A Monthly E-newsletter Providing Useful Information to Caring Parents of Enrolled Students
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Happy New Year! We begin a new year with warm thoughts of the many generous and loving contributions that are invested into our school each day, whether in a word, a gift, or a smile. Soaring Wings flourishes because of our shared wish for educating your children to their highest potential. Our goal is to grant each child the skills necessary to live a peaceful, productive and fulfilling life. Our dream is to ensure that when this future generation matures, our world will pass into the most capable of hands. In these times of uncertainty it is more important than ever before to raise a generation who can reach out to those of different cultures and find peaceful solutions to problems. Maria Montessori began this dream over a century ago. She opened her first school, Casa dei Bambini, in Italy on January 6, 1907. Many recognized the potential of her ideas. Maria succeeded in establishing several schools throughout Europe in only a few years. However, the world wars ripped through the continent and Mussolini evicted Maria and her educational philosophy from Italy. The wars, however, gave Maria a greater incentive to continue to develop a process which would not only educate people to their fullest potential but would produce generations with such well-developed communication skills and appreciation of cultural diversity that war would become a thing of the past. Only in the last decade have Maria's ideas begun to become incorporated into traditional American school programs. As classrooms become more child-centered and education slowly becomes more individualized, we are seeing a more mindful generation arise. Just in the nick of time, there is a new awareness of the importance of including cultural awareness, conflict resolution and emotional literacy into the education of even the smallest children. In the classroom we set up each activity with a control of error so that the success of the child is guaranteed. With improving skill, the self-correcting factor is gradually removed so that the child's own skill becomes the control of error. This applies to social as well as academic skill development. We are equipping these children not only for academic success but for success in life as well. With the incredible technological tools at their disposal combined with a respectful approach to the balance of life on this planet how can these children do anything but succeed?
As we all know, toddlers enjoy a regular routine. We appreciate January because, although some students may need to readjust to the school routine again after the long break, it is typically a quiet month in which to get back into the routine of the work cycle. It is a time to learn new Practical Life skills such as pouring a glass of water or preparing a snack. Old songs and stories are enjoyed and new ones are added. Art media is expanded and new ideas are introduced. The oldest class members are starting to become more aware of social opportunities which puts a new perspective on class time. The uninterrupted class period provides time for lessons in Language, Math or Sensorial concepts. Science activities may involve studying the properties of snow. Take time to stop and see the snowflakes with your toddler this month and enjoy the peace and quiet of January. If you dads haven't been in for a Parent Day yet this school year, please schedule a time with us right away. We look forward to seeing you!
Montessori is a method that has been misunderstood for almost a century. It seems that criticism comes from those who think Montessori is too structured and those who think it is too unstructured. Those who understand the principles see that a true Montessori class employs a complementary blend of structure and freedom. At the beginning of the year most of the students in the Early Childhood program spend a great deal of their time with crayons, blocks and puzzles. During the school year, although the materials offered are changed only slightly, the interest of the student gradually turns towards academics. We do lessons with each child every day, usually allowing the child to pick the activity but keeping in mind the child's age, health, developmental capabilities and interests. A "lesson" is never a drill, but a demonstration of precisely how an activity is done, from rolling out the work mat to wiping up every drip of water and replacing the activity on the shelf. All lessons are aimed at coordination, concentration, organization and independence. The theory is basically to offer a wide array of avenues of interest and allow the child to decide when the time is right for each one. Our classrooms are set up to provide for all types of learning styles so that, for instance, those who learn best through movement are provided plenty of opportunities for practicing motor skills and those who are auditory learners hear the carefully chosen words of the teacher. The Montessori child typically seeks out the academic lessons in the classroom just as s/he seeks out dolls, trucks and blocks, because they offer a learning opportunity. And as children are infinitely different, so they are the same in at least one respect; their love of learning. Monday - Art The children have been intrigued with Georgia O'Keeffe and her enormous flowers and floating bones. Her definition of art is... "to fill a space beautifully." The artist of the month for January is a friend of Georgia's, Ansel Adams. This is a good time to give your child a lesson on how to use a camera carefully and allow him to take some photos of his own. If you are not comfortable with your child using your digital camera, try giving him a disposable camera with which to experiment. Send your child's photos to class to add to our photo exhibits. Tuesday - Time & Seasons This month we will be looking for signs of winter in the weather, plants and behavior of people and animals. We plan to celebrate the next big snow storm with snow ice cream! Wednesday - Geography Last month we extended our study of North America to its winter celebrations, as well as those around the world. In January we learn about South America and its plants, animals and people. If you have any artifacts to share from South America please send them in. Thursday - Literature The kids became familiar with Dr. Seuss last month and most noticed that he usually wrote books that are silly, but have a message for those who listen carefully. His messages can be as simple as... "a host above all must be nice to his guests" (Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose) and as profound as... "maybe Christmas...doesn't come from a store" (How the Grinch Stole Christmas). Eric Carle is January's author of the month. His books (The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Very Busy Spider & The Very Quiet Cricket) are creatively illustrated and fun for kids this age. If your child has a favorite Eric Carle book, this is a good time to share it with the class. Friday - Biology A seafood meal is a good way to review which edible sea animals are invertebrates (clams, oysters, shrimp, crab, lobster, calamari) and which are vertebrates (fish) for the transition into the study of fishes this month. Any fishes, living or dead, or parts thereof would be most interesting as sharing items this month. We could use six nice, whole, medium-sized fish with which to do fish prints. Any fishermen want to contribute something from the freezer? SAT Results Each spring we administer the Stanford Achievement Test to our Kindergarten aged students. You may view those results on our website (www.soaringwings.org). If your child is eligible for testing you will recieve an information packet in April. Parent Days If any of you haven't already been in for your own Parent Day, please talk to any teacher about scheduling a time right away. We look forward to seeing you!
