DOBSON MONTESSORI SCHOOL NEWS

November 17-21



 Family Game Night: Thursday, Nov. 20

We are expecting you! 5:00-7:30

WHAT IS MONTESSORI?

         The Montessori classroom is child centered, not teacher centered. You will observe students working cooperatively, advancing at their own levels. Children are not ready for the same work just because they are the same age. When a child is ready for something more advanced, that is made available. Likewise, if a student needs a bit more reinforcement before tackling a new concept, that is provided as well. Unlike traditional schools where you will find a teacher’s desk as the focus and center of the classroom, the children are the focus of the Montessori classroom. Teachers sit at tables or on the floor to present lessons geared to the level of each individual student.  At Dobson Montessori School, students complete more than a year of work each year through this method. By the time they reach the upper grades, they are several years ahead. But the real goal is to give the child a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

KINDERGARTEN

         “Foods Around the World” continues as we visit Latin America. We will enjoy a beans and rice sensory center. Corn is another popular food from this part of the world. We will make popcorn and learn how heat transforms the kernel to a tasty treat. Plantains are enjoyed in many Latin countries. We will learn to cut with a knife and enjoy some caramelized plantains. On Friday, we will go on a field trip to Mekong Plaza to learn more about unusual foods from around the globe and each child will order a Boba Tea beverage to enjoy. This is a cultural field trip and a practical life experience!  If you can help by driving, please see Ms. Leslie.

PRIMARY

         More exciting experiments await us in “Chemistry and Physics” this week. We are investigating the laws of motion. We will create a chair pulley. What is force? Try some soda bottle bowling. Race matchbox cars down a ramp. How does mass affect velocity? Students will go on a scavenger hunt around school to look for simple machines. What is a wedge? What machine is at work when we launch a marshmallow at our friends? Remember to help your child with their element project…the exhibition will be held on Monday, November 24 at 9:15 on the patio. Everyone is invited to attend.  Students will be going to the Science Museum on Tuesday, Dec. 2. We need several drivers for this experience; please see Ms. Krista.  

INTERMEDIATE

         The “American Revolution’ will come to life on Thursday, Nov. 20 as we go on an amazing field trip to see the We Are History interactive exhibits. This event is held in Queen Creek so we must leave promptly at 8 AM. Students should bring a water bottle and dress for the weather. Because we have a strict entrance time, we will not be able to wait for late arrivals. Please make sure your student is at school prior to 8 AM for this amazing activity. In the classroom this week, students will continue practicing marching with their battalion and present their efforts to the older students on Tuesday. They will make hunters bags from fabric and learn about Yankee Doodle. There will be a progress check on Thursday, November 18 of each student’s research about an important person from this era. We are excited to see the puppet shows on Nov. 25^th.

UPPER DIVISION

         Our Asian Culture unit will focus on India and Thailand this week. Students will learn about Diwali and make dipa, a lamp to light in honor of the holiday. We will learn about the Hindu gods and goddesses such as Ganisha, Laksmi, Shiva, and more. In Thailand, children make owl kites; we will learn about the custom and make some to decorate our room. We will discuss the Buddhist religion and practice a stress relieving breathing meditation. On Tuesday, there will be an optional “out to lunch” activity. Students may bring money as we will go to Mekong Plaza where there is an Asian food court where students may buy lunch. This is a great practical life experience and allows students to sample unusual foods. Those who wish to eat at school may do so. On Wednesday, we are going on a field trip to the Japanese Friendship Garden. We will enjoy a tour of the garden, feed the koi fish, and participate in an origami class led by a docent. There will be a progress check on Tuesday, Nov. 18 of the research for this month’s Asian Culture topic. Everyone must have at least 25 note cards. Remember to practice your speech this week in anticipation of the speech next week on Monday, Nov. 24. Don’t forget your visual aid! 

HIGH SCHOOL

         As part of our Culture and Rock course, students have formed bands of five students. They will present their first song to the class on Monday. They chose a song to cover and learned to play chords and notes while working to work with others. Students are also writing original songs. Our Economics groups are moving forward with budgeting and learning about liabilities and assets as well as making sure to plan for unexpected emergencies. We will check our stock investments and work on our role play economics. Students continue work in Marine Science and Math. Our literature study of Pride and Prejudice considers morals of the 19^th century compared to today. What do you think of Wickham? 

HOLIDAYS

         We will also be closed on Nov. 26, 27, and 28 for Thanksgiving.

FAMILY GAME NIGHT!

         Our fun filled annual social event is scheduled for Thursday, November 20 from 5-7:30! Come enjoy a gourmet dinner, meet and greet other school families as you play board games together with your kiddos, then enter or watch the live game show, “Are You Smarter Than a Dobson Montessori School Student?” Hit the buzzer to answer trivia questions in teams of two or be part of the studio audience! See the attached invitation. Everyone welcome…invite friends and relatives. All profits go to support the upper division and high school end of year study trips.