tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759728757345552042024-02-19T19:21:39.859+08:00SW Montessori Children's ClubA community of families who gather together to learn in freedom, using the principles of Maria Montessori's theory of childhood.SW Montessori Children's Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692350400072425455noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75972875734555204.post-51733479629597170592010-01-18T21:33:00.001+08:002010-01-18T21:40:35.539+08:00Term 1 2010Dear Community<br /><br />We are pleased to be able to offer the following staffed sessions<br />Monday 9.30 to 12.30pm<br />Friday 9.30 to 12.30pm<br /><br />And the following unstaffed sessions<br />Wednesday 9.30 to 12.30pm<br />Saturday 9.30 to 12.30pm<br /><br />We have also relaxed the attendance requirements for the Wednesday and Saturday sessions, you can now attend these sessions without the need to attend staffed sessions. Saturdays can also be attended on a casual basis, just pay on the day.<br /><br />Please return your enrolment form as soon as possible to confirm your attendance.<br /><br />It is also with much regret that we must inform the community that Carmelina has resigned her position with the Club due to personal reasons and will not be joining us in Term 1. We would like to take this opportunity to say a big Thank You to Carmelina for all that she has done over the years, the last 12 months would have been even more difficult without her. We wish her all the best for the future. A card for Carmelina will be available in the Club for families to sign.<br /><br />Lorraine will be working with us in Term 1 along with Parent volunteers and we will be using the responses to the Strategic Planning Survey to plan the Clubs requirements for the remainder of 2010.<br /><br />In other news there will be an Open Day at the Club on the 23rd of January from 10am til 2pm. Could all families please invite anyone they think might be interested in the Club. A flyer is also attached for you to forward or put up at work. Of course all members are also welcome at the Open Day and we hope to see you there!<br /><br />The fantastic fundraising committee has also arranged a stall at the Marlston Markets over the next 2 weekends (24th and 31st). They are selling Cadbury products as well as providing a display and information on the Club.<br /><br />2010 is shaping up to be a very exciting year for the Club and we look forward to seeing your family at a session soon!SW Montessori Children's Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692350400072425455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75972875734555204.post-35653877670346432572009-12-16T21:11:00.003+08:002009-12-16T21:20:09.192+08:00Venue for 2010!We are very relieved and excited to say that we have secured a venue for 2010. In fact, we are staying right where we are! The Principal of Eaton Community College confirmed this morning that the rooms are free for us to continue to use for 2010, under the same conditions we have had to date. We are elated! to say the least .... This at least means that we are stable while we continue to work towards securing a suitable long-term venue.SW Montessori Children's Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692350400072425455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75972875734555204.post-20338172309663466932009-10-13T11:12:00.003+08:002009-11-14T15:47:32.571+08:00Term 4 - OctoberIn the first three years of life, children have a strong sense of order and can be upset by changes. Several children struggled with the big changes in our classroom and were a bit unsettled in the first week or two of this term. However, they soon adjusted to the new setup.<br /><br />The classroom is now split into 2 rooms, with parents and younger children in an area adjoining the kitchen and children over 3 spending most of their time with Carmelina in a room at the far end. So far, the older children have taken great pleasure in a variety of practical life activities, such as making their own lemonade, orange-ade, “twirly-whirly” apples(!), and preparing cheese and crackers. Other activities have included the verb game, story writing, the hundred board, triangle construction, fractions with apples, puzzles of the human body and looking through books about fossils and big cats.