January is a great month to re-evaluate your Elementary student's role in the family. By now even the youngest child should be in charge of keeping his room and bathroom clean, making the bed and helping with the laundry. As soon as the child is tall enough to reach the knobs on the washer and dryer he can take over his own laundry. Until then he can at least fold and put it away. If you are having recurring problems with keeping possessions and toys picked up, evaluate your storage system. Baskets of toys ask to be dumped on the floor and then no one wants to pick them up. A simple shelving system can hold books, music, art supplies, games and smaller toys sorted into small bins. For instance, all space Legos in one bin, pirate Legos in another, and doll clothes in another so you never have to take out too much to find what you are looking for. If you have trouble with space, put away or give away some toys. The simpler the arrangement the easier it will be for your child to keep neat. An Elementary student should also have a few family responsibilities such as feeding the animals, taking out the trash or changing light bulbs. These jobs can be tied in with an allowance system so that the child can learn budgeting for things for which she wants to save up. If you decide to do this, figure out the amount of allowance you pay per job so that your child can conceivably save up for a big item in a reasonable amount of time, but so that some sacrifices will have to be made to that end. Another consideration for an Elementary child is giving him a night to cook for the whole family. He can start with simple meals like pasta and pizza. At this age children are eager to contribute to the family's well-being and in only a few more years, when they become adolescents, they'll rarely be home in time for dinner! So take advantage of teaching your child to cook while you've got him hanging out in the kitchen with you. Monday - History Tuesday - Geography Wednesday - Healthy Lifestyles Thursday - Zoology Friday - Field Trips Biographies Spanish Parent Days
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Mark Your Calendar
January 2nd...School resumes January 11th...Ski program begins January 13th...Noon dismissal January 16th...Human Rights Day January 10th...Fair Planning Meeting January 19th-29th...Sundance Film Festival - Park Avenue students please carpool! January 27th...Noon dismissal - Utah Montessori Council Conference 27th - 28th January 31st...Re-enrollment due for 2012-2013 February 17th...Half day before holiday - Noon dismissal February 20th - 24th...Presidents Week Break - No school SWPTSO News Angel Trees - We extend a special thanks to Lynn Chadderdon and Anne Weinrauch for organizing our Angel Trees project. Their team of volunteers maintained a tree at each library and added extras in the schools resulting in a huge donation for Peace House. The Peace House volunteers were very thankful for your generosity. Thanks to everyone for your donations which made the holidays happier for families in need. 19th Park City Children's Fair -This year's Fair will be held Sunday, June 3rd at City Park. Fair Chair Lina Singleton along with her team of volunteers, Sandy Geldhof, Rachel McHenry, Jennifer Martin, Karen Sigler-Mertens, Rob Judge, Karin Davis, Joan Card, Leah Linebarger, Libby Bailey, Jenny Samuelson, Anita Lam-Wright and Michelle Aldrich have plans rolling along. If you'd like to help please come to the next Fair planning meeting Tuesday, January 10th at 2:00 pm in the main office at the Park Avenue Campus. School Bulletin Board Thank you! We thank the parents who helped with our winter celebrations of Diwali, Hanukkah and Las Posadas. Maria Montessori hoped that if children learned to celebrate the diversity of cultures eventually war would become a thing of the past. Thank you with your help in meeting this goal, everyone. Namaste'. Shalom. Gracias. Parent Days - By now all parents should have had an opportunity to visit your child's class for your own special Parent Day. If not, please talk to your child's teacher about scheduling a time. Grandparents are always welcome, too! Sundance Film Festival - Park Avenue parents, brace yourself for the hordes of city people who are coming our way! Be prepared for parking problems, carpool wherever possible and let us know how it's going out there. The parking lot will be available only to school and library patrons and 12th Street will be closed to parking as usual for pick-up and drop-off. We'll need a few "Potty Patrol" parents to help with bathroom runs. This is a good opportunity to people-watch while being extremely helpful to the school. Let us know if you can help. 2012/2013 Enrollment - You will soon receive a re-enrollment invitation in the mail. The Enrollment Agreement and Commitment Fee are due back by January 31st for currently enrolled students and siblings. On February 1st we will assign students to classes and mail confirmations. After that date we will accept new student applications. Snow Daze - On heavy snow mornings - assuming some will be coming our way sooner or later - be sure to listen to KPCW, 91.9 FM. If the public schools close due to snow we will too. Taxes - For your tax preparation pleasure, our EIN is #87-0495076. Out of the Mouths... "What is your New Year's resolution?" Asked of teachers at the Park Avenue Campus Erin - Live life to the fullest. Lynn - More yoga. Jules - Drink more water. Libby - Get married. Tama - Sleep more. Anita - Let things go at the end of the day. Michelle - Enjoy exciting adventures. Stephanie - To become a vegan and not watch tv. Courtney - Read as much as I used to. Lina - Take time for myself every day. Paul - Take an all-inclusive tropical vacation.
Asked of the Park Avenue Otters Early Childhood Class Enzo - Do yoga to make my dancing better. Austin - Make my bed every day. Madeline - Make my bed with my mommy. Lillie - Be with my daddy. Elle - Play with sister Grace. Porter - Take turns with my dad on the iPad. Henry - Help my mom in the kitchen. Karsten - Get two guitars for me and my brother so we can play more songs than ever. Chase - Make my bed every day so I can buy more stuff. Xanthe - My daddy is going to shrink my bed. Lucie - Finish my workbook. Lily Lynn - Have a party. Alexa - Take more baths. Ronan - Make my bed. Sadie - Wear more dresses.
Happy New Year!
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Montessori in the New Year