In the Beginning...

First let me say that I love the first week of school.  Being in a public Montessori school is not that different from being in a private one.  The reason?  Children.  Children are eager to learn, enthusiastic, helpful, funny, and compassionate.  The child comes with everything necessary to be a valuable member of the classroom community.  The Montessori environment is always child centered and therefore the "public/private" issue is a non-issue.

That being said, I was so disappointed that Hurricane Isaac arrived and canceled the second Monday of school.  I was looking forward to one of my favorite Great Lessons.  Maria Montessori called it "God with no Hands".  I do a version that is called "The Big Bang".

I want to stress to all of you who are kindly reading this, this is an impressioistic lesson, it is meant to give the child an impression.

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We set the stage by drawing the blinds, turning off the lights, and making the room as cold as possible.  We have a black balloon hanging in the center of the circle, it is filled with a bit of glitter.  We solemnly gather the children around the rug and I begin our story.

Over the past few days we have been studying the creation stories and myths of many cultures.  You have even written your own creation stories.  I want to tell you a creation story that scientist believe happened 14 million years ago.  Because it is a scientific story it is called a theory.

You will have to use your imagination.  That is how scientists work.  They use their imaginations and then find proof of their theories in the natural world.

This theory begins before you were born, before your parents were born, before your grandparents, before George Washington, before the dinosaurs, as a matter of fact, before the earth and the sun ever existed.  As a matter of fact it begins like all the creation stories we have read, "In the beginning..."

It was darker than the darkest night imaginable, light does not exist yet, it is so dark you would not be able to see your hand if you put it in front of your eyes.  It is also colder that ice.

In this blackness and coldness a singularity existed.  It was small and very heavy.  It contained the four forces of the universe, electromagnetism, the weak nuclear force, the strong nuclear force and gravity.

In a flash, gravity split off from the other forces (pop the balloon, turn on the flash light).  Tremendous heat emerged from this singularity.  Everything that is in the universe today was formed from this explosion which scientists call the Big Bang, even though it did not make a sound.

As the particles began to cool, hydrogen atoms began to fuse together to form the stars, bits of dust floating around the stars became planets. The particles were following the laws of the universe.  One planet contained the ability to make water.  That planet cooled enough to bring the right elements together to form life.

So when you look around you remember you are made of the same elements as everything that makes up the earth and when you look at the stars remember that the same elements that are in the stars are the same ones that you are made of.  Remember that you are made of stardust.

There are many lessons that follow this presentation about atoms, elements, stellonuecleosynthesis, gravity, states of matter, formation of the earth, and volcanoes.  But this is the big picture of the universe. All students find this lesson worthwhile which is why we present it every year.  It is the beginning.

Setting the Stage

School starts on Monday here in this part of Florida.  My co-teachers and I have been (1) Facebookworking for 3 weeks to get everything ready.  Our rooms look beautiful and it is delight and pleasure to walk into these prepared "stages" or environments.

The materials are arranged sequentially and attractively.  Books are neatly placed on the shelves.  Tables and chairs ar set up in different groupings, 1 person, 2 person, groups, and even a table to be used when sitting on the floor.  Computers are set up and seem like a natural part of the environment.  Artwork is hung and living plants placed to enhance the beauty of our set or stage for the comedy, drama, successes and discoveries of the year to come.

Now we are awaiting the entrance of the actors.  We have 32 students!  We are looking forward to forming relationships and bonds with these young people.  It has been a long time since I had a whole class of students who were new to me.  My goal for the first week of school is to start building a community.

The action will begin right away.  We have many activities planned that will help us accomplish this goal.  Personally, I would like children to feel safe, for it to be okay to make a mistake, for the atmosphere to be calm, and for all of the students to feel good about coming to school each day.

I am very excited and anticipating an outstanding year!

I want all students out there to feel this way.  Teachers do what they do because they are passionate about guiding children into self discovery.  That is where learning takes place.

So to all my old students...Remember what you've learned and go forward.  Discover your hidden talents, take advantage of the lessons the universe sends your way, and find a way to enjoy everything, even spelling!

