Thursday, December 6, 2012

Montessori Family Visit

Sending Logan to Montessori this year was a pretty easy decision for us.  We love the learning style and that the kids don't have to sit in a desk for most of the day.  They move around the room freely, choosing work to do each day.  We think the style of learning will be great for our kids!  Our Montessori is a charter school, so its part of our school district, but it is full every year with a waiting list.  You apply and then go through a lottery.  Luckily, Logan got one of 30-some spots for the 4K program this year.

After one month of school, the teachers noticed that Logan could read very well and was smart and intuitive.  They asked if we would consider moving Logan from half-days (4K/pre-kindergarten) to full day Kindergarten.  He would have stayed in the same class, but would have stayed all day with the 5-6 year olds instead of coming home at 11:30 like the 4-5 year olds.  We felt strongly from the time Logan was born that we would not rush him into school as a very young five year old.  The 4K option has been a great fit for this year.  After speaking with and meeting with the teachers, we decided to keep Logan in half days and save the full day Kindergarten for next year.  After another couple months, we feel we have made the right decision and Logan loves school!

Today was special because Logan got to bring the whole family to Montessori so we could see his classroom!
Logan showed us his holiday artwork first.  He colors or draws or writes everyday - always bringing home something cool.

He got to show us a few of his favorite "works".  The moveable alphabet is a favorite.  He gets to look at a word and then try to spell it without looking.  He then corrects his own work and moves on to the next word.

Logan showed Bennett how to roll up a rug.

And a holiday activity: Trim the Tree.  Logan was so cute!  He loved this activity!  First, he turned on a music player with Christmas carols, then started hanging the ornaments, sometimes having to find a hook to place on the ornament before hanging it.  Montessori focuses a lot on developing motor skills in children so all parts of an activity have a purpose (rolling the rug, adding the ornament hook, etc).


Then we looked over and Bennett was practicing rolling a rug with Logan's teacher, Mrs. Melissa.

And Daddy had to have a turn, too!

Benny helped Logan finish trimming the tree and then we got to take a look around the room.

The letter of the week is the letter they practice writing, practice the sound, etc.  They can also bring something with that sound or letter for show and tell during the week.  

We got to see all around the room and it was fun for Logan to show us what he enjoys working on during the day.  He asks all the time if he can stay at school all day.  For now, we are still working on easing him into school, routine, and focusing on teaching him some things at home.  Next year he will spend all day in this room!  Its a special place and we are thankful for Montessori!


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