The Gazette
January 2016
Individualized Lesson Plans in the Montessori Environment
The family explained to me that a recommendation was made to them for their 3 year old to repeat his three year old class because he was unable to write his name. While reflecting on this family's experience, I am reminded of how special a mixed aged group is and that children are given time to grow in a Montessori environment.
There are no limits to what a child can do in the Montessori classroom. There are guidelines of course as far as what types of works may be introduced to a particular child at a certain age. However, they are simply guidelines. Our most important work as Montessori guides, is to see the child for who he is now and what he will become . We are to know what his strengths and weaknesses are and hence accompany him every day.
As we know every individual is different and must be accompanied accordingly. This is why I highlight the importance of individualized lesson plans. The goals that we have for your children are being constantly evaluated and readjusted as each and every day, week and month is full of surprises. This type of environment allows room for your children to grow with ease and is set up with this in mind. All of our materials are ready for your child. Your child knows that there are works on the shelves for him to use today and that there are materials that will be presented to him at a later date. They observe their peers using specific materials that they may not be ready for and this allows them to project; they are reassured and excited about these 'future' works. In addition, children are able to see the physical progression of the works on the shelves themselves.
We have 3 year olds doing works often presented to 4 year olds and 4 year olds doing kindergartener works. We even have a couple of works that would be developmentally appropriate in a first grade classroom, also ready when needed. One advantage to having a myriad of works of different levels available, is that it allows your child to be nourished intellectually, without putting pressure on him to be just as equally mature socially.
Sometimes, your child may require extra time to work through a math concept but has taken off on the language materials. Once again, thanks to our materials and guidance, your child will be able to work on both areas at his own pace.
Next year, we will have Kindergartners in our full day program! So far, the children that are enrolled to stay with us for Kindergarten are children that will be entering their third year in our Children's House Classroom. These children will be able to pick up where they left off despite the fact that the classroom will also have pre-schoolers; the Kindergartners will continue to receive the lessons they need, as usual. Individualized lessen plans are key to meeting everyone's needs.
Chips and Counters
Button dressing Frame
Sound/Object Sorting Box
Housekeeping Items
Winter Clothes/Shoes
The winter season is a fun time for your children to explore the outdoors. Please send appropriate footwear into school so that your child can play in the snow or walk in the rain. You should also have every piece of clothing labeled. In addition, please remember to dress your children in layers. The classroom can get rather warm, so it is important that children can remove sweaters or sweatshirts easily. Please replenish your child's shoebox with long pants, socks and long sleeves.
Snack
Thank you so much for continuing to bring in such delicious snack options! The children have so much fun preparing snack. The children also set the table with glass plates, cups and bowls. They also help us unload the clean dishes from the trolley in the afternoons.
Please bring in small dixie cups on your child's snack day so that they can serve themselves water regularly throughout the day. The glasses are generally only used for snack. Thank you so much for also including a few carrots and or bananas.
Sydney
Some of you may be already aware but I would like to formally inform you that Sydney, who was in our five full day program, has moved to Connecticut. She is very much missed in the classroom! We wish Sydney and her family the very best of luck in their new home!
Valentine's Day
February 11th and 12th
This year we will be celebrating Valentine's Day on February 11th with our 2&5 day-ers and February 12th with our 3 &5 day-ers. If you would like your child to exchange Valentine's cards, please send in enough cards for every child the day(s) your child attends school.
Here are the children who will be attending school on Thursday the 11th:
Jayan
Avery
Vivian
Sofia
Savannah
Emmeline
Ryan
Zoey
Abigail
Liana
Katelyn
Trevor
Ethan
Lucia
Caden
Ava
JJ
Genny
Skyler
Here is a list of children who will be attending school on Friday, the 12th.
Jayan
Avery
Vivian
Sofia
Savannah
Emmeline
Ryan
Zoey
Abigail
Liana
Katelyn
Trevor
Ethan
Lucia
Gianna
Olivia
Ben
Annalise
Eleanor
Lilyanna
*Please have your child bring in a plain paper bag (lunch bag) to decorate at school sometime this week. Thank you so much!
*Just a reminder to only send in Valentine Cards and not goody bags.