tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72792593537139013162024-02-20T01:28:05.993-08:00A Montessori ClassroomUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279259353713901316.post-42917191907764345082012-02-09T16:47:00.000-08:002012-02-09T16:47:00.207-08:00Abe Lincoln's Hat<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGFOzZwiHRlf9QZxKWwNmqrU2vMSeaNHO0H4QI5tHkNIobqJhJ9unOVEFd29HU0BoTi3iHv5tvCLgTa7GjshTAxlXHjcrMqzba1YlNnR2sIn-v7PhFbEjKJrR01r8eB57RqDnKUnk3LCa/s1600/IMG_2019.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 124px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGFOzZwiHRlf9QZxKWwNmqrU2vMSeaNHO0H4QI5tHkNIobqJhJ9unOVEFd29HU0BoTi3iHv5tvCLgTa7GjshTAxlXHjcrMqzba1YlNnR2sIn-v7PhFbEjKJrR01r8eB57RqDnKUnk3LCa/s200/IMG_2019.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706941278832576706" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8h2W5Z4NhejIeCoFhcyIU2V1GKahgVnif7L2vTljplwylSoYTF-xrMvAJN3Nh9_ZWMBpXKbeoOGjCHSFyQr1uoBb3M-jhO2v-ACQuk3Obt_9a3qPHDY_ywJy0BltAFNcFv6jFCWFuxd8X/s1600/IMG_2018.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 142px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8h2W5Z4NhejIeCoFhcyIU2V1GKahgVnif7L2vTljplwylSoYTF-xrMvAJN3Nh9_ZWMBpXKbeoOGjCHSFyQr1uoBb3M-jhO2v-ACQuk3Obt_9a3qPHDY_ywJy0BltAFNcFv6jFCWFuxd8X/s200/IMG_2018.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706941275782578770" /></a><br />Presidents Day is around the corner. It's always fun to uncover some new and interesting tidbit about these figures that we've visited so many times in the past. Like Abe Lincoln storing important papers in his hat, or George Washington using tricks to win battles during the Revolutionary War. <div><br /></div><div>It's also a good chance to have a lesson on observing the features on faces. We use a portrait. We start by talking about some of the different shapes of faces; square, round, oval. I demonstrate a drawing, voicing my thoughts as I determine the shape of the face, then the size and placement of eyes, nose, mouth and hair. I'm not great at drawing, so my demo doesn't intimidate. In fact it demonstrates the ability to laugh at oneself. Both these drawings were done by 5 year olds. The one has a little hat made with a half circle and a rectangle of black paper pasted onto it.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7ykOv4nAbX8B4ia55qoOo9aTFKNgVXQT7QnaULjTHL_mNMHRcVamQKmld12w9IzfePs-IRZCBXvyZlMefAzsWvKV7N8QC1jU7o2prEZR7T_LFOZQm08bHMfJBON4LQSgAEqgWaAI2nuQ/s1600/abelincolnhat.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7ykOv4nAbX8B4ia55qoOo9aTFKNgVXQT7QnaULjTHL_mNMHRcVamQKmld12w9IzfePs-IRZCBXvyZlMefAzsWvKV7N8QC1jU7o2prEZR7T_LFOZQm08bHMfJBON4LQSgAEqgWaAI2nuQ/s400/abelincolnhat.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706946157758503634" /></a><div>This is a small hat the children can make. Use black construction paper. Make the rectangle about 3 inches instead of 2 5/8 inches wide in order to be able to cut tabs in the top also. Bend the top tabs inward. Use paste to attach the small circle for the hat's top. The slightly curled up sides on the hat brim will give it the well worn look of Abe's own hat.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279259353713901316.post-65963073020329039242012-02-08T16:42:00.000-08:002012-02-08T16:42:11.263-08:00Demonstration Montessori Elementary Classroom | American Montessori Society<div>This will be exciting to see. It will be a 6 to 9 year old age group at the American Montessori National Conference in San Francisco this March.</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://amshq.org/Events/AMS+Annual+Conference/2012+Annual+Conference/Conference+Schedule/Friday+March+16/Afternoon/Demonstration+Montessori+Elementary+Classroom#.TzMVH4gZp5I.blogger">Demonstration Montessori Elementary Classroom | American Montessori Society</a><div><br /></div><div>I hope some of you can get there. The workshops will be terrific.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279259353713901316.post-49898786348476958232012-01-23T17:05:00.000-08:002012-01-23T20:40:26.948-08:00Happy Chinese New Year!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzcW4kjOnwiuxj-Pa7N0Qkm_LGIxPgKMYIa5ZtycZPGPw1TVJsFlP1TU-epADGBsRsd5z_SJ1YU9xsp4BhoBGWusM4796D08-h-sJw0GyqcsAENkCmqdGq7WTGgFqyea7AbhltyQ6EViI/s1600/firecracker4.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 82px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzcW4kjOnwiuxj-Pa7N0Qkm_LGIxPgKMYIa5ZtycZPGPw1TVJsFlP1TU-epADGBsRsd5z_SJ1YU9xsp4BhoBGWusM4796D08-h-sJw0GyqcsAENkCmqdGq7WTGgFqyea7AbhltyQ6EViI/s200/firecracker4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701003616327425122" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8RhK9bJ43pS2O_4nYzJmlBjhiahGsZ9ryWhfc1iWn31TKJ9sjOCcu5ACqESG4Fm0DVIhS-n1liHcHo94-G656bdr24AwgThPRd-M5S4ufMoAD8QP22Bp6pC8vNsQJLXprk5t1dQj7sMZ/s1600/firecracker2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8RhK9bJ43pS2O_4nYzJmlBjhiahGsZ9ryWhfc1iWn31TKJ9sjOCcu5ACqESG4Fm0DVIhS-n1liHcHo94-G656bdr24AwgThPRd-M5S4ufMoAD8QP22Bp6pC8vNsQJLXprk5t1dQj7sMZ/s200/firecracker2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701003626796022130" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-%20%20W5oUgnBIZRw/Tx4IlHSo2YI/AAAAAAAAAjU/wCRyeLd5TPU/s1600/firecracker5.