To the students yet to come...I am looking forward to our journey together.  Together we will explore the universe, discover your strengths and passions, and take on every obstacle as a learnable moment.

Welcome back to a new school year, let's take this adventure together.  The curtain is about to go up!

Brand New

For the last week my co teachers and I have been setting up our brand new classroom.  Funny thing is that it is in a classroom where we have all taught before.  We are opening boxes of brand new materials, setting up a brand new environment, planning brand new lessons, expecting brand new children, sharing this brand new experience.  It is so exciting and yet a bit overwhelming.

My co teachers and I have joined a new school.  We have all known each other for years and have taught together before, so I am grateful for that sense of community.  We are sharing two big rooms and there is a lot that goes into setting up a Montessori environment.  

We have been thoughtful about shelf placement, number of desks vs. amount of floor space, seating arrangements, natural lighting, creating attractive arrangements of the materials, and the all important sequence; left to right, top to bottom, concrete to abstract, big picture to smallest details.  Our  environment is beginning to look beautiful.  There is a cohesive design between the two rooms.

There are many new things for us to learn.  Computer programs, strategic intent, names, who to direct our questions to, how to get help when we need it, and how to call in sick are just a few of the things we need to know.

So we are putting in a lot of time with just these items in order to be ready for the first day.  That will bring the brand new students who we will form relationships with, getting to know their learning styles, their preferences, and their strengths and challenges.  

As a seasoned professional this whirlwind of activity has been exciting, exhausting and at times a bit frustrating.  I am sure students feel this way when in a new school or even just a new class.  New teachers, new procedures, new subjects and new friends all take an adjustment period.

This exercise in "newness" has reminded me how the students feel.  I love Montessori because we can take the time to process and adjust to all the experiences that come our way.  I plan on being patient this year.  I am on a learning curve and so are the students.  I like to group 3 words together as a mantra for the year.  This year I will be 

patient, persistent, and positive.

So go buy brand new school supplies, brand new school clothes, and be ready for brand new lessons.  Choose 3 words that will help you focus.  I will look back on the 2012 - 13 school year and say that

I was patient, persistent, and positive with every challenge, person, and lesson.  Our students all grew academically and personally.  It was an outstanding experience!

Happy Birthday!

Wishing a very happy birthday to one of the best students I have ever had!!  Hope it is a great day for you and your family Red Elvis!! You ROCK!
xo
Ms. Debbie

Back to School Timeline for students

I posted this segment last year but I think it is worth repeating!  School begins in the next month, plan ahead!

ITthe countdown to the first day of school begins this month.  Whether your children start school in August or September it helps to have a timeline to help everyone get back into the school routine.  This is meant as a general guideline, you can tailor it to fit your family and school.  

Every year is a new adventure.  So as a parent, it is best if you help your child get started on the right foot.  Instead of struggling with the new school year and getting back into a routine, establish the routine first and then the surprises and adjustments of starting school will fall into place.

Two Weeks Before the First Day

·                     Help your child clean out closets, dresser drawers, desks, bookshelves, and organize their rooms.  You will need to make room for backpacks, school supplies, books, school clothes and other necessities.  It is helpful to have separate spaces for school clothes and play clothes; this will help children with getting dressed in the morning.

·                     Make a specific spot for children to store their backpack.  Children can be forgetful and you will need to check the backpack for homework assignments, notes from school, permission slips, etc.  After the child completes the homework assignment he or she should put it in the backpack right away so it is ready to return to school.

·                     If there are any summer assignments that were to be completed before the first day of school, get them out and either get started or finish up!  Put the work in your backpack so it is ready for the first day.

·                     Designate a spot in the kitchen for lunchboxes.  Have children practice packing and unpacking their lunchbox and putting things in the sink after school.  You will want to monitor the lunchbox to make sure your child is eating lunch.  At our school we have the children bring home any uneaten food.  Please clearly mark the lunch box, thermos, reusable containers and other items with a sharpie.  Both tops and bottoms of reusable containers should be marked.  It is an environmentally sound idea to use these types of containers instead of Ziploc bags.  Be sure to include a cloth placemat and napkin for your child.  You will want a barrier between the lunch table and your child's food.  Children often drop things on the table so it would be healthier if it fell on their clean placemat.

