Students were introduced to our Lesson Presentations this week. In a Lower Elementary Montessori classroom, much of the instruction is given in small groups. To support the social development of the child, students work together with students at their ability level under the direction of the teacher. We began the year meeting in grade level groupings but as we learn more about the individual needs of the students through observation and assessments, we will set groupings for each subject area. Students have been presenting their Me Bags. We have been working on how to listen to another person sharing. Students are learning how to be active participants in a presentation, showing how to listen with their eyes, ears, and mouths. Students have learned how to ask relevant questions or share connections to their peers. We also learned how to use our Big Voice to solve problems. Students were introduced to the Time Machine as a problem solving process to mediate conflict. Students use this visual support to learn how to manage their emotions and express their frustrations directly to one another. We learned how to: 1. Acknowledge a willingness to solve the problem. 2. Take a S.T.A.R. breath (Stop, Take a deep breath, and Relax) 3. Wish the other individual well before beginning. 4. Express that they are ready to do it together by exchanging the phrase "1,2,3 Let's do this!" 5. The victim expresses the following, "I don't like it when.... Next time....." 6. The aggressor expresses, "Okay, I can do that." 7. Students have the opportunity to switch sides.
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This week, students have began conferences with their teachers. Students will meet with teachers every two weeks to discuss how their work is going and how they are working in our peaceful classroom. Students are encouraged to reflect on their Work Plans and review how much work they have accomplished. We also discuss the quality of their work. Students review the behavior checklist that is modeled after our classroom expectations to see what the need to work on. Families will receive a copy of their child's conference form on the following Monday. We have begun our Reader's Workshop in the afternoons. The Workshop supports students comprehension and fluency by witnessing a teacher model specific reading strategies and gives time for students to practice with books at their reading level. Each day, students will read their Just Right book - a book that they have learned that passes the Five Finger Rule. This rule encourages children to select a text, open up to any page, and attempt to read without making more than five errors. A book with 1-2 errors is too easy and a book with 5 or more errors is too hard. Students are learning how to find a comfortable space in the room that allows them to read the whole time without interruption. We introduced the Kindness Tree this week. Students learn to compliment each other and recognize how we work together as a community. One of our jobs in the classroom is to serve as the Kindness Catcher. It is exciting to see the children begin to notice these acts independently.
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. |
AuthorMs. Bizon is a Lower Elementary Guide at Suder Montessori School. Archives
September 2018
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