Fun in December!

Let the Fun Begin!

The holidays are here!  This month we will be studying snowflakes, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, winter poems, citrus and Claude Monet.  We will be having a cultural lesson on the holidays in Columbia with Isabella's mother and a look at St. Lucia's Day with Lauren's mother.


This Month!

12/20- Kinder Holiday Concert at Main Campus in Multi-use Room
12/21- Ms. Meg's Class Holiday Party!  A child-only party with sweets (yes, it's true!), music, games and crafts.  Look on the volunteerspot for items we will need for the festivities!!
12/24-1/4- No School, Winter Break

United Children's Day!!!

 

 

What a fun time!  I hope all of you parents enjoyed the celebration!  It was wonderful seeing so many of you involved.

 

November:

 

November brings the children so many new lessons!  We look at Native American culture, the lives of pilgrim children, leaves, new songs and poetry, as well as a study of turkeys! 

 

I have put out the call for more culture a few times this year with little response.  Many families have special cultural traditions for the holidays.  Please share them with us!  Does anyone celebrate Hanukkah or Kwanzaa?  Contact me and let's set something up!

 

 

Dates:

 

11/9- Scholastic Books Orders are due.  Please order some books!  We get free books for the classroom when you order online!  ALSO-the holidays are right around the corner, there are plenty of affordable books that would make fun gifts!

 

11/12-No School

 

11/14-PTA

 

11/19-23- No School

 

 



United Children's Day

Just a reminder....

Have you moved? Changed jobs?  New cell number or work number?  Please update your information with the main office.  It is imperative that I have your current information for emergencies.

Picture Day is Friday 10/26 first thing in the morning.  If you are late, you may miss us.  Your order form is in your child's folder pocket.  Please return to me by Thursday 10/25.

Fall Carnival

October 27 from 12-4 is our school carnival at main campus. Our classroom booth is the Columbia booth! Thank you for the volunteers who signed up to help run it! Make sure you are there on-time for the shift change so the booth is not left unattended. :)  Want to help?  You still can.  Go to the volunteer spot on the school website and you will find the carnival listed under Ms. Trezise.  The more the merrier.  AND you need 10 volunteer hours so help out and get them done!

The flier for the carnival mentions having your child wear their cultural costume for the carnival. Just to caution you, the carnival will have food and face paint and bounce houses, and costumes may get ruined in all of the fun.


No Trick-or-Treat Costumes on Halloween Because......

United Children's Day is October 31 at 10:20!

Please join us in a celebration of culture by dressing your child in a costume that represents their cultural heritage and bring a cultural dish to share.  We will be having a potluck for the children (adults may join in the feast if there is left-over after the children are served).  Not a cook?  That's O.K.!  We will need some volunteers to bring plates and forks/spoons.

Just and F.Y.I., I only have enough seats for the children in the classroom, so if you are comfortable bringing a folding chair, you won't have to stand or sit on the floor during the feast.

The end of September

Mid-Autumn Festival

 

 

I need to thank Joshua's mom, Thuy, for volunteering to share their culture with us!  She shared pictures from the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam and brought Moon Cake for the children to try!  We has so much fun making lanterns and trying a new food.  Thank you for sharing with us!!!



 

 

 

 

Moon Cake

 



Eating new foods!

Thank you Mrs. Theisen!

 

 

Please share your culture with us.  Religious holidays or celebrations or cultural traditions, let me coordinate a time for you to share!

 

 

September is ending and so are our solar system studies and apple studies.  We looked at all 8 planets in our solar system, constellations, worked with the properties of magnetism, land, water and air, tasted apples and learned about the parts of and apple growth cycles.  We have welcomed two new friends, Liam and Reyna, and all of us are hard at work!

 

October is a time of fun for us!  We will learn the parts of the pumpkin, look at lots of Halloween poems, work on exploring the continents of our planet, land and water forms, the composer Bach, and the artist Leonardo DaVinci.

 

 

Dates:

 

Bingo Night 9/28

Book Orders Due 9/28

1/2 Days next week are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

No School Fall Break 10/8-10/12

 

 



Let me lend a hand

How lucky!  You now have your very own child development expert! (That's me, by the way.)

I wanted to post a little about something that is crucial for young children.  Discipline.  This seems to be a scary word for some parents, but it shouldn't be!  Valya Telep, Former Extension Specialist, Child Development, Virginia State University, defines it very easily.

What is Discipline?

Discipline is  .   .   . 

Helping a child learn to get along with his family and friends.

Teaching a child to behave in an agreeable way.

Allowing a child the freedom to learn from his mistakes and experience the consequences of his decisions.

