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

The earth is good to me.

We started our nutrition unit with a baa-baa and a moo-moo. We compared and talked about farmed and wild plants and animals.

 With love and balance, these two living organisms can provide our bodies with protein and help us stay strong. To make our lessons much more interesting and inviting, we made a work with farm animal objects and vegetables for children to play with.

We sang songs about the farm and took a fabulous trip to our garden. While in the garden, we picked up a few herbs and an apple. We brought the items into class to discuss the parts of a plant and extended the lesson to the life cycle of an apple. Our kids were so excited to share some of their observations and had great stories to add to our discussions. 

Every morning, we love greeting our children as they walk into the classroom. This gives us an opportunity to establish a quick, but meaningful, connection with each and every one of them. Shaking hands and making eye contact tells your greeter you are present and ready to learn.

Have you heard about the peace rose?

Every day, we gather in a circle to talk about our plans for the day. During these meetings, we also discuss graceful and courtesy ways we can use when interacting with one another.

We have been learning how to make friends and empowered students to use tools to solve differences. Children learned phrases that they can use, proper vocabulary, and tools like the Peace Rose to talk out their problems.

 At times, we might have to repeat or extend our discussions, including role play for the children to have a greater understanding. We are happy to see our students are becoming more confident and aware of the tools we have in the classroom to build their conflict resolution skills.

P2 Friendly songs

With Ms. Jessie, 

“Lo mas que estemos juntos, juntos, juntos

Lo mas que estemos juntos felices seremos. 

Tus amigos son mis amigos.

Y mis  amigos son tus amigos. 

Lo mas que estemos juntos felices seremos.”

With Ms. Brianna,

“The more we are together together together at Montessori school

Cuz your friends are my friends and my friends are your friends 

The more we are together the happier we’ll be.”

BUILDING OUR CLASSROOM COMMUNITY

Hola!!  Thank you for taking a moment to visit our classroom blog. 

What a wonderful time to be back in the classroom sharing this journey along with you and your children. The classroom feels full of spirit and curiosity. 

We have been very busy in P2. From getting used to the routines that make the classroom function effectively, to having very important discussions about all the little and BIG things in our classroom.  After much role playing, presentations and discussions, our feet have hit the floor (but not running:)! 

Our  students are adjusting to the new school year and are getting to know each other. We create opportunities for friends to work together, and find it especially effective pairing younger students with seasoned students.

 Our returning friends take the initiative to help guide and even give lessons to their younger peers.  It is so special to observe such a strong support system. We are very proud of our Kindergartners for taking the leadership role in our classroom and look forward to an amazing school year for everyone. 

September Themes:

Safety and Community Helpers

Nutrition and Food Groups

Plant vs. Animal

Land and Water

Apple Studies

Upcoming Events

Monday, 9/2 – Labor Day, No School

Monday, 9/16 – Friday, 9/20 – Scholastic Book Fair

Friday, 9/20 – Parent Teacher Conferences, no school for students

Friday, 9/27 – PTO Family Movie Night