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Friday, January 26, 2007
Calendar
1/27 3rd Annual Crab Feed 4 – 8 pm (Kid’s Fest in Redwood)
1/30 “Setting Limits” workshop, 5 – 6:30 pm
2/19 President’s Day – School closed, no childcare
2/20-2/23 Winter Break – Childcare by prior registration
RE-ENROLLMENT SCHEDULE
TO RETAIN YOUR CHILD’S SPACE FOR 2007/2008
Due 2/1/07: Enrollment Contract and 50% of Tuition Deposit (non-refundable)
Due 4/1/07: Remaining 50% of Tuition Deposit
5/31/07: This is the final date to withdraw your child’s enrollment in the 2007/2008 school year. On 6/1/07 the obligation to pay the full tuition for the entire school year becomes a fixed obligation.
Families filing for Financial Aid: A copy of your PFS (due to the office) will hold your child’s space until an award is determined and your Enrollment Contract is mailed.
Returning families due date: 1/1/07
New families due date: 2/1/07
Enrollment packets will be mailed by the end of this week.
CRAB FEED!
The GLM 3rd annual Crab Feed is this Saturday, Jan. 27th, from 4 - 8 pm. Besides all-you-can-eat crab, there will be chicken and vegetarian dishes. Childcare provided (in the Redwood classroom at GLM – children are to be dropped off and picked up there - contact Mr. Tien or Ms. Olivares at 510-836-4313) by sign-up. Deadline for childcare sign-up was Wed., 1/24/07. Price is $25 for one child, $20 for siblings. With music, dancing, raffle prizes and tons of food, this event puts the FUN in fundraising! For more information email: crgrinage@yahoo.com
SETTING LIMITS WORKSHOP, JAN. 30TH
Please join us Tuesday, Jan. 30th, from 5 – 6:30 PM for a workshop on “Setting Limits”. Montessori teacher, Ginny Sackett from Oregon, will be speaking about bringing Montessori home. There will also be a short video, “Edison’s Day”, and refreshments. Free childcare in the Brown Cottage is available with RSVP.
SOUND OF THE WEEK Each Wednesday your child is encouraged, with your help, to find an object at home (preferably not a toy) that contains with the sound of the week. Put it in a labeled bag to share with your child’s class. The sound for next week is “R”, as in Rabbit, Ring, and Roof.
SCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS
Parents have been submitting school recommendations to teachers for their children for next fall. Please be aware that the forms can take a while to complete and then need to be approved by school administration. Our turn-around time is 2 weeks. Also, be sure to include an addressed, stamped envelope for EACH school you wish us to send the forms to.
GLM LIBRARY
GLM has several very good books available for parents to borrow.
We have 5 titles:
“How to Talk so Kids Will Listen & Listen so Kids Will talk”
“Siblings Without Rivalry”
“Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child”
“Montessori – The Science Behind The Genius”
Please see Joanna in the Administrative office if you are interested.
LETTER FROM LUCCIOLA CHILDRENS’S BOOKSTORE
“Dear Staff, Parents and Students:
During the last month of December, many families purchased in our store and collaborated with the Grand Lake Montessori School and Lucciola Children’s Bookstore Scrip Fundraising Program. We want to thank you for giving us such a great opportunity to participate in your wonderful school community.
On February 28th, 2007, our store will close its door to the public. However, we will move “on wheels”. Lucciola Children’s Bookstore will hold regular book fairs around Bay Area schools. We will keep providing you with high service and great quality of educational books.
Thank you for your support and we look forward to continuing to serve you.
Sincerely,
Ines Tisker
Laura Juarez Codicetti
Lucciola@sbcglobal.net”
PENNIES FOR PATIENTS
Every year the elementary class at GLM participates in Pennies for Patients, a fund-raising event for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This year’s event will begin at the end of February. There will be containers in each class for spare change – look under your car seats, lift the cushions off your sofa, empty the pockets of your raincoat! The GLM class that raises the most money gets a pizza party, and children with cancer benefit from funding for further research.
FIELD TRIP PERMISSION
Permission forms were distributed to every parent pocket/folder/cubby this week. The form allows your child to travel escorted around the entire campus to participate in various activities. Licensing considers GLM to be three different campuses and requires signed permission from parents for every event a child travels from one campus to another. Please complete the form and return to the school office ASAP. Thank you.
