I stumbled upon a GREAT blog late last month.
I can't remember if I but the address in this month's newsletter or not so I thought I'd share it here, too.
The Work Plan
I don't know how this amazing teacher finds the time to do everything that she shows on her blog - and the time to actually blog, but it's great and I love her for it!
Enjoy!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
'Tis the season...
... for eating lots of good food!
I've received a few emails from you all telling how your child came home and was so excited that they made butter at school on Friday. If you want to try it at home:
Find a container with a tight lid - I use old baby food jars. Fill jar about half way with heavy whipping cream. Secure lid and start shaking away. If your child has siblings (or friends over) this is a great teamwork opportunity because it takes about 10 minutes for the butter ball to start to form. Spread it on whatever you'd like (we used saltines) and eat away! Later in the afternoon, we melted what butter we had left and poured it over popcorn.
I also thought I'd share with you a turkey creation that I made for my own family Thanksgiving meal. It is all 100% edible, kid-friendly and super easy.
Turkey body: Honeydew Melon
Turkey head: pear
Feet & Waddle (aka, gobbler) & short feathers: red pepper
Feathers: grapes & cheese
Beak: cheese
By the end of the day, the turkey lost most of his feathers and the melon was devoured the next day!
Did any of you get to enjoy a turkey-themed creation?
I've received a few emails from you all telling how your child came home and was so excited that they made butter at school on Friday. If you want to try it at home:
Find a container with a tight lid - I use old baby food jars. Fill jar about half way with heavy whipping cream. Secure lid and start shaking away. If your child has siblings (or friends over) this is a great teamwork opportunity because it takes about 10 minutes for the butter ball to start to form. Spread it on whatever you'd like (we used saltines) and eat away! Later in the afternoon, we melted what butter we had left and poured it over popcorn.
I also thought I'd share with you a turkey creation that I made for my own family Thanksgiving meal. It is all 100% edible, kid-friendly and super easy.
Turkey head: pear
Feet & Waddle (aka, gobbler) & short feathers: red pepper
Feathers: grapes & cheese
Beak: cheese
By the end of the day, the turkey lost most of his feathers and the melon was devoured the next day!
Did any of you get to enjoy a turkey-themed creation?
Montessori Madness!
Below is a link to a video created by Trevor Eissler, a parent of a child who attends a private Montessori school. He has written a great and easy read called Montessori Madness! for parents and those who are interested in the Montessori method. There are several copies in our Lending Library and I have a copy, too, if any one is interested in reading it. Unlike the books written by Montessori, this book is easy to navigate and explains the method in it's entirety (or as much as most really care to know!) in reader-friendly terms.
Share the link with your interested friends and family. Spread the word!
Montessori Madness!
(this was the clip shown at the K to 1 Transition Night for those of you in attendance)
Share the link with your interested friends and family. Spread the word!
Montessori Madness!
(this was the clip shown at the K to 1 Transition Night for those of you in attendance)
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Funny Little Things
Many people outside of education always say, "I bet you hear hilarious things all day!" when they find out I teach preschool and kindergarten and the answer is always "yes and no".
No, because I can't laugh at most things that I find ridiculous and funny. When I laugh, 23 other people laugh which often makes a child feel uncomfortable and feelings get hurt. Also, when I laugh at something that is hilarious but not technically appropriate for our classroom, that 'hilarious' thing I laughed at 3 weeks ago keeps coming back to "bite me" (ex: since I laughed once at the way one child walked like a bear and then roared to go and get their coat, the same child continues to walk like a bear and roar each time we prepare to leave) so I have to laugh inside my head in order to keep peace and sanity.
Yes because mental 'filters' come later in life and the kids truly say and do things that come right out of their own thoughts. I wanted to share a few with you that I keep going around in my mind.
"Miss Knapp, why do you keep messing up our names? You don't know who we are?"
To my defense, there are 6 children who start with "J" and 7 children whose names end in a schwa - the "UH" sound so things can get tricky....
