Montessori Matters
November 9, 2018
Simple Conversation
In a world full of technology, overbooked schedules and never ending to-do lists, how many of us take the time to have a GOOD conversation? When was the last time you sat with a friend to talk about important matters? Better yet, when was the last time you sat down as a family to have conversations about what is happening with everyone? Do you utilize the drive to and from school to check-in with your children? There is so much that can come from these conversations. A conversation can change someone's mood, enlighten a situation or even strengthen a bond among those talking. A conversation can smooth out misunderstandings, give explanations, challenge ideas, ask questions and simply clarify. Let's teach our children the art of a good conversation.
What can we talk about?
- Ask teachers for specific topics regarding school to trigger conversation
- Talk through a good or bad day
- Have conversations about WHY we do things (i.e. practical life, community service)
- Discuss consequences for behaviors and creating guidelines for the home
- Read a book as a family and have a discussion about the book
"Be brave enough to start a conversation that matters." -Margaret Wheatley
Everything in its place A toddler works on a puzzle in class. | Diya Lamp A primary student painted a diya lamp in celebration of Diwali. | Diwali Mr. Sudeep (a primary student's father) gave a presentation on Diwali. |
Harvest Lower El students harvest vegetables in horticulture. | Monkeying Around A Lower El student hangs around during a Lower El field trip. | Buddies Two Lower El students enjoy a field trip to the park and Electric City Playhouse. |
Full Beds Lower El students work in their raised bed outside of their classroom. | Planting Two Lower El students plant new seeds for the season. | Yummy A Lower El student prepares a healthy snack while on a field trip. |
Reindeer Run
MSA will be participating in the Anderson Area YMCA 18th Annual Reindeer Run elementary school competition for a chance to win $500 or possibly even $1,000. A few years ago we were the champions for FIVE years in a row with the highest percent participation (counting staff and K5-5th grade students). We would like to start our next winning streak! Please stop by the office to get a registration form and return it** with your entry fee (made out to Anderson Area YMCA) to the school office by Friday, November 16th.
**If they are not turned in at MSA we will not be able to get credit for those runners.
Microscopes A Lower El student explores the microscope in order to earn her "license" to use it in science. | Plant Observation Dr. Mahajan's life science class learned to section a leaf by scraping off the top layer of cells. | Plant Observation Dr. Mahajan's life science class learned to section a leaf by scraping off the top layer of cells. |
Microscopes
Plant Observation
National Geographic Dr. Mahajan gathered Upper Elementary-High School students to watch a video sponsored by National Geographic about the International Science Fair. | STEM Upper El students were challenged to build the tallest tower using noodles and marshmallows. | STEM Upper El students started their STEM challenge with candy corn and toothpicks and soon learned that they needed to go back to the drawing board. |
National Geographic
Psychology Observation

Flu Vaccinations

New Readers