THE NEXT TUFF TUMBLERS
New classes begin Wed. Feb. 7th, and will end Wed. March 21st, and Fri. Feb. 9th, and will end on Fri. March 23rd. Registration forms have been distributed – turn them in ASAP as classes fill up quickly. Please note that you will be charged for, and need to sign-up for, childcare on the days that your child stays late for Tuff Tumblers.
❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●
CLASS NEWS
REDWOOD (ELEMENTARY)
The upper elementary children watched a slide show this week about the Northwest Native Americans. We saw an eagle dancer, various masks, totem poles, and other dances. We also discussed the significance of the raven to many northwest Native American tribes. As was the monkey in many Chinese folktales, the raven was also a trickster. He is acquainted with stealing salmon and giving them to man, stealing the sun which was hidden in a box to give light to man, and he is a much honored creature. A lot of the dances and totem poles feature carvings of him.
The lower elementary children looked at pictures of the Maasai people of Tanzania and Kenya. We discussed that the tribes of Tanzania have been affected by the western world and they no longer live in the traditional manner. We looked at photos of jewelry, houses, ceremonial dances and rites of passage, roles of women and men, issues concerning food, and hunting, etc. We also enjoyed some of the authentic items, which we have been loaned by Folk Art.
Last Friday, the upper elementary children were shown a slide show and lesson of some of Carl Larrson's most famous works by Mr. Flushman. He explained in great detail to the children the technique the artist used. He gave them each a packet to practice their own artist renditions. The lower elementary children made a large mural drawing of the East African savannah complete with their renditions of the various animals. They needed to strategically place the animals as they would really be so that a wildebeest and a lion would not be next to each other in a friendly manner.
On Saturday the class all got together with their parents to sell raffle tickets for the Crab Feed. We had a good time! Afterwards we all went to Top Dog and had lunch. It was a lot of fun for the children to hang out and play off campus. Thanks to all of the parents who helped out. It was nice for all of us to get to socialize as well!
JACARANDA
• Ginny Sackett, teacher trainer, consultant and lecturer from the Portland Montessori Training Center, will be in town again next week to give a talk on Montessori in the home. This event is scheduled for January 30, 2007, 5-6:30 p.m. RSVP for this event and for childcare, also.
• Specialists who visit the classroom on a weekly basis are:
- Ms. Velasquez, who teaches Spanish;
- Ms. Dia, who teaches French;
- and Ms. Owens, who teaches art.
• The Sound of the Week, every Wednesday, is an opportunity for each child to bring in to the classroom an object, not a toy, whose name begins with the phonetic sound of the week. Please leave objects and toys other than the sound of the week in your child's car seat or at home before walking to class.
• Group lessons given to the children this week:
- how to observe someone's work (without interrupting the other person's work);
- how to find an available space for your work rug;
- how to cover mouth when you sneeze or cough and how to find and use a tissue for your nose.
• Please do not forget how unpredictable the weather is this time of year and that every child needs to bring a warm coat and/or hat on cold, wintry days. On rainy days, rain coats, boots and rain hats. In the classroom, please ensure your child has a drinking cup on the snack shelf, clearly labeled with your child's name. Please also ensure that your child has extra clothes in his or her extra clothes bag in the event that s/he needs to change for whatever reason. Remember, ours is a common effort to prepare your child for independence - the more we plan, the more they can do themselves.
JUNIPER
World Instruments
The Juniper children have enjoyed playing instruments from around the world. Their favorites have been the monkey drum, wooden frog, and wooden lizard. They have also enjoyed listening to songs from various countries, particularly ukulele music from Hawaii as well as music from India.
State Quarters
The third years this week helped Ms. Koerber work on her state quarter collection. They matched the quarters to the states on a map, discussed the different elements on each quarter, and explored the meaning of money.
Paper Birds
All of the children got to make paper birds with Ms. Owens this week. They glued eyes and feathers onto paper, then threaded a string to hang it from. Many of the children liked their birds so much that they wouldn't let us hang them in the window, insisting instead that they take them home right away!
