Calendar of Events
2/12 Staff Development Day-
Daycare available
2/15
President’s Day-School closed
2/18 Parent Night-Montessori,
The Science Behind the Genius
3/2 Dr. Steven Hughes will be speaking in Sacramento!
More information soon.
3/9
Guest Speaker-Trevor Eissler, author of Montessori Madness! Shasta Public Library 6PM
Parent/Teacher conferences
3/12
Celia’s class
3/18,19
Cheri’s class
3/25,26
Jenny’s class
4/2
Good Friday-School closed
4/5-12
Spring Recess-Daycare available
4/9
Guest Speaker-Hanoch McCarty, author of Chicken Soup for the Soul, 4th serving. Time and location to be
announced
From Tom
Aligning expectations with Montessori goals
We work hard to fulfill our goal of helping your child find purposeful work that satisfies their developmental
needs and thereby grow to meet their full potential. We are working with your child’s interests in a variety of areas.
We do not place any greater emphasis on the academic activities in the early years than we do any other area of the class.
During the toddler and primary years children are exploring the classroom to find the work that “calls to them”.
In truth, the practical life area offers the greatest opportunities for your child to develop focus, concentration, self control
and self-discipline. While many of our students go on to excel academically, it is not our primary goal to prepare children
for a traditional kindergarten program. Kindergarten was designed to help children gain the necessary skills to function in
a traditional educational setting starting in the first grade. It helps to remember that Montessori is education for life,
and to reflect on the true values that we want our children to have. As they develop internal motivation to satisfy their
curiosities, they are becoming independent life long learners.
They are developing social skills in the sense of respect for the people and things in the classroom.
Lessons in “Grace and Courtesy” are a regular part of the child’s ability to function as a community.
Emotionally children are developing a sense of
confidence and self-esteem that values the lessons we learn both through our success and failure. Montessori instructs us
that we should have a kindness for error, as it frequently is our best teacher.
There are many reasons why a parent might send their child to our school,
but the main value of Montessori education lies in the self-discipline, self-motivation, independence, and love of learning
that children achieve.
Special Event
Please save the date for the evening of March 9th to hear a special presentation by the
author of Montessori Madness! a Parent to Parent Argument for Montessori Education Trevor Eissler. In
Eissler’s own words, “My talk will be about parents: how the Montessori principles we see in the classroom are
really universal principles of learning and often apply to adults as well. I feel that once adults see the relevance and prevalence
of these principles in their own lives, they’ll insist on enrolling their children in a Montessori environment.”
Trevor will be coming out from Austin, Texas to give an evening workshop at the Shasta Public
Library Community Room on Tuesday, March 9th from 6 to 7:30 PM. His talk is perfect for parents with children in
a Montessori program, as well as prospective parents who want to learn more. Educators that are interested in Montessori Education
will also benefit from Trevor's insights. The cost will be $20.00 per person or $30.00 per couple and will include
a free copy of Trevor's book! A flyer and registration form will be available soon. All proceeds will go to the Shasta
Montessori Association in support of our Montessori teacher's professional growth. Please help us spread
the word throughout our community so that we can have a sell out event!
Class
News
Celia’s
Toddler Class
Happy New Year! Shannon Breshears has been doing a great job of maintaining the consistency of the toddler program
in the afternoon. Practical life activities help the two year olds achieve the independence they desire. I would like each
of our toddlers to have a pair of slippers with soles on them. Besides being comfortable, it will make it easier for your
child to change clothes when they need to. Please remember to label your child’s personal items.
Cheri’s Class
OUT OF THE
MOUTHS OF BABES
I received
an e-mail over the Christmas break from a mom of one of my students. It said, “When “Johnny”
was brushing his teeth tonight he had an epiphany! He said, “Mom, I spit out a continent!
It looks like Asia!”. We don't always know what impressions or knowledge our children
are absorbing. It could be a direct lesson, an observed lesson, a glimpse, or something they heard as they
were exploring another activity. With such an active classroom, “lessons” are given all of the time.
Being responsible models and teaching to the moment are other ways that your children “get lessons” in
addition to a “one on one lesson”. “The instruction of the teacher consists in merely
a hint, a touch—enough to give a start to the child. The rest develops of itself.”
Dr. Montessori’s Own Handbook, p.58-59
Jenny’s Class
Our first Fancy Friday was a huge success. The children are already talking about Fridays to come.
There are a few Fridays left to sign up for if you would like to help. Also feel free to work together with another
parent if you like. Our sideyard garden is getting a face lift. Valery Thompson is helping the children with this process
when the weather permits. Thanks Valery!
Thought for the Day
A prejudice has found
its way into the adult—the notion that the life of the child can be changed or improved only through teaching.
This prejudice impedes the understanding of the fact that the child constructs himself, that he has a teacher within
himself. . . We adults by acknowledging this unknown teacher may enjoy the privilege and good fortune of becoming its assistants
and faithful servants….” Maria Montessori , The Formation of Man, p.62-63
