we present the continent puzzle map sensorially, without giving the language. After a child has used this map a few times, we introduce the names of the continents (three at a time). When a child is ready, we introduce the North America puzzle map. Once again, only when the child has worked on this puzzle several times, sensorially, we will begin introducing the countries in North America (three at a time).
One presentation that children absolutely love, is creating the Montessori landforms. This lesson consists of creating clay models of: island/lake contrasts. peninsula/gulf and isthmus and strait. As this work can be a bit messy, some prefer to observe and participate in the lesson orally. On another day, I enjoy inviting children to look on the globe to try find the landforms previously presented.
These materials encourage children to cherish our world. Children gain a better understanding and knowledge of their environment and surroundings. As these lessons are carried out in a sensorial way, children will get a better grasp of how big our earth is and their 'place' in it. There can be lessons on climate, landscape and fauna (these lessons are currently being developed). All of these materials can be a springboard to introduce culture, allowing children to develop an appreciation for other countries/cultures. The ultimate goal of these Montessori works, is to create active participants in the global community.
Children are very fond of our geography works. Having them available in the classroom, allow us to make connections for children straight away. For example, when a child goes on vacation, whether it be in the US or abroad, we can take and examine our maps more closely (By the way, please send us mail when you go away! Children are very enthusiastic about receiving mail from you). In addition, I think it makes something as simple as learning the pledge of allegiance, less abstract.
Landforms
Amaryllis
Thank you Garden Club for the Amaryllis
Now that our Amaryliss has bloomed, we can also describe the color, shape of petals and observe the third bud that has not opened. It is also a wonderful prelude to spring as we will start talking more and more about planting. We very much appreciate the donation from the Garden Club.
Flowers for flower arranging work
Thank you so much to the parents who have been bringing in bananas, carrots and extra supplies, we greatly appreciate your thoughtfulness.