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Spring and Summer 2006 News
The Gardens are in Bloom!
Family Zoo Outing
This summer we had a family outing to the Brookfield Zoo. It was a beautiful day to spend with our family and friends. The children (and adults) learned about turtles, sharks, snakes, monkeys, lions, otters and many other animals. We even saw a peacock up in the top of a tree!
Feeding the Animals
In our classroom we have a work in Practical Life that the children use to make food for the animals. There is a small metal basin that holds an ear of dried corn. The children pluck the kernels off of the cob one by one and put them in the basin until the cob is completely bare. The work is designed to work the small muscles in the fingers and hand to prepare the child for writing and other precise movements needed as he or she gets older. The work also extends the child's concentration and attention span as it takes time and patience to remove the kernels one by one. Once the work is complete in the classroom we then head outdoors to put the food in the feeder for the birds, squirrels and other animals so they can enjoy it!
Here are two of our friends "Feeding the Animals."
Remember how wonderful Dandelions were as a child?
The children could not resist blowing the fuzzy dandelions when we went on our nature walk this week. We talked about how the flowers turn to seed and God uses the wind to spread the seeds by blowing the fuzzies.
Outdoor Improvements
The new fort has arrived! There was lots of joy when
the children saw our new addition to the play garden yesterday.
Nature Walks
Now that spring is here we are taking walks on our nature paths. Last week we noticed a group of mushrooms growing on one path. Over the weekend the mushroom grew and grew. We decided it is just as large as a dinner plate! The children are learning how important it is to watch and observe what is growing around us. By not touching or picking some of the plants we are able to see how they grow and change each week.
Show and Tell
One of our classroom friends recently traveled to Brazil with his family. He brought in many neat items from Brazil for his classmates to see. There was a flag, post cards, a soccer ball, and a drum. Everyone got a chance to try the special drum and look at the interesting money. The money has different types of animals on the back. The children really enjoyed this special treat.
Two Visitors Stop In
Two visitors came by our classroom this week. A doe and her baby made an appearance in the prairie right outside our classroom windows. The children enjoyed watching the pair nibble on the green plants and then walk down to the creek.
Catch the Vision
Current parents of P.P.M.A. are invited to "Catch the Vision" of what a great elementary Montessori program can look like. We hope to be adding an elementary program soon due to parent request!