Early this week I noticed a young 4 year old cleaning up the snack area using the push sweeper we have in our room. A few minutes later I looked over and he stopped sweeping but started picking up the cheerios with his hands. He lifted up his sweater, looked at his belly, rubbed it and then put the cheerio in his mouth faster than I could get there and then looked at his belly again. I'm not sure if he thought he could see the food or was having an inner-conversation with his hunger but I reminded him that there was a whole bowl of fresh cereal and eating off the floor isn't sanitary.
One girl likes to critique what I'm wearing on a given day and compare me to a 'character' of some sort. Lately I've been told I was a lion, a scarecrow and a train person (conductor) and that I'm 'softy'. Terms of endearment!
No, because I can't laugh at most things that I find ridiculous and funny. When I laugh, 23 other people laugh which often makes a child feel uncomfortable and feelings get hurt. Also, when I laugh at something that is hilarious but not technically appropriate for our classroom, that 'hilarious' thing I laughed at 3 weeks ago keeps coming back to "bite me" (ex: since I laughed once at the way one child walked like a bear and then roared to go and get their coat, the same child continues to walk like a bear and roar each time we prepare to leave) so I have to laugh inside my head in order to keep peace and sanity.
Yes because mental 'filters' come later in life and the kids truly say and do things that come right out of their own thoughts. I wanted to share a few with you that I keep going around in my mind.
"Miss Knapp, why do you keep messing up our names? You don't know who we are?"
To my defense, there are 6 children who start with "J" and 7 children whose names end in a schwa - the "UH" sound so things can get tricky....
Early this week I noticed a young 4 year old cleaning up the snack area using the push sweeper we have in our room. A few minutes later I looked over and he stopped sweeping but started picking up the cheerios with his hands. He lifted up his sweater, looked at his belly, rubbed it and then put the cheerio in his mouth faster than I could get there and then looked at his belly again. I'm not sure if he thought he could see the food or was having an inner-conversation with his hunger but I reminded him that there was a whole bowl of fresh cereal and eating off the floor isn't sanitary.
One girl likes to critique what I'm wearing on a given day and compare me to a 'character' of some sort. Lately I've been told I was a lion, a scarecrow and a train person (conductor) and that I'm 'softy'. Terms of endearment!
We All Need Trees!
Last week's Enrichment Day focused on the many things trees give to humans and to other life on the planet: oxygen, fruit, nuts, syrup, houses and paper!
This Friday afternoon, Miss Paulina (Marat's mom) came in to show the kindergarteners and I how to make recycled paper. Thanks to our beautiful work room, we had plenty of space and clean up was easy. This was my first attempt and I was pleasantly surprised and most of all, the kids loved it!
Many thanks to Paulina who created the screened frames, brought most of the supplies and who was brave enough to take on my messy idea! Also, thank you to Kathe Streeter, a fellow teacher, without her, these pictures wouldn't be available.
On a side note, see the washer and dryer in the corner? It serves as cheap and effort-less entertainment for children! As their attention started to wane, they naturally moved over to watch the rugs go through each cycle. Trips to the laundromat, anyone?!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
On the farm
Slightly overdue - here are some pictures from our trip to the farm.
We arrived around 9:30 and the kids couldn't wait. This had been the first bus ride for many of the children and they were excited to see what was in store for them at The Patch!
First thing we did was jump aboard the hayride!
We stopped at a few different crop fields - one of them was where all of the corn stalks were.
After our many stops we made it back up to the front to interact with the animals on the farm, go into the orchards and vegetable beds and pick food to feed to the animals.
After the animals and orchard we went to the pumpkin patch where each child picked a pumpkin to take home. We brought a few back for the classroom too. After our long day at the patch, we finally sat down to have a picnic.
A lunch well deserved!
We arrived around 9:30 and the kids couldn't wait. This had been the first bus ride for many of the children and they were excited to see what was in store for them at The Patch!
First thing we did was jump aboard the hayride!
We stopped at a few different crop fields - one of them was where all of the corn stalks were.
After our many stops we made it back up to the front to interact with the animals on the farm, go into the orchards and vegetable beds and pick food to feed to the animals.
