In April, we continued our science units by studying plants and ants. The children planted beans all around the room and they are thriving. We planted a root view so the children can see how plant roots form in the soil. On Earth day we planted flowers for an outdoor garden and discussed ways we can all reduce, reuse and recycle. Finally, we ended April with our study of ants and their habitats. The children enjoy exploring their world. We finished the alphabet and began reviewing our letters. We will review four a week until the end of school. This is a great time to reinforce these skills at home.   In  May, we will continue to do hands on science projects by studying the life cycle of the butterfly. The caterpillars arrived and are growing daily. This will coincide with the end of school and the metamorphous will be a nice way to end the year. Hopefully, we will release the butterflies the last week of school. Atruim ends in the middle of May and I want to thank everyone who helped support this program. As the year comes to a close, we are so thankful for the children and the parents for making this a wonderful year. Happy Mothers day to all Spring!! Thank you for the Teacher Appreciation Gifts they are very thoughtful!! Registration for the 2008/09 school year continues please contact the main office if interested @272-2297      Highlights for the coming weeks:  5/1- May crowning  5/2-free dress  5/7-noon dismissal and teacher   appreciation day  5/9- student appreciation day  5/12-mothers day  5/21-field trip to the zoo 10-2  5/23 & 5/26- no school Memorial Day  5/29- field day

      General Montessori Information

St. Patrick School Montessori is comprised of three classrooms each with a certified Montessori teacher and a classroom assistant. The classrooms are a place where children learn to care for themselves, others and their environment as well as being challenged academically.

            The schedule – The long uninterrupted work period

We try to attain the uninterrupted work period each day. Young children do not need a group lesson; and they almost never take precedence over self-selected work.  In our classroom we learn to respect concentration and do not interrupt someone who is busy at a task. We do however receive the services of other specialized staff here at St. Patrick School, and those would be exceptions to the individual lessons model used in Montessori classrooms. For example, Mrs. Hanes teaches music to our entire class while at circle. Story time or Show and Tell would be other exemptions.

            Multi-age grouping

Our classroom covers the 3-5 year age span.  There is constant interaction to encourage and provide for; problem solving, child to child teaching, and socialization. Children are challenged according to their ability and therefore not bored.

            Work centers

Our classroom is a carefully prepared environment arranged according to subject area. The children are always free to move around the room instead of staying at desks. There is no limit to how long a child can work with a piece of material. At any one time in a day all subjects -- math, language, science, history, geography, will be used at many different levels.

            Class size

Class sizes may vary some from room to room, with no more than 20 students.

            Academic requirements:

Students enrolling in St. Patrick's Montessori are not tested for placement. However care and attention goes into the decision surrounding which classroom a student goes into. Many things are considered; birthday, gender and whether the student needs full or half time schooling are the primary factors teachers look at.

At  St. Patrick school, children who are 5 before Aug. 31 are eligible to move to a dynamic Kindergarten program. Montessori educators have no academic requirements for this age, and children are not tested to enter Kindergarten. But because children are exposed to a broad curriculum they often begin to read, write and calculate beyond what is usually thought of for a child of this age. Beyond academics, another part of the Montessori program is the education of the child's character. Montessori students learn to care for themselves (lacing, buttoning, fixing a snack) their environment (plant and animal life) and one another. They learn to speak politely, move gracefully and be considerate of one another’s work space. Montessori students care for their materials and the cleanliness of their classroom; which leads to a more peaceful and confident child.

Snacks:

We respect the independence of each student by allowing them to take charge of their snack time. Students are encouraged to pay attention to their body, and should eat when they feel hungry. Our Snack Table has room for two students and is self serve. The child prepares a snack and carries it to the table for him or herself. Parents supply healthy food on a rotation that is roughly once a month.

 
Our Weekly Schedule 2007-08
         update coming in September

SNACK SUGGESTIONS

veggies: carrots, cucumber, broccoli, celery
proteins: cheese, cream cheese, peanut butter
fruit: oranges, apples, grapes any variety of dried fruits

to see how snacks are presented, please see the picture below

Let your child be creative in his/her choices, your teachers will create the cue cards.