<br /><br />The new cheese-grating job in the kitchen has been very popular, with several children from around age 2 enjoying the preparation (and consumption!) of grated cheese. There has also been a renewed interest in the Froebel jobs. <br /><br />Sessions are running on Saturdays this term, but it is usually a bit lonely for Harry! After being a little overwhelmed last term, it is lovely to see how much enjoyment he is getting from exploring the environment. It is great too to see that his dad shares in the experience. Several dads in our community attend sessions with their children. Having involved fathers is known to have such a positive effect on the development and health of children. <br /><br />The spring weather has been perfect for trying out our new sports equipment, purchased with a grant received from McDonald’s. <br /><br />Sadly, we received a resignation from Sandy at the beginning of the term – a big thank you to her for all she has done. She has put in so much time and effort over the years. <br /><br />A committee meeting was held during the month – the funding application for a building at the Hudson Road Family Centre was unsuccessful and we are still looking for a venue for 2010.<br /><br />People who didn’t make it to the wildflower walk in the first week of term missed out on a beautiful stroll through Maidens Reserve, led by a guide who provided lots of interesting information about Australian native plants. Several families attended the Milligan’s 20th Annual Teddy Bear’s Picnic on week 3. <br /><br />Ros set up and attended a display for the club at the Inaugural South West Early Years Conference, held at the ECU Bunbury Campus. Anyone interested in hearing more about the conference is welcome to contact Ros.SW Montessori Children's Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692350400072425455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75972875734555204.post-47372987534814237852009-10-11T21:25:00.003+08:002009-10-11T21:43:34.206+08:00Renovations and preparation for Term 4During the second week of the school holidays, the builders constructed a wall to split our room in half, in preparation for use by Eaton Community College students in 2010. All of the old carpet was then ripped up and replaced. <br /><br />Thankfully we were able to access the room on Friday afternoon and prepare the classroom for term 4. Many thanks to the handful of people who helped to move the furniture back and cleaned.<br /><br />Sandy and Carmelina returned on Saturday to finish off preparing the classroom - well done for getting it all done in time for the session on Monday!SW Montessori Children's Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692350400072425455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75972875734555204.post-4521737484286424672009-09-19T21:38:00.005+08:002009-10-13T11:11:08.977+08:00Term 3 - Week 10<p>On Monday and Wednesday, groups of children enjoyed looking at the new human skeleton job.</p><p>Several families stayed for lunch after Monday's session - the last session for Sarah, Ruby and Eleanor before they move to Perth! After lunch, there was a flurry of brooms, brushes and sponges as the children cleaned up. It was great to see them caring for their environment with such enthusiasm. </p><p>There was a good turn-out on the last day of term as we packed up the class and moved everything in preparation for classroom renovations. It was a huge job clearing everything off the carpeted area - many thanks to all who helped.</p>SW Montessori Children's Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692350400072425455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75972875734555204.post-87741927639762333582009-09-19T21:22:00.006+08:002009-09-21T20:34:49.743+08:00Term 3 - Week 8Carmelina attended an encouraging and inspiring talk by Dr Steven Hughes at Beehive Montessori on the night of Monday 7 September and kindly provided us with a summary of his talk in our newsletter. The slide shows from his talk can be viewed at the website <a href="http://www.goodatdoingthings.com/">http://www.goodatdoingthings.com/</a> , though it is somewhat difficult to imagine what some of the slides represent without the explanations! Apparently you can also view a podcast of the entire talk from the website - has anyone had success with viewing this?<br /><br />Inspired by the classroom at Beehive, on Friday Carmelina presented an art activity of finger painting flowers and introduced parts of the seed.<br /><br />Saturday was more busy than usual, with the participants of the library workshops attending and a few members doing a make-up session.SW Montessori Children's Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692350400072425455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75972875734555204.post-18285784264050695482009-09-19T20:46:00.003+08:002009-09-19T21:20:27.594+08:00Term 3 - Visit to Dolphin Discovery Centre<div>Several families gathered together on Thursday 3 September to visit the Dolphin Discovery Centre in Bunbury. The children enjoyed touching the shells decorating the display stands and were fascinated by the skeleton of the dolphin, though the biggest attractions were the touchpool and the loggerhead turtles. The little loggerhead turtles are in rehabilitation at the centre after being washed ashore on the beaches around Bunbury, and will be returned to warmer waters around Shark Bay once they are strong enough. It was interesting to watch the volunteer staff feed the turtles.