I can be a "can do" kid!

             The Montessori classrooms are designed to allow opportunities for independence.
                                             "Help me do it alone!"  --Maria Montessori

I can carry my own bag!

I can find my own coat! (My mom helps when she labels my belongings.  https://www.oliverslabels.com/)

I can zip 

and snap my own coat!

I can get ready to work!

I can sweep!

I can rake!

I can feed the gerbils

and take down the chairs!

I can ask for help!

I can do all the steps to wash a pumpkin!

I can concentrate to finish my work!

I can share and take turns!

I can make work choices!

I can listen and follow directions!

I can participate in group projects!

I can be a scientist!

I can count

and do addition!

I can measure

and use the grater to cook Mac and Cheese!

I can use the Moveable Alphabet to build words

and use sounds I've learned to read!

I can use tools to hammer,

write,

and paint!

I can be a friend!

I can be an observer and a problem solver!

I can learn about the world

and even  help others!

Did you know that research in psychology has shown that when children are allowed more independence, they tend to have more intrinsic motivation to learn and higher self-esteem.(Deci, et al.)?

"Overhelping causes harm. It can leave young adults without the strengths of skill, will and character that are needed to know themselves and to craft a life."  "Our job as a parent is to put ourselves out of a job." --Julie Lythcott-Haims, author of How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success

"The setbacks, mistakes, miscalculations, and failures we have shoved out of our children's way are the very experiences that teach them how to be resourceful, persistent, innovative, and resilient citizens of the world." --Jessica Lahey author of The Gift of Failure

NB: WAPTO is hosting Jessica Lahey on Tuesday, October 27th at 6:00. Plan to attend!

September = Beginnings

Each September Montessori is full of beginnings!

The children are trying new things in all areas of the classroom. They are also enjoying the playground and specials.

Grace and Courtesy lessons begin with morning greetings.

Mats define our work spaces in Montessori. Carrying, rolling, and walking around them provide gross motor development and shows respect for our friends' work.

Our furniture is portable! Please bring your chair to the line for circle time.

Polishing is a Practical Life Exercise. It helps children develop a sense of order, concentration, and fine motor development. What satisfaction when you see the shine!

Chair washing is another Practical Life Exercise, providing purposeful work and gross motor development. Check for soap suds, please!

The dressing frames help develop independence. Look! I can do it myself!

Pouring and spooning are transfer skills, helping to develop fine motor coordination, concentration, and prehensile grasp.

Pin punching and cutting encourage fine motor development and concentration.

Finger painting with shaving cream feels wonderful--and gives the arms, and fingers a much needed workout!

The art table is a popular place to use fine motor control and also follow directions. It's important to remember that pigs are mammals with four legs, two eyes, and a curly tail!

Making fruit salad requires concentration and coordination.

The monkey bars are always a challenge.

Enjoy the climbers or

meet friends for a wagon ride,

or balance on jumping ball,

or scoop and pour at the sand table.

"Watching a child makes it obvious that the development of his mind comes about through his movements...Mind and movement are part of the same entity."    --M Montessori

Summer Reading

Congratulations to all our Lunchers! We know you will love first grade--but before you think about your new space, make sure you fill your summer with great books!

Summer is a great time for all kinds of reading--

from sharks to whales to dinosaurs.

Take a trip to your library and explore the shelves.

You will find both fiction and non-fiction picture books.

Some stories will be funny;

some might have cute characters;

some might even be scary!

You can also use the links at the bottom of this page to check out the Montessori and first grade reading lists. 

Montessori can investigate all kinds of forest stories.

Rising first graders can enjoy many mouse characters!

Mrs. Powers and Mrs. Gerber hope you will use the reading lists as a launch into more great books this summer. And, if you find a special story you would like to share with us, bring it to Open House on Monday, August 31,

"Don't go through life, grow through life."  --Eric Butterworth

Montessori Summer Reading List


First Grade Reading List