DOBSON MONTESSORI SCHOOL NEWS
September 21-25
WHAT IS MONTESSORI?
Montessori instruction moves from the concrete to the abstract. When teaching math concepts, a child can hold a block of 1000 beads in their hand and learn that it is made from 10 squares of 100 beads. The 100 bead squares are made of 10 wires of 10 beads each. Thus even a young child can grasp the concept of 1000 which is much more teachable and understandable than showing the same child the numeral 1 and three zeros on a piece of paper. The decimal system is the foundation of our math world. It is much more important to understand the way the numbers work than to memorize answers to test questions.
KINDERGARTEN
Learning to handle conflicts with peers is a big step when kindergarten children are “Off to School”. Emotions can flare and feelings are easily hurt. We will learn some skills this week to handle the daily events of learning to be a good friend. We will make a traditional Peace Flower. These are used in Montessori education to develop communication skills during times of conflict. It signals whose turn it is to speak and who will listen. Sometimes learning to take a calming moment before acting is helpful to children. We will make a soothing Sensory Bottle using water and glitter as a way to calm ourselves when feeling stressed. After reading Walk and Talk It Out, students will create a peace tree mural with their handprints as leaves. We will make Friendship Trail Mix while practicing polite ways of asking for things…”may I have some raisins please?” In Montessori, children share ownership of the classroom. Each child will have shelf to clean and organize as their own for the school year. This teaches the value of belonging to a community and care of the environment.
PRIMARY
Many indigenous people live in the world’s “Rainforests”. Students will make yarn baskets this week and read The Great Kapok Tree. We will learn why it is important to protect the rainforests and what we can do to help. Students will paint a reusable canvas tote bag to keep. This reminds us to use less plastic. Many foods including different kinds of nuts and fruits come from the rainforests. We will enjoy some tapioca in class. Everyone will enjoy doing some rainforest animal yoga this week and competing in a STEM challenge to build the biggest rainforest tree. Next week, on Tuesday, September 29, students will go on a field trip to Butterfly Wonderland to see insects of the Rainforest up close! Maybe a Morpho Butterfly will sit on your arm! Parents are invited to attend as chaperones and will pay a $17.50 entry fee in advance. The school will pay for the students. If you can help by driving, please see Krista.
INTERMEDIATE
The “Animal Kingdom” focuses on mammals this week. We will see a video to learn the traits of mammals. As a weeklong activity, each student will make a large model of the animal they are studying this month. We start by making an armature and then apply two layers of paper mache allowing each layer to dry before painting and decorating our animals. Watch for our creative animal menagerie! Students are also finalizing their books by adding original illustrations and facts to their stories. Bring your book to school on Thursday for a progress check. Next you will bind your book with a creative cover. The final project is due on Tuesday, September 29.
UPPER DIVISION
Our Archaeology unit looks at how scientists use carbon dating to identify the age of a site. We will remove our glazed pottery from the kiln and check out the mini pots that we pit fired on the camping trip. What happened and why? We have a project check of our research papers on Tuesday. On Thursday, students will go on an extended day field trip to Eldon Pueblo where they will work with professional archaeologists to excavate a Sinagua site. They will then analyze the artifact found in a lab experience. Students will also hike to the excavated areas and play some hunting games enjoyed by these early people. Everyone need to arrive at school promptly for 7:45 departure. We will return to school around 5:30 for pick up but students will call you when we are 30 minutes from campus. Please be on hand for prompt pick up. Everyone needs to wear close-toed shoes and bring a sack lunch, water bottle, and sweatshirt. Long pants and sunscreen are recommended. Optional: hat and gloves. This will be an incredible learning experience for our students.
HIGH SCHOOL
Students are learning about the 1800’s in American History. We will study the War of 1812, the Trail of Tears, and the westward expansion. How did the Industrial Revolution change the way Americans lived? For Film Making, students will work in teams to create a 1-2 minute movie writing their own scripts, directing, and acting in the original film. The films must include an unusual camera angle and a mystery line of dialogue. We are polishing our competition pieces for the upcoming Shakespeare Festival and will costume our characters and practice the musical piece this week. In addition, students are completing work in Chemistry and math levels.
TACO TUESDAY
Upper Division students are selling tacos on Tuesday during lunch time this week. Just $3 each or two for $5. There will be a condiment bar so load yours up how you like it! YUM!
CINNAMON ROLLS
High School students will be selling cinnamon rolls before and after school and at lunch on Thursday, September 24 for $3. Take some to work or have breakfast at school!
FAMILY CAMPING TRIP
Thank you to everyone who attended our fantastic Family Camping Trip! We had a great time getting to know everyone better and spending quality time with our students!