Parents,
This week we will continue talking about our habit of Think Win Win. We will be studying the animals of Antarctica and the parts of a mammal. In art this month the element we will be looking at is shape. There are 3 types of shape you can find in art. They are geometric, organic and irregular. We will be looking at all 3.
One aspect that many adults notice when they enter a Montessori classroom is the order that exists. This order is present not only in the layout of the materials on the shelves but also in the way the presentations and lessons are given. There is an underlying reason for this. Maria Montessori said “To help the development of the intelligence is to help put the images of the consciousness in order”. One job of a Montessori teacher is to provide the child with an ordered environment so they are free to order their intelligence. As adults we take for granted that we already have so much information ordered in our minds. It can be easier for us to take in new information when we have some context for it. Our children are learning new things everyday and creating how this information will be ordered in their mind. We aid them when the environment around them is ordered. This does not mean that our homes are perfectly clean with nothing left out. Order to a child can mean that they know their daily routine or that they know what consequences to expect. It can mean knowing where to find their clothes and toys or what responsibilities they have. When we create order for our children at home we are aiding them in their development.
We are still in need of whole oranges for our juicing activity. Thank you in advance for your help. One of our other practical life activities we have out this month is making scones. I have had several students request that I put the recipe on the blog so the can make them at home to share with their families, so here is the recipe.
Cranberry orange scones
Mix:
- 1/3 c. flour
- 1/4 t. baking powder
- 1/2 t. sugar
- 1/8 t. salt
- Cut in:
- 1 T. cold butter
- Stir in:
- 1 T. dried cranberries
- Zest of ½ an orange
- Add and mix:
- 1 T. egg
- 1 T. cream
Mix very briefly and press it into a flattened circle about 3/4″ thick on a baking sheet or shallow cake pan. Cut it half. Bake at 450 F for 8 to 10 minutes.
Have a great week!
Ms. Jen & Ms. Jess