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 92px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4Wu3ZISSufajG8-_2c_GjnsrKSNZRQMgj4xrOM_T0wOmoNSjriZZL9spf99KiFtFohUNjL_mbDwRtnfspybARSwOCzjLh2sCA6WTjF4_2I49MAUSZIBQaK350hejX4jE5L6TCyXhyphenhyphenZXR/s200/firecracker5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701003612003031426" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8jkUy76_bw2A6bWdw2ZAAUGe-zRt-vLHSzrQi_jpcVlfRRHiGdRWAArHAsqaYuehXdEyd7fmBVeznNHawyWCZe4B5cqtkMao5lRTJ7EftcruClEbiU6rYxxyfwd7LGc65EtMczu6qIZJ/s1600/firecracker6sm.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8jkUy76_bw2A6bWdw2ZAAUGe-zRt-vLHSzrQi_jpcVlfRRHiGdRWAArHAsqaYuehXdEyd7fmBVeznNHawyWCZe4B5cqtkMao5lRTJ7EftcruClEbiU6rYxxyfwd7LGc65EtMczu6qIZJ/s320/firecracker6sm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701002199630214274" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We're looking forward to a wonderful year of the dragon. Clean homes with blooming flowers in vases will bring good fortune through the year. </div><div>Firecrackers were invented in China. They are lit throughout the 15 day festival. <div>Here is a nice little string of paper firecrackers to make. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>First, give each child a pretzel stick (not to eat just yet!), several pieces of red paper that are about 3 inches by 5 inches and a 2 foot piece of string.</div><div>Roll a piece of the red paper around the pretzel stick. Tape it.</div><div>Use a small awl and piece of carpet felt from a paper punching activity to punch a hole through the center of the tube (firecracker).</div><div><br /></div><div>Tie a knot at the end of the string. Push the other end of the string through the hole in each "firecracker" to make a "string of firecrackers"!</div><div>Hang them around the room.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279259353713901316.post-67918640810663136682011-09-14T19:43:00.000-07:002011-09-14T20:16:15.664-07:00You can't dampen these spirits!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjScqnS5ctHDX7Fa7yvNp_eiq2EthXUguy_7hvRRRHSyUmYifw-eY6FJrZN9q9NTNVoQU0H7809pWtyM7mk5mK9G2A9C5fFhEFpxGG18jw8busZ2fDgyZWRB2kbaX0MyOHN02EzBiKuOFBe/s1600/IMG_9857.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjScqnS5ctHDX7Fa7yvNp_eiq2EthXUguy_7hvRRRHSyUmYifw-eY6FJrZN9q9NTNVoQU0H7809pWtyM7mk5mK9G2A9C5fFhEFpxGG18jw8busZ2fDgyZWRB2kbaX0MyOHN02EzBiKuOFBe/s320/IMG_9857.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652411629363731026" /></a>Although these girls are clearly happy to be back, the rainy days were a fitting start to the school year that came on the heel of a sudden change in our administration. After a frantic August dealing with business related surprises, with the help of devoted parents and friends, the school days, now, are sunny, inside and outside. <div>Mrs. T used the opportunity to introduce cloud types to the class. <a href="http://www.ehow.com/info_8294039_types-clouds-kids.html">This</a> is a good site for planning a lesson on cloud types.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279259353713901316.post-19919591361726827832011-05-15T17:02:00.000-07:002011-05-15T17:48:57.464-07:00waves of whales!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_4rpDra3WM1f1I2QWl4unG7jrzenhG8VHn4vGax1c51i5zbR__FDcrP6p8X36qihaVK57pr1oRoAscnMNvLPA1OA7CCRb95ZR8Kb9nnADFz9bz3YvarLpao-Y6LG15RB44_agDQsNDIV/s1600/IMG_0668.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_4rpDra3WM1f1I2QWl4unG7jrzenhG8VHn4vGax1c51i5zbR__FDcrP6p8X36qihaVK57pr1oRoAscnMNvLPA1OA7CCRb95ZR8Kb9nnADFz9bz3YvarLpao-Y6LG15RB44_agDQsNDIV/s320/IMG_0668.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607098359759176930" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgN0v3zMqok-F8oUU1zkRmu2LygJXTU4dQexBB0crHxYf1-tLllylTXaJcKGTfV-8iuElTtLSfrh66HeJYR0E95XAWLlWXa48djqLGufC48Iq60Cu3m9OZu69uNkAvTh_I5eBNohCgmeXb/s1600/IMG_0666.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgN0v3zMqok-F8oUU1zkRmu2LygJXTU4dQexBB0crHxYf1-tLllylTXaJcKGTfV-8iuElTtLSfrh66HeJYR0E95XAWLlWXa48djqLGufC48Iq60Cu3m9OZu69uNkAvTh_I5eBNohCgmeXb/s320/IMG_0666.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607098356715850882" /></a>We've been reading about the whales in the sea and using our whale models that are to scale with each other. The children painted these whale cutouts to look like their corresponding models. With the help of their teacher, several children figured out the size of a person next to the whales. That inspired some to improve upon the scene by drawing and cutting out people to swim among the friendly giants. And hearing about the practice of whaling for blubber and whale meat prompted the addition of "no whaling" signs to be posted in the ocean!