Parents,
We have lots of new holiday works on the shelves. Some of the works tell the stories of different religious holidays that are being celebrated at this time of year. We have a nativity set (Christmas) a menorah and dreidel (Hanukkah) and weaving paper Mkeka mats (Kwanzaa). When we introduce these works we tell the children these are stories some people believe to be true, and are very special to some people. We also encourage the children to speak to their parents about what they believe and follow what their families believe. The purpose of these works is to introduce the children to the many different beliefs that may exist in our community and teach the children tolerance and respect for others and their beliefs.
This week we will be learning about snowflakes by doing some experiments with crystals and frost. We will also read the story of Snowflake Bentley. This is a true story of Wilson Bentley who was the first person to take photographs of snowflakes.
We will also be doing some experiments with air and we will be making air rockets with some of our junior high mentors on Friday.
We will be comparing the story of the three little pigs with the story of the Three Little Javelinas by Susan Lowell. We choose this story because it ties into our study of the deserts of North America.
Many people often wonder about the idea of having a 3 year age range in the same classroom. It is something that is considered a hallmark of Montessori education. Paula Polk Lillard, a respected authority on Montessori with over 50 years of experience said “The indirect learning that occurs among children is a primary reason for placing of children of different ages in one environment. The youngest children are guaranteed models for more mature behavior than they themselves are capable of preforming. The older children have opportunities to develop their potential for leadership and social responsibility. This indirect learning occurs in the intellectual areas as well. Younger children observe the older children work with material that they will use in the future. Older children spontaneously help the younger ones with materials that have already been introduced to the younger child but which they have not yet mastered”. It has been my experience that in a classroom with children spanning 3 years in age their is more cooperation as compared to a classroom of same aged children which can often have more competition.
Here is the link to volunteer this week https://www.wejoinin.com/sheets/iwbrl
Have a great week!
Ms. Jen & Ms. Martha