</div><br /><div>The weather held off for a relaxed morning tea picnic on the lawn outside the centre. The children played in the cosy playground and the mums enjoyed having a chat.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383167336725370322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf62U-sJ0t5ZEQbghnUtyBFY8GCtQs4BYM1fCMsxdiVYmD547drwKwRHbCbMv8EXgj2AIQVtk9jsYdjsfFzDEvE4CJXmqj2CT4vksjhJra7s-9R_JBPZhTonK71x4Bfu89_W9EZhFmfP8/s320/P9030010.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div><div>Many thanks to Renee for organising the event - a good choice for Biodiversity Month, which is held in September every year and aims to promote the importance of protecting, conserving and improving biodiversity (the "web of life") worldwide. </div>SW Montessori Children's Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692350400072425455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75972875734555204.post-21682148820868214782009-09-05T10:30:00.003+08:002009-09-05T10:40:08.866+08:00Term 3 - Week 5Carmelina, Annmarie and Rebecca returned from their holiday in Italy - welcome back! Carmelina was kept busy organising the art job in the kitchen area. The children really enjoyed stirring the foam and dye and seeing the pattern it made on the paper.<br /><br />A committee meeting was held after the morning session on Saturday. Minutes are available in the file at the entrance to the classroom.SW Montessori Children's Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692350400072425455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75972875734555204.post-40615715771124704182009-09-03T09:07:00.007+08:002009-09-15T10:41:25.574+08:00Term 3 - Week 6On Monday, Annmarie, Emma, Rebecca and Chloe returned to one of their favourite activities - working together with the shape-making job (ironing beads).<br /><br /><br />Wednesday was a quiet day with only 3 families present. There was a good balance of individual and group work. Timothy (5) and Mikayla (2.5) interacted while drawing, before Mikayla went off to explore the practical life area and Timothy did the candle job. Dylan (5.5) showed great patience in waiting for his turn to explore the bugs preserved in resin.<br /><br /><br />Friday was full of activity. There was a huge triumph for Timothy (5) early in the session, who tackled the hundred board for the first time and, with a little guidance from Annmarie, successfully completed it. Annmarie, Rebecca, Timothy and Michael were very excited when EJ gave them the opportunity to hold Oscar (6 weeks old). Michael was intrigued by Oscar's tiny feet. In the latter part of the session, several children worked with the language boxes. Well done Harry (1.5) for making it to the end of the session!<br /><br />A community meeting was held on Saturday at the club. The main topic for discussion was our urgent need for a venue in 2010. Minutes from the community meeting are available in the file near the classroom entrance.SW Montessori Children's Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692350400072425455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75972875734555204.post-85680674470402703812009-08-25T09:28:00.001+08:002009-09-05T09:59:17.333+08:00Term 3 - August Parent ed night7 adults (plus Thomas!) came on Monday night. It was a relaxed and informal chat about how we use Montessori with our children at home. Stories and ideas were shared over topics such as discipline. It was a great chance for the adults to discuss the joys and challenges of parenting and the Montessori philosophy.SW Montessori Children's Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692350400072425455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75972875734555204.post-81891525510716274092009-08-04T21:33:00.013+08:002009-08-23T08:30:07.418+08:00Term 3 - Week 1 - ECU VisitOn the first Thursday of Term 3, a group of Edith Cowan University students in the final year of their teaching degree visited our classroom to learn more about Montessori education.<br /><br />The morning started with Leah giving an informal talk on general Montessori information. The students then split into small groups and tried out selected equipment themselves, guided by the manuals.