In a Montessori classroom, there is a constant but organic flow of children transitioning between environments. The children move from the more home-like 3-6 to the exploratory 6-9 to the world-wide 9-12. Through these transitions, there are changes in dynamics that allow for more the growth of ideas and inspiration.
We are proud of our older children who have stepped up as role models. They have been working with the younger children, reading with them, assisting in lessons and helping them in the general routine of the day if needed.
During this term, we have given a variety of lessons that have started an exploration of the history of the universe as well as human history. The Great Lesson, also known as The God With No Hands, opens up the universe to the children by giving an idea of how the universe may have been created. It opens up a study into not only the properties of the different states of matter, but also explores the other planets in our solar system. Additionally, children have explored the Fundamental Needs of Humans, which explores how we, as humans, have changed over time due to the advances in technology by studying humans from the past until the present. We have explored transportation over time – transportation over land, air and water.
The dulcet tones of the bells have been ringing through the classroom in the past term. We have started exploring the C major scale with the Montessori Bells in order to help the children recognise the sound of the bells, high and low bells, which could lead to them writing their own compositions once they have become accustomed to the didactic scale. It has helped them to explore their creativity with the bells, as well as with other instruments such as the xylophones and glockenspiels, drums, triangles and tambourines.
We have been reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. The children have been discussing the different choices made by various characters throughout the book and what they needed to have learnt from the consequences of their choices.
The children have continued with a variety of activities such as story writing, dissecting of leaves and flowers, exploration of the different classes of animals and different science experiments (guided and independent). This has tied in with our art projects where the children have been creating their own works while exploring the works of Andy Goldsworthy with Tamlin.
We continue to emphasise independence by raising our expectations on completing and practising work after lessons. The children have risen to the occasion by completing and creating their own posters, booklets, models and research papers.
It has been wonderful caching up with parents over zoom to discuss their child’s progress.
Carli Saber and Xarifa Gabales
Lower Primary (6-9 Years) Directors
