A great start!

Dear Preschool Families,
  The school year is off to a great start.  Everyone has been very busy exploring the classroom, trying new works, and making new friends.  We (Ms. Karen and I) are enjoying getting to know each child.  The Practical Life area, snack table, and sensory table have been very popular.  The children are learning to serve their own snacks, including pouring their own drinks and then cleaning up after they eat.  The children have also enjoyed arranging flowers and placing their arrangements around the classroom. 

     Last week, we read the book "Pete the Cat, Rocking in My School Shoes."  Then, I took a picture of each child's shoes.  We used the pictures of the shoes to make a class book for the children to look at and read on their own.  We talked about going to school and school rules.  We learned that school is a safe place and we have rules to help us stay safe.   

     This week we read the book "Pete the Cat, I Love My White Shoes."  We also listened to an audio recording of the book.  At the end of the week, the children helped re-tell the story.  We will continue with more Pete the Cat books throughout this month.  The children are really enjoying the repetitive and predictable text in these books.  Check out this month's Scholastic Book Order for some great Pete the Cat books.    

     Some of the works in the classroom that have been presented to the group include: pink tower, brown stair, red rods, color boxes I &II, blue triangles box, sponge squeezing,   bottles and lids, bead stringing, dry pouring, spoon transfer, dropper transfer, snipping and gluing, and others. If you are new to the Montessori Method, you can find more information about the Montessori Method by going to the post "Resources" and clicking the links.  I will be adding more resources throughout the year.  If you have a great Montessori resource you would like to share, please let me know. 

     If you are familiar with the traditional "play based" preschool, you may be wondering "when will my child be bringing home art projects?"  In the Montessori classroom, children choose their own work and make their own decisions (with some guidance) about what they want to do during the day.  There are basic art materials available on the shelf for children to choose at this time, and more materials will be added as the year goes on.  Some children may choose art materials every day, and others only when they are guided there by the teacher.  We also keep much of the work the children do during the year and file it in their portfolios as a way to track progress throughout the year.  Portfolios with work samples will be sent home at the end of the year. 

     You may have also heard from your child that we have not been playing outside.  This is due to a few factors; the weather has been extremely hot, we are still learning the classroom routine, and our playground equipment was (sadly) stolen last year.  We (the preschool teachers) are working on getting some new playground equipment and a safe place to store it.  We currently have 2 ride on toys, 2 hopper balls, and hula hoop.  Taking 30 children outside to share 5 toys usually does not end well.  We will start going outside this week for short periods of time for some games and running around.  As we get more equipment, we will have more opportunities for outdoor play.  If you or someone you know would like to donate playground equipment, please let me know.  

REMINDERS...
*Please send in your family photo album page.
*Drop off and pick up times:  AM - 8:15-8:25 and 11:00-11:10     PM - 12:10-12:20 and 2:55-3:05
     If you arrive after the times listed, you will need to enter through the front office.
*PTA Fall Festival - 9/20 4:00-7:00
*Scholastic Book Order due 9/27.  An additional flyer is in your child's folder on Monday. 

Other info:
*Upcoming blog posts will include pictures of the children learning and working in the classroom.
*The blog will be updated weekly.