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7WkTzYxYTO5wwrlp9YCQg9cf0S2QVQOOTRheaY37vDW9BL3_5xGibJWlTWlEM3YlYXkoZ1gtzXDHXHzK9XJx4XJWwIebnQBYeD_reYtZ9XVOPM4juRtKa8JqTuiacthue9bnimk9KoU/s1600-h/July+09+020.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370906041636161810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7WkTzYxYTO5wwrlp9YCQg9cf0S2QVQOOTRheaY37vDW9BL3_5xGibJWlTWlEM3YlYXkoZ1gtzXDHXHzK9XJx4XJWwIebnQBYeD_reYtZ9XVOPM4juRtKa8JqTuiacthue9bnimk9KoU/s320/July+09+020.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />After working with the materials for a while, the students explored the classroom.<br /><br />One student emerged from the practical life area saying he'd just had a profound experience with a child, and recommended other students take a look. Michael (2.5 years) was absorbed in the transfer of beads, and a few students gathered to watch him.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rvXd1BBlvC2CsgeDKzm1YyausJRDOUYid-mRhAY_Pwz0xeUSV-Mu4I_lFU4SckGHdPrHj1R6PT9-lcpOBPLqUld82O53RQazEElKwCAuwQOB3iJIJkgbjXdCxEDYo6BZllSmt6VNjNM/s1600-h/July+09+024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372946570411869682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rvXd1BBlvC2CsgeDKzm1YyausJRDOUYid-mRhAY_Pwz0xeUSV-Mu4I_lFU4SckGHdPrHj1R6PT9-lcpOBPLqUld82O53RQazEElKwCAuwQOB3iJIJkgbjXdCxEDYo6BZllSmt6VNjNM/s320/July+09+024.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Thanks to Leah for her efforts in coordinating the visit, and Sandy, who looked after the children.SW Montessori Children's Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692350400072425455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75972875734555204.post-24592785456668706642009-06-28T20:18:00.024+08:002009-07-16T21:16:16.528+08:00Term 2 Week 9 - Thursday Session - Harvey Dam WalkThursday the 25th June saw a group of local Montessorians brave the weather to descend upon the Harvey Amphitheatre for a walk and picnic l<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcaZmT9RtYEUWPMRTA5EEYMm88HzEHXI2hPbn9gw24ogs_fs82eYTwLJ3nsZrOK0gvF1mzfykIPmWNnJ883aYwMNDC718BBkCkIMv1BM50fof3xUxCGfRxa7EMvQJvIIHsK5b6L7gdjA/s1600-h/P6250120.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359042934387755986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjcaZmT9RtYEUWPMRTA5EEYMm88HzEHXI2hPbn9gw24ogs_fs82eYTwLJ3nsZrOK0gvF1mzfykIPmWNnJ883aYwMNDC718BBkCkIMv1BM50fof3xUxCGfRxa7EMvQJvIIHsK5b6L7gdjA/s320/P6250120.JPG" /></a>unch. A most enjoyable walk to the top of the dam wall, with many discoveries on the way, was had by all.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Although rain threatened to spoil the day, in fact, the sun shone the whole time we were there apart from a very brief shower right in the middle of lunch, which sent everyone scurrying for the nearby gazebo!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhsD6AARE6qFN0ByqqctnHzXQ18Ysu8-GMAQliZFnKZQipHJDwlXbTt4ENxvsSg-4jXBUiQRdE5xbIXvCmShcwd0CHK46k9kK26Vxs1rdYTUxB5kf_GyHnfBpAGDRR4QWOjn82dk191E/s1600-h/P6250122.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359042937062481890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhsD6AARE6qFN0ByqqctnHzXQ18Ysu8-GMAQliZFnKZQipHJDwlXbTt4ENxvsSg-4jXBUiQRdE5xbIXvCmShcwd0CHK46k9kK26Vxs1rdYTUxB5kf_GyHnfBpAGDRR4QWOjn82dk191E/s320/P6250122.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Soon after lunch, the adults were treated to the highlight of the event, a marvelous impromptu concert in the Ampitheatre. Directed and performed by the children themselves, it showcased ballet, singing and acrobatics.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdyRvUmOMl2pnBJhL6kc1iGGtfp6sWgaqmcb0ZfKq0jKJBhHJXyBdSXEaRBcT08Y0_SNFNvTYCzqYq5GdmNn34hwRbrswPiFV5DHoxGuezHh13-V4UgqlaoB74RS52Y5uWIEsNveQC_bk/s1600-h/P6250131.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359042945561836562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdyRvUmOMl2pnBJhL6kc1iGGtfp6sWgaqmcb0ZfKq0jKJBhHJXyBdSXEaRBcT08Y0_SNFNvTYCzqYq5GdmNn34hwRbrswPiFV5DHoxGuezHh13-V4UgqlaoB74RS52Y5uWIEsNveQC_bk/s320/P6250131.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />An excellent venue for an outing for the family, much to explore and all ages are catered for.<br /><br />Thankyou to the organisers.SW Montessori Children's Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692350400072425455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75972875734555204.post-28812842518718759892009-06-28T20:15:00.008+08:002009-07-16T21:18:27.869+08:00Term 2 Week 9 - Monday Session<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5iu5qD0k2adq5ufuiL_Hk71nT2W_NDex5-mA9N80z2NkohUpDSaPDtYzw_bRihv1c4rPIlWtQ5uq6CaV-zOGVair7Ob_ULfWOzYaUjT3TpxdPyXWTHThzI4iyyvkfz_H6fKQPIlo2ME/s1600-h/2009_0622_093532AA.