Thursday, January 31, 2013

Kindergarten Work Time

Mrs. Shelley giving a lesson on "the article"

Taking a moment to read a book

Natural or Polished Stones

Writing Numerals

Exploring Gemstones

Labeling an environment
 
Diagramming the article, adjective and noun

Reading with an older friend

Writing

Labeling the Farm Animals
 
Examining Gemstones

Addition Facts


On January 14th the full day kindergarteners started holding Monday and Tuesday afternoon classes in Room 105 in the Elementary Building.  They have been working on a full complement of math, language and cultural materials.  Much of the work is the same as the work in their classrooms in the EC Building which allows for the comfort of continuity.  They have also had the opportunity to interact with the Lower Elementary children and teachers.  We hope that this continued exposure will make the transition to 1st grade in the Elementary Building next year a smooth one.
 
Submitted by: Lindsay Turner

 

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Steps to Parenting the Montessori Way: Part 4


  • Talk to your child clearly without talking down.  Communicate with respect, and give the child the gift of language, new words, and expressions.

  • Teach your child his/her address, phone number, and parents' names

  • Together, do things to help others (e.g., take food to an aging or ill neighbor, contribute blankets to a homeless shelter, give toys to those who have none, etc.).

  • Take a rain walk.  Wear coats and boots to be protected, but then fully enjoy the rain.

  • Alert children to upcoming events so they can mentally prepare, e.g. "In ten minutes, it will be time for bed."

  • Laugh a lot.  Play with words.  Tell jokes.  Help your child to develop a sense of humor.

  • Provide your child with appropriate-sized furniture: his/her own table and chair for working; perhaps a rocker in the living room to be with you; a bed that can easily be made by a child; a stool for climbing up to sink or counter.

  • Memorize poetry and teach it to your child and recite it together.

  • Learn to say no without anger and with firmness and conviction.  Not everything children want is appropriate.

  • Understand what Montessori meant by "sensitive periods."  Know when your child is in one and utilize it.





Excerpt from Tomorrow's Child Magazine, September 2012

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Steps to Parenting the Montessori Way: Part 3

  • Take the time to stand back and observe your child carefully, and note the characteristics he/she is displaying.

  • Make sure your child gets sufficient sleep.

  • Refrain from physical punishment, and learn ways of positive discipline.

  • Have a special shelf where you child's books are kept and replaced after careful use.

  • Count!  Utilize natural opportunities that arise.

  • Construct your child's biography, the story of his/her life.  A notebook is ideal, so that it can be added to each year.  Sharing one's story can become a much-loved ritual.  It can be shared with the child's class at birthday time.

  • Play games together.  Through much repetition, children learn to take turns, to win and lose.

  • Teach your child safety precautions (Deal with matches, plugs, chemicals, stairs, the street, how to dial 911, etc.)

  • Allow your child to collaborate with food preparation and encourage your extended-day child to take at least some responsibility for preparing his or her own lunch.

  • Hug regularly, but don't impose affection. Recognize the difference.
Excerpt from Tomorrow's Child Magazine, September 2012

Friday, January 11, 2013

The Montessori Advantage


Not sure whether to keep your child in a Montessori environment for elementary or beyond?

 

Never considered Montessori anything more than a preschool?

 

Is it really worth the additional tuition cost to send you child to TMA?

 

Do Montessori students score well on standardized testing and succeed in high school?

 

Ever wonder how our Montessori students measure up in a competitive world?

 

Please join us for an evening specially designed to answer any questions you may have about a continued Montessori education through the eighth grade for your child.  A panel of TMA alumni, parents, and teachers will discuss the benefits of a Montessori education, share their own personal experiences, as well as answer any questions posed.  This is an evening you won’t want to miss!
 
Thursday, January 17
7:00 p.m.