Monday Memo
Lake Air Montessori Magnet PDS
Week of February 19, 2018
Celebrate Your Uniqueness...Be Unique!
Our theme this year is "Celebrate your Uniqueness". We believe in cultivating children's intellectual abilities alongside their confidence and happiness. We seek to educate the "whole child", one that is beautifully, wonderfully, and uniquely made. We strive to create an environment that nurtures their young minds and inspires a spirit of personal excellence.
Embrace your uniqueness. Time is much too short to be living someone else's life. - Kobi Yamada
Weekly Montessori Moment
Grow the Core...
"Even when helping and serving the children, she (the teacher) must not cease to observe them, because the birth of concentration in a child is as delicate a phenomenon as the bursting of a bud into bloom."
—Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind
The Importance of Observing Children
Observing children helps teachers accurately infer what is needed to modify the environment or their approach to the child. These conclusions are better relayed to parents and administrators when they stem from actual observations.
For every action of the adult in the Montessori environment, whether it be replacing one material for another, or intervening with a child, or giving a new presentation to a child, there is a thoughtful reason to do so based on the adult's observations. So often what we think must be done is based on our impulses or habits rather than empirical knowledge of what should be done, or not.
Observation prepares the adult to act, but, first, we must prepare ourselves to observe!
In the third lecture of her 1921 London course, Dr. Montessori talked about the preparation of the teacher as analogous to the preparation of scientists in other fields: “Any methodical observation which one wishes to make requires preparation. Observation is one of those many things of which we frequently speak, and of which we form an inexact or false idea. It should be sufficient to consider what occurs in all the sciences that depend upon observation. The observers in the various sciences must have a special preparation. For instance, one who looks through a microscope does not see what exists there unless his eye is prepared. It is not sufficient to have the instrument and to know how to focus it. It is also necessary to have the eye prepared to recognize the objects.”
The first steps in preparing for observing children are internal. Our brains are plastic; that is, they grow and change. Our patterns and habits of thought can be changed with practice. One pattern that hinders our ability to capture what we actually see is the “chatter” or fleeting off-task thoughts that float through teachers minds at any given moment.
Dr. Montessori suggested that guides wear a “beaded belt” and move one bead along the belt every time an impulse to act came upon them. Actions are far more effective when founded on actual observations. I suggest that adults working in Montessori environments practice training themselves to quiet their impulsive thoughts and observe what is actually happening before they respond to a child. No beads needed, just a bit of practice.
Consider starting with one minute and building up your ability to quiet your chatter with practice. Practice by watching YouTube videos of children working, or better yet, live in the classroom setting. Jot a tick mark every time a thought pops into your mind that is not something you are actually seeing or hearing at that moment. With practice, you’ll make more space as an effective observer and will know better when to intervene, and when not to.
https://carrotsareorange.com/preparing-observing-children-ontessori/
Why should you observe the child?
Observe to better understand the child
Making time to deliberately observe a child help us to better understand the child. What is it about play-dough that they like? Do they like to use tools or use only their hands? Do they favor certain textures, do they favor certain themes? How high can they reach to get their materials or hang an item on the hook? Observation helps us better select materials and prepare their environment. How does the child move, do they need assistance with grace and courtesy (are they always banging their chair)? What are they comfortable with, what do they avoid or what makes them feel uncomfortable, why? It's true that you don't know what you don't know! You might be surprised at what you find when you take some time to sit and observe.
Observe to provide materials and environment relevant to the child's stage of development
It's said so often that all children are different and it's true. Observation is needed to determine the exact stage of development your child is in. You need to know exactly where the child is in order to provide the next step. Observing not only a child choosing which material to work with but also how they do the work/for how long can help determine if that material is right for them and will give you ideas on other materials that might be suitable. The concept of activities that support and challenge the child is important.
What can a parent do?
A way to improve your time with children and deepen your understanding of the Montessori method... A little something to do in a thoroughly Montessori way...
Here it is: Sit still. Yes, that impossible task. Sit and be quiet. Sit and observe.
Sit and notice all the things your child or children are doing. Children do come with instruction manuals—all you have to do is sit patiently, watch, and listen. They will tell you everything if you are quiet enough to hear it. You'll see their perspective on things, the way they physically interact with their environment and the things in it, their preferences for work, and their curiosities.
This is how Montessorians "follow the child" and, frankly, we can't help but marvel at each child and the infinite potential right in front of our eyes.
Sit and observe your children at play. Sit and wonder as you notice what activities they choose when they are alone and what things they prefer to do with others. How they speak to different friends. How they integrate themselves into a group, how they hang back sometimes. Sitting back and observing is integral to understanding who our children are. Isn't that the ultimate gift for them and us?
Sit and observe areas in your home. How are they functioning? Are the children successful in these areas or do cabinets, shelves, or drawers, need simplifying or a little reorganizing? Can you provide something for the children in the environment so that, next time, they can follow their urges and complete their responsibilities by themselves?
As a Montessori school…
We follow the teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori, a medical doctor, teacher, philosopher and anthropologist. Her progressive view of children was way beyond her time.
We understand that children of different ages have different needs and abilities. We study child development theory and make sure our classrooms are developmentally appropriate.
We observe our children. By watching closely, we can modify our lessons and materials to best suit the child’s interests and growth.
We believe that the environment is the best teacher. We design the classroom to fit the needs of the child, rich experiences balanced with beauty and order. Each work contains a purposeful work that is designed to teach a specific concept.
We model grace and courtesy (good manners), treating each other as we wish ourselves to be treated. We use calm voices when teaching and speak with respect to children’s feelings. We carry ourselves with poise and handle objects with care.
We recognize that children are unique individuals who are not likely to master exact same concepts or have the same interests at the same time.
