Friday, December 17, 2021

Holiday Party

 Everyone had fun wearing their pajamas, playing board games and eating fun snacks.  A big thank you from all the teachers to all of you for the generous gifts.  We are truly appreciative of all you do to support us.  Have a peaceful holiday break.































Monday, December 13, 2021

Peace in the Lower Elementary Learning Environment

Excitement was everywhere this week due to multiple birthday celebrations (i.e cupcakes!) and the upcoming holiday break.  During such exciting times we rely on some of our peace activities.  Peace education is a key component of our Lower Elementary learning environment.  As teachers we model peaceful, respectful behavior.  We have a peace ceremony each morning before our work cycle begins.  A student lights a peace candle and starts a peace greeting which is passed from child to child. We also have a peace table in the classroom where a child can sit and choose from a variety of peaceful activities. Conflict resolution is addressed during our afternoon community meetings.  A class problem is discussed and solutions are designed by the students.  The problem and solution are monitored by the students for several weeks to track progress. If needed, alternative solutions are designed to solve the problem. Individual problems among students are addressed individually using the child's self constructed wheel of choice.  The wheel of choice is presented at the beginning of the year to help children navigate through conflict resolution and is a part of our schoolwide Positive Discipline curriculum.  It is pure joy to be a part of such a wonderful learning environment.   

"Establishing lasting peace is the work of education..." Maria Montessori 




















 

Saturday, December 4, 2021

A Week in the Lower Elementary Learning Environment

 

We are continuing our study of simple machines by examining the wheel and axle. Students studied  the components of a school wagon, doorknob and faucet. Many were amazed that the screw in the faucet and doorknob functioned as an axle.  A field trip to the McWane Science Center has been scheduled for January.  This trip will serve as a culmination of our simple machine study.  You can find the information and permission slip in Google Classroom.  We also our continuing our exploration of the commutative property in addition and multiplication.  We also worked on memorization of multiplication facts.  In geometry we looked for parallel, intersecting, perpendicular, divergent and convergent lines in our class room. Our cultural studies have focused on the Needs of Humans.  Grammar studies included verbs and pronouns.  Next week is set to be another action packed week.  Make sure to have your student at school before 8:15 each morning. We start each day with an 8:15 community meeting which often includes lessons and always includes a peace ceremony.  Thank you to each of you for all your continued support.