Effective discipline is helping, teaching, and learning.

Discipline Is Not Punishment

Some parents think discipline and punishment are the same thing. Some think discipline is getting a child to behave and teaching him to be obedient. Some think it is what you do when children are naughty or misbehave.

Whereas punishment focuses on the child, discipline targets the act. When we punish a child we are in effect saying to him, "You are loved (or not loved) because of the things you do." Punishment teaches the child to be "good" as long as we are looking, but as soon as we turn our heads, watch out!

Discipline separates the child's "goodness"from how well he does on a task. Our message now says, "You are OK even when your behavior is NOT OK." We love the child but reject the behavior.

The purpose of discipline is to raise responsible, confident children who grow up to be persons who think for themselves, who care about others, and who live satisfying and useful lives.

 

Resources

I have found these resources extremely useful and use them myself.

1-2-3-Magic by Phelan.  This is a great book for stopping annoying/irritating behaviors like whining, negotiating and manipulating.  If this method doesn't work for you, then your are not doing it correctly.  :)

Parenting with Love and Logic by Cline and Fay

Positive Discipline A-Z by Nelson

Dates
9/7 Salad spectacular
9/20 Literacy Night
10/4 &10/5 Parent Teacher Conferences for all families

 

 

Thank you to everyone who shared in Parent Education!!

We had a great turn-out and I sincerely hope that you all were inspired!
Please email me with any questions you may have.  There was a lot to cover in a very short time!

What's Next?

September brings us the first signs of the fall, even thought it probably won't be cooling down much!  The class will be studying apples and the growth cycle of the apple.  We will be starting our solar system and space lessons (they love this one) and we will be learning about the phases of the moon. Our outdoor environment and gardens should be starting anytime now!

August was a month of grace and courtesy lessons, learning classroom procedures and rules.  The younger students continue to acclimate, but all are well on their way!  The mornings are very peaceful and productive.  So much so that I think I will begin scheduling parent observation spots early!  (I usually wait until October.)  I am so pleased with this group of students!

No school Monday 9/3
Literacy Night is Wednesday the 19th

We are back!

Welcome back returning families and welcome to our new families!! 

The first weeks of school are exciting and sometimes challenging too.  It will take us all a little time to get used to one another, the classroom routines and procedures, and separating from mom and dad.  We will get there!  Just know that the tears, if there are any, are temporary and part of growing and maturing.

*Please remember to check your child's folder pocket behind their sign-in sheet in the in/out binder for my communications to you.

Welcome Back Kinders!

Welcome Back Second Years!

Welcome First Years!

Passport to Montessori is Wednesday 8/29 at 5:30 on the Main campus.  If your child is new to the program, a first year, it is mandatory that you be there.  There is no childcare so please plan accordingly.  This even counts toward your 10 volunteer hours!


If your child is in Kindergarten, a third year student, you are required to be at the Montessori Continuum: Understanding and Supporting Your Primary and Elementary Children.  This event also has no childcare and is at 6:30 at the Main campus.  Just as with the other education nights, this counts toward your 10 volunteer hours.

******************************************************

Dates:

8/29- Parent Education Night
8/31- Scholastic Book Orders Due
9/3- No School
9/7- Salad Spectacular
9/12- PTA/Site Council

If you need me please email or leave me a note in my folder!

See you in the fall!!!!

Here are you supply lists for next year.   I have divided the list to be year specific.
Have a wonderful summer!!!

Kinder Student Supply List

1 Tote bag (book size) same size as last year please.

1 Complete change of clothing (Shirt, Shorts, underwear and socks) all items labeled in a Ziploc bag also labeled with your child’s name.

2 Primary Composition Books,  5/8”Ruling.  These are the large ruled books with the dashed center line.  Very easy to find at office supply and even dollar store closer to August.

1 Bottle of school glue

1 Set of water color paint

1 Box of Kleenex

1 small plant with a drip plate.  No Pathos please.

Dry erase marker

2^nd Year Student Supply List

1 Tote bag (book size) same size as last year please.

1 Complete change of clothing (Shirt, Shorts, underwear and socks) all items labeled in a Ziploc bag also labeled with your child’s name.

1 Box of colored pencils

1 Set of water color paint

1 pack of Cello sponges, without the scrubby side

1 Pack of construction paper

1 box/bag of Ditalini pasta

1^st Year Student Supply List

1 Tote bag (book size) No backpacks!  They are far too large for anything these children will be taking home.  We simply do not have the space to store them.