<div><br /></div><div>And whenever I teach about whales (especially the blue whale) who swim in the northern ocean hunting for plankton to sweep into their baleen-filled mouths, we talk of the blubber that insulates the whales from the coldness. I always have this little demonstration ready for them :</div><div>Put a lot of vegetable shortening in a heavy plastic quart bag. This will be the whale's blubber. With your hand inside another heavy plastic sandwich bag, push into the shortening-filled bag to form the shortening into a 1 1/2 inch wall under and on all sides of your hand. Make sure no shortening oozes out of the top of the bag or gets on your hand. Remove your hand, leaving the bag inside the bag holding the shortening. </div><div>Have a large bowl of ice cubes and water ready. Each child puts a hand inside the clean bag stuck into the shortening bag. You place their hand i<i>n the bag in the "blubber" </i> inside a half gallon plastic bag (to make sure no water gets inside their hand or the "blubber"). Now push their hand <i>in the bag in the "blubber" in the large plastic bag </i>down into the ice water. Surprise!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279259353713901316.post-58812552528353394292011-05-09T20:34:00.000-07:002011-05-09T21:09:21.776-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfL59EZEPlbnb6rkKZ4547m-2vHHk4A9NZkw2VWYjXszBo2CCVK3nugR8w5iXwR4DwQenXyPpE79Rio79hWQwMCVDoTxQUlR7Z1L5nA_AnC88NAgR0l7jXvRLK5VQoPbU0LWEsj2chSOV/s1600/IMG_0663.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfL59EZEPlbnb6rkKZ4547m-2vHHk4A9NZkw2VWYjXszBo2CCVK3nugR8w5iXwR4DwQenXyPpE79Rio79hWQwMCVDoTxQUlR7Z1L5nA_AnC88NAgR0l7jXvRLK5VQoPbU0LWEsj2chSOV/s400/IMG_0663.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5604934171371709186" /></a><br />Every year at this time, it's exciting to see the 6 and almost 6 year olds discover that they really can write. For some it takes a bit of nudging. To those who are intimidated by the task of writing about something, I tell them to just write whatever they are thinking at the moment. Likewise, to those daunted by the request to write a sentence, I say that any thought that is in their head is likely to be a sentence. This relaxes them from the initial panic we often see upon suggesting this activity. The result is empowering. Suddenly there are little authors everywhere avidly writing story after story.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279259353713901316.post-59606830012550634062011-04-03T09:25:00.000-07:002011-04-03T09:32:26.950-07:00Spring fun<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoKoKjfNGebQkdur13gmXWACoa5NvdggZMXWVcdW_pDxWI3Fjacg3sw9I_xx1VKzx4WKixU-EcVVHUy-JOhCyuUyvMSvpFdOmdEF6MmxxzOfzzobs_ueO2MyqCERyiPHO2s8UvYI5x6YI/s1600/P31503111playbasedlearning.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoKoKjfNGebQkdur13gmXWACoa5NvdggZMXWVcdW_pDxWI3Fjacg3sw9I_xx1VKzx4WKixU-EcVVHUy-JOhCyuUyvMSvpFdOmdEF6MmxxzOfzzobs_ueO2MyqCERyiPHO2s8UvYI5x6YI/s200/P31503111playbasedlearning.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591394540975025410" /></a><br />Another great idea from <a href="http://www.playbasedlearning.com.au">Play Based Learning</a>. The children can also make their own garden supports with the plastic pipes and connectors.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279259353713901316.post-9519006585268039282011-03-30T13:40:00.000-07:002011-03-30T14:01:34.639-07:00paper bag basket<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGSdRifHTlAwIJ_ce1y4I8Uz9KREpjlXZl_3RTiYglGbD-hoaI2jYR4YqIuexrvZw-jR1IPAkmYVcFTyY4FCtY6hC2B8XsDBclOE-GMf_Iq7bOy9CwHKFk0h9UMEiQIR8YTZUUjY_EpfZ/s1600/100_0042_3.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGSdRifHTlAwIJ_ce1y4I8Uz9KREpjlXZl_3RTiYglGbD-hoaI2jYR4YqIuexrvZw-jR1IPAkmYVcFTyY4FCtY6hC2B8XsDBclOE-GMf_Iq7bOy9CwHKFk0h9UMEiQIR8YTZUUjY_EpfZ/s200/100_0042_3.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589979029597821106" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9gZ7c23PcSjZRjFtruYac-AuDs6mGmimB_STyLlD8X3a1pYW1wbACqxviHUz_ZXzo0aUNCticycboVZTV4pE1zMe7bujWt-MA8ZCpRObHQFl3VgpnjT8rPdunLvz2q5UhLZtQrqWGrsP/s1600/100_0043.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9gZ7c23PcSjZRjFtruYac-AuDs6mGmimB_STyLlD8X3a1pYW1wbACqxviHUz_ZXzo0aUNCticycboVZTV4pE1zMe7bujWt-MA8ZCpRObHQFl3VgpnjT8rPdunLvz2q5UhLZtQrqWGrsP/s200/100_0043.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589979039712723698" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTCbd_vjK_2vVAsJ4lsG9D1biQDYVhtZSqdnKc5zdFnatF51OdfZ1VDt9LWOzTP7XcEsB8JUcN-fZdUSuZxH9QU0nFaGP_oW-FhEQoVK8nKLGLzrgPu_qTgkGJdFjd8Y8xpllWovj4w5Q/s1600/100_0044.