A New Song
The children have been learning the following song with both Mr. Hoffman and Mr. Hennigan:
Froggie Went A Courtin'
Froggie went a courtin' he did ride, uh huh, uh huh
Froggie went a courtin' he did ride, uh huh, uh huh
Froggie went a courtin' he did ride, wore his coat on the satin side, uh huh, uh huh, uh huh
He went down to Miss Mousie's den, uh huh
He went down to Miss Mousie's den, uh huh
He went down to Miss Mousie's den, said hey Miss Mousie won't let me in, uh huh, uh huh, uh huh
Dear Miss Mousie will you marry me, uh huh
Dear Miss Mousie will you marry me, uh huh
Dear Miss Mousie will you marry me, way down 'neath the old oak tree, uh huh, uh huh, uh huh
Froggie dear I'll marry you, uh huh
Froggie dear I'll marry you, uh huh
Froggie dear I'll marry you, let's grow old together 'cause I love you, uh huh, uh huh, uh huh
First they told her uncle rat, uh huh
First they told her uncle rat, uh huh
First they told her uncle rat, said hey uncle rat what you think about that, uh huh, uh huh, uh huh
Next they told two little black ants, uh huh
Next they told two little black ants, uh huh
Next they told two little black ants, everybody jumped up and they started to dance, uh huh, uh huh, uh huh.
LIVE OAK
Can it be another week has passed already?? The classroom has truly been busy this week with the introduction of book-making kits in the classroom. Ask your children about their bird booklets.
Thanks so much for your response to family pictures, earthquake clothing, Nordstrom boxes and the Sound of the Week (Q); We actually had Quiche this week for the children to eat. You parents are so amazing!
I hope a lot of you are planning on attending the Crab Fest this week. These events are fundraising events, and great opportunities to socialize when you are not in a hurry to get to work or home.
We also have another event approaching that I invite you not to miss. Our favorite trainer from Portland, Ginny Sackett, is returning to GLM and planning a great evening for you. The evening will begin with a 20-minute film about a 20-month old child who attends Montessori and whose parent’s have implemented the Montessori Method at home. It will be a great evening for any parent with young children. Lots and lots of ideas about problem solving and parenting at home. It will be from 5-6:30 next Tuesday evening and of course, childcare is available with RSVP. Refreshments will be served.
GINKGO
The Ginkgo Classroom would like to welcome Wesley Whitaker. Wesley Whitaker is Lou Whitaker younger brother. Wesley started in December and transitioned from the Brown Cottage.
Ella Fenster and her moms, Emily Fenster and Tracey Carter, went to Gambia in West Africa. They shared pictures, musical instruments, and brought the class a game called “Wuri” which the children are excited to learn how to play.
Moira Chapman, Aidan’s mom, served in the Peace Corps for 2 years in Mali. She also shared pictures and beautiful art with the children. The children enjoyed listening to the stories and experiences that the families talked about. They remembered a lot of details and talked about Africa all day. This also sparked an interest in the map of Africa. This map has been out all week with different groups of children taking it out to study the names of the different countries in Africa.
Thank you to the parents who are helping with this year’s auction project. The children painted trays! They want to take them home right away but we explained to them what they’re for. Soon, the children will begin working on their group project.
This week we started studying more about animals and where they live (nests, dens, burrows) and what part of the world they come from. In our cultural studies next week we will begin to study the Human Body.
MAGNOLIA
This week the children had a cultural lesson in front of the birdcage. We examined the birds, pointing out the different parts of the bird (beak, tail feathers, wings, and claws). We looked at the birdseed troughs and at the empty seed hulls, explaining to the children that birds crack open the seeds with their beaks and eat the inside.
Mr. Hoffman began teaching the children a new South American song called “Bogando a La Luz del Sol” (Rowing Toward The Sunlight).
Please bring in an empty cereal box in the next week or so as we will be using them for a special Valentines Day project. If you would like to help out in the classroom with this project please let us know.
The third year children from all five primary classes came together this week to learn some folk dances in Jacaranda. They will be getting together weekly for a variety of activities.
MULBERRY
This week the Mulberry class has been busy. Ms. Aima has been gone and Lydia Sears has been subbing. Tuesday Ms. Kebede ran our "Little Chef" program. The children made veggie rice and fruit salad. The children cut the vegetables and fruits themselves. The rice was well liked by all of the children.
There has been a lot of illness this week. Just a reminder to parents to keep children home who have a fever or low energy. The school policy is children have to be 24 hours without fever before returning to school.
Don't forget the Crab Feed, Saturday, January 27th, from 4:00-8:00. It is definitely an event not to be missed! The Mulberry parents are in charge of set up from 3:00-4:00. Come help if you can.
