Week 2

Montessori math materials are so beautiful. The kids are already rolling with new lessons and getting their hands back on the materials.

The subtraction strip board

Multiplication bead board

Decanomial

Fraction insets

Also, Michael Duffy, a veteran Montessorian and author visited North Park this past week. He held an informational parent night on Friday and then an all day staff professional development day on Saturday. It was very informative, relevant, and inspiring. If you haven't checked out his books, I highly recommend them. I believe the office is getting in a few copies for purchase. 

Also, we've celebrated a few birthdays in the classroom already this year. I make sure that everyone has a special day during the year to celebrate their birthday, even if they have a summer birthday. I think it is important that every child have this day to feel celebrated. The child is encouraged to bring in a timeline of their life and a birthday snack. Here's an example of a birthday timeline (not my image... I always forget to take a picture of a student's timeline):

If you want this free printable, go here: http://www.theclassroomcreative.com/2014/05/free-printable-timeline-template-and-activity-inspired-by-montessori/ 

We also set up the Montessori sun and have the child walk around the sun for the number of trips around the sun they have taken. :) We also have a special song that we sing. 

Here's to Week 3!

First Week

Hello Families!

I can't believe we are already in week 2 of the new school year! Last week was a lot of fun and was very successful, as the students learned procedures, built a strong community, and got back into the groove of the school routine. We were very busy and did a lot of fun activities. Some of the things we did were:

• a Bandaid activity, where we learned about fairness (and that it doesn't mean "sameness")
• many different team-building games
• decorated our notebooks
• an anti-bullying activity with a pink paper heart
• started reading Tales of Desperaux
• made name tags
• created our own classroom rules poster and signed it
• created a classroom book called "Our Peaceful Classroom"
• played a very cool rhythm game in a circle
• drew self-portraits
• played the marshmallow game
• ...and lots more

Here are some photos from the week:

 Making self-portraits

 Writing our numbers to 100 (first years)

 Doing the Hundred Board (first years)

 Practicing closing the door very quietly!

Cursive letters (second and third years)

This week, we are getting into new lessons, spelling, guided reading groups, and starting our personal narrative unit of study. We are thankful for the beautiful weather that is allowing us to go out for a short break in the morning and afternoon for fresh air. We are also already thankful for Miss. Tuchman for being a second teacher on hand for the kids. 

I looked around today during the most beautiful, peaceful work time. The kids were all spread out in our new space, working away. I think this is the earliest that the work cycle has been so productive in the classroom, and that makes me very excited about the year ahead.

"One test of correctness of educational procedure is the happiness of the child." -Maria Montessori