·                     Mark all removable clothing items (including shoes) with the child's name.  This will be very helpful to the teacher and items are more likely to be returned to the proper owner if they are easily identifiable.

·                     Consider visiting the school, helping the child find his or her classroom, bathrooms, water fountains, where they will be dropped off and picked up, where the playground and the school office is located.  This is especially helpful if you are attending a new school or are moved to a new building.

One Week Before the First Day

·                     Buy school supplies.  Take your child with you so that they can make some choices. When you get home, unpack and store supplies in appropriate areas.  Label with a sharpie any supplies they take to school unless the teacher says otherwise.  Sometimes teachers ask students to bring in pencils and they become classroom supplies so they do not need to be labeled.

·                     Buy a new toothbrush while you are buying school supplies, it is a good time of year to start with "new" things.

·                     Place items that need to go to school in the backpack and set it aside so everything is ready to go.

·                     Practice packing lunches in the lunchbox with your child.  What things can he or she do without your help?  Have a "conference" with your child about foods you both agree are acceptable and healthy for lunch.

·                     Start the school bedtime routine.  We all tend to get out of the routine over summertime.  It is best to get back into the routine a week or so before the big day.  Some children will not be able to sleep before the first day of school so if the bedtime routine is established parents and children have an easier time.

·                     If possible, take your child with you to meet the teacher.  As a teacher I always want to meet the families in my class before school begins.  It may ease your child's anxiety to stop in and say "hello".

·                     Be sure the school has all of your phone numbers and email addresses.

The Day Before

·                     Help your child pick out the "First Day" outfit, from underwear out.  Set all the clothing aside so your child knows to get dressed in the morning.

·                     Explain to your child the time schedule for school.  What time you will drop them off, pick them up etc.

·                     Talk about the child's feelings, when talking with younger children be sure to let them know that you have complete confidence in their abilities, that this is a great adventure, and that you will be looking forward to hearing all about it after school.  Put a note in your child’s lunch box to remind him or her that you are proud of them and know that they are doing great.  Avoid saying you miss them or are thinking about them as this can lead to anxiety in the child.  Your child may feel that you are sad because they are not around.  Something like, “I can’t wait to hear about your day,” or “I believe in you” work well.

The First Day

·                     Keep the routine low key, calm and happy.

·                     Drop your child off, give him or her big hug and tell them you will see them at (whatever time school ends).  Do not prolong the goodbye.  Leave them in the care of the teacher even if your child is nervous, scared or tearful.  The teacher will know how to deal with this.  It’s like ripping off a bandaid.  It is better not to prolong the agony.  The teacher will find a way to help your child find friends and things that are interesting to do.

·                     Go to work or go shopping, something to take your mind off leaving your child in someone else's care.

·         When your child comes home, let him or her begin the conversation about school.  If you ask the question, “What did you do today?”  The open­-endedness and enormity of that question often result in the answer, “Nothing.”    Just be there with a smile and be ready to listen when the child opens the subject.

I wish you all a very successful school year!

Practical Life Ideas

My sister-in-law once said to me, "My job is to raise my children so that they no longer need me."
That is the essential tenet in the "oractical life" lessons in a Montessori classroom.  Here are a number of ideas for practical life activities for children of all ages.

Remember children need to be taught how to do things such as using sharp knives, tools, and appliances.   Take the time to demonstrate and practice with them.  Before you know it they will be doing these things on their own.

