With winter break just around the corner, we reflect on the enormous satisfaction and joy we feel in teaching your children.  Each day we begin fresh with the hope that some concept or process will inspire a student and they will experience a true joy for learning. It is in the repetition of handling the materials and in completing the processes that a Montessori education really takes hold. So many components go into creating and sustaining a productive Montessori classroom including the space, the materials, the teacher’s experience; but the most profound ingredient is the children and, by extension, their families. We know that you are the foundation of FMS, and it is your attentive care for your children that makes our work so rewarding.  

During this holiday season when the “doing” can be overwhelming, and it is easy to tire out, we hope that you will find quiet moments of “being” together.  The gift of time that we share with one another can not be overlooked.  It is in the unhurried moments of spending time together which nourish the whole person.  Laughing together, snuggling with a good book, or watching a favorite movie are all the layers of love that leave a lasting impression on both the child and the parent.  We wish you a peaceful and joyful winter break, and are looking forward to being together again in the new year.

REMINDER

Winter Break begins on Friday, 12/18/2020. 

School resumes on Tuesday, 1/5/2021.

No school on Monday, 1/18/2021 in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Kindergarten enrollment information night is on Wednesday, 1/27/2021 at 5:00.  A great opportunity to learn about what makes the FMS Montessori Kindergarten program so special.

First grade enrollment information night is on Thursday, 1/28/2021 at 5:00.  Enjoy a thorough description of transitioning from our primary program to the lower elementary grade level, including the diverse and rich curriculum.

Grace and courtesy are foundational themes in a Montessori classroom.  Grace refers to how a child moves in the space, how they handle the materials and how they function overall in the room.  Courtesy refers to the manner in which students speak and act with their peers and towards their teachers.  There are continuous opportunities to practice grace and courtesy throughout the day, such as lining up to wash hands before lunch, lining up for recess, and  sitting attentively with the whole group during circle time.  Courtesy is also modeled when the children have differences among themselves.  Learning how to interact with others and to engage in conflict resolution when things are not “going your way” are some of the key concepts we guide on a daily basis.  

We’ve also spent some time talking about “tattling” to a teacher with the underlying intent of getting another child in trouble.  Instead, we encourage our students to get out the peace rose and talk through their feelings directly with each other. The use of the peace rose is taught through our peace curriculum.  Using the rose as a tool gives each child the opportunity to speak, while the other child is listening.  When using the peace rose, we have taught the children to begin their dialogue with “I feel.”  This instruction helps each child to identify their own feelings and to quickly recognize the emotions of the other child. Communication about how to solve the problem then takes place, with assistance from teachers if needed.  When resolution is achieved, the children each hold the rose and declare “friends” or “peace.”

Reminders

Thanksgiving break is scheduled starting Wednesday, 11/25, through Friday, 11/27.  School resumes on Monday, 11/30.

Our P4 class traveled to China during our International Children’s Day.  We decorated fans, made tea cups and enjoyed the beauty and creativity of an ancient culture.  A favorite song about pandas was accentuated by the painting of the panda hanging on our wall. Ms. Angela, our Art teacher sketched the panda and each student took a turn filling in the black portions.  

A special thanks to all our families who donated materials and also lent us the use of Chinese artifacts.  It helped make the room feel inviting and authentic as we traveled to the country.

REMINDERS:

No school on Wednesday, 11/11 in honor of Veteran’s Day.

Thanksgiving break is scheduled starting Wednesday, 11/25 through Friday, 11/27.  School resumes on Monday, 11/30.

As more responsibilities are given to our kindergartners, more learning experiences are also provided.  Favorite children’s chapter books are read to the kindergarten classes each afternoon.  Once a chapter book is done, Ms. Maryam and Ms. Nancy create activities centered upon the main themes in the book and a chapter book party commences.  It includes hand-on activities reinforcing main themes read in the books and gives our students a deeper exposure to the main characters in the books.

Thanks for stepping up and doing all the adaptations we have had to make during this 2020 school year.  Together we are creating a safe environment for our school community.

At the beginning of every month, various cultural, art, and science works are replaced on the shelves. The materials reflect the particular theme and subject matter found in our curriculum.  For instance, this month we introduced the concept of “living and nonliving”  along with the terms, “land, air and water” in our science area.

One of the areas that gets a big monthly update is called Practical Life. The Practical Life area offers students a chance to develop practical skills which help children do things in life like cleaning up a spill with a broom and dustpan, opening and closing containers, slicing a banana and serving sections to friends. Tweezing and pouring jobs are designed to build coordination and strength in little fingers to correctly grasp a pencil and learn to write comfortably.

Ever wonder what the themes are for the month?  We invite you to look at the calendar your child brings home at the start of each month.  A small art project (tied to the current theme) is made by the children and attached to the calendar.  You will notice on the calendars we include the monthly themes and also highlight important dates of events on campus. The year long curriculum may also be found in the parent information packet we distributed during parent orientation.