LHMS Newsletter
March 31, 2016
European Vacation
But, our most favorite thing to learn was that Michaelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael and Donatello are not only Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles but Masters of the Renaissance.
Mindful Eating
Mrs. Mathur presented juicing to The Oak Room children. We noted the vibrant color of the orange that gave us a happy feeling. We touched the orange and felt all it's pumps. We smelled the fragrant citrus smell and felt energized. We heard the squish of the pulp as we turned it clockwise over the juicer. All this before we even had a taste...
We've delved even deeper into mindful eating in our afternoon Cooking Enrichment. Paying attention to the smells, textures, and colors, of what is eaten. Savoring each bite. Expressing gratitude for food that nourishes and for the opportunity to commune together. Creating a moment for sharing a snack and conversation. Placing all work concerns on hold for these few precious minutes.
Language Expolsion
Children have been busy working with the Large Moveable Alphabet. It's purpose is:
1. To teach the child word building skills
2. To give the child the tools to enable him to analyze words.
3. To prepare the child for reading, spelling, and writing.
4. To give the child an awareness of a sequence of sounds in words.
Our favorite thing is to write the words we build on dry erase boards.
Afternoon Science - It's Electric!!
ACORN ROOM
The Acorn Room busied themselves with Easter projects by making Easter chicks and eggs.
The Acorn Room also learned about time this week. We did O clock. Where we learned that "if the long hand is on 12, it's something O' clock"
School ~ Home Connection
Creating Calm Tip #3: Include, rather than exclude, your child
At times, my instinct is to send my daughters off with an iPad while I prepare dinner. Well, while my husband prepares dinner and I work on my computer. OK, hubby - dinner, me posting or buying items on Facebook swaps.
We need to include rather than exclude. We're raising children to connect with things and not people. Let's start including our children in meal preparation, clean up and hobbies. It's a great time to share our culture and family history as well, "Let's use the beautiful crystal bowl from Ireland that Uncle Jimmy gave us." "Do you want to scrub the potatoes or peel the cucumbers? My grandma always grew potatoes and cucumbers in her garden."
Peace Corner: Peace Rose
You've probably notice our small little table in the middle of The Oak Room. It's a very special part of our classroom, our Peace Table with our Peace Rose.
Children are learning to share their concerns/feelings to the person they have an 'issue' with rather then “tattle” to a teacher. We role play at circle and the children think it's the funniest thing.
For example, I'm upset with Mrs. Mathur because she's having snack with Mrs. Rouse and not me! I invite Mrs. Mathur to the Peace Table to share my feelings. I hold the rose and share, "Mrs. Mathur, I'm sad because you're having snack with Mrs. Rouse." I pass the Peace Rose to Mrs. Mathur, she replies, "Let's have snack tomorrow. I'm sorry you're sad." She passes the Peace Rose back to me, I reply, "That's okay. I forgive you." The Peace Rose is placed back in the vase and both friends bow/salute to each other, "Namaste." The divine light in me honors the divine light in you.
Friend 1: "I don't like it when...", "I'm sad because...", etc
Friend 2: "I'm sorry..." (think about what can be done to make our love lights brighter)
Friend 1: "That's okay, I forgive you."
Friend 1 & Friend 2: "Namaste"
The Peace Rose is all about taking turns and what can be done to make our love lights brighter. Showing humility and forgiveness are beautiful things.
You asked, we listened ~ What did you do at school today?
The drive home from school or during nighttime routine can be an ideal time for a conversation. It’s one of the few times for an undistracted conversation. Observe like a scientist and take mental notes of what times are best for your child. In my experience, Eva shares best right after school when we are driving home or to our next destination. On the other hand, Mia has kept it together all day and needs to burn off some steam on the playground or just needs to snuggle with mom in silence. Once she’s done her thing, she ready to share.
Here are some tips to help you learn about your child’s experiences at school
The Acorn Room
You might here your child humming or singing a song they sang at school or repeat parts of a conversation they overheard. They will reflect on their day by mirroring and repeating. They are unlikely to respond to open-ended questions. Usually if just drive in peaceful silence, your little acorn will start filling in the silence as thoughts of the day arise.
The Oak Room
Children become quite literal. Have you noticed their new favorite word is actually… ? It helps to know their schedule that day or continent/country they are studying and then ask a specific, open-ended questions. Then give your child time to answer; children need time to ponder. Try not to push too hard. You can also start by sharing about your day. It’s a good time to get your child in the habit of reciprocating on asking how one’s day went.
Question to ask might be:
- “What did Senora Landono/Mrs. Legiec/Mrs. Mrs. Mahmood/Mrs. Mathur/Mrs. Rouse/Mrs. Waiman show you today? “
- “If I called your teacher tonight, what would she tell me about you?”
- “If you got to be the teacher tomorrow, what would you do?”
- “What was your favorite lesson?”
- “What do you think you should do/learn more of at school?”
- “Did you learn new songs in music today?”
- “How was circle?”
- “What was your favorite part of lunch?/snack?”
- “Who did you sit next to/sit with at snack?”
- “Tell me something that made you laugh today.”
- “ How did you help somebody today?”
- “ How did somebody help you today?”
- “Where do you play the most on the playground?”
- “ Who would you like to play with on the playground that you’ve never played with before?”
- “What was the best thing that happened at school today? (What was the worst thing that happened at school today?)”
- “ When were you the happiest today?”
- “Tell me something good that happened today.”
- “Tell me a weird word that you heard today. (Or something weird that someone said.)”
- “Who is the funniest person in your class? Why is he/she so funny?”
Want to get a little education in there as well?
Follow up at home with a topic your child brings up in conversation. Is there a book relevant to the subject being learned about? Can you share an experience, opinion, or enthusiasm your child can relate to? Is there an educational game you might play together on family night that reinforces a concept?
Here are some topics all of our children at Long Hill Montessori School are learning about:
- the seasons
- how to calm the mind and body (smell the rose, blow out the candle)
- conflict resolution (I don’t like it…/I’m sorry…That’s okay I forgive you)
- Eye spy
- grace and courtesy
- care of self / care of others
- learning more about something you are passionate about
- the love of a good book
- how to be a good observer
- to acknowledge our own accomplishments great and small and take pride in our work (My love light is bright…)
Listening Empathetically
Listen quietly and attentively. You can acknowledge their feelings with a word, “Oh…Mmm…I see…” You can give the feelings a name, “That sounds frustrating!”. You can give the child his wishes in fantasy, “I wish I could make the banana ripe for you right now!”
You asked, we listened...topics to follow in upcoming newsletters... stay tuned
- phonetic sounds
- loosing graciously
- perfectionists - learning it's okay to make a mistake
- preparing friends for Kindergarten that are moving on
- Backtalk
- importance of multi-steps direction
School Recess resumes Monday, April 4th
Monday, Apr 4, 2016, 08:30 AM
Long Hill Montessori School, Long Hill, NJ, United States
Long Hill Montessori School
Email: LongHillMontessoriSchool@gmail.com
Website: www.LongHillMontessoriSchool.com
Location: 158 Central Avenue, Stirling, NJ, United States
Phone: (908) 647-1852