Quote of the week: Dr. Christian Guilleminault and Dr. William C. Dement came up with the five fundamental principles of understanding sleep:
1. The sleeping brain is not a resting brain.
2. The sleeping brain functions in a different manner than the waking brain.
3. The activity and work of the sleeping brain are purposeful.
4. The process of falling asleep is learned.
5. Providing the growing brain with sufficient sleep is necessary for developing the ability to concentrate and an easier temperament.
CAMELLIA
This week the Little Chefs prepared a wonderful veggie and rice dish along with a colorful and healthy fruit salad. They cut carrots, green onion, and shelled peas, then mixed them in with the rice. One child said, "It smells good!" They chopped watermelon, bananas, and grapefruit: one piece in the bowl, one piece in the month… When all the prep work was done they got a cloth and cleaned their table and cutting boards. Next Tuesday the Little Chefs menu is vegetable soup and fruit salad. No lunch boxes needed.
In the classroom some of the older children are giving lesson to the younger children in baby washing, polishing, and table washing. And after naptime they showed them how to roll up their blankets and to fold the mat.
This week sound was "Q" we had Q-Tips, Question mark, and lots and lots of Quarters! Parents, please continue to encourage your children to bring something in for Sound of the Week. Next week’s sound is "R" as in Raisins, Ring, and Rolling pin.
Mark your calendar: Tuesday, January 30TH, from 5-6:30 p.m. in Magnolia. We are having a workshop with a special guest from Portland, Ginny Sackett, Montessori teacher trainer. She will be discussing bringing Montessori home. Refreshments will be provided. Childcare is available - please R.S.V.P with the office or let Mr. Tien or Mrs. Aima know.
A current favorite song:
2 little blue birds, sitting on a tree.
One is named (child's name).
One is named (another child's name).
Fly away, (name).
Fly away, (name).
Come back, (name).
Come back (name).
Repeat, changing the names and even the color of the bird.
Quote of the week: WHAT INFANTS AND TODDLERS LEARN FROM PLAY
Children play what they know and if we try to squash it, sometimes we can't learn about the child. One thing Dr. Montessori taught us is to be good observers. We have to watch children play because we glean important insights, including as they say, some that may make us feel uncomfortable. But, they are really important to know about children. Not only do children play what they know, but also the interesting thing is that through play children also gain more knowledge about themselves, their peers and their teachers.
1/27 3rd Annual Crab Feed 4 – 8 pm (Kid’s Fest in Redwood)
1/30 “Setting Limits” workshop, 5 – 6:30 pm
2/19 President’s Day – School closed, no childcare
2/20-2/23 Winter Break – Childcare by prior registration
RE-ENROLLMENT SCHEDULE
TO RETAIN YOUR CHILD’S SPACE FOR 2007/2008
Due 2/1/07: Enrollment Contract and 50% of Tuition Deposit (non-refundable)
Due 4/1/07: Remaining 50% of Tuition Deposit
5/31/07: This is the final date to withdraw your child’s enrollment in the 2007/2008 school year. On 6/1/07 the obligation to pay the full tuition for the entire school year becomes a fixed obligation.
Families filing for Financial Aid: A copy of your PFS (due to the office) will hold your child’s space until an award is determined and your Enrollment Contract is mailed.
Returning families due date: 1/1/07
New families due date: 2/1/07
Enrollment packets will be mailed by the end of this week.
CRAB FEED!
The GLM 3rd annual Crab Feed is this Saturday, Jan. 27th, from 4 - 8 pm. Besides all-you-can-eat crab, there will be chicken and vegetarian dishes. Childcare provided (in the Redwood classroom at GLM – children are to be dropped off and picked up there - contact Mr. Tien or Ms. Olivares at 510-836-4313) by sign-up. Deadline for childcare sign-up was Wed., 1/24/07. Price is $25 for one child, $20 for siblings. With music, dancing, raffle prizes and tons of food, this event puts the FUN in fundraising! For more information email: crgrinage@yahoo.com
SETTING LIMITS WORKSHOP, JAN. 30TH
Please join us Tuesday, Jan. 30th, from 5 – 6:30 PM for a workshop on “Setting Limits”. Montessori teacher, Ginny Sackett from Oregon, will be speaking about bringing Montessori home. There will also be a short video, “Edison’s Day”, and refreshments. Free childcare in the Brown Cottage is available with RSVP.
SOUND OF THE WEEK Each Wednesday your child is encouraged, with your help, to find an object at home (preferably not a toy) that contains with the sound of the week. Put it in a labeled bag to share with your child’s class. The sound for next week is “R”, as in Rabbit, Ring, and Roof.
SCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS
Parents have been submitting school recommendations to teachers for their children for next fall. Please be aware that the forms can take a while to complete and then need to be approved by school administration. Our turn-around time is 2 weeks. Also, be sure to include an addressed, stamped envelope for EACH school you wish us to send the forms to.
GLM LIBRARY
GLM has several very good books available for parents to borrow.
We have 5 titles:
“How to Talk so Kids Will Listen & Listen so Kids Will talk”
“Siblings Without Rivalry”
“Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child”
“Montessori – The Science Behind The Genius”
Please see Joanna in the Administrative office if you are interested.
LETTER FROM LUCCIOLA CHILDRENS’S BOOKSTORE
“Dear Staff, Parents and Students:
During the last month of December, many families purchased in our store and collaborated with the Grand Lake Montessori School and Lucciola Children’s Bookstore Scrip Fundraising Program. We want to thank you for giving us such a great opportunity to participate in your wonderful school community.
On February 28th, 2007, our store will close its door to the public. However, we will move “on wheels”. Lucciola Children’s Bookstore will hold regular book fairs around Bay Area schools. We will keep providing you with high service and great quality of educational books.
Thank you for your support and we look forward to continuing to serve you.
Sincerely,
Ines Tisker
Laura Juarez Codicetti
Lucciola@sbcglobal.net”
PENNIES FOR PATIENTS
Every year the elementary class at GLM participates in Pennies for Patients, a fund-raising event for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This year’s event will begin at the end of February. There will be containers in each class for spare change – look under your car seats, lift the cushions off your sofa, empty the pockets of your raincoat! The GLM class that raises the most money gets a pizza party, and children with cancer benefit from funding for further research.
FIELD TRIP PERMISSION
Permission forms were distributed to every parent pocket/folder/cubby this week. The form allows your child to travel escorted around the entire campus to participate in various activities. Licensing considers GLM to be three different campuses and requires signed permission from parents for every event a child travels from one campus to another. Please complete the form and return to the school office ASAP. Thank you.
THE NEXT TUFF TUMBLERS
New classes begin Wed. Feb. 7th, and will end Wed. March 21st, and Fri. Feb. 9th, and will end on Fri. March 23rd. Registration forms have been distributed – turn them in ASAP as classes fill up quickly. Please note that you will be charged for, and need to sign-up for, childcare on the days that your child stays late for Tuff Tumblers.
❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●❄●
CLASS NEWS
REDWOOD (ELEMENTARY)
The upper elementary children watched a slide show this week about the Northwest Native Americans. We saw an eagle dancer, various masks, totem poles, and other dances. We also discussed the significance of the raven to many northwest Native American tribes. As was the monkey in many Chinese folktales, the raven was also a trickster. He is acquainted with stealing salmon and giving them to man, stealing the sun which was hidden in a box to give light to man, and he is a much honored creature. A lot of the dances and totem poles feature carvings of him.
The lower elementary children looked at pictures of the Maasai people of Tanzania and Kenya. We discussed that the tribes of Tanzania have been affected by the western world and they no longer live in the traditional manner. We looked at photos of jewelry, houses, ceremonial dances and rites of passage, roles of women and men, issues concerning food, and hunting, etc. We also enjoyed some of the authentic items, which we have been loaned by Folk Art.
Last Friday, the upper elementary children were shown a slide show and lesson of some of Carl Larrson's most famous works by Mr. Flushman. He explained in great detail to the children the technique the artist used. He gave them each a packet to practice their own artist renditions. The lower elementary children made a large mural drawing of the East African savannah complete with their renditions of the various animals. They needed to strategically place the animals as they would really be so that a wildebeest and a lion would not be next to each other in a friendly manner.
On Saturday the class all got together with their parents to sell raffle tickets for the Crab Feed. We had a good time! Afterwards we all went to Top Dog and had lunch. It was a lot of fun for the children to hang out and play off campus. Thanks to all of the parents who helped out. It was nice for all of us to get to socialize as well!
JACARANDA
• Ginny Sackett, teacher trainer, consultant and lecturer from the Portland Montessori Training Center, will be in town again next week to give a talk on Montessori in the home. This event is scheduled for January 30, 2007, 5-6:30 p.m. RSVP for this event and for childcare, also.
