We are beginning to piece it all together, despite some unexpected interruptions to classroom time, combined with the expected ones. Here are some photos of the work going on in the "space between"...
Metal insets are indirect preparation for both handwriting and geometry.
Use of the cursive alphabet roll reinforces knowledge of the cursive alphabet, and can also be used to practice alphabetization. In this instance, the class nametags are physically placed in alphabetical order using the alphabet roll.
Practicing weekly spelling words together reinforces understanding.
This student used the moveable alphabet to practice their CVC pattern spelling words.
Written correspondence practices so many language skills
Once children have completed written correspondence, they can use the Sealing Wax to seal an addressed envelope.
These children are using a CVC word bingo game to practice reading and reinforce recognition of the CVC pattern in language.
These students are learning about grammar (parts of speech). This child is practicing with definite and indefinite articles
and these students are learning about prepositions.
Cursive practice is ongoing
Continuing work with CVC patterned words, these students are creating compound words with a CVC pattern.
This week, the concept of syllable types was introduced. We built onto our CVC knowledge, defining a "closed syllable", which follows a similar pattern to a CVC word where we already expect the vowel sound to be "short".
One of the ways we can practice this concept in the classroom is called a "Syllasearch", where syllables can be combined to create words. We began with the CVC/CVCC closed syllables. Older children who already have an understanding of other types of syllables will be able to quickly move into further exploration with other types of syllables. Younger children just being introduced to this work will advance to the next syllable type once the previous one has been internalized.
Second grade getting their first presentation on CVC Syllasearch.
Individual math practice this week included...
practice with the Exchange Game helps reinforce the concept of the decimal system in a concrete manner.
Golden beads are a material that allows children to manipulate large numbers in a very concrete way. These children are working on the addition of 2 four digit addends. The cooperative nature of this work sometimes presents an excellent opportunity for social-emotional education in addition to the academic work. while cooperating to complete this work.
Still working with addition, these children are using materials that are more abstract in nature.
and the dot game
Connecting the value of coins to Montessori bead material helps to cement understanding
This child is learning to use the Pythagorean Board in a new and different way
An older child has helped 2 younger children with the subtraction strip board, helping to cement her own understanding while expanding that of her classmates
These children are working with the division board, which demonstrates the concept of "sharing equally".
Graded group math lessons this week included understanding the parts of an addition problem (finding the missing number in an equation) and for older students, understanding that addition and subtraction are inverse operations.
In the cultural area, we practiced working with the Land & Water forms work, which was highlighted with the release of a wonderful new book, just in time for Halloween and "Spooky Lake Month", for those who follow this wonderful science educator online.
This student is working with the Famous Masterpieces material.
This student is perfecting her map of the United States
and this one is working on the continent of South America
These students decided to revisit the biographical timeline of Dr. Montessori's life.
These students are working on research. One of the challenges of Lower Elementary is moving from simple copying of information to reading for information, documenting what they learn, and reorganizing in a logical fashion. This is complex stuff!
The impending storm brought interest in the Natural Disasters work, which defines different types of disasters, including hurricanes.
Science is all about classification. This student is comparing plants vs. animals.
Speaking of the cultural area of the classroom, the camping trip provided a wonderful opportunity for me to work on our environment. More than one staff member expressed concern that I might not get this put back together before the kids came back! 🤣
It is always a work in progress, but the basic structure is much improved, providing us access to existing whiteboards that were previously inaccessible. I was also able to disassemble a connected shelf and separate it, allowing me to place the materials in an order that makes more sense (separating physical geography from political geography).
It's been an emotional week for all of us. I hope that all of you and your families remain safe as we continue to look for ways to help our devastated mountain communities. I've already found a way our children can put their letter-writing skills to work providing much-needed emotional support for members of devastated communities.
Please enjoy your fall break!
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