Parents,
This week we will finish up our studies of mammals, Antarctica and weather. We will also begin the art project that will be auctioned off at the Gala in March. Each year our class makes a quilt. This year our quilt is going to be inspired by the artist Henri Matisse. If you would be willing to help cut out fabric for this please let me know.
Just as a reminder next Monday will be our 100th day of school. We could still use a few volunteers to help with this. Here are the links to sign up
morning class https://www.trackitforward.com/site/389525/event/525040
Afternoon class https://www.trackitforward.com/site/389525/event/525041
Valentines Day
I know that valentines is not for a few weeks but I wanted to give you an heads up on how that day will look for our class. Over the years I have done many different activities to celebrate this holiday. One day some of my students were asking me how I celebrate Valentines day. It got me thinking about what most adults do, go out for a nice dinner. As a result of this and trying to incorporate Montessori grace and courtesy we have a formal snack on this day. The students help set the tables with cloth table cloths. They set the tables, arrange the flowers for the center of the table and serve each other. We talk about what kind of manners people use at a restaurant like putting their napkins on their laps and not talking with their mouth full. Every year that I have done this the kids have loved it. We will be having a waffles with fruit and whipped cream. We will have each child make a Valentine bag at school so you do not need to worry about making one at home. If you are sending your child with Valentines to deliver please just address them by who they are from not designating who they are going to (this makes delivery much easier 😉). Both classes about 20 students. We will be needing a little help on this day as well here are the links to sign up
Morning class https://www.trackitforward.com/site/389525/event/526174
Afternoon class https://www.trackitforward.com/site/389525/event/526175
Typically as the year progresses the students become more like siblings. They know each other very well and sometimes contention occurs in class. In the book Children who are not yet peaceful, Donna Goertz quotes Daniel Goleman, who has studied emotional literacy in schools. He said “Some. . . infiltrate their (emotional literacy) lessons into the very fabric of school life. The assumption is that such moments (strife among children) are ripe opportunities to teach children skills . . .and that there are better ways to discipline than coercion. . .The immediate lesson is that there are impartial, fair ways to settle . . .disputes, while the deeper teaching is that disputes can be negotiated and children can apply skills such as these throughout life. It has a more positive message than the ubiquitous, authoritarian ‘Stop that’, that too often slips, unbidden, from our mouths”. We try to use any moments of strife as teaching opportunities and encourage you to try the same approach at home. I know it takes more effort and patience (which can be in short supply at the end of a long day) but the outcome is worth the effort.
Have a great week
Ms. Jen & Ms. Jess