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTCbd_vjK_2vVAsJ4lsG9D1biQDYVhtZSqdnKc5zdFnatF51OdfZ1VDt9LWOzTP7XcEsB8JUcN-fZdUSuZxH9QU0nFaGP_oW-FhEQoVK8nKLGLzrgPu_qTgkGJdFjd8Y8xpllWovj4w5Q/s200/100_0044.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589979046163673138" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-wRsBSQFga14ZyNeQfCgl-cSVmcsdCjOsr9tNZHoIKepdmcsCyNfInBaJl7PMbb54HYNjVzIHrnBdDeEB6cr3CZ5ivxH-MLL_IQA-1EyhkQpKFMWEZidTT0L-f1XNZHzEILJQQiUNIgj/s1600/100_0047.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-wRsBSQFga14ZyNeQfCgl-cSVmcsdCjOsr9tNZHoIKepdmcsCyNfInBaJl7PMbb54HYNjVzIHrnBdDeEB6cr3CZ5ivxH-MLL_IQA-1EyhkQpKFMWEZidTT0L-f1XNZHzEILJQQiUNIgj/s200/100_0047.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589979053109175762" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Your children can make this simple paper bag basket for spring. Use plain brown lunch bags. This is a clean Panera bag, hence the design on it. <div><ol><li>Start by cutting from the top to just above the bottom of the bag at 1/2 inch intervals.</li><li>Using a dull knife, pull it along the bottom of each strip to curl them. Or the children can roll the strips on a pencil to curl them.</li><li>Voila! A basket (or nest) ready for filling. Also~ two opposite strips could be left uncurled, then joined at the top for a handle. It probably should be reinforced, though, with a heavier strip glued underneath from the inside of the basket, under the handle to the other side.</li></ol><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279259353713901316.post-3589302993167322022011-03-15T09:44:00.000-07:002011-03-15T09:51:50.764-07:00JapanWe have present and past Japanese students. Their contribution to the culture of our school is priceless. Our hearts and thoughts go out to them and their families during this dreadful time in Japan.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279259353713901316.post-2362917457461781322011-03-14T17:19:00.000-07:002011-03-14T17:53:38.994-07:00Happy birthday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGuKz6TSsIkf_LnCbDU6ZRelcR6FN5_Zovbe70nXa-QY2QqlWkI0yuMxnPF0bgMSTotKCa7_rayGPkw5OA-cKmYGU4IDsmHTyPxmJ4Xe2QiYa2mC6L9Ml0QAMhge0zcTkfxGf9x1HbjZ7/s1600/mrsd.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGuKz6TSsIkf_LnCbDU6ZRelcR6FN5_Zovbe70nXa-QY2QqlWkI0yuMxnPF0bgMSTotKCa7_rayGPkw5OA-cKmYGU4IDsmHTyPxmJ4Xe2QiYa2mC6L9Ml0QAMhge0zcTkfxGf9x1HbjZ7/s200/mrsd.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584103258509046386" /></a><br />Mrs. D., our founder, celebrated her 90th birthday this past weekend. Dozens and dozens of former students and parents of former students converged upon the school to greet her. She was surprised and delighted to be so honored. Over the years she has touched the lives of well over a thousand children and their parents. She still enjoys being in the school to see the children's work and listen to them read.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279259353713901316.post-25894418457458418832011-02-17T19:47:00.000-08:002011-02-17T20:30:43.902-08:00A Fraction Game<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPvkwHIiS7HYCCJTOTkJZVBtbyUIT4tvW9xvl4G4W1yXi7GkQvJSxRxxiUAG8VcFTeGJLFbPzHhdH_U9o5h2Eb0TzrLXmY8Of_JKT6uM51PxDuSJtuEiswC-5ebrD8HDP-6cY7rXfBSwa/s1600/fractiondice_sm.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 165px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPvkwHIiS7HYCCJTOTkJZVBtbyUIT4tvW9xvl4G4W1yXi7GkQvJSxRxxiUAG8VcFTeGJLFbPzHhdH_U9o5h2Eb0TzrLXmY8Of_JKT6uM51PxDuSJtuEiswC-5ebrD8HDP-6cY7rXfBSwa/s200/fractiondice_sm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574875137618808162" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEvfLNp2RvJFVd2q7bx7w293ZYHRBGG-i1hw7wt4VkRjJHqmcUrsWIGd1JzNra8JUEChPb51vYfi-EBBI3qAq4cl-7aypFlvpN8jrzLD9_JVOI4GETSXunmd8MfXJwOW_dlV4vh7PoC1s/s1600/at_fractions_sm.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 163px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEvfLNp2RvJFVd2q7bx7w293ZYHRBGG-i1hw7wt4VkRjJHqmcUrsWIGd1JzNra8JUEChPb51vYfi-EBBI3qAq4cl-7aypFlvpN8jrzLD9_JVOI4GETSXunmd8MfXJwOW_dlV4vh7PoC1s/s200/at_fractions_sm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574875133367628114" /></a>I use this game to introduce fractions to kindergarten age children and higher. Through it, they learn that when the denominator number is smaller, the fraction piece is larger. It also helps them to visualize how fractions can be added together. <div>Our fraction circles range from 1 whole to a circle of ten tenths. For the game, I made up 3/4 by 3/4 inch squares with all of the fractions printed on them. There is one "1" and two "1/2" squares, three "1/3" squares, etc. To begin the game, the children place each of the fraction labels on the corresponding red fraction piece. </div><div>I cut label stickers to fit each side of two dice. On the sides I wrote fractions up to 1/10, since that is how far our fraction circles go. Each player (usually two) takes the base circle from the whole and the half fraction pieces. A child can play alone or with a friend. the object of the game is to see who can fill up their base circle first. The circle must be filled up exactly. Sometimes no one wins. They are eager to play again until there is a winner.