After the animals and orchard we went to the pumpkin patch where each child picked a pumpkin to take home. We brought a few back for the classroom too. After our long day at the patch, we finally sat down to have a picnic.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Practical Life Part II
As promised here are some pictures of children using Practical Life materials. Note that while the actual materials change on a regular basis the skills remain consistent. There will always be hand transfers, spooning, scooping, ladeling, squeezing, pouring, stringing, twisting, care of the person and care of the environment activities represented (though not always in a strikingly obvious way at times).
Since we are in the beginning of fall we've added seeds, nut and dried corn, spiders, rubbery frogs, a jack o' lantern, fake flies and other autumnal materials around the room. Often we change the materials to match the particular season, holiday or sometimes, whatever is in Target's $1 section!
Baster Squeezing. This will move into a multiple container baster squeezing, moving liquid from one to many bowls and back again. Working those hand muscles and figuring out how to use a baster to soak up as much liquid as possible.
Such a look of determination! Using the nut driver board and it's nuts not only strengthens the hands but also requires the use of both hands, eye-hand coordination and persistence if the nuts have been screwed in tightly!
Snack, the favorite place to be! These two children have already accomplished 5 steps before sitting down to eat. Here, the children can have conversation while learning table manners and how to clean up after themselves.
The best part of marble transferring - seeing if you can get the marbles to suction to the leaf (the suctioning is the child's deviation from the lesson, not how it was presented)
Since we are in the beginning of fall we've added seeds, nut and dried corn, spiders, rubbery frogs, a jack o' lantern, fake flies and other autumnal materials around the room. Often we change the materials to match the particular season, holiday or sometimes, whatever is in Target's $1 section!
Practical Life Part I
Hello all!
Later today I will post some pictures of children using materials in the Practical Life area. Practical Life is the foundation of the Early Childhood classroom. In a traditional preK and (very limited) Kindergartens, this area may look like the 'kitchen' or 'dramatic play' areas. The activities increase in difficulty, vary in size, develop fine motor skills and train the eye to move left to right & top to bottom to prepare for reading among other skills.
Each material in the Practical Life area has 5 ultimate goals: concentration, coordination, confidence, order, independence. I found a short and concise article written by Michael Olaf where he states:
Practical life activities may well be the most important work in the Montessori 3-6 class. By means of these activities the child learns to make intelligent choices, to become physically and then mentally independent and responsible. She learns to concentrate, to control muscles, to move and act with care, to focus, to analyze logical steps and complete a cycle of activity. This lays the groundwork for mental and physical work in all other areas of work, not just in early childhood, but throughout life.
Later today I will post some pictures of children using materials in the Practical Life area. Practical Life is the foundation of the Early Childhood classroom. In a traditional preK and (very limited) Kindergartens, this area may look like the 'kitchen' or 'dramatic play' areas. The activities increase in difficulty, vary in size, develop fine motor skills and train the eye to move left to right & top to bottom to prepare for reading among other skills.
Each material in the Practical Life area has 5 ultimate goals: concentration, coordination, confidence, order, independence. I found a short and concise article written by Michael Olaf where he states:
Practical life activities may well be the most important work in the Montessori 3-6 class. By means of these activities the child learns to make intelligent choices, to become physically and then mentally independent and responsible. She learns to concentrate, to control muscles, to move and act with care, to focus, to analyze logical steps and complete a cycle of activity. This lays the groundwork for mental and physical work in all other areas of work, not just in early childhood, but throughout life.
Be sure to check out the bit "Participating in Family Life". It ties right in to October's classroom newsletter! :)
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Making Friends
As I was cleaning around the house today a song by The White Stripes came on Pandora called "We are going to be friends". It's innocent sound and lyrics made me immediately think of the budding friendships that I am able to witness lately.
