Stoneridge Children's Montesori School

Poetry: The Genre of Childhood

by Diane Sullivan and Heather Carnevale, Lower Elementary Head Teachers

The children have enjoyed playing with poetry this month.  They've acted out favorite poems, listened to the rhythm of words, and learned how to deliberately craft a poem- with the eyes of a poet.  Please enjoy this collection of poetry written by the students and keep your eye out for big feelings, voice, line breaks, repeating lines, lists, stories, and fun with language.

 

Falcons  By Oliver, age 6

Swoop and glide all day

Catch its prey

Bringing it home

Eat it for dinner

Get another

 

Dancing Eraser  By Alex, age 7

A dancing eraser on the table

Getting ready to erase

It got all used up

And now it's all black 

And now it's an eraser 

That will never come back

 

Scissors  By Esme, age 6

They open and close.

They snip and snap.

They cut and shut.

 

A Good Season  By Jack, age 9

      Splash!

in a Puddle.

      Rain

      In the 

SpriNg makes 

     Green grass.

 

The Seagull     By Vincent, age 8

The seagull

To the beach

Get a tasty treat

To the sea

Out of the sea

To the baseball game

Go to McDonalds

Scavenge for fries

Go home in the late

Evening sky

 

Pine Trees  By Maeve, age 6

Pine trees are pointy

Pine trees are sticky

Pine trees are green

Pine trees are minty

 

Zebra  By Toby, age 6

Zipping

Eating

Blending

Run

Awesome

 

The Cardinal  By Noah, age 7

The Cardinal is red.

He darts through the grass

Catching insects.

It is sleek

And fast.

 

Little Bunny  by Laura, age 7

Little bunny on the hill

Have you seen your good friend Will?

Little bunny in the storm

Do you see the gray clouds form?

Little bunny soaking wet

you'll be safe in there I bet!

Now little bunny is safe at home.

 

The Fireworks  By CJ, age 6

The fireworks blow into colors.

Fireworks turn into pieces.

The they turn into air.

 

I Love  By Andrew, age 9

I love my mom-special

I love my dad-nice

I love my dog-cute

I love my cousin-cool

I love fifo-good companion

I love my brother-fun

I love turtles-Awesome

And I LOVE LIFE!

 

Max  By Max, age 8

Mighty

Active

X-treme

 

Sparrow  By Ari, age 8

Sings a lot

Pecks at seed 

Awesome

Rare to see

Rambunctious

Off their rocker

Warrior against worms

 

Jack and Jill  By Oliver, age 8

Jack and Jill sat on a hill

Thinking that it was cheese

They ate it all and they went ill

And no one saw them again

 

The Thief  by Sammy age 7

To the garbage

Get a treat

To the garbage

Dig a hole

Peeyou

A skunk

 

Family  by Emma age 7

 

I love my                My family

family                    loves me

My family               They

is sweet                  think

I love my                I am 

family                    great

I love my                My family

family                    loves me

                            They think

                            I'm 

                            wonderful

 

Time  by Susannah age 9

Time is ticking

Time is tocking

Time says "Hi"

It is 10:09

Oh my

I'm late

Time flys

 

Cook/Eat  by Jemma age 9

Cooking

In the kitchen

To make buns

To make cakes and pies

While he waits

At the table

To eat

__________

To eat

At the table

While I wait

For cakes and pies

To eat buns

That are waiting 

In the kitchen

 

Setting the Table  by Mia age 9

Mom's plate first

(since she made me)

The dad's plate

(since he helped)

Then Michaels's plate

(since he's my brother)

And my plate last

Since I'm writing this poem

 

Snipes  by Maceo age 8

Snipes live in pipes

Snipes eat bipes

Bipes are a fish

Snipes are a pish

Pish

Make wishes

Pishes live in wishing bowls

Wishing bowls make gips

Gips like to wip

You should

Watch

Out

They'll wip you

 

Sun   by Athena age 8

Sun I love you I want to stay

In bed all day and go to school

Please sun I really do so cancel school

By going to sleep all day please

 

 

Rain  by Maia age 7

See the

raindrops

fall                    drip

When                drop

they fall            drip

they go            drop

sploosh            drip

drop                drop

splish            drip

and                drop

sploosh            drip

                       drip drop

                        sploosh

                        splish

                        splosh

 

The Electrons Swirl  by Eli

The electrons swirl

around

the 

nucleus

while the 

protons are

near 

and

Billions of

them can

make a

Bottle of beer!

 

Titanic    by Noah

Titanic was nice

It bumped big ice

Titanic was nice

And I wish it did not

Sink

Has it still been down 

there

I don't think

Can they ever pull it up

And make it seaworthy?

