Primary: March 14, 2011
March 14, 2011
We made apple caramel quesadillas for snack today. They were delicious!
At group, we cracked an egg to learn about the parts of an egg: the shell, the albumen, the yolk & the germinal disc. We also saw what happens to these parts when the egg is boiled–the albumen & the yolk become a solid, & the clear albumen turns white.
We will continue our study of oviparous animals, classifying reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
Tomorrow, I have a special case to show everyone. Can you guess what is inside?
Miss Michele
Primary: This Week
March 9, 2011
Last Friday, I found a dead hummingbird in one of the bushes at my house. Of course, I bagged the poor bird, & brought it in to share with all of my friends on Monday!
This was our introduction to oviparous animals: animals that lay eggs, with little or no embryonic development within the mother.
Today, Finley’s dad, Mr. Jarrett, came in to speak to us about reptiles and amphibians. Everyone was excited to talk about oviparous animals & their pets with Mr. Jarrett!
Mr. Jarrett, a herpetologist, brought in a map turtle, a tiger salamander & a siren salamander. He invited us to hold the tiger salamander. Some of us were thrilled to, others politely declined: “No thank you.”
Thank you Finley for sharing your wonderful dad with us, & thank you Mr. Jarrett for coming in!
Afterwards, we went on our Nature Trail, hence our muddy shoes and pants. Miss Michelle & Miss Lauren found a small salamander.
With these rainy, muddy days, please send children in rain boots, so that we are able to explore the wonders of nature on our Trail.
Miss Michele
The Kindergarten Year
March 8, 2011
The Kindergarten Year
A Time to Blossom
In the Montessori Primary Class, the kindergarten year has become know as the “time to blossom.” The kindergarten year is a critical component to the three year cycle. Earlier experiences are internalized and reinforced. Leaving the Montessori program before this time may result in learning experiences being lost.
You may ask yourself, “Since my child will eventually attend public school, why not transition their kindergarten year?” Most traditional kindergarten programs have very different expectations of five-year-olds than Montessori programs. In their kindergarten year children begin to take responsibility for the management of their own work. The child understands and accepts learning and realizes “work” must be completed to make time for other activities.
“What about being in a multi-age classroom? Will my child be disrupted by the presence of younger children?” Montessori excels at teaching children to learn how to learn. The kindergarten year is the “time to blossom.” Older children provide inspiration by spontaneously helping younger children. Older children learn leadership skills by leading others by example. This process also reinforces vital lessons that have already been learned.
“Will my child be prepared to enter 1st grade?” By using the Montessori concrete materials, children are prepared for future abstract academic skills . Earlier language activities lead toward the development of the skills required for reading and writing. Materials in the Montessori classroom provide a control of error, and the student can correct mistakes made. As the child progresses to more complex math work, he or she learns to check his or her own work–an important skill in future learning.
The kindergarten year at Montessori is a vital element in the educational process. Our goal at Plum Tree is to build self-confidence, a hunger for learning, and children who respect themselves, others, and their world.
Fall Registration
March 8, 2011
Dear Plum Tree Families,
I cannot believe how quickly this year has gone! Spring is here. The Art Show is right around the corner, then graduation, & it is time to secure your child’s enrollment for the upcoming new school year.
Preference will be given to returning students and their siblings. We will have very limited openings. The deadline for Fall Registration is April 1, 2011.
Miss Michele
Montessori Education Week February 28-March 4, 2011
March 2, 2011
Help us celebrate! Share your favorite experience or memory at Plum Tree!
The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe
March 2, 2011
Featuring our own Miss Hannah & alumna, Claire Samuels!
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Sponsored by Jim Johnson Nissan Hyundai
Feb. 24- Mar. 6 Sunburst Youth Theatre
C.S. Lewis’ classic is reborn in ‘The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’, when four children from war-torn England find themselves transported to a land of myth and fantasy. It has been foretold that they will bring peace to Narnia. But can they survive the evil treachery of the mysterious White Witch who claims to be Queen?
Shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday begin at 7:00pm and Sunday Matinees at 3:00pm
Spring Break Care
March 2, 2011
We are excited to be able to accommodate our working families by offering Spring Break Care!
Each class will have care, so if you did not register for Spring Break Care, we have room.
Older siblings are eligible too. We are planning lots of fun Spring activities lke planting seeds, bulbs, preparing garden boxes, & soaking up plenty of sunshine, weather permitting!
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