Giving

 Thank you Maple Tree Families for helping us give the gift of food this holiday season!  It really does make a difference.  You helped us make a difference!  Happy Holidays!

Parker Street Food Bank.  60 Bags of food were delivered!

The Moments from this Week

Cardboard Stars

 This last week as been a flurry of activity.  So much merry making has taken place.  I'm not gonna lie, I love this time of the year.  In addition to our Montessori working days we've added lots of making.  We've incorporated gift wrapping into our practical life work and metal insets into card making.
We've added some new projects this year and pulled some oldies but goodies from our stash of ideas.

Making Wool Wreaths

 It probably seems silly that we do all this but, our children really love it and the classroom really transforms into this incredibly beautiful place and there is such purpose and commitment int he work going on all around us.

Greater then all this though is the sense of wanting to give and the giving that is taking place with the children is sweet.  From simple notes to each other and from our elves to making and giving to family members.

We are ready to sign off for a few weeks now and decompress.  When the children return in January we will have a fresh new canvas to start with.  Everyone is tired and looking forward to down time with their families.  Wishing you all a most Wonderful Holiday!  xo~michelle

Giving Tree

Felt Trees

Sensorial work with the Colour Tablets

Beaded Candy Canes

Ribbon Christmas Tree Ornaments

Painted Glass Ball Ornaments

 I really loved doing the painted glass ball ornaments this year.  They were easy and instantly everyone's was unique and beautiful.

I am sharing this incredible drawing as I just can not believe that a four year drew this!  But she did.  This is what Christmas is for her and it is obviously on her mind and in her thoughts right now.  Such a great drawing!

This Moment

{this moment}

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{this moment} ~ A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Silver Bells

It has been a wonderful fall getting to know your children in music class.  Our first unit was full of songs about old friends and new friends and getting to know one another.  We also learned to play a steady beat while we sing, and to listen and copy rhythms by playing the sticks, clapping or stomping our feet.
We are now in our second unit of the year, with a theme of bells.  I have introduced different pitched bells and bell-like instruments (glockenspiels and resonator bars) which the children have all played in class. We have also explored the concept of “high, middle and low” as they relate to pitch.  We sing high, show it in our bodies by reaching high, and listen to a high note on a bell or instrument.  We have learned some lovely songs about bells and so I was inspired to find some bells to give to the children.  I have given each of them a tiny brass bell, with a beautiful tinkling sound, to take home.  Attached is a small piece of paper with one of our songs written on it, so that you can see what your child is singing.  I hope you enjoy them with your child.
Happy Holidays,
Susannë

This Moment

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

A Trip to Korea

 I set up this new table a couple of weeks ago.  We have such a lovely collection of really interesting tiny objects from various families that have travelled.  These items live in our continent boxes.  Ms. Melanie happened upon a really lovely craved tablet that was being put out for garbage.  I just love a good garbage find.  At first I wasn't sure I wanted another piece of furniture.  We do already have a lot in our space.  After looking at the table all morning long and reflecting on it I decided it should be set up as a space for the children to explore.  So we have Korea up right now with items from Korea and we have the place where Ms. Grace is from highlighted.

 In the next week we will be shifting to look at Russia.  It seems timely with the holidays and the talk of nut crackers and the ballet that many children are going to see.  If you have not arranged to take your children i really do encourage it.  The sets and music change so frequently that it really will  hold your child's attention.  We started taking our children at 3 to see the Nutcracker at the Rebecca Cohn.  Even now it has become one of our holiday traditions.