We work hard, we play hard!

It has been a fun-filled two weeks with English and Spanish goals to complete, a one of a kind Fall Festival, and World History Day.  We would like to to extend a shout out to Sondra and Elizabeth who saved our classroom carpet during WHD:) Unfortunately, there was a hole in the “swamp” and the water feature spread out more than joy into the classroom. 

We are very grateful for all of your generous donations, borrowed items, and for helping us transform and run our room for WHD! The children had a lot of fun. We visited four other rooms, munched on a little bit of everything, crafted unique art pieces, and even got “swallowed” by a prehistoric crocodile and survived, incredible right?!

November Studies:  Mojave Desert, Reptiles, North America

11/8 No school, teacher in-service

11/11 No school, Veterans’ day

11/14 Picture retake

11/19 Red Rock field trip, kindergarten students only

11/25 – 11/29 No School, Thanksgiving break

Pumpkins, skeletons and guts!

It looks like fall in our classroom, even though it feels like summer outside. We rotate practical life, science, geography and art material based on the season, unit of studies, and most importantly the needs of the children. We presented the skeleton puzzle, touch tablets, and been exploring further using the five senses.

The children love the taste testing with Mrs. Sadie. She gave each child a sample for each taste. Of course,  the children were eager to try the chocolate on their sampling napkin, ignoring the warning that it was going to be bitter. Most of them placed the whole piece of chocolate in their mouth. Within seconds we had a crowd of disappointed customers demanding  water. A few ran to the trash can while others were grateful they had waited. It was quite a sight. Luckily sweet was next on the menu!

Everybody gains when kids read together!

We have started our reading buddy program. Reading buddies is a program in which two or more students read together. Lower elementary students were paired with our kids and come to the classroom each Friday to read to our children. The ‘big buddies’ were so excited about their new role, and our younger friends enjoyed the fun stories and  positive experience with their new ‘big kid’ friend who is now a recognizable face in the school community.

World History Day

We are so excited for our upcoming event, World History Day, on Thursday, October 24th. This day is packed with fun, crafts, sightseeing, snack sampling, and so much more. Since WHD is a half day, dismissal is at 11:15 a.m. We are making preparations and asking for a few items that we could borrow or have for that day. P2 has a list of things that you can sign up to bring, but is not mandated. During the event, your child may also dress up which is optional. If your child chooses to dress up, we recommend that they wear a hat or costume reflective of a dinosaur, amphibian or reptile. Please keep it simple. 

Thank you for all of your support!

So much to talk about…

Twenty days into the school year and we are so amazed at the things our kids are capable of. They are loving and caring towards each other and their environment. They work, play, explore, discover, inquire and never ceases to amaze us. Cheers to the best company one could have for eight hours a day!

Changes can be bittersweet. We are saying goodbye to a kind and wonderful teacher, Ms. Brianna, and wish her the best in the next chapter of her life. We are also looking ahead to new adventures with Mrs.Sadie!

Thank you for meeting with us during parent/teacher conferences. It was wonderful to sit down and talk about your children. Many of you asked about the Peace Rose and we’re happy to share more information with you.

We introduce the concept of the Peace Rose to all students. This is a core piece of the classroom which helps children negotiate conflict resolution. We read the book entitled The Peace Rose which explains how to use the flower. The rose sits in a vase on our peace shelve.

When there is a conflict, one child will get the rose and invite the other child involved to sit with them. Whoever is holding the rose speaks while the other child listens. When the rose is passed, the other child has a chance to speak. When resolution is reached, everyone puts their hand on the stem of the rose and says “Friends.”

This practice helps to remind us we might have disagreements, but we are still friends. To demonstrate this process, we model several pretend arguments and then solve them using the peace rose. Our children love these demonstrations. They even give us suggestions on what we should argue about and then excitedly watch the resolution. If you are interested in ordering a copy of this book for home, it is available to order from Montessori Services. 

We’re coming to the end of our community helpers and nutrition studies. We have learned so much from the plate guide and outdoor garden. We continue to encourage our children to try new foods. During lunchtime the children are noticing and talking about the particular group their food belongs to. 

September parent volunteers

Ms. Vanessa came to our classroom and had so much to say about the importance of community helpers. She discussed how her job helps families stay strong and healthy by teaching and forming team sports for children. At the end of her lesson, she passed out a toy soccer ball as a token to encourage our children to stay active. 

Ms. Kani built a large food pyramid in the center of our group circle and explained the importance of a balanced diet. We were sent home with a delicious snack to enjoy after school. 

Ms. Ana and Ms. Colette hosted our first cooking project by making mini apple pies… mmm, they were yummy!

October Events

10/4 Student Council Assembly – Kindergarten students only

10/10 Primary Parent/Child Night, last name A-M 4:30-5:15, N-Z 5:15-6:00

10/18 Fall Festival (5:00-8:00)

10/24 World History Day, half day dismissal at 11:15

10/25 NEVADA DAY – NO SCHOOL