</div><div>I begin by explaining that one half is one of two parts, one third is one of three parts, etc. </div><div>A player rolls the two dice, however, he can only use one of the fractions shown. He must choose the one that will best fill his circle. If neither fraction shown will fit into what remains of his circle, he must try again on the next turn. Although there often is no winner, this is a popular game.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279259353713901316.post-54495959882981162972011-01-29T21:16:00.000-08:002011-01-31T17:29:03.912-08:00Happy Chinese New Year!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnu71Um6AEf4MjFx0E24vf45lZNi_RrIuEFFQrwkH8F9O-4yMuuaMkq9Uz8A481KUM_g4GnWRmQpCZcW5q1qfIFXj8X6o4aRBF1TrJdL_ie59sY-OecD-RPorIOv9EjmZxBeH0dIZkNU4/s1600/100_0018.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 153px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnu71Um6AEf4MjFx0E24vf45lZNi_RrIuEFFQrwkH8F9O-4yMuuaMkq9Uz8A481KUM_g4GnWRmQpCZcW5q1qfIFXj8X6o4aRBF1TrJdL_ie59sY-OecD-RPorIOv9EjmZxBeH0dIZkNU4/s200/100_0018.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567844195549524802" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjda7TyLLon8JNjVGNVWVo4tNG6eRVghdiFhOVF1UdQmjowlQUqL6JSzDhS21tNoYCyULHtMM16__q3iiOM0KzYJy3v04C5CezIYFkLy7BW-tixF_FLrnUanwSj9aSPxT7zmvzInqcX2w01/s1600/100_0010.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjda7TyLLon8JNjVGNVWVo4tNG6eRVghdiFhOVF1UdQmjowlQUqL6JSzDhS21tNoYCyULHtMM16__q3iiOM0KzYJy3v04C5CezIYFkLy7BW-tixF_FLrnUanwSj9aSPxT7zmvzInqcX2w01/s200/100_0010.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567844189398734098" /></a>Practicing making Chinese characters with these little <a href="http://www.educationalunits.com/china.html">overlay booklets</a>. Each one shows the strokes for making a single Chinese character for a word. The pages are transparent to show how to build the character. Since each character fits into a square, plain paper divided into squares is used for practice. We use individual small squares of paper.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279259353713901316.post-88957131056569806162011-01-26T16:04:00.000-08:002011-01-26T16:49:40.068-08:00Tiger MomsI'm sure you've heard the growl about <a href="http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2043313,00.html">"Tiger Mom" parenting</a>. For the last 30 years, our school has attracted Asian families. Typically, these parents do expect excellence from their children. The children that I've known are well loved by both parents. Recognizing the potential and ability of each child to learn is part of the expression of that love. This was also part of Dr. Montessori's philosophy. She expected more of the children in her charge than any other educator of her day. And just as Dr. Montessori provided the children with materials and experiences to meet her expectations, Asian parents often use their free time to instruct and monitor their children.<div><br /></div><div>While many of these children may spend their free time at home doing math problems at the kitchen table or diligently practicing an instrument, they are proud of their achievements. As a teacher, it is a joy to work with them. They are eager and not afraid to learn new materials and processes. They show respect for their teacher and other adults. Yet, these same children, appropriately and happily have fun, laugh and enjoy friends in school throughout the year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Amy Chua's "Tiger Mom" is a bit extreme. However, the message that when you expect more you get more and that the child will benefit from the experience with self confidence that could not have been achieved any other way, is true.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279259353713901316.post-71301449200514945662011-01-18T12:22:00.000-08:002011-01-18T12:49:31.565-08:00To encourage or not ...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyH9UN6wLum9dRUze2HZE2OgCwGzIOFshTT-E113XdrfuyM8uuJP4G_jLKAkafJn2vydS6RYNyQGmzwTF5XrXEbUrphcCkgjbuUpxrdxEr4K94FKT0CpjJZVWmupPEk195XHVLBJ2x1sa/s1600/IMG_0457.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 141px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWyH9UN6wLum9dRUze2HZE2OgCwGzIOFshTT-E113XdrfuyM8uuJP4G_jLKAkafJn2vydS6RYNyQGmzwTF5XrXEbUrphcCkgjbuUpxrdxEr4K94FKT0CpjJZVWmupPEk195XHVLBJ2x1sa/s200/IMG_0457.