It is something to behold when you see young children meet other 'strange' children, introduce themselves in only a way a child can ("what are you doing?", "come sit by me", "do this after me, ok?" - demanding yet gentle initiation into friendship), become instant 'best friends' for maybe 3 weeks and then decide they just aren't right for each other! I often have parents ask me why their child is not "friends" with another child in our class and often the answer is "I don't know" because only that 3 - 6 year old mind really understands why this time when their friend chose to do something, it bothered them and that was that, and they have now washed their hands of the situation. Nine times out of ten they will find their friendship again next week. :)
I have not done any research in the field, but I would assume that the human mind starts working in conjunction with morals and beliefs and likes and dislikes in other humans at a very early age, thus the reason we have had friends since the age of six. I believe that this is also a great time to start conversations of expectations and characteristics that make a 'friend'. Many of these conversations go on in our classroom on an individual and whole group basis.
The children in our classroom have a real 'family' feel to them - one for all and all for one type of thing. They are always willing to help one another, befriend someone new, comfort those who are having a bad day and concern for those who haven't been at school or those who have made a bad choice during the school day. Thus the reason why the lyrics to the song really made me think of Room 102...
We are going to be friends
It is something to behold when you see young children meet other 'strange' children, introduce themselves in only a way a child can ("what are you doing?", "come sit by me", "do this after me, ok?" - demanding yet gentle initiation into friendship), become instant 'best friends' for maybe 3 weeks and then decide they just aren't right for each other! I often have parents ask me why their child is not "friends" with another child in our class and often the answer is "I don't know" because only that 3 - 6 year old mind really understands why this time when their friend chose to do something, it bothered them and that was that, and they have now washed their hands of the situation. Nine times out of ten they will find their friendship again next week. :)
I have not done any research in the field, but I would assume that the human mind starts working in conjunction with morals and beliefs and likes and dislikes in other humans at a very early age, thus the reason we have had friends since the age of six. I believe that this is also a great time to start conversations of expectations and characteristics that make a 'friend'. Many of these conversations go on in our classroom on an individual and whole group basis.
The children in our classroom have a real 'family' feel to them - one for all and all for one type of thing. They are always willing to help one another, befriend someone new, comfort those who are having a bad day and concern for those who haven't been at school or those who have made a bad choice during the school day. Thus the reason why the lyrics to the song really made me think of Room 102...
We are going to be friends
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
11 Days into the School year
So last night I had a 'dream' about someone telling me I needed to update my blog, that I've been in school for 11 days and there should be PLENTY to write about. Can you tell what has been on my conscious? :-)
I cannot complain about the start of this school year! We have been off to a great start and it was so good to see so many familiar faces return!
The returning PK's and K's and I had an awesome 2 weeks to get back into the groove of school and I was able to teach them some new procedures: using our classroom bathroom, snack routine, where things are located and pushing in chairs on tile & new carpeting without squeaking or getting stuck on the thicker carpeting. One Kindergartener actually got down onto the floor and pushed from there! What a problem solver! Needless to say, the returning children have been a HUGE help to me, Miss Faini and the incoming 3's. I started to reflect on my first year @ Marquette - it was a doozy but I'm happy to say no one got hurt and they have all carried on as wonderful learners - but really it was a doozy!
When you have an individualized curriculum and you start with 24 children you do not know, one had better act fast to determine how you can meet the child and get him/her going so you can figure out what might best fit the next child. As with anything, with more practice come greater results and I'm the first to admit that I'm not perfect but coming into this school year, I felt a little more at ease. AND I have a great group of peer role models who I can count on to show others the "ropes".
Below is a picture of a new PK sweeping fava beans. It's a favorite among many of the children because they get to make a mess on purpose and then clean it up (I know, different story at home, right?). The skill of sweeping has sure come in handy the past three days. As one Kindergartener said, "Miss Knapp, it's like the 3 year olds come and everything just keeps falling!" So true and yet typical as they have yet to gain the coordination that he has grown to master!
The next picture is what I am assuming is a testament to how tired or in need of a rest my group of K's were after the first day of the three year olds joining us. Typically only 1 child is allowed on the bench at a time but they were all so engrossed in their own books and having true conversations about text that I just couldn't 'break it up' until I got this shot.
And finally, this shot was taken this morning. My own amazement and the amazement of others is something that I get to experience on a regular basis and does not come in every profession. This boy was working on 4-digit addition problems (without exchanging) at the end of his 3-year old school year. Today, we picked back up where he left off in June and it was like old news to him!
