November/December Ms. Jen and Mr. Donner

 Hello Families!

Much has happened since our last blog post.  We spent two weeks participating in online learning.  Upon return to our classroom, it was evident that we were all very happy to be back in person. Our reunion came just in time to spend a couple of weeks together (minus 1 snow day) before bidding adieu again for winter break. 

Since arriving back at GTMS on January 4th, we have had perfect attendence (with the exception of Myrah, who has been in Dubai, visiting family).  Having the majority of our community together daily has been priceless.  The opportunity for socialization in our Montessori classroom is one of the most valuable experiences we can provide for our friends (especially this year).  The children’s need to be with each other and care for each other is a natural one. Having the opportunity to be a part of our community allows the children to develop their full personalities and practice full citizenship.

Just before the break, the K friends were able to go on a neighborhood tree/leaf identification walk.  We identified some leaves (Red Oak, Maple, Ginkgo, Sweet Gum), brought them back to the classroom to examine, and discussed the parts of a leaf.  

EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY AND MOST WEDNESDAYS, we go up to the playdeck for playtime.  The weather has been very cooperative.  Please be sure to send in a warm jacket and mittens each day.  Mittens are a better choice for our young friends as they are easier to put on independently.  **Please only send gloves if your child can put them on independently or is practicing putting them on independently at home. Otherwise, mittens are best.**

Please practice the “up and over method at home”.  Some of our friends are still unsure of how to lay their jacket on the floor, in front of them, to ready it for the next step of putting their arms in the sleeves.  This is an important skill needed every day at school.  Please, please, practice this.  If you need me to forward you the video again, please ask.

We have been singing many songs, some of which are 5 Little Monkeys, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Baby Beluga, and The Muffin Man.  Ask your child to sing one of these for you!

We began reading a book called Children from Australia to Zimbabwe:  A Photographic Journey around the World by Maya Ajmera and Anna Rhesa Versola.  We plan to read about one country a day, when time allows.  In this book we talk about what the children do, wear, and how they live.  We also learn about the total population of that country, ( = number of people who live there).

Some new works on the shelves and works with added points of interest include, cardamom transferring, collaging, I Spy, Memory Game of Numbers, plant watering, Geography Folders, Parts of an Animal cards and puzzles, Metal Inset with 2 shapes, The Geometric Cabinet, and creative book making.  The K friends have also begun handwriting practice in their Handwriting Without Tears books.

Finally, I was lucky enough to receive my first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.  Sarah sent a link to all teachers that gave Philadelphia residents in the 1B group, the option to pre-register with the Black Doctors Covid Consortium.  Many of the teachers here at GTMS were invited to receive our first dose of the vaccine yesterday.  It was very exciting to be a part of this important moment in history!  My arm is slightly sore today, and well worth it!

Reminders:

*Send in an extra, seasonal change of clothes for your child.

*Practice with your child how to put their mask on, independently.  (Your child practices this everyday when they are finished eating snack.  It would be extremely helpful if they also practiced at home.)

*Send in a family photo (if you haven’t yet done so).  This was a request I made at the beginning of the year.  We would love to have everyone’s family photo in our classroom photo album.  Mr. Donner and I have included our family photos as well!

Enjoy the photos!

Truly yours!

Ms Jen and Mr Donner