Getting Chilly

Lauren is really watching her Sponging work.

Lola practices her beautiful cursive writing every day.

Marqueen loves the Moveable Alphabet.

Natalia is counting to 100.

Alexa carefully traces the Sandpaper Letter during her sound lesson.

News For You!

From One Hundred Child Development Tips; insights and suggestions from AMI Teachers

Tip Number 54:  When you are providing feedback about your child's work and skills, please comment on the process and details of the effort, not the end product.  For example, use phrases like "I like the way you use the color green in your drawing" rather than "What a beautiful picture."  This will help your child stay focused on his work and develop his skills instead of just thinking about the results.  Be cautious about using rewards for once learning is externally motivated, a child's process can lose creativity, focus and passion.  Please remember to not interrupt your child when he is focused.


I Have Heard....

I have been hearing this a lot lately, "My child doesn't tell me anything that he does at school."  It is OK!  For many students, this environment is the FIRST time that they have had a special place, just the right size, of their own.  The community that I foster in the classroom is a strong one and over the years I have found that children eventually share what they do during the work cycle when the novelty has worn off a little.  Just don't push it!  They will all share when they are ready.  (You can always come and observe-please consult with me to prearrange a day/time.)

Extra Clothing

The weather has FINALLY turned (a little) and your child's pair of extra clothes may be too cool.  Please pack a set of warmer clothes for school and we will send back the pair we have here.

Field Trip

On Thursday December 1st, the second year and the Kinder students will be attending the Phoenix Symphony for the morning.  Ms. Sara will stay behind with the first year students.  I was only allowed a few chaperones and I would have needed more if I were to take them.  I have one of the largest groups of first year students and felt it would not be safe to take them on the light rail and to Symphony Hall with the small number of adults I was allotted.  Don't be too sad though!  They will be joining us on the next field trip!



Classroom Needs!

*Green Yarn
*Crafting Pipe Cleaners
*Small Wooden Drying Rack
*All Natural Metal Polish

Classroom Wishes!

A Few Items from Montessori Services
 http://www.montessoriservices.com/
Item # B200 Square counting chain label box set $9.00
Item # B300 Cubing chain label box $14.00
Item # G51 Tiny Ladle $3.75
Item # G199 Mini Tong $3.50
Item # W88 Non-slip Scrub Brush $3.95
Item # Q12 Small Crumb Set $9.95

Dates:

11/21-25 No School Thanksgiving Break
12/19-30 No School Winter break
12/1 Field Trip to the Phoenix Symphony
Soon...Classroom Holiday Party!!!!

November Already?

Zain is carefully spooning.

Cooper enjoys the Button Frame.

Isabella giving the Brown Stairs a try.

Zoe is building words with the moveable alphabet.

I am sure that encouraging independence in your child is becoming an easier and easier task for you.  I wanted to offer up a resource for you!  Montessori from the Start: The Child at Home from Birth to Age Three  by Paula Polk Lillard and Lynn Lillard Jessen.  This book has it all.  It is actually the book that I used myself in preparing my own home for the arrival of my daughter.  Full of information on age appropriate activities to encourage independence, how to make your home more accessible to a child in their quest to do for themselves, language acquisition, developing the will and so much more! If you are expecting, have an infant or a small child-this book is more than worth the cost.

The holidays are on the way!  Great educational Montessori gift ideas:  http://www.michaelolaf.net/  & http://www.forsmallhands.com/

This Month!

Thanksgiving, Native American studies, leaves, North America, animals of North America, turkeys, poetry by Robert Frost, and fall.

Dates:

11/11-No School Veteran's Day

11/21-25-No School Thanksgiving Holiday

And Remember-

Try to count to ten to yourself BEFORE jumping-in to help your child.  Giving them the chance to work through their obstacles is one of the most effective ways to assist their learning and independence.  The unspoken rule between the adults in my classroom is to step away until the child asks for our assistance.