The child in the background just started the 100 board - a challenging work at first. It took her most of the morning session but she worked intensely and was so proud of herself when she completed the work.
In closing of this entry, I just want to say how excited I am to see each child grow this year. I promise more timely entries - before my dreams start haunting me again!
I cannot complain about the start of this school year! We have been off to a great start and it was so good to see so many familiar faces return!
The returning PK's and K's and I had an awesome 2 weeks to get back into the groove of school and I was able to teach them some new procedures: using our classroom bathroom, snack routine, where things are located and pushing in chairs on tile & new carpeting without squeaking or getting stuck on the thicker carpeting. One Kindergartener actually got down onto the floor and pushed from there! What a problem solver! Needless to say, the returning children have been a HUGE help to me, Miss Faini and the incoming 3's. I started to reflect on my first year @ Marquette - it was a doozy but I'm happy to say no one got hurt and they have all carried on as wonderful learners - but really it was a doozy!
When you have an individualized curriculum and you start with 24 children you do not know, one had better act fast to determine how you can meet the child and get him/her going so you can figure out what might best fit the next child. As with anything, with more practice come greater results and I'm the first to admit that I'm not perfect but coming into this school year, I felt a little more at ease. AND I have a great group of peer role models who I can count on to show others the "ropes".
Below is a picture of a new PK sweeping fava beans. It's a favorite among many of the children because they get to make a mess on purpose and then clean it up (I know, different story at home, right?). The skill of sweeping has sure come in handy the past three days. As one Kindergartener said, "Miss Knapp, it's like the 3 year olds come and everything just keeps falling!" So true and yet typical as they have yet to gain the coordination that he has grown to master!
The next picture is what I am assuming is a testament to how tired or in need of a rest my group of K's were after the first day of the three year olds joining us. Typically only 1 child is allowed on the bench at a time but they were all so engrossed in their own books and having true conversations about text that I just couldn't 'break it up' until I got this shot.
And finally, this shot was taken this morning. My own amazement and the amazement of others is something that I get to experience on a regular basis and does not come in every profession. This boy was working on 4-digit addition problems (without exchanging) at the end of his 3-year old school year. Today, we picked back up where he left off in June and it was like old news to him!
In closing of this entry, I just want to say how excited I am to see each child grow this year. I promise more timely entries - before my dreams start haunting me again!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Supplies
Has anyone seen the recent "Back to School" commercials put out by Target? I've seen 3 different ones, all featuring some type of teacher (classroom, music, PE) and they give a list of things a child may need (and can get @ Target). They make me laugh each time, especially the PE teacher so I thought I'd share the links with you in case you need a laugh, too.
Music Teacher
"Glitter" Teacher
PE Teacher
On to more useful information... Below is the school supply list. I know many parents have asked about it.
Music Teacher
"Glitter" Teacher
PE Teacher
On to more useful information... Below is the school supply list. I know many parents have asked about it.
All children are asked to bring and KEEP a pair of indoor shoes at school (ex: crocs, tennis shoes) to help keep our environment beautiful and clean for years to come!
3:
2 changes of clothes (labled in Ziploc bags)
backpack (no wheels, they won’t fit in the cubbies)
16-32 oz hand sanitizer
2 rolls of paper towels
3 boxes of Kleenex
1 quart size Ziploc bags
1 gallon size Ziploc bags
8-24 pack of crayons
1 pack Scotch tape
baby wipes
2 pk glue sticks
4:
2 changes of clothes (labled in Ziploc bags)
backpack (no wheels, they won’t fit in the cubbies)
16-32 oz hand sanitizer
2 rolls of paper towels
3 boxes of Kleenex
1 quart size Ziploc bags
1 gallon size Ziploc bags
24 pack of Crayola Colored Pencils
8 pack of markers
4 pack of highlighters
5(K):
2 changes of clothes (labled in Ziploc bags)
backpack (no wheels, they won’t fit in the cubbies)
2 rolls of paper towels
3 boxes of Kleenex
Disinfecting Wipes
2 folders (1 yellow, 1 green)
8 pack of Crayola skinny markers
4 pack of dry erase markers
scissors (Fiskars preferred)
1 bottle of white glue
Headphones in a Ziploc bag w/ name on it (NOT ear buds)
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Sweet Summertime
This year I started calling the period between June 10 - August 24, the 'off season' rather than 'summer break' or 'summer vacation' I took it from some news segment that was talking about a sports figure who was doing some volunteer work on his "off season" and seemed it would fit perfectly with a teacher's situation. Most people assume that teacher's do nothing but kick back & relax for 3 months, but not THIS teacher (and not most teachers, either). Let me fill you in on the preparation and learning I took part in this summer to bring and share with the kids...