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563630742768288098" /></a><br /><div><br /></div>This young boy enjoys using the moveable alphabet and is capable of reading the words but reluctant to reading them on lists or in short books. When asked to read, he declined but Mrs. T paid no attention, sitting with him, coaxing him to read a simple book. He plodded through, and upon completion of the last page, he gushed, "Mrs. T, I'm glad you ignored my complaints!"<div><br /></div><div>We find that many children need a bit of nudging, in reading as well as math. These are important areas and areas where the children themselves are happy to make strides. I imagine that is because their parents value progress in those areas. In this way, we still "follow the child" while helping those who need it, to make the right choices.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279259353713901316.post-54901358425225761122010-12-16T14:41:00.000-08:002010-12-16T14:57:24.850-08:00painting<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbQriHxCoSJ2SYkZ9JKxGIcQVTVp_UiLjXYBzH1A2RqvOPUq2-pgLJlm2BGfX8p5urRv-2UEBbJLHx8_oBLWPfvh9Nry1cCZwm0hrncNjZHlxOtxhrjmuiQXBAHIXqC3YdGUOHiylVz9w/s1600/painting11_09sm.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 101px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbQriHxCoSJ2SYkZ9JKxGIcQVTVp_UiLjXYBzH1A2RqvOPUq2-pgLJlm2BGfX8p5urRv-2UEBbJLHx8_oBLWPfvh9Nry1cCZwm0hrncNjZHlxOtxhrjmuiQXBAHIXqC3YdGUOHiylVz9w/s200/painting11_09sm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551417928185223426" /></a><br />Some children have such a smooth flow of activities throughout the day. After performing several tasks requiring thought in math and practicing new skills in writing, she quietly put on the apron and began painting. An educationally productive break in the Montessori style, where just changing activities rests the mind.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279259353713901316.post-50327413745653272432010-11-28T18:35:00.000-08:002010-11-28T18:40:25.534-08:00Hope your Thanksgiving was delicious, and that your break was energizing. <div>If you're still in the mood, here are some goodies on Native Americans:</div><div><a href="http://www.educationalunits.com/free.html">http://www.montessori-units.com/free.html</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279259353713901316.post-66592442544090722502010-10-05T17:53:00.000-07:002010-10-05T18:14:28.127-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9X9SOCyzRdZQk1BZgFiiisyagJ5TskHEk9PHIzJHmxci2BAt-qUf2cjTcZr5HQ0Qnj2SFE8UGzCJ0hmdi5S9IAmpKuMPpkgmusgpiUrv1cBBwoYMFYjxpUtn9gRSR2WXMdI01j5hTPL17/s1600/100_0074.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9X9SOCyzRdZQk1BZgFiiisyagJ5TskHEk9PHIzJHmxci2BAt-qUf2cjTcZr5HQ0Qnj2SFE8UGzCJ0hmdi5S9IAmpKuMPpkgmusgpiUrv1cBBwoYMFYjxpUtn9gRSR2WXMdI01j5hTPL17/s200/100_0074.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524734789277288066" /></a><br />We've reviewed materials with each child and introduced new ones. The class hums with activity from morning until afternoon. We love working toward milestones with words, shapes, numbers, movement and our inter personal relationships, but we also can't forget one of our favorite holidays.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279259353713901316.post-57836808167975846592010-09-04T10:12:00.000-07:002010-09-04T10:13:32.828-07:00Native Plants for balanceCarol has a great philosophy.<div>I like her videos.<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Q_p12-43h4U?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Q_p12-43h4U?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="425" height="344" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279259353713901316.post-11920118324426917072010-08-22T18:33:00.000-07:002010-08-22T18:41:43.961-07:00always busy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6x58p1WDl2FUFULLwV4YMcPWC9tQlFEIKwZnb2c6TRX6Cb4ohb10cxTVRhJPX6wxkhU37PH-5ZUJpxQTTml1YirOBVXxlNLqorAKYU-EKJAuzspqVUq6ZZ4plg1REDivtDaqKIH4Uzg9x/s1600/photo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6x58p1WDl2FUFULLwV4YMcPWC9tQlFEIKwZnb2c6TRX6Cb4ohb10cxTVRhJPX6wxkhU37PH-5ZUJpxQTTml1YirOBVXxlNLqorAKYU-EKJAuzspqVUq6ZZ4plg1REDivtDaqKIH4Uzg9x/s200/photo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508413015294418914" /></a>Well, here is someone who spent a seriously productive summer!<div><br /></div><div>Although I believe that anything a child does, except watching the you-know-what all day, is seriously productive.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279259353713901316.post-61161556257959170912010-07-15T11:46:00.000-07:002010-07-15T17:27:48.721-07:00sea shells in the sand<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHKLsDStTYupXswnxCcmwC4vIzaysXNKycqJsT8B5L9g-N4co5fomHO_LspyLeTkDwifTDLWeg0Xvs6_cxOwPg7PPyln-GX7mx4yqp3XZ2v2wXMT_WWQmKtfLeb_0Ty7UHZS9O35FDBIZ/s1600/IMG_0021.