The Pink Cubes and Broad Stairs are two materials from the Sensorial Area that can be used for matching, sequencing and grading. In this image we see two children using the work for building. Located on the sensorial shelf, there is a new set of extension cards. The children have been using these cards as a new way to challenge themselves. Looking at a photo, a child works to match the design of pink and brown blocks. This exercise provides practice in problem solving, se

It was quite clear that a four-year old boy knew exactly which work he wanted to begin his morning. He went right over to the practical life shelf and chose the work, which was presented at morning circle; cow scrubbing. He gently placed the tray onto the table. Then he filled up the pitcher with water and carefully poured it into the bowl. Next he slowly dipped the scrub brush into the water and scraped the surface of a bar of soap with the brush. The boy proceeded with grea

During March, each classroom has a celebration in honor of the country they are currently studying. Pre-Primary celebrated Canada. The children have been learning about Canada for a month and the celebration focused on different pieces of knowledge about Canada. The children could choose to make paper bag beavers, Inuit masks and hockey sticks. They snacked on pancakes with maple syrup and explored pictures and works about Canada. An area that was full of activity was the

This past week the Kindergarten class celebrated the culture of Thailand. We learned how to say hello in Thai, studied where Thailand is located on the continent of Asia, explored different types of food, spices, and clothing found in Thailand, and we read many stories about Thailand, including the Thai lullaby story, Hush. On the morning of our celebration, one of our teachers gathered the children at circle for a Thailand presentation. She carried a backpack filled with man

Recently our Science curriculum moved from the study of plants to the study of health and nutrition. Luckily for our classroom, one of our parents happens to be a local dentist who was happy to come in for a visit and teach us all about healthy dental habits. The kids were excited to learn all about what they can do to keep their teeth healthy. They learned how long they should brush their teeth and were able to practice on a model of a human mouth. The children also talked a

The Language area is a busy area for reasons beyond the works; it is a favorite area to socialize. Works such as pin-punching and metal frames lend themselves to working and talking at the same time. The table seats four friends with the library shelf right next to them. Children bring books to the table to show friends, which often results in friends then gravitating to the library area. Sometimes, the conversation turns the individual works into a competition. Two boy

“Wow!” a child exclaimed as a teacher helped him remove his stencil after he carefully sponge painted a bright green on top. Revealed was a lovely sprig of leaves. This year, for the Pine Grove silent auction, each class has brought new life to a few of our old classroom chairs. This was a great lesson for the children in taking something old and turning it into something new and beautiful. The children took turns working on the collaborative chair throughout morning work tim

“The essence of independence is to be able to do something for one’s self. Adults work to finish a task, but the child works in order to grow, and is working to create the adult, the person that is to be. Such experience is not just play....it is work he must do in order to grow up.” - Maria Montessori The Seedlings have begun to enjoy helping out with tasks around the classroom. Our young friends are feeling proud of their accomplishments. We will often hear, “I did it!” fr