Sensorial materials on the botany shelf -- such as a microscope, botanical slides, and rosemary freshly picked from a garden -- enliven learning about plant life.

I'm very happy to start this year in room 1 with new and returning students, as well as a new assistant, Miss Lana Baldyuk. Every year, I feel excited to begin again. Students and parents will find a plethora of hands-on activities related to units of study, in addition to hands-on Montessori materials. I have consciously made a goal this year to continue the practical life and sensorial work begun in pre-elementary at the elementary level. I was inspired by a session I attended last spring at the American Montessori Society conference in Boston, which emphasized the appropriateness and need for 6-9 students to work with their hands, encoding and reinforcing their studies. Examples include a model of the Porifera (sponge) in zoology, sewing projects on the handwriting shelves, and rock cairn building on the peace table. These activities engage students and enliven their learning.

As part of our all-school theme this year, "Power of Plants", Room 1 will begin with a study of farming and food, take a field trip to Full Circle Farm in Carnation, and enjoy a family get-together at the Crossroads Farmers Market. We will also read about and listen to classical composers, going into depth with one per month and writing to their music. I have moved our two rocking chairs indoors as part of our reading nook near the peace table, giving our classroom a cozy feel. We will take our time moving through the Great Lessons, so that students can go into depth with activities and studies related to emerging forms of life, seeing the power that plants had in shaping the development of life in water then on land. In many ways, we humans owe our existence to these hearty growths of chlorophyll, which feed all life and help us grow!

Published 08/31/2010

Privacy policy | Contact us
©2003 - 2010 Eton School. All Rights Reserved. Website by Visual Contact