1 Complete change of clothing (Shirt, Shorts, underwear and socks) all items labeled in a Ziploc bag also labeled with your child’s name. Please consider adding an extra pair of shorts and underwear.

1 Fork (plain metal no cartoon characters)

1 Spoon (plain metal no cartoon characters)

1 Set of water color paint

1 Container of Clorox sanitizing wipes

1 bottle of white vinegar (used for cleaning)

Last Week

Track Meet! 

 Congratulations to the students who visit Coach Harvey! The Track Meet was great and the class WON 1st Place for the Tug-O-War! I know it's not about winning...but they were pretty fantastic!


Next week is the last week of school! 

Are you ready?  It is a bust week so I thought I would remind everyone the schedule.

Monday- Kinder Graduation at 5:00 in the Cafeteria.
Tuesday-Water Day.  Begins first thing in the morning.  Parents of 1st year students must attend for your child to participate.  Please email me to confirm that you will be there.
Wednesday- Pajama Day.  Your child may bring one toy/game to school to share as well as wear their pajamas!  I suggest games to bring-more children can play and they are always more fun!  Wednesday is also 1/2 day release for full-day children.

Next Week- I will post the supply list for the Fall on the Blog.  I have also developed some "homework" and activities to help you keep you child's learning fresh over the Summer Break.  I will email this to you.

Some dates for next year:

Back to School Night (everyone must be there, no childcare offered) 7/30
Kinder start date: 8/1
2nd Year start Date 8/20

May-here we come!

I have made a parenting and discipline discovery that I want to share with you!  It is called 1-2-3 Magic by Thomas W. Phelan.  It is about stopping annoying behaviors (like whining, tantrums, and arguing), getting children to start doing what you need them to do and the different types of manipulations children use to get what they want from the parent.  It is a program that I have started in my own home and it has been very easy to use. Check it out at the library! 



I found this EXCELLENT article on T.V./technology and video games and the young child.  Please take the time to review it. 

http://www.amiusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/amiusa-the-technology-screen.pdf

Dates:

5/21 Kinder Graduation
5/22 Water Day- Please come join your child for the wettest day of the school year!
5/23 Last Day-Pajama Day!!!!

Butterflies!

In the Classroom...

Butterflies!!

Word building

Practical life

Puzzle words (sight reading words)

Stamp game (addition with the decimal system)

Practical life

Binomial cube and practical life

Sandpaper letters

The ladybugs and butterflies have hatched!  The children have learned so much being able to observe this transformation! 

We are also growing radishes in the classroom using a Rootvue.  The Rootvue allows us to look at how the roots grow under the soil. 

Have you been talking about the food groups with your child?  In class we have been discussing healthy foods and "junky" foods. (Junky foods being high sugar, salt, fat, fried and fast foods.)

Observations

You are running out of time if you are interested in coming into the classroom for an observation.  It is hard for me to be able to explain what your child has been doing or how far they have come without you having seen what we do.  This is not a typical preschool/kindergarten!  Please give me a day notice so I can schedule you a 30 minute time slot. 

Dates:

No full-day student early dismissal Wed 4/18 & 4/25

Coming soon- Water Day & Kinder Graduation

5/23 Pajama Day! 

Spring is Here!

Our Pink Lady caterpillars and ladybug larvae should be here next week and the children are EXCITED!!!!  We have been talking about insects every day.  Ask your child how many body parts and legs an insect has.  They may even be able to tell you the names of the body parts!  (Head, thorax and abdomen if you forgot :)  )

I have only had ONE family send in a set of warm weather clothes to replace the winter change of clothes for their child!!!  (Remember the email before break?)  Missing your child's coat?  I have a laundry basket FULL of them!  I will set the basket outside out classroom door every day until next Wednesday, 3/28, and then I am going to donate them.  Does your child always forget their coat?  I can help you!  Ask me how!

The school carnival is Saturday 3/31 at the main campus.  Our class booth is a prize wheel!  If you don't have your 10 volunteer hours, you are running out of time!  This is a fun and great way to get some hours.  Thanks to those who have signed up already!

The red Family Book Bag is still circulating though the students, so f you have not seen it yet- you will!

By the Way....
Have you seen the strawberries growing outside of our classroom door?

We Need:
Empty egg cartons
Vibrant colors of yarn

Dates:
3/31 Carnival
4/4-4/5 Early release for full-day children at 1:15 for conferences
4/6 No school
5/23 Last day of school -PAJAMA DAY!!!!!

Spring is on the way!

March brings so much to the classroom!  Insects and butterflies, study of Georgia O'Keeffe, study of the composer Wagner, Asia, animals of Asia, flags of Asia, nutrition and the Family Bookbag Program.

