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Just two and a half months ago, our three year olds started school.  Some were barely potty-trained.  Now, they work independently, care for themselves and have integrated into our learning community.  This is the miracle of the Montessori Method.

If you have had the joy of observing, I hope that you were dazzled by the productivity and quiet in the room.  I am looking forward to meeting with you next week to discuss your child's progress and how we can continue to work to together to insure that your child meets their optimal potential.

 
All the Primary third-year students trooped across the street to the Broad Street Art Gallery Friday afternoon.  The show was a display of MMS students and the theme was castles and dragons.  The children used their "art appreciation" skills to view the various art pieces on display.  They noticed the technique, the feelings the pieces evoked and just had fun. They also got excited to recognize the names of artists who are friends and siblings.

When we returned to the classroom, we discussed technique, our favorite pieces and the experience.  The children then used the inspiration of the experience to create their own art piece.  It was a wonderful opportunity to explore being an arti.  Thank you to all the parents involved for responding to the permission request at the last possible moment.  You are the best ever!
 
In Writers Workshop, Third-year students have been practicing  writing personal stories.  Today, they learned to edit their stories.  This involved using a red pencil to circle words that needed capital letters and placing periods at the end of sentences.  In some cases, children were ready to check spelling.  

I wish I had taken a video so you could see how they were concentrating and taking their writing seriously.  These writing projects now span several days until details are added, editing takes place and finally, students are ready to present their work at Authors' Chair.
 
Our Thanksgiving dinner was a wonderful event.  It is a good example of how we come together as a community.  Thank you to everyone who helped and everyone who came.  If you took any photos that you think I would like to see, please email them to me.

ART

1/28/2012

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Montessori children learn to classify all sorts of things.  Currently, the children are learning about artists and their paintings.  They are learning to classify paintings as portraits, still life, genre or landscape paintings.  Some are also learning about specific artists. They have all painted their own portrait or a still life.  We are looking forward to a trip to the Wadsworth Atheneum on February 11. It will be an opportunity for the children to apply their new knowledge and to see some of the original paintings that we have been studying. I hope to see you there.
 
I wish everyone a wonderful vacation.  The children ended 2011 on a great note.  They were excited about the holiday but they are also increasingly excited about their new skills.   I am looking forward to their continued growth in the New Year.
 
Yesterday, our class was videotaped by CREC.  Our students were amazing!  They selected lessons to work on, focused and completed their work in spite of the six foot tall videographer following them through the room. The two guests were dazzled by the children's independence, language skills and their willingness and ability to help one another. It is a tribute to all of us.
 
Thank you for your time and cooperation.  I always enjoy meeting with you to discuss your child's progress. It is so important for your child that we work together.  It was fun to meet the new babies, to share stories and to problem solve.  Thank you for your trust in me. 
 
i am looking forward to meeting with all parents next week.  This is a wonderful opportunity for us to discuss the growth of your child both at home and at school.  I encourage you to observe your child at school before you come to your appointment.  Just call or email me for a day and time.
 
WOW!  I just got power and internet back.  I hope that you are all safe and warm.  The recovery from this storm has been quite  challenging.  Everyone has a story.  

Tell the children that Freedom Bunny misses them and that he is safe and well.  See you all soon.

    Author

    This is my ninth year as a Montessori Primary Guide at MMS.  I was honored to be in the first graduating class of the Montessori Training Center of New England. MTCNE is an AMI Training Center that is located here on the Learning Corridor Campus. 

    I was drawn to the   Montessori Philosophy because it is the way that I live my life.  Maria Montessori believed that children need to be close to nature and to learn about real things. I love nature and find peace and relaxation by living on a pond. Every day, I enjoy the turtles, heron, geese and the beauty of nature. I also practice Yoga.  It is a graceful and peaceful way of keeping me flexible and strong both physically and spiritually. 

    Like Montessori, I have a deep respect for the genius and miracle of the child.  I have always been fascinated by how we learn and in finding ways to help individuals meet their optimal potential. A key aspect of the Montessori Method is to become a keen observer of the child.  There is nothing I love more than to watch an individual child explore and to identify the unique way that learning takes place.  I constantly read and learn about the way that the brain works and try to find techniques to support a child’s growth.  

    For me, creating the prepared environment is one of the joys of being a Montessori guide.  I love to quilt, do crafts and make things look beautiful.  I have made many of the materials in our classroom and totally enjoy working with the children to create our garden with herbs and flowers that we use in the classroom.  Cooking with the children is also something that I love to do. 

    The Montessori philosophy emphasizes peace, grace and courtesy, control of the will, independence, individuality, nature, creativity and exploration.  These characteristics provide a foundation that is important for the child and also provides my center.


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