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359038812413273730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5iu5qD0k2adq5ufuiL_Hk71nT2W_NDex5-mA9N80z2NkohUpDSaPDtYzw_bRihv1c4rPIlWtQ5uq6CaV-zOGVair7Ob_ULfWOzYaUjT3TpxdPyXWTHThzI4iyyvkfz_H6fKQPIlo2ME/s320/2009_0622_093532AA.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Our practice of "Walking the Line" continues. Today Annmarie (7 years) really challenged herself, putting her balancing skills to the test by walking the line holding an egg on a spoon whilst carrying 5 bean bags on her head! What an inspiration to all the other children.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div>SW Montessori Children's Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692350400072425455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75972875734555204.post-21530210481206556212009-06-14T22:58:00.018+08:002009-07-16T21:17:36.776+08:00Term2 Week8 through Week10 - Group Work!Last week Annmarie (7 years) and Emma (5 years) did a bead job which you iron to melt into a permanent shape. Erin (4 years) noticed and wanted to do the job, however it was time to pack away. On Monday of this week the two older girls got the job out again, and Erin was quick to join in. The job quickly turned into an impromptu group activity which included seven children lined up along the bench, industriously creating! Pictured below are Annmarie, Kane (2.5 years), Erin (4 years) and Sylvie (3.5 years). <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359029235827007762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinIR_cpF_3EhyphenhyphenQDtUqb1kIbAv9vZCLqFK230Q5YHCIVgoSWJIJBnoWVAyIYEnwdsQcOvUihhXJfAjIzaOrzn5e9YD30BwzNC5PXtZAt9Rqcs6wLiNbopyVe7rk5GwEvk3AdPQbrkSW5gg/s400/2009_0615_112010AA.JPG" /> <div></div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgPt62DP8zdrrW-g7DKvkbR1UxozWIMYVA5_2gOL7ij3ubXwA8Oxh5OJEyWLRpmgYazS4Xd5cbyv2PMhx4oCxA7b5v4q9E0j5cnxgZjI7EafUjV3pW95tPLACZr_9-sOZyFH2QEL7XF8/s1600-h/2009_0620_092350AA.JPG"></a>In addition to Emma and those pictured above, were Rebecca and Chloe (both 3.5 years). On Saturday, Chloe's sister, Amelie (5 years, pictured below), attended the MLC and the first job she wanted to do was the beads. Obviously she liked what Chloe brought home!</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359033989328422402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADOz0BR1YpxKXxnJosYHkz3AWdKr5I8P8KuQCtv017LqMY5H9ITqY7wfTYmZaRXSw09-6y0tlstSxUF6BjFFxqF_vrryki9BK4ghQL6UMqjBUOGTaBqiVJeG2w_J-21zE-W8nQ9CgCD0/s320/2009_0620_092350AA.JPG" />On Monday of the following week and then again on Friday Erin continued with the job. Each time it gathered much interest! Two weeks later, Amali (4 years) and Daniel (3.5 years) joined in and got creative!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359035034696273682" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNxGcEbjfy0IqqwVH8xqwxeaExoHmYPHzdQN30z-H55bGEmKNjhRKb-0nVQR5LOgZ8iDXTGPGw_373nYyNSPgcu6ri-XYmq8hqg5dHtc4QBkWePtZARJ4tTn_jekOo18lxff6Mm00_Pk/s320/2009_0629_110138AA.JPG" />SW Montessori Children's Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692350400072425455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75972875734555204.post-33860702760281257112009-06-14T22:55:00.007+08:002009-06-14T23:24:04.722+08:00Term2 Week7 - Saturday SessionAnother quiet Saturday morning, and another Saturday Welcome Back to the Club! for today. Returning members Sandy and Marlee (16 months) spent the morning with us. Marlee had a good time checking out the various jobs in the infant area, and is pictured below using the 3-part cards for the farm animals. Sandy and Marlee enjoyed their morning and hope to continue next term! We look forward to seeing you here again soon.<br /><br />Saturdays, being a shorter and quieter session, are a great way for members who haven't been around the club for some time to come along and re-experience it. If you know of someone who has attended the Introductory sessions, or have attended the community in the past, feel free to mention they are welcome to come along and check us out! At $10/family on Saturdays it is an excellent opportunity.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eYP4QjJj-eXjYvzZK6V3CVeqOZ_CA6raYTpiNv4g29SkFq-XUjdEWFKFpkiJo2n7nRMS6zOzf82So-ORPJkFNx_btw3UVMsPgU8WgVLV5Tw4o1Rjk0Es4z1yK63_DfXig0y3BOXu1NM/s1600-h/Sandy.