October brought many exciting developments for us in Primary ADM. We had our first of many K-field trips- to the fire station-, we celebrated birthdays and holidays together, and, of course, did lots and lots of exciting work!

 

 

 

We created a set of Community Agreements. This was something we started in September and finished this month.  The Kindergarteners decided on the important expectations we need to have to help our community run smoothly. Their ideas were presented to the full class and we wrote them on a large sheet of paper and each child put their thumbprint as a means of signifying their commitment to these Agreements.

 

 

 

The Kindergarteners went to visit our local fire station this month. We walked from school to the fire station on Market St. It was a lovely opportunity to practice Grace and Courtesy out in public- such as: how to walk in a group, how to make space for another pedestrian to pass, and how to wait patiently at the corner until the light changes. Right when we arrived at the station, the two firetrucks were pulling out so we were able to see- and hear- them in their full glory. The doors of the firestation were open so theycould peer in and talk about some of the equipment and the material that firefighters use to keep our communities safe. 

 

The Kindergarteners also did a few special projects this month. They made Peace Pinwheels and placed them outside the school and painted illustrations for the Poetry Book in our classroom.  

 

 

 

We celebrated several birthdays in October, even Ms. Jamie’s! In the slideshow above you can see that a few of the Kindergarteners chose to make Ms. Jamie some large birthday cards to share their appreciation and love. 

 

 

 

We celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival this month. Toby’s family donated a wonderful book that we shared in an afternoon circle. Toby also brought in a beautiful bunny lantern to show the class that inspired Ms. Allison to create a lantern craft. Here are some examples of the beautiful lanterns the children made to celebrate the holiday.

 

 

 

We tried our hand at making pickles this month. The children were able to help in each step of the process from preparing the cucumbers to mixing the brine to enjoying the pickles at snack the next week. We are excited to add food prep work on the shelf in the afternoons next month! We are starting with apple cutting and egg peeling and slicing. These will be available everyday for one child to choose to prepare a snack for themselves. They will then be sanitized and placed back on the shelf the following day.

 

 

 

You may have noticed a lot of map work coming home lately. In a Montessori environment, we often see work “trends”. The children inspire each other with their work choices. When they see another child working diligently on a map, they are often attracted to the beautiful Puzzle Map material and the careful work of their peer. The inspiration could lead them to choose to trace a map, to do other tracing work that is available, to do a pin punching work with the continents, to explore the globes, etc. Often the quality of work and the concentration a child sees in their peers, encourages them to apply the same care and attention to their work. 

 

 

 

Not all work results in a product can be brought home. In a Montessori environment, see all work as equally valuable- especially since the child from three to six is more focused on process than product. Table Washing and the Metal Insets are of equal importance in the development of skills that support your child’s orderly, mathmatical mind, prepare their hand and mind for writing, and bring them joy and a sense of accomplishment. So rest assured, even if your child does not bring home something you can hang on the fridge, they are still busy at school- learning and growing!