A brand new school year has begun!

Maybe it was the sand in the bottom of your child's shoe or the few sprinkles of sand that you might have found in their hair. The secret is out! We have been working feverishly on the backyard to create a beautiful environment for your children to enjoy. We just didn't have much luck with the sod, and it wasn't because we didn't try. Try we did! We watered and fed but it just wouldn't grow. So, we think we have come up with a great solution. When you get a chance come on back and take a peek.
We ordered some small booklets for each of you to better acquaint you with the Montessori works. They are in simple terms and a great overview about Montessori. Please take the time to read it and come to me if you have any questions.
Just as we write down our goals in January at the beginning of a new year, I am choosing to write down my goals for your children at the beginning of a new school year, there are only five:

1. To awaken the child's spirit and imagination.

2. To encourage their normal desire for independence.

3. To help them develop kindness, courtesy, and self-discipline that will
allow them to become a capable adult.

4. To help your child learn how to observe, question, and explore ideas
independently.

5. After creating a joyful learning environment, help the child master the
skills and knowledge of their society.

"The most important period of life is not the age of university studies, but the first one, the period from birth to age six, for that is the time when man's intelligence itself, his greatest implement, is being formed. But not only his intelligence; the full totality of his pyschic powers"

-Dr. Maria montessori

Metal Inset work
Practical Life
Geometric Solids
Practical Life
Numerals and Counters
100 Board
Metal Insets
Binomial Cube
Pink Tower

Summer Fun!!!

Yes, we're back! We took a little time off from the Blog for the summer months, and look what we found stashed away in our camera. Some great pictures from some of our fun special classes. I think the children really had a great time over the summer.



Look what we accomplished together!
Head, shoulders, knees and toes!

Kick! Punch! Having fun doing Karate!
I really enjoy writing my alphabet letters.
I'm working really hard on the 100 Board.

We really like our cooking class, especially sampling our work.
We are learning to take turns and work together.

We are making Yogurt/Fruit parfaits.

This is so much fun, dancing together!
Ring around the rosy a pocket full of posy.........
We are waiting patiently for our food to come out of the oven.
We are learning how to dance!

Winding down the year!

As the school year draws to a close, we are so pleased to have witnessed the growth and maturing of each child. They are more independent, organized, self-responsible, aware of others and content than ever before. We have observed the children making personal discoveries, taking great pride when they master a particular skill, offering help when another child is in trouble and we are pleased to see friendships building in the classroom.

I have immensely enjoyed this year with your children. They have taught me so much and have provided joyous times for Ms. Stacey and I who spend part of the day with them.

THANK YOU!

Ideas for the Home:

Math...............Give children many opportunities for spontaneous counting, sequencing and ordering.

Have your child count dinner utensils as they help set
the table.

Language.............Play "I spy" games. "I spy with my little eye something that begins with the sound "m." You may
have to give extra hints.

Have your child help you write grocery lists.

Practical Life....................

Let your children choose their own clothes (you may give them two choices from which to choose).

"We both went to Montessori School, and I think it was part of that training of not following rules and orders, being self-motivated, questioning what's going on in the world, and doing things a little bit differently, that contributed to our success."

Larry Page and Sergi Brin: Co-Founders of Google.com

Birthday Fun!

I must make my apologies now.... I am soooo....sorry that I have shirked my duty in making my weekly blog report! But between bouts of the flu, a bad cold and being out of town last weekend I just haven't gotten around to it. We celebrated four birthday's in the last two weeks Julia, Skandan, Nayvi and Swayzie we tried to make it a special day for each one. Curbside went off without much of a hitch today. It might take a few of you a bit longer to get used to it, but I promise you in the long run its much better for your child. I am always available for phone calls, emails or just popping in for a quick Hi!, as long the other children are under the care of their parent or parents. The safety of your child is my primary concern. Look for a progress/assessment report to come out the week of the 19th. If there are any questions feel free to call or email me so we can find a time that will work for us both to go over it and talk about your child or children.

Happy, Happy Days!!!

Wow! I certainly was on my soapbox last week, I will try not to do that too often. I tend to have a hard time keeping my opinions to myself when it comes to Montessori. I just have to say that Stacey and I are having the best time being with your children. Their sweet little faces and irresistible personalities are what keeps us moving each day. The pictures that you see below are some of their favorite works. Their focus and concentration is being stretched and strengthened as the weeks go by.
One of the many new works just put in the classroom is the Binomial Cube. The children seem to love it, and it just happens to be one of my favorite works too! It's a two-layered cube that uses three-dimensional forms, the cube and rectangular prism.
We just have got to let you know that we will be making the jump into full days starting in August! Yes, we think we are ready for it and yes, we are very excited! We will be here from 7:30 until 5:30 each day, that is Monday thru Friday. It reminds me of a time many years ago when Stacey was just thirteen years old. I had been mulling around the idea of Homeschooling her in 7th and 8th grade. But it felt like a great big commitment and alot of work but work that would also be rewarding. I just wasn't sure I was ready, but the day was fast approaching and I was put on the spot by her. She sat across the kitchen table from me with a twinkle in her eye and a great big smile on her face and said "come on Mom, lets just do it!" How could I resist. I feel the same way today. I just feel very grateful to each one of you who have made our journey so fun and memorable.

Botany Puzzle

Binomial Cube

Binomial Cube

Numerals and Counters

United States Map

Money Counting and Exchange

World Map Tracing

Counting

Snake Game

Numerals and Counters

Botany Puzzle

Watering the Garden

Our Little Garden

Addition with Counters