Asia
Asia studies in my classroom are so much fun for me!  My mother spent much of her childhood in Korea and Vietnam, and I have all of her treasures to share!

Family Bookbag Program
For the Family Bookbag Program, each child will have a turn to take the red tote home and enjoy the books and activities for a few days.  Please keep track of the books (I can't get replacements if they are lost-this is a federally funded program) and return them on the date specified inside the bag.  Enjoy learning about healthy foods with your child! 

Please Check Out:
http://www.choosemyplate.gov/  to get ideas on how to support our learning about nutrition in your home!


When we come back from spring break I will order our caterpillars and lady bug larvae!


Need:
Tissues Please Please!!!!
Dry erase markers

Dates:
3/12-16 No School Spring Break
3/31 Spring Carnival!!!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Lauren and Arianna "Action Painting"

Kameron is a natural!

Marqueen and Michelle give it a try

Go Natalia!

Troyhar is really throwing that paint!

We finished our Jackson Pollock study with some "Action Painting"!  It was great and the children LOVED it!!  Please come on in and check out the paintings.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!!!

Have you seen what the children are growing?

Ms. Kym has a beautiful garden going and the children have helped!  Come take a walk and enjoy all of the growing vegetables and flowers.  We will be harvesting in no time!

Thank You!

 I need to thank all of my parents who have sent in napkins, vinegar and watercolors for the children.  Your help keeps us going!  Thank you to Lauren's parents for the items off the Montessori Services list!  Thank you to Marqueen's parents for the books off of the Scholastic Book Club wish list!  I am so lucky to have your support!!

Sorry to bring it up....

Please be on-time.  If you are not walking in with the class at 8:10- you are late.  I apologize for the largeness of the font, but it is too late in the year to be having this many students tardy to class.  All of your child's tardies and absences are documented in the State's attendance system.  The district takes into consideration your child's attendance when deciding your open enrollment for the upcoming school year.  It is so sad to see a child go because of something like this.  Tardies are an adult issue and not the fault of the child.

Dates:

Family Literacy Night 2/15 (That's tomorrow!)

No School 2/20- Presidents Day

Father Daughter Dance 2/24

Coming Up Next!!!

For February, we will be studying Arizona preparing for our state's centennial!!!  I was planning a special art project (action painting!!) in honor of Jackson Pollock, a former Phoenix Elementary School District #1 student, and I am going to need some supplies some of you may have in your garage.  We will need a canvas drop-cloth and two or three colors of left-over latex paint, and three large house paintbrushes.  If you have any of these items please send me an email.

In addition to a study of Jackson Pollock, we will be studying the state flag, tree and flower, desert animals, cacti and desert flowers.

February is also the month that we get to have our Valentine's Celebration!!!  (My favorite!)  On Valentine's Day, Tuesday 2/14, each child will need 25 Valentines with only your child's name written on them (so we may pass them out walking around the group circle) and a Valentine's Box.  Kleenex boxes make GREAT Valentine's Boxes.  Decorate the box at home and be sure your child's name is on it.  Candy is O.K. to pass out with the Valentines if you want.

Help Help Help!

We are in real need of some things from Montessori Services!
http://www.montessoriservices.com/

Item #
B200  Squared chain label box set $9.00
B300  Cubed chain label box set $14.00
W88  Non-slip scrub brush $3.95
PM10 Natural metal polish $6.95
J82  1oz glass bottle  (need two) $0.50
J72 Eye dropper (need two) $0.50
PC12Y  Polish cloth set $7.25

**Montessori Services also offers gift certificates and then I can place the order here at school.

We still need:

Vinegar
Paper Napkins
Small Hotel Bar Soaps

We are back!

Welcome to our class Arianna!

The children LOVE to work outside!

We are back, and the children are working harder than ever!  This is my favorite time of the school year!  Right now we are studying the five senses, the brain, Arctic animals, camouflage, Vincent VanGogh and Johann Sebastian Bach.

I wanted to also thank you all for my class holiday gift!  It is so special that you all thought to do something for me!

Show Me Night is coming soon!  This is a super fun evening where your child gets to give YOU some of their favorite lessons!  The night is January 25th and the times are designated by the first letter of your last name.  I will be handing out your child's progress report that night and you may opt out of a conference by attending.

Wish List Items:

Vinegar
Kleenex
Water Colors
Apple Cutter
Small Hotel Bar Soaps


Dates:

No School  1/16

Show Me Night 1/25 (see email flier or flier in the classroom window)   Parents-you may attend this even in lieu of a conference.

Conferences 2/2-2/3