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHKLsDStTYupXswnxCcmwC4vIzaysXNKycqJsT8B5L9g-N4co5fomHO_LspyLeTkDwifTDLWeg0Xvs6_cxOwPg7PPyln-GX7mx4yqp3XZ2v2wXMT_WWQmKtfLeb_0Ty7UHZS9O35FDBIZ/s200/IMG_0021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494291031632121570" /></a><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lRI02E6I-gs6vgmHZjhD1Ap4AokemXpGTStz09ElqbomQlBAS3ueakbLmJq88Gw1M-wZVlA41021hOOfmEXEnqGsLLshA1l5NyQ8QUHdSCdPAGsnvBFMpg4oXmTxEmrl443HQzzkf4J5/s200/IMG_0024.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494290579644289010" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpKx5MDJdutw9a_jetWYG0gXmErOo_DdFAoDU7EFOfDX49lQLkxWRrv618OAkcp9WmCdVJ2hC9LowhUXhzGyGjrWP2UP962cE_KHanbZh-AxUS_KPbBVn8qFwennqeCokEO2R36XFlRlU/s200/IMG_0022.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494290901630641266" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />This simple beachy craft can be done right on the sand. At home, school or take a box of plaster of paris along to the beach. Form about a 3 X 3 inch square about 1 1/2 inches deep in damp sand. Use petroleum jelly to grease up the inside ridges of a scallop shell. Press the outside of it into the sand in the bottom of your square. If the sand has bits of shells and seaweed in it, that's fine. It'll make an interesting surface. Now fill the sand "box" with plaster of paris. Let it sit for an hour, then carefully remove the block of plaster of paris. Let it sit for several more hours to fully harden. Pull off the shell to see the cast underneath. <div><br /></div><div>If you use a clam shell, grease the outside of it where it has ridges. Then put it in the sand hole with that side toward you (up). You can use a ruffled, rough oyster shell this way, also.</div><div><br /></div><div>Scratching in the child's name and date makes a nice memento. </div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279259353713901316.post-55948217206248553082010-06-25T11:25:00.000-07:002010-06-25T11:59:08.829-07:00painting flowers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkwRT33AWn7_cftXt5tmaa45gyjrvu3K40TKC-yrHdIFnfwVu8b4ZKMXlAgqqxcgMOYaNmhXkwYVnJRFun1-UcFdSLDYQxM9FAC8qFtV4PmKlY3X6Vwa6BvawKvIlqZgsiVKxDU2aTOGQ/s1600/09sunflowersm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkwRT33AWn7_cftXt5tmaa45gyjrvu3K40TKC-yrHdIFnfwVu8b4ZKMXlAgqqxcgMOYaNmhXkwYVnJRFun1-UcFdSLDYQxM9FAC8qFtV4PmKlY3X6Vwa6BvawKvIlqZgsiVKxDU2aTOGQ/s320/09sunflowersm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486787492883953330" /></a><br /><div><br /></div>Except during the winter, there is always something blooming around our school. Narrow gardens border the building, the edges of our small parking areas and the corners of each playground. Perennials are mixed with vegetables and tomato plants. Often, upon bringing in a fresh bloom, one of us will demonstrate painting the flower. We talk about the shapes we see in the flower, the part of it we choose to paint first, the thickness of the brush we choose and the colors we see. Upon completion, the demonstration painting is set to dry away from view. The bloom is left in its vase, close to the easel. The children go back to their work. Those who choose to paint the bloom use what they have learned to help them record their observations. The interpretations always vary. Unlike many Montessori schools, we take pride in displaying everyone's work. We encourage the reluctant artist and easily find beauty in all of the results. We feel it is important to take advantage of this age before children decide they "can" or "cannot" draw.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279259353713901316.post-62695371782812007812010-06-20T19:25:00.000-07:002010-06-20T19:33:59.096-07:00The past nine months have flown by. But while circumstances took me out of state, the classroom buzzed on. The children grew intellectually and socially. The school's founder had her 89th birthday this past spring. And as she blew out a candle on her cake, a seasoned first grader silently exclaimed, "Whew, eighty-nine, and she can still blow out a candle!"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279259353713901316.post-18258243901096354492009-09-24T17:28:00.000-07:002009-09-24T17:28:00.507-07:00cicadas ?!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tXDA0siD3fawTPSKY92F7nVdK_iSEVW3_e5LOPalwVlkQz8M2eT1PYXkKth4QQAL6ecXSo8qXiNpQntDivCDWHBerOUCV97ETN8IwawqzodyRWf_XUENXNcDf4NIkxDP6Dj_q21tXrx-/s1600-h/cicadasm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383714854868297090" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tXDA0siD3fawTPSKY92F7nVdK_iSEVW3_e5LOPalwVlkQz8M2eT1PYXkKth4QQAL6ecXSo8qXiNpQntDivCDWHBerOUCV97ETN8IwawqzodyRWf_XUENXNcDf4NIkxDP6Dj_q21tXrx-/s320/cicadasm.