This Week in the Oak Room

We were happy to be back and ready to work this week after our Fall Break! The children were all eager to share what they did and where they travelled to during our time apart. We did a lot of celebrating this week with birthdays and Halloween. What a fun time with good friends!

This week we began our study of North America. There are several jobs out exposing the children to the different countries and cultures in our diverse continent. This coming week we will be celebrating Dia de los Muertos and learning about Mexico and the people that live there.

Happy Birthday to Brady and Laasya…they’re 5!

Halloween 2013

Look for more pictures on our Facebook Group!

Child quote of the week:

Levi: “Miss Darci? How are your children behaving today so far?”

This Week in the Oak Room

We have been having a great time in the Oak room!  We baked biscuits, worked on stories and art projects and ended the week before break with a picnic in the field and a special afternoon snack!  Your children are so flexible and ready to try new things. It is a true testament to their confidence and independence!

Thanks to all of the parents and grandparents that were able to meet with us for conferences.  We really enjoy getting to know all of our families and bragging a bit about the progress of your children. We understand the busy schedules of our working families, so we truly appreciate the effort!

Please Note:

Starting when school resumes after the break, our nap time procedure will be changing.  Miss Dana and Miss Darci will be putting together “nap packs” for each of our sleeping children.  Each child will have a fleece pillow and blanket that will fit into a small bag that will remain at school.  This is all part of our efforts to foster independence and responsibility by giving the children the opportunity to practice practical life skills such as laundry, folding and making up a “bed.”  Children may bring a special item from home but it should be no larger than 10″ x 12″ and must fit into their “nap pack.”  Please see picture below to see a sample.

A reminder:

Our school has a “no lunchables, please” policy.  Based on recent dietary research, these lunch items have little nutritional value and are high in sodium and artificial ingredients.  We have found that the children, while drawn to the “treat” and fun packaging, rarely eat them and often throw them away.  Thank you for cooperation in this matter!

Have a great fall break and enjoy your time together!

Child quote of the week:

Andrew: “Two weeks is a looong week!”

This Week in the Oak Room

“Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.”
Maria Montessori

While perusing my notes and student recordkeeping to prepare for conferences, I became thoughtful of how much your children have accomplished in just a couple of months. As I watch the children in the Oak room I am continually amazed at how quickly they gain skills to be independent, confident and engaged.
I have compiled the following list based on my observations of our class:
Every child in the Oak room can put on their own shoes and socks.
Every child in the Oak room can carry breakable dishes with great care.
Every child in the Oak room can pour their own water and serve themselves snack.
Every child in the Oak room can use the bathroom without a teacher’s help.
Every child in the Oak room can make a mistake and clean it up or fix it.
Every child in the Oak room can sit in complete silence for at least 3 min.
Every child in the Oak room can be truly amazing!

We had three children with birthdays this week!

Lincoln is 5!

Emery is 6!

Anaya is 4!

Child quote of the week:
Arhan: “I have to be trustworthy because I am so old.”

This Week in the Oak Room

What a busy, busy week we have had!  We wrapped up our study of apples and are officially moving on to learning all we can about those wonderful trees!  The older children took a walk and selected a beautiful Tulip tree for their tree study.  We will record pictures and facts about this lovely tree as the seasons change.

Our children have been working hard to get our classroom clean and neat for any guests that stop by during the open house on Sunday.  Please feel free to bring friends and family by for a visit between 2-4 pm.

We celebrated Teeno’s birthday this week. He turned 4!

We have been having a lot of discussion in our classroom about what it means to be a good friend and how everyone should be included in group play and work.  Using kind words and being patient and understanding of others’ differences are something we practice on a daily basis.  Reinforcement at home is always appreciated.  You are the most important people in your child’s life, so gentle discussions and storybooks regarding this theme are an excellent learning opportunity for them.

Please Note:

Thank you to all of the parents who attended the Language in the Montessori classroom walk thru.  It is always fulfilling for us teachers to share our knowledge of and experience with the success of this learning method.  We are quite passionate about it and are always happy to enlighten others to the unlimited potential of the child.

Hopefully you have noticed the sign up sheets for conferences located at the front desk.  We think it is very important to maintain communication between parents and teachers to insure the success of your child in the classroom and to get to know one another.  Thanks to those that have already signed up!

Child quote of the week:

Emery: “Hey Arhan! Did your dad teach you that move?”