Elementary Room 1

January 2026

January has been a month of deep exploration in our classroom. We kicked off the new year by traveling across the Atlantic by geography to explore the diverse cultures and landscapes of Europe. In science, students are investigating the states of matter and the intricate parts of a flower in botany. Our Book of the Month," The Mitten” by Jan Brett, has provided a cozy literary backdrop for discussions about animal habitats. This curiosity has come to life as we welcomed live caterpillars into our classroom! The children are captivated as they observe the butterfly life cycle firsthand, watching it unfold as the butterflies grow and then embark on their incredible journey of transformation.


In our daily work, the children are developing impressive focus on mathematical operations, specifically practicing four-digit addition and multiplication. Using Montessori materials like the Stamp Game, they are learning the magic of regrouping and handling large numbers with confidence. In language, we’ve introduced sentence analysis diagrams, where children use colorful symbols to decode how words work together. This month also held profound significance as we honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We engaged in simple, heartfelt conversations about equality and segregation, focusing on ways we can practice kindness and fairness every day. It is a joy to see them grow both academically and as compassionate members of our community

December 2025

In December, we embarked on an exciting journey through South America and its natural wonders. The children explored the Amazon Rainforest, learning about its layers and the life cycles of the animals that inhabit it. We connected our lessons on leaves to our snacks by identifying various edible leaves. Additionally, we learned about volcanoes and gained insights into the Earth's layers. A highlight of the month was our art project inspired by the colorful buildings of Guatapé, Colombia. In literature, we read "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein, which sets a warm tone for the holiday season.


In the classroom, the children demonstrated great dedication to their studies. They also improved their skills in addition, subtraction, and multiplication. In language, they practiced building sentences and using punctuation while creating detailed illustrations. We were especially proud of their performance in the holiday show, where their hard work truly shone. During practical life activities, the children practiced wrapping gifts, threading needles, and weaving. To conclude the month, the students made special Christmas gifts for their parents. This was a significant project, as it was their first time using string and looms to create handmade items. We are extremely impressed with their growth and wish all our families a joyful and restful winter break.

November 2025

This November, our Lower Elementary class engaged in a rich and stimulating curriculum, with a special emphasis on the USA. In our Botany lessons, the children explored the function of the stem by observing the remarkable process of plant growth. We experimented by growing a potato in water, allowing the students to watch as the stem and roots developed closely. Building on their previous observations, they then transferred the plants to soil and tracked the ongoing growth of the stem. This hands-on experience led to fascinating discussions about the various types of stems we eat, such as celery. In addition to botany, we studied weather patterns and introduced new mathematical concepts, including simple multiplication and subtraction. We also explored the use of punctuation in our language maps.



In our Practical Life activities, students took on significant responsibilities, including feeding and caring for a pet and organizing a bookshelf, fostering their independence and environmental care. The spirit of gratitude and kindness permeated our classroom throughout the month, culminating in our annual Thanksgiving feast. The children learned about the historical narrative of the Pilgrims and Native Americans, gaining a deeper appreciation for the origins of this American tradition. Our book of the month, To Fill a Bucket, inspired numerous discussions and activities centered on kindness and helpfulness. This emphasis on empathy was woven into their daily work, with children actively seeking ways to assist their peers and teachers, reinforcing the fundamental Montessori principle of a supportive community.

October 2025

October was a month full of excitement, exploration, and creativity in our Montessori classroom! The children learned about North America and practiced animal classification, sorting creatures into groups like mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. They also explored the changing seasons, observing how autumn brings colorful leaves and cooler weather. Our book of the month, We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt, inspired outdoor adventures and nature-inspired art. In math, the children practiced addition with regrouping, while in language, they focused on writing sentences and sequencing stories.



We also had a wonderful time in our garden, where the children learned about root vegetables such as potatoes and how they grow underground. Our Grace and Courtesy lessons centered on expressing joy and appreciation in ways that make others feel happy and included. To end the month, our school carnival, costume parade, and classroom party were a big success! The children had a blast playing games, making crafts, and celebrating together—it was a perfect way to wrap up a joyful and productive October.

September 2025

September has been a joyful and busy month in our elementary Montessori classroom! As we settled into our routines, the children began learning more about themselves and their families by creating family portraits and sharing stories that helped build a strong sense of community within the classroom. We explored the life cycle of a frog, observing each fascinating stage from egg to adult, and the students especially enjoyed illustrating and labeling their own frog life cycle books. We also spent time practicing our classroom grace and courtesy, learning how to show kindness, care for materials, and work peacefully with others.



These early lessons in grace and courtesy have helped lay the foundation for a respectful and collaborative learning environment. In math, we’ve been working with even and odd numbers, as well as practicing basic addition and subtraction using hands-on materials like number cards and manipulatives. In language, students are developing early reading skills through rhyming games, beginning sound activities, and phonetic writing. One highlight was creating artwork inspired by our book of the month, The Kissing Hand, which the students thoroughly enjoyed. In science, we explored the senses and perception, and students were introduced to the animal and plant kingdoms.


Enrichment activities, such as art, music, and outdoor exploration, have brought energy and creativity to our days. It’s been a wonderful start to the school year— full of curiosity, confidence, and connection—and we look forward to seeing each child continue to grow and thrive!

Summer 2025

As our summer program comes to an end, we’re excited to reflect on all the fun, learning, and unforgettable memories we’ve created with our amazing students. This season was filled with themed weeks, hands-on learning, creative projects, and engaging guest visits that brought real-world experiences right into our classrooms.


Each week introduced a new theme that sparked curiosity and excitement. During Ocean Life Week, we explored the wonders of the sea and helped students learn about marine animals and their environments. STEAM Week was one of the most popular, as students eagerly participated in science experiments and creative projects that encouraged critical thinking and imagination. Community Helper Week was especially meaningful, featuring visits from local heroes such as firefighters, dentists, an Air Force paramedic, and a plant specialist. These special guests gave students an up-close look at the important work these professionals do and inspired many great conversations.



We’re incredibly proud of everything our students accomplished this summer and grateful for the support of our families, staff, and community partners. This summer was filled with new experiences, joyful moments, and meaningful connections. Thank you for being a part of it. We’re already looking forward to what the next season brings!

Curriculum for February:

Geography/History: Africa

Botany:  Fruits

Zoology:   Animal Habitats

Sciences:  Sound and Gravity

Literature Program: "Little Blue and Little Yellow" by Leo Lionni

Enrichments:

  • Art
  • Computer
  • Cooking
  • Music
  • Gardening

Reminders:

  • Please check your child's bin to ensure they have weather appropriate clothes and they are the correct size- please label all your items
  • Check in with the teacher to see that everything on file is up-to-date

Upcoming Dates:

Martin Luther King Day

January 19, 2026

School Closed

 Valentine’s Day Parties

February 14, 2026

9:45am – 10:45am

President’s Day 

 February 16, 2026
School Closed

Professional Development

 February 17, 2026

School Closed

 Open House & Parent Info Night

 February 24, 2026

3:30pm – 5:30pm

School Closes at 3pm

 Re-Enrollment Packet Due

 March 16, 2026

Book Fair

 March 16-20, 2026

Spring Break

 March 30 - April 3, 2026
School Closed