Ms. Kimberly and Ms. Sue's Gazette
November and December 2013
« A child who is free to act not only seeks to gather sensible impressions from his environment but he also shows a love for exactitude in the carrying out of his actions. His spirit then seems to be suspended between existence and self-realization. A child is a discoverer. He is an amorphous, splendid being in search of his own proper form ». Maria Montessori, The Secret of Childhood.
A Few Highlights in November
In late October/early November many children enjoyed learning about the parts of a pumpkin. They used magnifying glasses to observe the pulp, seeds and meat of the pumpkin. We used different adjectives to describe the pumpkin and its parts. Those that took a special interest in this work may have gone on to learn about the Life Cycle of a Pumpkin.
Mia learning to use a magnifying glass.
Antonio observing seeds.
Children observing the Pumpkin Work.
The Carrot Work
Works like this really encourage children to concentrate. It is an involved activity and therefore fosters the development of will-power and independence. Children usually spend around 20-30 minutes working on their own.
Thank you very much to Sarah and Bryce's parents for contributing the carrots!
As this work was so enjoyable please think about bringing a few carrots in with your child's snack for the rest of December. If your child prefers bananas that is fine too. I am finding that although both works are being used the carrot work is gaining a bit more popularity. Thank you to all the parents who have been bringing in bananas with their snack. This has been greatly appreciated!
Thanksgiving Feasts
Both classes celebrated Thanksgiving and tasted the delicious Vegetable Friendship Soup and some wonderful pumpkin bread that Mrs. Brenner had made.
The Monday/Wednesday/Friday group celebrated Thanksgiving in the Classroom. It was a wonderful time for the children to work together to do something special. They took great pride in setting the table. It was very festive and elegant.
The Tuesday/Thursday group celebrated Thanksgiving in the gym with the other classes that attend on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They had a lovely time as well!
Preparing for our Thanksgiving Feast
Table setting
Grace and Curtesy
Thanksgiving Tree of Thanks
Conferences
Music
Assistant Teacher
Snack Calendars
The snack calendar will always be posted outside the classroom as well. Thank you again for your support!
December/January School break
Lost and Found
Just a reminder, please add warmer clothes or extra socks to your child's 'change of clothes' shoebox. Thank you!
New children attending the Monday/Wednesday/Friday group
Upcoming Events:
1st Annual Grandparent Breakfast
Tuesday, Dec 17, 2013, 09:15 AM
North Shore Montessori School, Stony Brook, NY, United States
Parent/Child Night
For the Monday/Wednesday/Friday group, please come to the classroom from 5:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m..
For the Tuesday/Thursday group and children attending school 5 days a week, please come to the classroom from 6:15 p.m. to 6:45 p.m..