Sunday 4 May 2014

I blinked and it was May!

It's been a while since I sat down and wrote to you. . . time flies when you're having fun right? This certainly rings true for the classroom. We've had new students join who are just beginning their Casa adventure and third year students who are preparing for the next phase and lots going on in the middle. I wish that I could capture all of the exciting moments that are happening each day and hope that your homebooks are giving you a little glimpse into just what goes on at school. Here are some photos from the past few months to give you all a little better idea of just how busy we are. Right now we are practicing for the Spring concert and Ms.Mahoney has started doing Kindermusik on Fridays with the children. They are delighted by this and I think she feels the same!

Addie watching as Brody practices moving the ball around on the balance board. 

Muhammed learning the difference between a lake and an island. 

Olina showing a very proud smile after mastering the letter 'j'. Cursive writing books have been a hot commodity lately and are being worked on everyday in the classroom!

Abby working on stamp game addition. Math in the classroom has been progressing for everyone and its exciting to see all of the different activities that are going on. 

Sophia's sister, Petra, joined our class in April!  The cuteness factor in the classroom has definitely gone up!

From tadpole to frog. I did this lesson 5 times in a row at the request of the children. "Miss Kate, again, again!!"

Perseverance, patience and a little guidance helped Chloe and Sophia complete the 100 board. A few mistakes but this is an activity that they are sure to do again.

Locks and Keys for another of our new friends, Quinn!

Abby correcting her work all by herself after completing the Addition Strip Board!

We all really enjoyed spending the afternoon at the Culture Fair. The juniors and seniors put on quite the show for us and it was truly amazing to see all of their hard work up and on display. 

We sometimes get a little help from our older friends. Maddie came to visit from junior one day and ended up spending the whole afternoon working with Sophia and the Moveable Alphabet. 

We get a little help from our friends! Sophia took special time at lunch to give Addie a lesson on washing her placemat. 

Jonathan is strengthening his hands with a little sponge squeezing!!

We were so fortunate to have Chloe's mom introduce us to the zither, or lap harp. The music this instrument makes is soothing and delightful. All classroom's in the school now have their very own and it's sweet sound can be heard all throughout the day. 

Part of the Montessori philosophy is care of the environment. Addie is having a lesson on folding laundry, which the Casa's often do for the whole school!

Emma and Violet are working on the map of South America.  While going about my own work, I often walk by activities such a this and casually give the children the name of one of the countries. Little moments for learning like this present themselves all the time. 

As you can see there is never a dull moment! Over the next few weeks I will be working on report cards and final home book entries. As always, please feel free to comment on the blog or pop into the school for a visit. I love to chat about the classroom!