 

 

 

Music in May!

by Hannah Mell, Music Director

May is an exciting month for music!

Toddlers are venturing into the music room on Wednesdays starting this month, and Children's House students are preparing for their Spring Teas on May 16, 17, and 18.

Important dates to watch for:

April 30, Musical Monday: Jade, Kathie, Margaret & Gina play flute music

May 7, Musical Monday: Zehava & Ben perform Elton John, Adele & more

May 10: Spring Concert at Endicott College (6:30 p.m.; stay tuned for e-mail reminders)

May 14, Musical Monday: Juliette sings and plays the drums

May 14: LE-MS performs for the Beverly Council on Aging (10:45 a.m.)

May 21, Musical Monday: Instrumentalists of UE

As always, e-mail Hannah at hmell@stoneridgecms.org if you have any questions!

 

Greatest Observers of Nature

by Heather Carnevale and Diane Sullivan, LE Head Teachers

"The child, who is the greatest spontaneous observer of Nature
undoubtedly needs to have placed at his disposal material on which to work."
                      --Dr. Maria Montessori

From our location on the edge of the forest, we attract lots of birds to our feeders all year long. The Lower Elementary children are honing their observation skills and learning how to identify birds that they see right out our classroom windows. Each month, we keep track of new birds, for example, during March we have seen the Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Northern Cardinal, Mourning Dove, Dark-eyed Junco, Downy Woodpecker, American Robin, Goldfinch and Song Sparrow.  Dr. Montessori observed that children are keenly interested in animals and labeling parts of a bird is work they are very familiar with. Knowing the parts of the bird has a practical application; the various sizes, shapes, patterns, and colors the of body helps to identify a bird species. 

This year, we are participating in 'Birdsleuth,' an inquiry-based science program developed by educators at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The children will learn to appreciate the diversity of local birds, learn to identify birds by sight and sound, count birds and collect data. Genuine interest in birds will lead to more and more questions such as the following our students have wondered:

Why are some birds on the ground?

Where are the birds on such a sunny day?

Why is the male dark-eyed junco darker than the female?

 Esme, Emma and Maia label parts of the Cardinal and the Downy Woodpecker.

 

Esme identifies the White-Breasted Nuthatch.

 

A Black-capped Chickadee visits the feeder.

Brad fills the bird feeders.

 

BOKS ROCKS!

by Gretchen Putnam, LE parent

BOKS, Building Our Kids’ Success, is a before-school physical activity program that sparks a child’s mind and body for better learning during the school day. The program is filled with team-oriented games (relay races and obstacle courses), running, a skill-of-the-week, and nutrition information. 

We are excited to announce that Stoneridge is offering a seven-week parent-run spring session on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 7:30–8:15 a.m. The session begins on April 23 running through June 6 and will be held in the Multi-Purpose Room or outside as the weather warms up. 

Parent volunteers Gretchen Putnam, Sarah Parker, Tracy Chait, and Betsy Shields are gearing up to run, jump, and play their way through the early mornings with your child.

The cost is $25 per child and any child in Kindergarten through 4th grade is welcome to participate. Space is limited to a maximum of 20 children. Registration forms are available on on the BOKS Bulletin Board in the lobby, or contact Gretchen by phone at 978-335-3458 or via email at kivaspirit.moon@gmail.com.

You can learn more information about BOKS at their website www.bokskids.org.

Come jump in on the fun!

 

 

 

April Vacation Remedy: Spring Camp!

April vacation is just around the corner. If you're trying to figure out how to make that week interesting for your child/ren and easy for you, consider Spring Camp at Stoneridge!

Led by our own wonderful Director of After Care, Ellen Sears, with the help of equally wonderful Toddler House teacher, Paulette Dettorre, your child will enjoy four days of fun, friends, and exercise.

The cost is $150 per child for four full days (Tues. 4/17-Fri. 4/20). Camp starts daily at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. Children from CH through LE are welcome.

Space is limited, so please respond to Rebecca McGrail by Tuesday, April 3 if you're interested. More details will follow for those who sign up.

 

More Than Coffee at the April 4 Coffee House!

If you haven't attended a Stoneridge Coffee House, now's the time! There's no event quite like it--you'll get to see performers of all ages share their talents in a relaxed, festive atmosphere. Join us in the multi-purpose room from 5:00-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 4. (Students K-MS, please arrive at 4:45 for a warm-up.)

If you'd like to perform, be sure to e-mail Hannah at hmell@stoneridgecms.org with the title and length of your piece. Coffee House ends right at 6:30 p.m. so there will be a cut-off once we have enough acts. 

