The Gazette
Back to School September 2014
Getting to Know your Children
It is hard to believe that the month of September is coming to a close. We were thrilled to welcome back both returning and new children to our Flexible Children's House classroom.
This is my second school year at The North Shore Montessori School. This September's experience was quite different from last year's, as we were very fortunate to welcome back 11 children. As we currently have a total number of 21 children in the M/W/F class, the 11 returning children, played an important role in welcoming our 10 new children to the classroom. The impact their role had on the class was delightful. New children were able to observe from day one, what goes on in the classroom. They had older children showing them where things were and how certain works were done. Returning children were happy to start school and pick off where they had left off; this positive influence encouraged newer children to explore the classroom with ease.
As for the Tuesday/Thursday Children's House Class, there are currently 13 children attending, 7 of which were new this September. Therefore, we had a very similar experience; the 6 returning children gave this class the much needed stability a Tu/Th classroom needs.
Over the last three weeks, Ms. Songul, Ms. Bridget and I have had the pleasure of getting to know your children. Your children have adapted to their environment very well. Your support and confidence helped to make the transition go smoothly.
Your children have all had a few works presented to them by now. When they arrive in the morning they have a well established routine. I have observed that once the children have been greeted, they are spending less and less time removing jackets, backpacks and shoes. Next, some children may socialize for a few minutes before finding a work, while others choose a work right away or even ask for a new work to be presented to them. This is extremely important as it shows that they are comfortable in their new environment.
Many Practical Life Exercises have been presented. These exercises are intended for several reasons. First of all, they allow children to feel more comfortable in the classroom as they recognize and have already used most of the objects found on the shelves. Secondly, these materials allow children to work on fine motor skills. They encourage children to slow down and pay attention to their movements. As Practical Life materials are real life objects that are breakable, children gain self-confidence and appreciate the fact that we (the adults) also have confidence in them. There have been a few water pitchers or bowls broken but that is part of the learning process. We don't reprimand a child for breaking something, but encourage him or her to help clean it up. We take the time to talk about how to hold and carry fragile objects. These materials encourage children to take care of things by keeping them clean, dry, orderly and in once piece. Practical Life exercises help children concentrate so that they can move on to more challenging work later on. These exercises are also done by older children as they are considered 'restful' works especially after a more challenging work.
I have spent some time focusing on Practical Life in this newsletter, but your children have been doing many other things of course! Some are busy working on Sensorial while others are exploring the Sandpaper Letters. Some children are concentrating more on Mathematics. I have been able to observe and better understand what your childrens' needs are. I have a lesson plan for each of your children. When I present a work to your child it is because I feel he or she is ready and interested in the work.
Some Practical Life Works
Table Washing
Sewing
Sweeping
Specials
Monday-
Gym - with Ms. Annie.
Library- with Ms. Kimberly
Children can take out a book from the school's library weekly. Library books are due back to the classroom on Monday mornings.
*Please make sure that your child wears or brings in sneakers on his or her gym days.
Tuesday-
Gym-with Ms. Annie
Wednesday-
Music-with Ms. Lisa
Gym-with Ms. Annie
Thursday-
Music- with Ms. Lisa
Gym- 5 day-ers go to gym instead of attending music.
Friday-
Art
Some Reminders
*If you haven't completed your Friendship List Form, please do A.S.A.P. I would like to share this information with our classroom family. Once I have heard from all the families I will back- pack our updated Friendship list. If you would like me to email you the document please let me know.
*School is closed on Monday, October 13th.
*Please sign up for November Conferences if you haven't done so already. If possible, please come into the classroom to sign up. If you are unable to come into the building please email me.
*Birthday Celebrations for the month of October:
October 1st- Jace
October 7th-Angelina
October 10th- Michael
September Celebrations: Gianna, Liam and Samuel (August).