We cannot create observers by saying “observe,” but by giving them the power and the means for this observation, and these means are procured through education of the senses.
—Maria Montessori

Elementary

We see all children gravitating toward materials from our sensorial area that is literally and figuratively the center of our classroom. The sense of order, the call for perfection, the built in control of error and the possibilities to use them at different levels give the children, young and old, the most rewarding experience.

Science: We talked about birds’ characteristics, adaptation to flight, building nests and taking care of the hatchlings. The evergreen trees came to our classroom with branches of Holly, Yew, Hemlock, White Pine, Spruce, and Fir.

Cultural: The words continent, country and state begin to reveal their meanings as we discuss the puzzle maps. After locating USA and its neighbors to the north and south, we looked closer at the US map to identify New Hampshire and other states some children may know. We traveled east to west, following Johnny Appleseed trail from Massachusetts to Indiana, or the pioneers from Pennsylvania to Oregon.

We learned about Native Americans, their love and respect for nature, and about the pilgrims and their courage in overcoming the hardship of living in the new world.

Making butter, one of the many chores children had in the old times, was an interesting experience that puzzled and delighted our children of today.

Arts & Crafts: Leaf prints and leaf painting, dot painting for corn on the cob, cutting and pasting squares in quilt patterns, folding papers for birds’ wings, Christmas tree ornaments and decorations.

Books and Songs: Follow the topics of the month/seasons/current events in the classroom. Between the libraries, the school’s large collection and our personal favorites we are lucky to find wonderful books that are browsed or read with delight.
Too many favorites to mention; just two musical books we just could not have enough of:
“A Hen, a Chick, and a String Guitar” by M. Read Mac Donald,
“Beethoven’s Wig” by R. Perlmutter and Maria Rosetti.

Mark your calendar:

• December 12, 6-8 p.m. Parents’ Night: Road to Reading
• December 16th we will celebrate the beginning of the winter holidays with a Carols-Crafts-Cookies morning. Parents are invited to come by with their children, bring a few cookies to share, and join us in craft projects and spontaneous singing anytime between 8:30 and 11:30. There will be no lunch, afternoon before or aftercare program.

Kindergarten

Thank you for coming to our thanks giving evening. The children loved the food preparation, tried some of the vegetables for the first time, and felt good to be trusted with using a big knife. With guidance and supervision we managed to keep the soup strictly vegetarian (no fingers cut!).

The Albuquerque turkey was a long multistep project that also boosted the self confidence and stretched the patience while waiting to see the results of one’s work.

The afternoon time is geared toward math and language lessons and each child is expected to practice on improving his/her skills. Thus, the work becomes more differentiated, according to each one’s needs. As a group we learned about plurals in s and some irregulars, we discuss books and the everyday happenings.

Besides the academic growth we are aiming to improve social skills and emotional maturity. The aspiration to be recognized as a role model is a strong incentive for the 5 year old children. When this is matched with self control and responsibility we have good results and a good time.

Dorina, Parna, and Carla

Elementary class party plans are underway and due to the fact that Thursday IS the last day we will all be together, we will Celebrate the Season on Thursday 15 December with fun, games, crafts, and songs. Your child is encouraged to bring in a game or two for fun. Did I mention the cookies? Please bring a plate of homemade cookies to share after lunch when our festivities will take place. Of course, you, their parents are invited to attend.  *Your presence is not mandatory. We’ll wrap up the day from approximately 1:00pm -2:15pm with the goodies.

Friday is a ½ day for all. Dismissal is 11:15-11:30. Children in Ms Dorina’s class will have their Holiday Party. If you have a child in both classes and your elementary children would like to go to that celebration with you (as it is a parent-accompanied event) and their siblings – then by all means, enjoy the day with them. Otherwise Ms Sue and I will be in the elementary class conducting our last class of the year! The one caveat is that there will be no up and down. Your child has the choice whether to be in their classroom with us or upstairs with you.

I neglected to thank the Meisner Family for the beautiful wreath that graces our front door.  Thank you, you are spoiling us!

And thanks to the dedicated drivers to our Martial Arts for the past eight week program. We could not have done it without you. Enclosed with this newsletter is a promotional offer from A.T.A. Martial Arts Studio.

Please note: Swimming begins Friday, January 6th.  Please see to the paperwork sent home in this packet. We need ALL paperwork back ASAP, before the break. Pickup will be at Hampshire Hills as last year. Unless you are driving and have other children to pickup at CVMS, we will expect you to be able to pick up your child from Hampshire Hills on swimming Fridays. If this is not agreeable to you, please see Ms Claire or Ms Sue. You may also choose to make other arrangements with other parents as you like. From our end our concerns are two-fold: Ms Claire will not be attending swimming as she will be in Children’s House providing staff training and conducting observations and Ms. Sue will not be driving any children in her car. We appreciate the time and dedication it takes from many of you to make this excellent P.E. Unit a reality, especially our drivers, and the understanding and indulgence of all of you. * A Special Thank-you to Becki Stevens for setting this up!

Conferences have begun! I have openings on the January Calendar (also included with this packet). E-mail your preference. I will confirm.

REMEMBER: Thursday – crafts and cookies. Friday 1/2 Day for all. You do not have to accompany your Elementary child either day.

Merry Christmas to All and to All a Goodnight!  Thanks for ALL you do!