Kindergarten children have completed books about themselves which include their height, weight and family information. We also finished our gigantic whole-body portraits. They are on display in the classroom.

Grace loves her 100 board.

Johnny has cut an isthmus and strait from clay and is adding water.

We have enjoyed looking at monarch butterflies through real observation, books and songs. We are looking at the art of Paul Klee, and exploring straight and curved line design.

Julia works at a painting inspired by the work of Paul Klee.

Show your child more Paul Klee.

OUR FRIEND MALACHI'S BIRTHDAY

Malachi's mommy, Amanda, (an MMS alum) reads his story.

Chi walks around the sun four whole times.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MALACHI! WE LOVE YOU!

THE IMPORTANCE OF MOVEMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

How does your child move? Try watching them as they walk through a building, around objects, or as they climb and run outside. Are their movements fairly well coordinated for their age?

A cornerstone of Montessori education is the fact that brain development is linked to movement. Dr. Montessori discovered this early on in her research-remember she was a scientist/physician first, educator second. Scientists now understand more of the connections between movement and brain growth. We know that without adequate opportunities (lots!) for movement, not only can large muscle growth affected, but also speech and language, fine motor, and even intelligence can be impaired.

Children need walks, and not strollers, except when absolutely necessary! A one year-old child can walk a mile or more easily. We just need to go at their pace allowing time for discovery...of everything! Running, and kicking and ball games from early on are also crucial. Keep in mind too that movement does not mean "just outdoor" activity. Just involving your child in your everyday homelife offers plenty of opportunities for movement of all kinds. Let them and expect them to help with most chores, from folding napkins to loading the dishwasher to sweeping the floor. (Montessori once said, "If a child cannot read, set him to sweeping.") It's true...if you watch a four to five year-old who is struggling with language, show him how to use a broom and dustpan, and you will see how he struggles to manage these objects. He has just not pulled together or "coordinated" his mind and body sufficiently to perform well in language. Interesting isn't it?

Keep in mind that television in any amount robs the child of his intelligence.

Every Friday we take a walk. We talk about our neighborhood, and which direction we are walking, and the kinds of vehicles we see on the road, etc. This week we walked to Forest Preserve and saw many signs of fall. Ella and Sydney teamed up as walking partners...the children said, "Isn't that cute?"

Addie Mae investigates the hole at the bottom of the very old burr oak.

We collected lots of litter and many items that were from living things. We labeled the items, and these became kindergarten reading words.

(sycamore seed, burr oak acorn, dandelion, stick...)

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CHILDREN'S T-SHIRTS AT Montessori 2-A-T