We do not use rewards and punishments to force children to comply with rules or to combat ill behavior. We believe that each child is on the way to developing self discipline and that rewards should be intrinsic.
We believe that children learn best when they are free to move their bodies throughout the day. We want to teach our children to respect their bodies and control their movements which helps the growing brain learn more effectively.
We believe that the materials a child works with should be carefully chosen to support the current developmental stage. Concrete experiences are always offered first and abstract thinking presented later. We call this work, not play.
Quick Winter Festival reminders brought to you by the PTA………
- The Festival is this FRIDAY!!
- Remember TICKETS sales start today! Look for the form in the take-home folders!
- Buy your tickets early for the BEST deal!
- Silent Auction- PLEASE send in silent auction items and/or donations
- Cake Walk- You may deliver Sweet Treats to the school Friday!
Come hungry and ready to PLAY!
Middle School UIL is coming up!
Every child needs their own earbuds or Headphones!!!!
We just began a new reading computer program and every Primary student MUST have their own headphones in order to use the program!!
We are AVID!!
Please sign up for Parent Portal!!
We encourage all parents to sign up for Parent Portal. It is your one stop shop to know how your child is doing in school! Get notifications when your child has a grade below a certain score or when he has a missing assignment.
Parent Portal is an exciting opportunity for parents to become more involved in their child’s education through the convenience of the Internet. You will have access to your child’s:
- Grades (current progress report and 6-week report cards)
- Schedule
- Attendance
- Health Log
- Discipline Log
- Student Personal Information: address, phone, e-mail
- Plus, send an email to any of your child's teachers
Zero Hour for Middle School Students
We offer "Zero Hour" for Middle School students each day of the week from 7:15 - 7:55. Students must arrive in Lab 0 before 7:45 in order to be allowed to work. The computer lab is supervised by an adult during Zero Hour.
Zero Hour is not a requirement. It is simply an opportunity to have access to a computer for school work in the morning. If students have prior committments to fine arts during that time, they need to honor them.
Please encourage your Middle School student to take advantage of Zero Hour to catch up on work or get ahead.
Click below for our LAMM Campus calendar!
Mark your Calendars!!!
February 22nd - One At Play
February 23rd - PTA Winter Festival
February 24th - Middle School UIL (grades 6-8)
February 27-28 - DBA tests for 4th-8th grade (mock STAAR)
March 2nd - Early Release
March 5th - 9th - Spring Break
April 20th - 21st - Public Montessori Educators of Texas conference (PMET)
Let us know what we can do better! Leave us a suggestion!
THIS WEEK...February 19th - 23rd
Spring Pictures and Class Pictures
Lesson Study during conference
TELPAS Samples this week (check calendar)
3:30-4:45 Varsity Percussion Rehearsal
4:00 - 5:00 TELPAS Calibration
Tuesday February 20th
Girl Power Group Presentation during PE
UIL Tests - Ready Writing, Editorial Writing, Spelling
7:15-7:45am- Jazz Rhythm Section Rehearsal
8:30 Leadership Team Meeting
2:00 - 3:00 KAST for 5th grade
3:30pm-4:45pm- Varsity Brass and Woodwind Rehearsal
4:00 - 5:00 TELPAS Calibration
Wednesday February 21st
Science DBA 3rd-5th
4:00 - 5:00 Faculty Meeting - MakerSpace Playground
Thursday February 22nd
One Act Play
7:15am-7:45am- Jazz Rhythm Section Rehearsal
LAMM Chipotle Night for Pennies for Pasta
Friday February 23rd
Black History Program
2:00 - 3:00 KAST for Middle School
1:00 - 3:00 MakerSpace (Enriquez and Sabido, Cross and Noel)
3:30 - 4:30 GT enrichment afterschool (Hour of Code)
4:30 and 5:10 One Act Play Performance
5:30 - 7:30 PTA Winter Festival
NO JAZZ BAND REHEARSAL
College Friday: University of Alabama (crimson and white)
Saturday February 24th
8:00 - 4:00 Middle School UIL at University High School
8:00 -4:00 Montessori Teacher Training
NEXT WEEK...February 26th - March 2nd
TELPAS Samples this week (check calendar)
NYC Essays and Teacher Evaluations are due
Lesson Study during conference
8:30 Leadership Team Meeting
4:00 - 5:00 5th grade Science Curriculum Support at North Waco
Tuesday February 27th
7:15 - 7:50 Jazz Rehearsal
Released STAAR testing for 4th Writing, 5th Math, 7th Writing, 8th Math
DBA testing for 6th Math
2:00 - 3:00 Baylor KAST for 5th grade Science
Showcase for Prospective Parents for 2018-2019 school year.
Wednesday February 28th
Released STAAR testing for 4th Reading, 5th Reading, 7th Math, 8th Reading
DBA testing for 6th Reading
Soul Food Luncheon
Thursday March 1st
PLCs during conference period for Upper El, Lower El and Primary
Middle School Caring for Cameron Park field trip
7:15 - 7:50 Jazz Combo Rehearsal
Friday March 2nd
Young Men's Leadership Symposium for selected 7th-8th grade boys
Tape Tank Fundraiser for Upper Elementary field trip
Early Release at 12:00 NO AFTERSCHOOL
College Fridays: Louisiana State University (purple and gold)
BOLETÍN DE NOTICIAS EN ESPAÑOL
Lake Air Montessori PDS
Principal: Stephanie Tankersley
Assistant Principal: Rachel Hannah
Assistant Principal: Dr. Mary Phillips
Email: stephanie.tankersley@wacoisd.org
Website: http://lakeair.wacoisd.org/home/
Location: 4601 Cobbs Drive, Waco, TX, United States
Phone: 254-772-1910
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LakeAirMontessori/
Twitter: @WISDmontessori