Parents,
This week we will be introducing the following zoo phonics characters
J – Jerry Jelly fish
N – Nigel nightowl
O – Olive octopus
P – Peewee penguin
W – Willy weasel
We will narrow our study of the solar system and focus this week on the earth. We will also do some experiments on gravity as well as a gravity inspired art project on Friday. There is something fun about dropping stuff off of a high place and watching it splat below 🙂 We will also begin our studies in botany by taking a look at the different parts that plants have and how we care for our plants in our classroom.
As the children become more comfortable in their classroom and with their peers we will begin asking them to do more challenging work. Many of the manipulatives that we began the year with will be replaced with materials that are related to the curriculum we are studying. We refer to what the child does in the classroom as work and not play (even though many times it may look like play to adults). Maria Montessori explained why the work of a child is so important “A child’s desire to work represents a vital instinct since he cannot organize his personality without working: a man builds himself through working. There can be no substitute for work. . . a man builds himself by carrying out manual labor in which he uses his hands as the instruments of his personality and as expressions of his intellect and will, helping him to dominate his environment . . . work becomes fascinating and irresistible and raises a man above his diverted self . . . enabling him to express his own individuality” The secret of childhood p. 186. As teachers we look forward to seeing the amazing individuals that these children become because of the work they have done.
Have a great week
Ms. Jen & Ms. Martha