• Specialists who visit the classroom on a weekly basis are:
- Ms. Velasquez, who teaches Spanish;
- Ms. Dia, who teaches French;
- and Ms. Owens, who teaches art.
• The Sound of the Week, every Wednesday, is an opportunity for each child to bring in to the classroom an object, not a toy, whose name begins with the phonetic sound of the week. Please leave objects and toys other than the sound of the week in your child's car seat or at home before walking to class.
• Group lessons given to the children this week:
- how to observe someone's work (without interrupting the other person's work);
- how to find an available space for your work rug;
- how to cover mouth when you sneeze or cough and how to find and use a tissue for your nose.
• Please do not forget how unpredictable the weather is this time of year and that every child needs to bring a warm coat and/or hat on cold, wintry days. On rainy days, rain coats, boots and rain hats. In the classroom, please ensure your child has a drinking cup on the snack shelf, clearly labeled with your child's name. Please also ensure that your child has extra clothes in his or her extra clothes bag in the event that s/he needs to change for whatever reason. Remember, ours is a common effort to prepare your child for independence - the more we plan, the more they can do themselves.
JUNIPER
World Instruments
The Juniper children have enjoyed playing instruments from around the world. Their favorites have been the monkey drum, wooden frog, and wooden lizard. They have also enjoyed listening to songs from various countries, particularly ukulele music from Hawaii as well as music from India.
State Quarters
The third years this week helped Ms. Koerber work on her state quarter collection. They matched the quarters to the states on a map, discussed the different elements on each quarter, and explored the meaning of money.
Paper Birds
All of the children got to make paper birds with Ms. Owens this week. They glued eyes and feathers onto paper, then threaded a string to hang it from. Many of the children liked their birds so much that they wouldn't let us hang them in the window, insisting instead that they take them home right away!
A New Song
The children have been learning the following song with both Mr. Hoffman and Mr. Hennigan:
Froggie Went A Courtin'
Froggie went a courtin' he did ride, uh huh, uh huh
Froggie went a courtin' he did ride, uh huh, uh huh
Froggie went a courtin' he did ride, wore his coat on the satin side, uh huh, uh huh, uh huh
He went down to Miss Mousie's den, uh huh
He went down to Miss Mousie's den, uh huh
He went down to Miss Mousie's den, said hey Miss Mousie won't let me in, uh huh, uh huh, uh huh
Dear Miss Mousie will you marry me, uh huh
Dear Miss Mousie will you marry me, uh huh
Dear Miss Mousie will you marry me, way down 'neath the old oak tree, uh huh, uh huh, uh huh
Froggie dear I'll marry you, uh huh
Froggie dear I'll marry you, uh huh
Froggie dear I'll marry you, let's grow old together 'cause I love you, uh huh, uh huh, uh huh
First they told her uncle rat, uh huh
First they told her uncle rat, uh huh
First they told her uncle rat, said hey uncle rat what you think about that, uh huh, uh huh, uh huh
Next they told two little black ants, uh huh
Next they told two little black ants, uh huh
Next they told two little black ants, everybody jumped up and they started to dance, uh huh, uh huh, uh huh.
LIVE OAK
Can it be another week has passed already?? The classroom has truly been busy this week with the introduction of book-making kits in the classroom. Ask your children about their bird booklets.
Thanks so much for your response to family pictures, earthquake clothing, Nordstrom boxes and the Sound of the Week (Q); We actually had Quiche this week for the children to eat. You parents are so amazing!
I hope a lot of you are planning on attending the Crab Fest this week. These events are fundraising events, and great opportunities to socialize when you are not in a hurry to get to work or home.
We also have another event approaching that I invite you not to miss. Our favorite trainer from Portland, Ginny Sackett, is returning to GLM and planning a great evening for you. The evening will begin with a 20-minute film about a 20-month old child who attends Montessori and whose parent’s have implemented the Montessori Method at home. It will be a great evening for any parent with young children. Lots and lots of ideas about problem solving and parenting at home. It will be from 5-6:30 next Tuesday evening and of course, childcare is available with RSVP. Refreshments will be served.
GINKGO
The Ginkgo Classroom would like to welcome Wesley Whitaker. Wesley Whitaker is Lou Whitaker younger brother. Wesley started in December and transitioned from the Brown Cottage.
Ella Fenster and her moms, Emily Fenster and Tracey Carter, went to Gambia in West Africa. They shared pictures, musical instruments, and brought the class a game called “Wuri” which the children are excited to learn how to play.
