March Memories

As we are home over the next few weeks, let us all remember that playing is the cement that holds our learning foundation together.  Creating, moving, singing, discussing, observing and reading together come from a shared desire to communicate and learn from each other. Even though this is a difficult time for all of us, we also hope this can be a special opportunity for spending time with your families.

The newest addition to our Outdoor Classroom is our very own mud kitchen!

Yes, mud and water are the best ingredients served in this outdoor, creative kitchen.  Students wear smocks, while working with kitchen tools, bowels, pots, and pans while creating wonderful “meals.”  The socializing and organizing that goes into this “culinary” operation is extensive and fun to observe.

The mud kitchen was made possible due to the generous funding by our PTO and families. We are so grateful for this creative and useful addition to our Outdoor Classroom.  We are also grateful to FMS alumnus, Griffin Drew (Ms. Angela’s son), who built the kitchen for us. Thanks Griffin!

The environment plays such an important role in children’s development. The outdoors can speak to a child about being valued, respected, and welcomed.  

Plant some seeds together, both in some planters and in the hearts of your families. Let’s make memories that will last a lifetime! 


Remember, learning is endless.

Love,

Ms. Val

February 2020

Fun Filled February

It seems to us that February tugs at our hearts.  Why is that so? I think we know!!

Our minds tend to wander towards Spring.  Could it be that Spring is in the air?  

Our garden is growing, our trees are budding, the birds are singing.  With this in mind, take the time to point out and pay attention to the minor details and minuscule wonders within a child’s world.

Time, patience and awareness is what draws attention to the five senses, giving our children a life-long understanding and appreciation of sights, smells, textures, tastes and sounds around them.  All of this valuable experience is available to us when we pause long enough to observe our surroundings mindfully.


“All knowledge begins in observation.”*

Making more time to observe means increasing the number of opportunities we provide for our children to experience themselves as active participants in the world.


Remember,  learning is endless.

Love,

Ms. Val


*”Sparks of Genius” by Robert and Michelle Root Bernstein

Happy New Year!


January brings a New Year and hopefully 2020 will bring us some cheer! January brings a chill in the air, that’s the reason we bundle up with care.

The outdoor classroom never sleeps.  Students notice the unnoticeable. They are Mother Nature’s greatest eyes and ears.  A watchful eye is always needed this time of year. 


Our children have been enjoying painting snow on pine cones and hanging them in our trees.  So much fun for everyone to see!

One of the biggest and ever evolving lessons in the outdoor classroom, is to teach students respect for themselves and for others.  This is facilitated by acknowledging children’s strong emotions and modeling how to solve problems. Also, emphasis and attention is placed on supporting student’s creativity and providing them with opportunities for free expression.

New delights and opportunities await each time children venture outdoors!!


Remember,

Learning is endless.


Love,

Ms. Val

December 2019

P1040404

Wonderful December

P1040414

A big thanks to all of our FMS families for choosing the Montessori pathway, and for giving us the opportunity to teach such wonderful and inquisitive children.  This is the time of year to remember the gift of time with your children is the best gift of all. We cherish each and every one of them.

P1040388P1040412

P1040417

We are so fortunate to have three weekly volunteers who contribute their love, attention, and humor to the experience in the outdoor classroom.  Ms. Barbara, Ms. Mary and Ms. Jennie visit weekly and provide opportunities for the children to have conversations, interactions, and often undivided attention.  We are so grateful for their generous contributions to the outdoor classroom.

Enjoying a tea party with Ms. Barbara.

Enjoying a tea party with Ms. Barbara.

P1040421

P1040298

While winter break is approaching and it is always refreshing to have unstructured time, we also look forward to the new year and the new opportunities it provides.  Remember, whether far or near, Ms. Val wishes you a very good new year!

P1040395

Remember, learning is endless…

Love,

Ms. Val

 

 

November 2019

P1040366

November is the time for remembering to be thankful for the bounty we have in our lives.

P1040352P1040382

We are forever grateful for our friends, our families, and all the things that sustain our daily lives.

P1040364P1040363P1040344

We are especially grateful for our children!  We spend so much of our time teaching them, but the real lesson is letting them be teachers.

P1040341P1040340

Come on my journey in the outdoor world.

P1040335P1040374

Let’s learn together from the real teachers in our lives.

P1040356P1040357

Happy Thanksgiving to all our FMS families.  Please make memories to keep in your hearts forever!  

P1040369

Remember learning is endless…

P1040333P1040339

P1040342

 

Love,

Ms. Val