We began our work this week with the telling of the First Great Lesson: The Coming of the Universe. Children receive a large picture of the history of the universe as they begin to understand the interconnectedness of our world. This lesson leads to the study of:
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Students received their Words Their Way spelling lists on Monday. This list was based on the spelling placement test they were given two weeks prior. All children will receive their sorts on the first day of the week and practice their words using reinforcement activities throughout the week. They must finish three activities by Friday. Families can also practice these words using the same sheet at home. You can find that sheet here and your child's individual spelling list here. They are welcome to take their words home, as well. The sorts may be a mixture of clip art and words. Students learn to sort by sounds and spelling patterns. We did a practice test this past Friday. Students did so well! Some students will have the same list from the week prior, depending on how they did on their practice test.
Students received their Words Their Way spelling lists on Monday. This list was based on the spelling placement test they were given two weeks prior. All children will receive their sorts on the first day of the week and practice their words using reinforcement activities throughout the week. They must finish three activities by Friday. Families can also practice these words using the same sheet at home. You can find that sheet here and your child's individual spelling list here. They are welcome to take their words home, as well. The sorts may be a mixture of clip art and words. Students learn to sort by sounds and spelling patterns. We did a practice test this past Friday. Students did so well! Some students will have the same list from the week prior, depending on how they did on their practice test.
As we continue our study of the Volcano, we read My Mouth is a Volcano by Julia Cook. We have been discussing how to minimize interruptions by demonstrating self-control. In Cook's book, the main character has trouble learning how to wait their turn to share their thoughts. Our class discussed how to keep our thoughts in our heads while we listen to others share.
Last Friday, the entire Lower Elementary team came together to celebrate International Peace Day. Students were encouraged to write messages of peace on the sidewalk for our community to see. They had such a fun time! Check out some of their messages below!
Students were introduced to their Work Plan this week. This document is a task list for the children to help them organize what projects they need to independently practice and which lessons they will receive from the teacher that week in the different curriculum areas. In an elementary Montessori classroom, students are free to choice work from their plan to complete throughout the week. We explain, "You are free to work, not free from work." Young children need support in planning and organizing their week. We will continue to provide supports to build this independence.
Additionally, students are required to complete their Daily Language, Daily Math, and Daily Journal assignments. These questions and tasks follow the Common Core Standards for each grade level.
Additionally, students are required to complete their Daily Language, Daily Math, and Daily Journal assignments. These questions and tasks follow the Common Core Standards for each grade level.
As we build peace and community as a group, our class has been learning about specific spaces in the classroom that allows them to express their emotions and feelings as well as take responsibility and ownership. This week we learned about the Safe Space - a place where children can go for 1-3 minutes on their own time and their own choice to take a moment for breathing, reflecting, and composure. We discussed how when someone is feeling angry, lonely, anxious, or worried this individual can go to the Safe Space to practice deep breaths, writing in our reflection journal, and practice mediation.
Students invest in their classroom when they feel ownership over it. We want to teach our students to feel responsible and proud of their work in our room. Every two weeks, students can apply for a job in the room with a real application. They must write what qualifications they have to meet each job. Jobs include Message Reader (for our daily message), Facilities Manager (taking care of cleaning our room), Feelings Buddy (supporting a lonely or sad friend), and Historian (writes the newsletter and surveys the room).
Every day, students come in and hang their hearts on the Wish Well. Not only is this a way to see which students are absent and present, but it is also shows are students that our classroom community is thinking about them even when they are not present. Our Welcome Back Committee can write notes to our sick and absent classmates.
Welcome to the Peace Classroom! This week we have been busy welcoming our new students and building community. We are so excited to get to know your children! In order to learn more about your child's interests, hobbies, and family, students will create and present their very own Me Bag. |
Each day, we start with time to enjoy breakfast and reading together. This time for conversation allows students to build language skills, problem solve, and work on building a classroom family. We are so excited to see how our community grows!
Happy Beginning of the Year!
Ms. K and I have been hard at work in setting up a learning environment that best meets the needs of our six to nine year olds. We are looking to create an inviting space that allows for children to take ownership over their learning. The Montessori environment should include concrete materials that reflect the curriculum that includes the language, mathematics, sciences, cultural studies, and practical life subjects. We believe in a space that allows for movement, small group learning, and student choice. We have some work to do!
This past summer, members of the PTA so kindly volunteered for several days in painting our classroom. We now have a space that reflects the stunning Peace Garden right outside our windows. Thank you so much to all the volunteers that have helped in the opening of this new 6-9 Classroom!
Stay tuned for more!
Check back in over the next few weeks for updates on our classroom with pictures and information about all the fun we are exploring each week.
Author
Ms. Bizon is a Lower Elementary Guide at Suder Montessori School.
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