Moira Chapman, Aidan’s mom, served in the Peace Corps for 2 years in Mali. She also shared pictures and beautiful art with the children. The children enjoyed listening to the stories and experiences that the families talked about. They remembered a lot of details and talked about Africa all day. This also sparked an interest in the map of Africa. This map has been out all week with different groups of children taking it out to study the names of the different countries in Africa.
Thank you to the parents who are helping with this year’s auction project. The children painted trays! They want to take them home right away but we explained to them what they’re for. Soon, the children will begin working on their group project.
This week we started studying more about animals and where they live (nests, dens, burrows) and what part of the world they come from. In our cultural studies next week we will begin to study the Human Body.
MAGNOLIA
This week the children had a cultural lesson in front of the birdcage. We examined the birds, pointing out the different parts of the bird (beak, tail feathers, wings, and claws). We looked at the birdseed troughs and at the empty seed hulls, explaining to the children that birds crack open the seeds with their beaks and eat the inside.
Mr. Hoffman began teaching the children a new South American song called “Bogando a La Luz del Sol” (Rowing Toward The Sunlight).
Please bring in an empty cereal box in the next week or so as we will be using them for a special Valentines Day project. If you would like to help out in the classroom with this project please let us know.
The third year children from all five primary classes came together this week to learn some folk dances in Jacaranda. They will be getting together weekly for a variety of activities.
MULBERRY
This week the Mulberry class has been busy. Ms. Aima has been gone and Lydia Sears has been subbing. Tuesday Ms. Kebede ran our "Little Chef" program. The children made veggie rice and fruit salad. The children cut the vegetables and fruits themselves. The rice was well liked by all of the children.
There has been a lot of illness this week. Just a reminder to parents to keep children home who have a fever or low energy. The school policy is children have to be 24 hours without fever before returning to school.
Don't forget the Crab Feed, Saturday, January 27th, from 4:00-8:00. It is definitely an event not to be missed! The Mulberry parents are in charge of set up from 3:00-4:00. Come help if you can.
Quote of the week: Dr. Christian Guilleminault and Dr. William C. Dement came up with the five fundamental principles of understanding sleep:
1. The sleeping brain is not a resting brain.
2. The sleeping brain functions in a different manner than the waking brain.
3. The activity and work of the sleeping brain are purposeful.
4. The process of falling asleep is learned.
5. Providing the growing brain with sufficient sleep is necessary for developing the ability to concentrate and an easier temperament.
CAMELLIA
This week the Little Chefs prepared a wonderful veggie and rice dish along with a colorful and healthy fruit salad. They cut carrots, green onion, and shelled peas, then mixed them in with the rice. One child said, "It smells good!" They chopped watermelon, bananas, and grapefruit: one piece in the bowl, one piece in the month… When all the prep work was done they got a cloth and cleaned their table and cutting boards. Next Tuesday the Little Chefs menu is vegetable soup and fruit salad. No lunch boxes needed.
In the classroom some of the older children are giving lesson to the younger children in baby washing, polishing, and table washing. And after naptime they showed them how to roll up their blankets and to fold the mat.
This week sound was "Q" we had Q-Tips, Question mark, and lots and lots of Quarters! Parents, please continue to encourage your children to bring something in for Sound of the Week. Next week’s sound is "R" as in Raisins, Ring, and Rolling pin.
Mark your calendar: Tuesday, January 30TH, from 5-6:30 p.m. in Magnolia. We are having a workshop with a special guest from Portland, Ginny Sackett, Montessori teacher trainer. She will be discussing bringing Montessori home. Refreshments will be provided. Childcare is available - please R.S.V.P with the office or let Mr. Tien or Mrs. Aima know.
A current favorite song:
2 little blue birds, sitting on a tree.
One is named (child's name).
One is named (another child's name).
Fly away, (name).
Fly away, (name).
Come back, (name).
Come back (name).
Repeat, changing the names and even the color of the bird.
Quote of the week: WHAT INFANTS AND TODDLERS LEARN FROM PLAY
Children play what they know and if we try to squash it, sometimes we can't learn about the child. One thing Dr. Montessori taught us is to be good observers. We have to watch children play because we glean important insights, including as they say, some that may make us feel uncomfortable. But, they are really important to know about children. Not only do children play what they know, but also the interesting thing is that through play children also gain more knowledge about themselves, their peers and their teachers.