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Two lovely but deceased creatures captured everyone's attention and sparked the school year's first book making project. Examining the cicadas with a magnifying glass, each part of the insect is colored and pasted into the book with its matching name. </div><br /><div>Science lessons in the classroom are meaningful and vibrant when they grow from daily experiences. After a while, children look forward to each day with anticipation, wondering what new discovery will be made or what question will be answered.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279259353713901316.post-4600724636383678572009-09-20T16:57:00.000-07:002009-09-20T17:28:04.944-07:00Back to School<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidShf_ubAfTT9WXcu65iaErEn4Jv9fBCsG9-k49EaF610T45GMx2uaL9CiavmBIpAWrTFD3CP64gxFQafke_LTLExEoDCtBzqZGycGRmBgjUJ3k1psM8kt8mKF4C5gpY_FkSDuPxoldk61/s1600-h/appleprintsm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383707115064446994" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidShf_ubAfTT9WXcu65iaErEn4Jv9fBCsG9-k49EaF610T45GMx2uaL9CiavmBIpAWrTFD3CP64gxFQafke_LTLExEoDCtBzqZGycGRmBgjUJ3k1psM8kt8mKF4C5gpY_FkSDuPxoldk61/s320/appleprintsm.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I'm always amazed how the first day of school always brings the appropriate weather. Suddenly the mornings are crispy, the afternoons are sunny and warm and the darkness of the evening creeps in earlier each day. As you can see, the children are already preparing for the fall apples. Not shown here, but shown in one of <a href="http://a-montessori-classroom.blogspot.com/2008/10/just-4-of-adorable-jack-o-lantern-bags.html">last year's posts</a>, is Mrs. T's apple matching activity for several varieties. Many of the children already know the names of at least 5 different apples. Drying prints of apples cut both crosswise and lengthwise cover every horizontal space in the art corner.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279259353713901316.post-10406927113966591532009-08-08T20:28:00.000-07:002009-08-08T22:02:24.887-07:00a little Jackson Pollock<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUT7F4ePv1mo-w7mpNlnaIXs0KZATW_2CSIbOkYTluYbDgseLPdlAkKnK51G7lmtIJviGPKc23g_7DRioSQ8f0_Wlvm4T_GWP9GNz462OWhEI4tdzHRuJL_SpQnISxvqDmideWJfiXkrkR/s1600-h/bymattyjune09sm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367804808615910386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 263px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUT7F4ePv1mo-w7mpNlnaIXs0KZATW_2CSIbOkYTluYbDgseLPdlAkKnK51G7lmtIJviGPKc23g_7DRioSQ8f0_Wlvm4T_GWP9GNz462OWhEI4tdzHRuJL_SpQnISxvqDmideWJfiXkrkR/s320/bymattyjune09sm.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>I walked into my daughter's home 2 weeks ago and spied this painting above her fireplace. Admiring its flow and colors, I was surprised to hear that her 3 1/2 year old son had painted it. </div><br /><div>She prepared him by showing him some Pollock paintings at <a href="http://www.kaliweb.com/jacksonpollock/art.htm">www.kaliweb.com/jacksonpollock/art.htm</a> . Click on <em>Shimmering Substance 1946</em>, <em>Autumn Rhythm 1950</em>, <em>Number 7 1951</em>, and <em>Convergence 1952. </em>They are good examples of his drip style. Then she showed him a video of Jackson Pollock painting at <a href="http://www.youtube.com/">www.youtube.com/</a> . Do a search for <strong>Jackson Pollock action painting</strong>, then click on <strong>Pollock Painting (1950).</strong> I must warn you, though, the video shows Pollock with a cigarette in his mouth. There doesn't seem to be one of him without it. But the video is important to stress the free style. In it he tells of using no preliminary sketches and the freedom to let the painting evolve and change. Nothing is regarded as a mistake. Just the way a young child naturally paints.</div><br /><div>Then, just as Pollock worked outside, my daughter laid a fresh canvas out on the lawn. She dressed little Matty in an apron and old rain boots. Using little plastic flip top bottles of craft acrylics, she showed him how to drip and squeeze and spray out the paint. He chose colors and got to work. At a moment when her attention was directed away, he swooshed his hand through the paint, creating what artists call a "happy accident". Then he placed some dried bits of <span style="color:#000000;">flowers </span>on the wet paint and declared his work completed. </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyURM_7RFUKdUkj0o_anagteRokcSBQy-9vwCkVmfSVuORdNFxJaKQtAxatlEsxOrsuMBkUfEOJeUuwkTy4ZMId91OcAH05dPDUu0ehyphenhypheneGpVoo4R8jXEncHCXxm-oB2tM9I8wkSEfYU2pF/s1600-h/mkb_pollocksm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367814375289855890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyURM_7RFUKdUkj0o_anagteRokcSBQy-9vwCkVmfSVuORdNFxJaKQtAxatlEsxOrsuMBkUfEOJeUuwkTy4ZMId91OcAH05dPDUu0ehyphenhypheneGpVoo4R8jXEncHCXxm-oB2tM9I8wkSEfYU2pF/s320/mkb_pollocksm.jpg" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2