Monday, April 30, 2018

Our Own Two Hands

Hello, families!

There were so many things to be proud of last week! First, I would like to say thanks to our wonderful parent volunteers again. They were at Suder for 3 days, working with our children on the soiree art. They were teasing me for choosing the "hardest" project but I know they enjoyed it. =) One parent told me that she is thankful that her child gets to experience different activities. Yay! Check out our batik tapestry. With the parents help, we were able to create not one, but two works of art! If you are interested in learning the batik technique, click this link.










Last Wednesday, the Magnet Schools of America came to Suder to observe what we do. They came to Room 101 between 10:00-11:00. I could not be any prouder of our children! Most of them were very engaged and ready to show their work to the teachers. Some of our students offered coffee and tea, while some engaged in conversations about their works. Room 101 did a phenomenal job showcasing the Montessori approach and our classroom community. 

Welcome to Room 101!









Zoe served coffee and tea to our teacher visitors.


Kindergarteners working on persuasive writing.

Sophia R. had her petition signed by teachers. No texting while driving!!!


Daniel and Natalie sought out signatures for their petitions as well.

Natalie: "Yeah! Teamwork!"


Amelia used a puppet from Mexico and a doll from Bahamas to engage in play. (North America Artifact box)



Digger ate her treats at the Gathering Place.


Moonlight says hi!  =)

Noah is so proud of his flower arranging skills.


Building structures with the Pink Cubes and Brown Prism.

Daniel and Cameron worked on static addition using the Stamp Game.

I introduced game boards for kindergarteners to choose from  after their work plan completion.





The last thing I want to share with you is something that organically happened during our transition to the Gathering Place (group time) from work time. During this transition, I usually start the invitation to gather with the lights off, ringing of the chime and playing music that connects to the ideas of family, community and love. I can share with you the list of songs if you are interested. Thursday, I played Jack Johnson's "My Own Two Hands" from the album "Jack Johnson and Friends (Curious George). The students were singing the song because they've learned the lyrics. As they were singing, I paused the song and asked them what they thought the song meant. Our discussion revolved around helping, loving and making choices to use our OWN hands to do good. It was such a special experience because as I played the song again, the children started hugging and holding hands. Some stood up to give me hugs, too. It was perfect! (I tried to document it with pictures and videos but decided to just enjoy the moment.)






Here is the song. I hope you can ask your child what it means to him/her.





"You're never to important to be nice to people."  -John Batiste

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Welcome To The Fourth Quarter

Can you believe that this is the last quarter of the school year? It is bittersweet to think that this year is about to end. I have learned a lot from the students and the other teachers in our room. 

Last week, we had the opportunity to chat and discuss your child's growth and progress during Parent-Teacher Conferences. We shared the things we are looking forward to and some of our goals for the students for the last quarter. Thank you for your collaboration and partnership. Room 101 teachers appreciate your trust.

Room 101 went to the Peace Garden to look at different roots and stems. The children were able to test out the plants and tress' strong roots. They also discussed plants that had soft and hard stems. The garden time was enjoyed by the students. Finally we had a day of Spring weather, so we took advantage of it!

Our EC students also had a field trip to North Park Village. I was not able to join because of jury duty but I heard so many fun stories about exploration, fun and DEERS! I wish I was there to enjoy the memories but I am glad that everyone had a great time.



Leslie and Sophia R. shared a book at the Library.
Noah read to Winter.

Santi and Ivan looked for books to check out.

It's a happy day!


Maya practiced using the toaster oven to prepare her own snack.

Amelia explored lines while decorating some chalkboard eggs.

The children create awesome color combination with the Marble painting work.

Sandy is out!

Room 101 loves Sandy!

Sandy loves us, too!

Sandy loves us, too!

Sandy checked out Zoe's Journaling work.

Sasha made a community helper book.

Isabella was last week's greeter. 
Sebastian shared his news using the Peace Sphere during Morning Meeting.



Charlie showed precision while creating his Continent Map.

Maya and Xitlali went around the world with the Landmark Matching work.

"North America!"

Sophia R. challenged herself with some 100 Board extensions.

Daniel wrote a sentence using the Moveable Alphabet. Now, it's time to write it down!

Garvit composing quantities with the Bank Game.

Little hands created the soup we enjoyed at Sunset Meeting.

Hello, Spring!

The children explored the garden.




"Pinecones have seeds in them."

The children enjoyed the Musical Wall.


Stefan and Julieta balanced on the logs and climbed the bundles of hay.

Sasha and Cameron posed for the camera while on top of our climbing tree.

Hello, there!

We are explorers!


We found deers!

North Park Village field trip

Parents, Teachers and children had an awesome time! Until the next field trip =)