Pizza, snacks, and drinks will be available for a low cost; all proceeds benefit the music program. Donations of nut-free treats are much appreciated! If you'd like to help out, get in touch with Hannah.

Valentine's Breakfast Tradition: 15 Years!

by Diane Sullivan and Heather Carnevale, LE Teachers

 

 What a pleasure it is to continue the tradition of Lower Elementary Valentine's Breakfast, which is now in its fifteenth year.  The children have written reflections about this special annual event!

 

 

 

How To Have A Valentine's Breakfast
By Mia

1. Get some nice teachers to help you.
2. Make some granola and scones.
3. Make invitations to your parents. Make place cards.
4. Practice some songs like "Ain't No Mountain" and/or "Somewhere Out There."
5. Make a heart map about things and people you love!
6. Dress up in fancy clothes and...have some fun! (Don't forget, get your Dad to wear a tie.)

 

 

A Reflection
By Alex

Valentine's Day is a tradition of love and friendship and caring.
When I was singing "Somewhere Out There," I was really, really, really, happy. 
My Mom was smiling, and then I started smiling too.

 

A Reflection
By Laura

"I liked singing. It made me feel happy and famous too."

 

A Reflection
By CJ

We sang on the risers.
We sang loud.
It made me happy.

 

Valentine's Feast
By Andrew

Cookies and cakes
and scones, too.
Sugary treats
for me and you!

 

 

Summer Camp? Sign up for Showtime!

Explore acting, singing, dancing, set-building, improvisation, and more. This dynamic three-week camp for new and experienced theatre students will be directed by David Draper and Hannah Mell. The fun-filled program will conclude with a performance of Once on This Island Jr. for families and friends. Showtime @ Stoneridge is open to students entering grades 3 to 10. Space is limited so sign up now!

July 2 to July 20
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (No class on July 4)
Tuition: $750 per child.

To sign up, download the attached form, or contact Pat Tucker, our School Secretary at ptucker@stoneridgecms.org.

Summer2012_ShowtimeStoneridge

Everybody Dance Now!

by Heather Carnevale and Diane Sullivan, LE Head Teachers and Hannah Mell, Music Director

Folk dancing is a tradition that has been passed from generation to generation over hundreds of years. And, it's one that continues today in Lower Elementary. We follow the beat of the music and learn the steps to dances that come from the folk traditions of North America and the British Isles.  These are social dances that bring the children together in a spirit of community and respect. The dancers learn and experience a new kind of cooperation through dance  while having a genuinely good time!

 

 

 

 

Curriculum Spotlights and Step-Ups in January

Please join us at the next Curriculum Spotlight on Wednesday, January 11, followed by a Step-Up Morning for Grade 6 parents.

8:30-9:00 a.m. Curriculum Spotlight: "The Plus of Being Negative: Mathematics in the MS," led by Victor Young, MS Coordinator and Math teacher

9:15-9:40 a.m. MS Classroom Observation  Parents are invited to observe in the Middle School classroom.

9:40-10:30 Discussion. Step-Up Morning concludes with an opportunity to discuss what you observed in the classroom and to ask questions about the MS program and curriculum. Alan will run this discussion, and one of the MS teachers and a current MS parent will be available to answer questions.

Next Curriculum Spotlight: Wednesday, January 25: "Ensuring that Our Students are Good Spellers,"  with Heather Carnevale and Cathy Palmisano, Lower and Upper El Head Teachers. This Curriculum Spotlight will be part of the Step-Up Morning for K and Grade 3.

As with all of our Curriculum Spotlights, all parents are welcome--stop by at 8:30 to get a cup of coffee, and then expand your thinking about how children learn at Stoneridge. We encourage parents at all levels to join us! We will finish by 9 am. Curriculum Spotlights are held in the Music Room, right off the lobby.

 

Cycle of Water--Cycle of Wondering

by Diane Sullivan and Heather Carnevale, LE Head Teachers

"The clouds opened--rain poured down in torrents on the now cooled surface of our Earth, filling the ocean basins and wearing down the mountains.  Rivers and streams carried little particles of rock down and deposited them in layers on the floors of the oceans."
                                           Life Story by Virginia Lee Burton

Storytelling captures the imagination of the Lower Elementary students.  The Story of the Universe inspires awe and wonder about the natural world.  As the children begin to ponder the beginnings of the universe and planet Earth, we give them a foundation that leads to deeper curiosity. We foster purposeful science discussion which leads to even more questioning, wondering, noticing, and even experimenting.

"Where does water come from?"  "Where does it go?"  "I wonder..."

This year, our wondering led us to a special exhibit at the Peabody Essex Museum,    Ripple Effect: The Art of H2O.  Here we encountered water in its different forms: solid, liquid, and gas.  We investigated artwork inspired by rivers, snow, ice, fog, and more. 