1.      Pet Care

2.      Gardening

3.      Cooking/food prep

4.      Bicycle repair

5.      First aid

6.      Sewing

7.      Woodwork/building projects

8.      Laundry

9.      Tool use

10.  Polishing

11.  Table setting

12.  Washing dishes/dishwasher loading

13.  Ironing

14.  Clothing repair

15.  Fence painting

16.  Addressing mail

17.  Bill paying/check writing

18.  Tipping

19.  Making an appointment

20.  Writing a thank you note

21.  Planning field trips

22.  Organizing and counting money

23.  Telling time

24.  Teeth care

25.  Charity work

26.  Answering the telephone

27.  Manners

28.  Greetings

29.  Shoe tying

30.  Sweeping/mopping

31.  Raking

32.  Measuring (for cooking, building…)

33.  Threading a shoe lace

34.  Tying knot

35.  Sneezing and tissues

36.  Hand washing

37.  Serving food to others

38.  Nail trimming

39.  Using a microwave

40.  Computer skills

41.  Changing toilet paper roll

42.  Shopping

43.  Nutrition/food choice

44.  Tying a tie

45.  Folding a paper in half

46.  Framing a picture

47.  Gift wrapping

48.  Drink pouring

49.  Making an introduction

50.  Hanging up clothes

51.  Organizing papers

52.  Organizing personal work space

53.  Putting books back on a shelf

54.  Cutting

55.  Setting an alarm clock

56.  How to take a test

57.  Dancing with a partner

58.  Resolving conflicts peacefully

59.  Making new friends

60.  Making ice cubes

61.  Cleaning eye glasses

62.  Putting in hair clips

63.  Changing the size of a baseball cap

64.  Crossing the street

65.  Driving a car

Help your child learn the skills they need to be independent.  Remember, even when they are all grown up and technically no longer "need" you, they will always need your love.

Summer Vacation (with the kids!)

There is nothing as American as a summer vacation.  Loading up the car or getting on a plane, packing the RV or camper and heading for a new location is just the starting point for creating fun and long lasting memories.

When traveling with children it pays to plan ahead and be organized.  Here are a few tips to help you get started.

• Ziploc Bags - large ziploc bags are a necessity when travelling with children.  The first use is to pack a child's clothes for each day in a separate bag.  Everything from underwear out.  This way your child has an outfit all ready to go.  He or she can pack their pajamas back into the bag after changing and then they will be ready for the evening.  Pack extra socks and underwear, bathing suits, and dress up clothes separately.  Bring extra bags to take home shells, rocks, or other souvenirs you pick up along the way.
• Snacks - pack familiar, favorite snacks for your child.  Long road trips and rainy "inside" days will be better if the child has familiar snacks that are easy to eat and easy to access.  Keep the snack bag within reach in the car or plane.  You may think about packing breakfast too.  This is easy and saves money.  Many hotels have refrigerators nowadays.  Bring a box of cereal, plastic bowls and spoons, buy milk when you get to your destination, and you are all set for those early (hungry) risers.  You may wish to pack granola bars,  peanut butter, and fruit.
• Books, Games, Toys - With elementary aged children it behooves you to have a tablet, whether ipad, kindle, or nook.  You can load it with their books, games and music.  It is fun to bring a family game to play on days when you are not out sightseeing, or ones you can play in the car.  The license plate game, I'm Going on a Picnic, and 20 questions are fun to play with the family in the car.
• Seating Rotation - I come from a family of 5 children and someone was always "in the middle".  Plan with the children a seating chart that rotates so that everyone gets a chance to be near a window.  You may choose to have a plan for each day or rotate every stop.  Choose what works best for your family.
• Responsibilities on the Trip - Children need to know what is expected of them on a trip.  Running up and down hallways and hitting all the buttons on the elevator may be fun for the child but not always for others who are staying there.  Each child can be given a responsibility.  One child can wash car windows at the gas station, one child can clean trash out of the car, one child can dispense hand sanitizer and paper towels when needed.  Older children can help carry bags and luggage, younger children can hand out granola bars and other packaged snacks on the road.  You can find a job for everyone.
• First Aid Kit - Remember to pack one with supplies.
• Camera - With digital cameras you must remember to pack the charger.  Kids like to take pictures too. Giving each child a disposable camera allows them to take their own pictures.  It teaches responsibility and planning.  If there are 36 exposures, you need to plan what you want a picture of and everyone can make their own memory book when you get home.

Happy Travels and Memories~