Our weeks are very busy with work and projects as we prepare for the art auction and other events in the next few months. The year is moving along quickly.
I always look forward to observing student progress and growth in many areas during this time of year. Students continue to develop intrinsic motivation and move through the work cycles making good choices. They are able to start their work each day independently. They seek help as needed from me or from friends. This is the goal in lower elementary. Our children begin to use leadership skills and develop self-esteem by helping others in the process. As the year progresses it is wonderful to see motivation become part of their work ethic.
Maria Montessori once said, "The greatest sign of success for a teacher in a Montessori classroom... is to be able to say, ' The children are working as if I did not exist.'" What a wonderful environment to learn and grow.
We have individual and group weaving projects underway and everyone is excited to see finished projects. They are beautiful!
Monochrome Art (mono means one and chrome means color)
Lessons in art color theory start as early as primary where students mix primary colors to make secondary colors. Lessons in lower elementary continue using hues of color and producing intricate patterns or the same color to produce patterns. We used black paper as a background and white paper to make a monochrome/"greyscale" collage.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born on January 27, 1756, in Austria. We learned about his life and music and listened to many familiar pieces. The variations on a theme of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star was our favorite. As we listened, we were able to count the variations.
We enjoyed watching snow flurries. It was beautiful! We all agree that we want more snow before winter is over!
Groundhog Day
We learned facts about the woodchuck and made a giant woodchuck oatmeal cookie for our cooking experience. A groundhog is a woodchuck , a rodent and of the family Sciuridae. They belong to a large group of ground squirrels known as marmots. We watched a short video about Punxsutawney Phil and the history of Groundhog Day. Fun Fact: Groundhogs are also called "whistle pigs" because they chatter their teeth when frightened.
