Dear Spanish Lime Families,
April was full of self reflections and goal setting. The Spanish Limes did a tremendous job conducting their Student Led Conferences. I hope you were all able to take that time to appreciate where your child is at that very moment and absorb that time together.
Last week I traveled to Chicago, Illinois to complete my final written exams and oral presentations of the Montessori Elementary Education. I am proud to say I passed with flying colors and will be receiving my certification soon! This experience was a great example to my students on what being a life long learner is all about.
During my time away I was also able to observe a few Montessori classrooms and compare and contrast our programs. Needless to say there is not much of a difference when walking into a Montessori elementary environment . The materials are the same, children and teachers are present working throughout the subject areas. Observing more closely I noticed a lack of an established community and empathy for others. Our Spanish Limes have such unique ways to handle diverse situations on an interpersonal level and to truly care about the needs of their peers. I could not be more proud to be a part of our community and the progress made by our class this year!
As we head into the month of May many events are taking place. As I mentioned in the last newsletter Cultural Immersion and the Art Show is scheduled for May 18th (not May 11) from 5:30-7:00. This event will showcase individual art pieces and our class art auction item on the front playground. You will have a chance to tour all Primary and Elementary Classrooms and view their cultural studies and animal habitats. The Elementary Students have been focusing on the Poles and Oceans conducting individual research on vertebrate and invertebrate animals, plants, famous land and water forms, and cultures in the Arctic Tundra. All research and extensions are done in class. Looking forward to seeing everyone there!
Mothers Day is just right around the corner and the Spanish Limes would like to honor their Mothers by performing a small intimate music concert, led by our wonderful music teacher, Ms. Melissa. This will be held in the Spanish Lime Classroom, Tuesday, May 15th from 1:30-2:15. If you are working that day maybe plan to take your lunch break around those times. We will be supplying snacks and beverages for you. Anyone from your family is welcome to attend!
June 5th from 5:00-6:00 is our first annual Third Year Graduation Ceremony. All are welcome to attend and watch our third years complete their three year cycle and transition to an Upper Elementary Student.
“Growth is not merely a harmonious increase in size, but a transformation. Man is a sculptor of himself, urged by a mysterious inner force to the attainment of an ideal determined form. Growth may be defined as a seeking after perfection, given by an impulse of life.” – Maria Montessori, To Educate the Human Potential
Montessori based her philosophy and method on a deep understanding and respect for children. She wrote that all human beings are born with certain universal and certain unique potentials. If free to grow in healthy surroundings under suitable conditions, children naturally grow into intelligent, competent and responsible adults. It is the task of adults to provide such conditions and aid children in their great quests to develop to their full potentials. Children are living in a process of self realization and discovery and pass through basic stages in their own unique way and at different rates. Each phase lasts six years and divided into two three year periods. This corresponds to the multi- age groupings. The second phase known as childhood is from 6-12 years of age. This is a stage of relative stability, health and growth. An emphasis on intellectual growth and independence, reasoning, understanding right from wrong, good from evil, and on seeing the self in relation to peers. Children in this phase seek to acquire information and want to find out about everything. The 6-9 year old is more exploratory and expanding their intellect where as the 9-12 year old is more stable and secure.
With a tearful eye and heart full of love I proudly look forward with confidence sending my third years onto their next journey!
Much Love,
Ms. Sally