We packed up all the materials that belonged to Room 104 to be shipped (across the parking lot!) to our new classroom, Room 102, the week of June 13.
Our 'stuff' arrived and was ready to be unpacked the final week in June. My, oh my, were there a lot of things to find homes for! I could tell how tired I was the previous couple of weeks by how organized or unorganized the contents of each box were... but no broken materials!
(prior to unpacking and moving things around)
In July some of the staff got together to review & revise procedures for our new building. You'll get a chance to see that hard work in the Handbook you will receive Open House night!
I took an enviro institute that was given by Notre Dame's NDeRC program. I learned a ton, received a huge amount of resource books and materials and networked with other teachers in the community. I cannot wait to dive into Project Learning Tree with the children.
I am currently in the LiPS/Wilson training. They have a great program that coincides and extends what we've already been doing at Marquette. It's always nice to see and hear that other literacy programs include concepts, similar teachings and rationales that we practice in the Montessori curriculum!
Enough of me rambling on about my 'off season'. What have you been doing this summer? Please feel free to make me jealous of all the cool things you've done and places you've been too!!
We packed up all the materials that belonged to Room 104 to be shipped (across the parking lot!) to our new classroom, Room 102, the week of June 13.
Our 'stuff' arrived and was ready to be unpacked the final week in June. My, oh my, were there a lot of things to find homes for! I could tell how tired I was the previous couple of weeks by how organized or unorganized the contents of each box were... but no broken materials!
In July some of the staff got together to review & revise procedures for our new building. You'll get a chance to see that hard work in the Handbook you will receive Open House night!
I took an enviro institute that was given by Notre Dame's NDeRC program. I learned a ton, received a huge amount of resource books and materials and networked with other teachers in the community. I cannot wait to dive into Project Learning Tree with the children.
I am currently in the LiPS/Wilson training. They have a great program that coincides and extends what we've already been doing at Marquette. It's always nice to see and hear that other literacy programs include concepts, similar teachings and rationales that we practice in the Montessori curriculum!
Enough of me rambling on about my 'off season'. What have you been doing this summer? Please feel free to make me jealous of all the cool things you've done and places you've been too!!
Welcome!
Hello!
Welcome to Miss Knapp's class blog! I am hoping that this blog will be used as a resource for you, the parent, to have an understanding of our mission and goals at Marquette and our classroom, a better grasp on the Montessori method and to stay up to date on what's going on in our classroom! While this blog will not be considered my 'main source' of communication, it will serve as a place for after-thoughts, extensions to concepts your child may be learning and how you can incorporate 'at home learning' easily among other things.
To those of you who experienced my attempt at maintaining a web page, my apologies :) The blog seems much more 'user-friendly' to enter posts, links and pictures and something I can keep up with.
Let the 2011-2012 school year begin!!!!
Welcome to Miss Knapp's class blog! I am hoping that this blog will be used as a resource for you, the parent, to have an understanding of our mission and goals at Marquette and our classroom, a better grasp on the Montessori method and to stay up to date on what's going on in our classroom! While this blog will not be considered my 'main source' of communication, it will serve as a place for after-thoughts, extensions to concepts your child may be learning and how you can incorporate 'at home learning' easily among other things.
To those of you who experienced my attempt at maintaining a web page, my apologies :) The blog seems much more 'user-friendly' to enter posts, links and pictures and something I can keep up with.
Let the 2011-2012 school year begin!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)