Mr. Andre's Class : October

Read Newsletter

Issue: October 18 - October 29, 2021

          “The greatest sign of success for a teacher... is to be able to say, the children are now working as if I did not exist.”

(Maria Montessori)

​

Dear Families,

​

We wanted to tell you about your child’s “Host week.” The purpose of the Host week is to highlight every child and get to know them as well as their families. Throughout the week we will ask for Host facts (favorite color, where were you born, do you have any siblings, etc.) Each child will have a week where they are the host of the class. We are asking for 5 photos of your child, family, grandparents, babysitters, etc. The pictures will be posted around the classroom for the week. We are also asking that you send one bouquet of flowers for your host week. The flowers will be added to the peace table in our classroom as one way your child brings peace to the environment. Please do not stress or worry about your Host week, this is a fun week where we get to know all about your child. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask. The list for host week will be emailed to you in a separate email.

Some ways to foster your child’s independence

· Allow children to put on their own shoes.

· Allow children to put on their own jackets.

· Encourage children to put on their own mask.

· Have children carry their own school bags and lunchboxes.

· Dress children in comfortable clothes that they can begin to dress themselves.

Halloween

On Friday, October 29th the children are invited to wear child friendly costumes for the day (no weapons). The costumes should allow for the children to participate in all school activities (inside and outside) and be mindful of toileting needs. There will be a parade, weather permitting the parade will be outside and the families are welcome to attend, the families attending the parade should wear a mask and social distance themselves from others while watching the parade. School will provide a special snack; families cannot send in goodie bags or treats for the children.

Reminder to send in your family photo if you have not done so already.

​

For your reference, here are some useful email addresses:

Andre (me): Athomas@alcottschool.org

Donna (front desk): dtorre@alcottschool.org

Melissa (nurse): mayala@alcottschool.org

Lastly, we are happy to announce beginning Monday, October 25th Janice White will be joining our classroom team as a full time Teacher Assistant. Francine and I are thrilled to work with Janice in this capacity, Janice has worked in the Early Childhood Education field for many years, more specifically at Alcott School as a Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT). Together, let’s officially welcome Janice to our room.

Warm Wishes,

Mr. Andre, Ms. Francine, Ms. Janice

Our theme is: Autumn (Apples, Pumpkins, Leaves)

Art: An important part of your curriculum and often a favorite area for many of the children. The children practice many skills, some include fine motor development, sensory exploration and creativity. Open-ended art focuses on the process rather than the product. This means allowing children to explore materials as they see fit, rather than expecting children to create a certain realistic drawing, painting, or product. Open-ended art allows children to express themselves through their art. Activities include Painting with acorns, Collecting Leaves.

Cultural Arts/Geography: This area of the curriculum will examine activities and experiences emphasizing your child as an active learner. Here your child will be able to manipulate the materials, discover themselves and the world around them. We will continue to focus on naming the continents.

​

Language: Provides an in-depth examination of the rationale behind language. A variety of activities materials, and strategies, which facilitate children’s emergent literacy development. Activities include the role of talk in learning, storytelling, storybooks, dramatic play.

​

Math: It will examine the development of logic-mathematical thought in your child. It will also examine how the early childhood math curriculum can support the children’s ability to problem solve, communicate mathematically, reason and make mathematical connections.

​

Practical Life: This area focuses on understanding key elements of the Montessori approach to the education for your child with an emphasis on the role of observation. There is a focus on daily living activities, including large and gross motor activities, self-help, care of environment, grace and courtesy

​

Science: For science we will continue to explore the season of autumn. Leaves changing colors and why the shortness of the day. We will explore different types of apples and learn the parts of the fruit. We will have a taste test of different apples. Wild Wednesday we will continue learning about the new addition to our classroom, our hermit crab.

Sensorial: This area of the classroom the children focus on sensory motor materials, shapes, colors, sizes. We will continue to explore the triangle box, introduce the large hexagon box, work on mixing primary colors, and introduce geometric solids.