Hi Folks,

Last year, during the last two weeks just before break, (i.e., when everyone was mentally preparing for the holidays), your children were eager to talk about upcoming events and celebrations.  During circle times, Carrie and I read topics on a variety of celebrations that happen around this time of year, such as Hanukkah, Christmas, the Chinese New Year, and America’s New Years Eve & New Years Day.   These lessons were followed by open discussions, encouraging students to talk about their own beliefs as they listen to each other and acknowledge their peers for what they represent.

Geography

A number of students had fun drawing up the earth’s hemispheres to create their own continent maps by tracing the continent pieces from our puzzle maps.   It’s exciting to see how little help our students needed (or wanted) as they focused on getting the placement of each continent just right.

Music & Language

These subjects have been combined during our last two weeks of school in 2014 as students continued to request that we sing scales of letter sounds.  We have been combining a number of 3 letter combinations to create words to sing to while being accompanied by the piano.  These scales are considered “warm ups” that help to strengthen and prepare the vocals for songs to follow.  At this time of year, students are constantly requesting to sing holiday songs.  They got a lot of enjoyment out of singing festive songs like “Jingle Bells,” “Snow Flake,” “Let it Snow,” and “Frosty The Snowman.”

Zoology

While the kids seem to have a good grasp on traits of a mammal, we started talking more about the other kingdoms to characterize animals such as reptiles, fish, birds, and invertebrates.  There have been several group discussions on a variety of animals and each student had the opportunity to participate in categorizing different species.

Practical Life

While we want to challenge our students, we also want them to enjoy the work that they do by changing out old material and replacing them with objects that are festive for the season.  We added objects such as jingle bells, winter figurines, and ornaments for children to handle and sort through.

Celebration of Life

During week 16, Luke H. was excited to celebrate his life as his parents shared stories about his childhood.   All of his peers were interested in learning more about Luke as they participated in making his day special. 

Festive Art

The artist in me always comes out at this time of year, so I had some crafty ideas in store. During group time, we had fun discussions on some abstract artists and what makes art “abstract,” followed by a simple linear drawing lesson to create abstract art out of seasonal subjects.  I also had a table set up with glue and “paper snow,” i.e., circle and oval cut-outs, to create fun winter scenes, along with various sized triangle cut-outs to build trees however they like, etc.

“Snow Bunnies”

Updates from the Allen Family

Saying ‘farewell’ to the Allen Family this year was not easy for any of us.  All of the kids  were sad to see their friend Piper go as she and her family made the move to Australia.   Some of the older students also knew Piper’s older sister Melia, who was part of Indigo’s kindergarten program during the 2013-2014 school year.  Carrie and I have been around for years to see both Melia and Piper grow up and join us in the “big kid’s class,” so we will all certainly miss seeing this loving and supportive family.  Piper and her peers have been mentally preparing for this over the past couple of months, and nearly every student could point out “Australia” on the continent map as they learned that this is where Piper would be moving.  While it was hard to see them go, we are happy to hear that the Allen’s have arrived safe and sound in Australia.  I thought that our students would love to hear from the Allen’s to see how they are settling in, and the family was pleased to share some photos with us.  Melia and Piper would be delighted to know that their friends got to see these images, so please be sure to share with your kids!  Thanks again to the Allen family for many years of dedication at Indigo Montessori School.

Below are images of the girls on the flight to Australia, a family photo in the city they live, an image of the girls with clementines straight from a tree in their yard, and umm… Piper’s reaction to receiving a delicious pancake breakfast.  Gotta love that girl!

Finishing up the 2014 School Year

I could go on with more topics, but as you know, I can get carried away.  On that note, the photos can tell the rest.  Below, are images of our students during the last work cycles of 2014.

                              Naturally, it’s been an enjoyable and a memorable 2014 with our Indigo Primary Students. We had a great balance of students with a wide age range and great personalities that kept our class animated and constructive.  We are so proud of each and every student as they have all come a long way.  Thank you all so much for the support this year and thanks to everyone who found the time to reach out during the holidays.  We know you are all so busy and hope that your holidays went smoothly.  You have all been amazing parents.  As if we haven’t said it enough, we adore your children and look forward to working with you all during the new year!