March 2010 Newsletter
Dear parents,
It is hard to believe that February is already behind us, and March is here. We have had a very busy month with many of our cultural studies and holidays: Chinese New Year, President's Day, Washington’s Birthday, and Valentine's Day.
We would like to share with all of you our goals and activities for this month.
CALENDAR:
March 17 - St. Patrick of Ireland Day
Please bring some green food for everyone to share for snack on Wednesday the 17th of March.
April 1-4 spring break (school closed)
MARCH CURRICULUM:
ZOOLOGY will be our unit of study in the cultural area for the Spring section. We will learn the concept of Living/Non Living, Plants and Animals, and Vertebrates/Invertebrates. We will focus on studying the five Vertebrates: Birds, Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles, and Mammals.
FROM WRITING TO READING: WORD BUILDING
Dr. Montessori always pointed out that the young child has a natural sensitivity for language development which follows closely on the years when he or she learns to speak his native language. The child at three, four and five has a unique fascination for words, both printed and spoken. This fascination often enables him/her to begin reading and writing before the age at which it is traditionally taught.
The individual presentation of language materials in the Montessori classroom allows the teacher to take advantage of each child's greatest periods of interest. Reading instruction can begin on the day when the child wants to know what a word says or when he or she shows interest in using the Sandpaper Letters. Writing nearly always precedes reading in the Montessori environments.
FROM THE ADMINISTRATOR'S DESK:
Several of you have been out looking at Elementary Schools for your "graduating" children. Please don't forget that Arbor View and Arden Montessori offer a wonderful Kindergarten and a Pre Kindergarten grade program complete with the Montessori Curriculum as well as preparation for more formalized schooling.
Please remember that my door is always open to you. Feel free to stop by and share your thoughts and comments with me concerning the school. All of the staff at Arden and Arbor View Montessori is concerned with making this a happy, warm and nurturing environment for your child. Let us know how we're doing and how we can best meet your needs as well as your child’s.
Have a great month! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Sincerely,
Lydia Saadeh
Administrative Director