 

 

Students stand around a large pot of water vapor.  The movement of the gas is magical--children are able to manipulate the direction it travels.

 

 

 

Jemma sits in quiet reflection, studying the snowflake prints and then sketching them.

 

 

Vincent, Jack, and Susannah make a record of what they see in the photographs from the exhibit.

 

 

 

 

 

Max, Toby and Noah use water colors to make their own art!

 

 

 

Our discoveries at this exhibit were endless and exciting. We encourage you to visit PEM with your family! For more information, go to: www.pem.org

 

"I have no special talents.  I am only passionately curious."
- Albert Einstein

 

Never Eat Soggy Waffles

by Diane Sullivan and Heather Carnevale, LE Head Teachers

October 25, 2011, Ipswich: bright sun, light breeze, 57 degrees

We teach sustainability, life cycles, and the interconnectedness of all living things through our work in the classroom and through outdoor experiences that foster connections with the land.

On Tuesday, we spent the morning at Appleton Farms. We were welcomed by farm educators Becky and Susan, who led the children in a series of games to warm up their senses: "Where are you?"

North? (never) East? (eat) South? (soggy) West? (waffles) We even learned a great mnemonic device to help remember compass points!

 

Students played an interactive game where they learned about the history of the farm and its geographic location.  They were also able to use their listening, leadership, and team building skills.  

 

The Jersey heifers were happy to greet the children.

 

 

 

 

Our nature walk led us through pastures where cows were grazing and students looked for colors and shapes in nature.

This week’s trip to Appleton Farms is an example of a program providing our students with the knowledge and tools to make strong, wise choices for the health and future of their community and the environment. And they made these discoveries in very simple ways, for example, where does milk come from?  The cows at Appleton Farms!

Beauty, Interest, and Concentration

by Heather Carnevale and Diane Sullivan, LE Head Teachers

"The longer a material can claim and hold a child's attention, the greater promise it gives that an 'abstract process' will follow as the result of a developed potential."
--Maria Montessori

Montessori materials are beautiful.  Beauty stimulates interest.  Concentration follows. The beautiful, precise materials we use in the classroom are designed in such a way that they capture and hold a child's interest, and through their use, these materials gradually lead the child from the concrete to the abstract.  

In order to practice and understand an abstract concept, (multiplication, for example) children in Lower Elementary use certain concrete materials.  Other materials offer the child variety in repetition of the same concept.  In the elementary classroom, children have a natural inclination to work together and lessons are designed with this in mind.

This material is what Dr. Montessori called the Box of Sticks.  The simple clean lines and variations of colors and sizes of 'sticks' appeal to children.  They are able to construct varying geometric shapes.

 

 

 

Concentric equilateral triangles

 

Building polygons using the box of sticks

 

Colored bead bars are used for linear counting, skip counting, squaring and cubing, addition, subtraction and multiplication, and also for pre-algebra.  

Multiplication using colored bead bars  

 

 

 Counting the Square Chains

Each time we observe them engaging with these materials, we're reminded--again--of Montessori's keen gift for understanding of the nature of children. These simple, clean and beautiful materials capture children's interest in multiple ways, methodically nurturing their innate desire to learn.

Success in Lower Elementary

by Heather Carnevale and Diane Sullivan, LE Head Teachers

Welcome to the new school year!

Success in Lower Elementary is not just about academics, it's also knowing how to learn and how to get along with others.  For the third year in a row, we're using the Second Step program to teach skills in the following four critical areas:

1. Skills for Learning:  Students gain skills to help themselves learn, including how to     focus their attention, listen carefully, use self-talk to stay on task, and be able to             communicate effectively. 

2. Empathy:  Students learn to identify and understand their own and others' feelings.      Students also learn how to take another's perspective and how to show compassion.

3. Emotion Management: Students learn specific skills for calming down when     experiencing strong feelings, such as anxiety or anger.

4. Problem Solving: Students learn a process for solving problems with others in a     positive way.

These skills require continued practice and that is why Stoneridge is implementing Second Step at all levels this year. It will help ensure that teachers--and students--have a common language and set of tools to use as children progress from Toddler House to Middle School.

This year in Lower Elementary, your child will learn a lot and he or she will need your help. Throughout the year, your child will bring home Home Links that accompany several of the Second Step lessons.  Home Links are simple, fun activities for you and your child to complete together.  They're a great way for you to understand what your child is learning and for your child to show you what he or she knows.  

We're especially happy to have a new set of Second Step resources (including Home Links) to share with the children and with you. Thank you for supporting your child in learning the skills that lead to success in school and in life.