by Linda Seeley, Children's House 1 Head Teacher
Mr. Groundhog, give us a sign
Will it be winter or will the sun shine?
Will we be inside with fireplace glowing?
Will we be outside with the flowers growing?
Mr. Groundhog, give us a sign!
January did not prove to be a true winter month this year, but we still carried out our winter activities (sometimes using our imaginations). We have been discussing the animals who hibernate, those who "deep sleep," and those who stay active. Of course, many may be confused by the warm temperatures. Classrooms are also decorated with a variety of handmade snowflakes.
Our focus on amphibians is now over and your child can tell you many facts about this family of animals, as well as show you the frog yoga-pose.We now move on to learning about reptiles. February also brings a continuation of our study of Asia and the Chinese New Year. We have all enjoyed learning about how the year of the dragon is celebrated in China and the kindergarten children continue to learn Chinese words, phrases, and songs as well as the dragon and lion dances. At the end of the New Year they will share traditional foods and crafts. A great cultural event!
February also brings Valentine's Day activities. If your child wants to give cards at school, we ask that you ensure that every child in the classroom receives one. If your child prefers to give cards to only a few friends, please be sure to send them through the mail to their home addresses. This is a consideration to the children and helps to avoid hurt feelings.
It is a good idea to encourage children to get an early start. They can do a few cards each day. If children want to pass out valentines and are not yet reading, we ask they they simply sign their names on the cards but do not address the envelopes. The children will make mailbags at school and bring their cards home at the end of the day.
February is also the month when kindergartners have their first visit to Lower Elementary as part of "Step Up Day". During their morning visit, they get their first look at the exciting work they will be doing next year and the community they will join. They come back eager and excited for the next step of their school experiences where they will begin a new three-year cycle in the fall.
The three-year developmental cycle is at the very heart of the Montessori educational experience. Given the opportunity to explore, cooperate, and learn in the Montessori environment creates secure, confident children. Much of the materials and exercises in the first two years help the child achieve direct, immediate goals and also serve an indirect purpose of laying the foundation for future work and learning. The lessons build upon themselves, adding layers of abstractness and an increasing understanding. The full benefit of the educational program accrues in the third year. The younger students benefit from the gift of the leadership, mentoring, and instruction from the older children. Mixed ages and the three-year cycle give depth to the program and to each child.
There is also a social component. In the mixed-age grouping, each child benefits from being exposed to those who are older, and younger, than they are. The younger children have role models to look up to. They also see the older children working on the more advanced material, which piques their interest and curiosity. The older children, in turn, benefit from being mentors. One of the best ways to internalize knowledge is to explain it to others, and often an older child will help teach certain concepts to a younger child.
Imagine the comfort of a 3-year old surrounded by older friends, the pride of a 4-year old celebrated by peers, and the confidence of a 5-year old who, with peers, leads the young while repeating and strengthening important skills.
We hope you will consider these benefits as you make your school enrollment plans for next year.
In closing we are hoping that the groundhog sees his shadow and predicts more winter weather, or at least some significant snow. We still have snowmen to build, snow sculptures to create and animal tracks to follow. Winter is a magical time for children!