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347198983391907058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2eYP4QjJj-eXjYvzZK6V3CVeqOZ_CA6raYTpiNv4g29SkFq-XUjdEWFKFpkiJo2n7nRMS6zOzf82So-ORPJkFNx_btw3UVMsPgU8WgVLV5Tw4o1Rjk0Es4z1yK63_DfXig0y3BOXu1NM/s320/Sandy.JPG" border="0" /></a> Today toward the end of the first hour of the session Erin (4 years) wanted to do the candle job. Dad, Paul, was hesitant, as hey "isn't that playing with fire, on more than one front?" (not his words!). The answer to whether she could do the job was yes. Our environment has been set up so that the children have the freedom to do a job, if they so desire. After Paul's demonstration and under his supervision, Erin chose to conduct some aspects of the job, whilst asking dad to perform others. Last term Erin had watched with facination as Annmarie (7) performed this job, and she loves the Earth Goes Around the Sun ceromony, thus she has had the interest and motivation to do this job in the past however it has been tempered by fear. It was awesome to observe her bravery as she held the match and blew it out.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347198989757469010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLsoErGbr_jkyTMr98pGBt00QxXK1KnHiRX6SaiTbie_CzrzZ8F7_cYI9yeoxqJ0BTjlwoDKCbxPtW7pfej29baPXeOc91vTRy83gJxwahfZsekW04wa7HPf9a_QFLHhEjxrsKvfsSWs/s320/Erin.JPG" border="0" />SW Montessori Children's Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692350400072425455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75972875734555204.post-48082630369514901032009-06-12T21:09:00.009+08:002009-06-12T21:24:50.217+08:00Montessori Equipment in the Infant AreaAt the Parent Education Evening held on June 8 one of our dads asked about manuals for the use of equipment in the Infant Area. I thought that I would pass on the following link which takes us to a heap of photos of the equipment in this area (with a quick description of each) that Meghan recently uploaded to her blog. Although this list is not complete, this might be great source of information for parents with children who frequently conduct jobs in this area! Thanks Meg for allowing us to view these photos.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/35832724@N02/?saved=1">http://www.flickr.com/photos/35832724@N02/?saved=1</a>SW Montessori Children's Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692350400072425455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75972875734555204.post-33993417419760037142009-06-12T20:56:00.009+08:002009-06-14T22:57:10.066+08:00Parent Education Night: June 8 2009<p>The Open Session Protocols, which are some guiding rules by which we expect our montessori community to adhere to, were not just put together by a group who threw a couple of ideas together when discussing how they wanted our classroom to run. In fact the protocols are the outcome of the body of knowledge that our teachers and committee members have of the Montessori philosophy and how this philosophy is implemented on a daily basis around the world, and more importantly how Maria Montessori herself wanted it implemented. To support this and to encourage our parents to work within these guidelines, tonight we discussed each protocol in detail. Carmelina supported their implementation within our environment with various quotes that she sourced in the selection of library books which are on offer through the MLC. Thanks Carmelina for the time and effort this took, and for chairing the session! Below is the selection of quotes; the text however does not include the additional discussions from our attendees on the night!</p><p>Please Note: Carmelina encouraged us when we heard (read) the word ‘teacher’ to replace it with ‘parent’ – because of the way we run our Open Sessions at the Montessori Learning Community, we as parents are our children’s teachers in the sense that these texts discuss.<br /><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Introduction:</strong><br />p.64 “The Montessori Way” Tim Seldin<br />Helen Keller, inspired by Montessori, wrote:<br />“I believe that every child has hidden away somewhere in his being noble capacities which may be quickened and developed if we go about it in the right way, but we shall never properly develop the higher nature of our little ones while we continue to fill their mind with the so-called ‘basics’. Mathematics will never make them loving, nor will accurate knowledge of the size and shape of the world help them to appreciate its beauties. Let us lead them during the first years to find their greatest pleasure in nature. Let them run in the fields, learn about animals, and observe real things. Children will educate themselves under the right conditions. They required guidance and sympathy far more than instruction.”<br /><br />...Each classroom is a place where children really want to be because it feels a lot like home. Montessori schools give children the sense of belonging to a family and help children learn how to live with other human beings.<br /><br /><strong>Protocol #1: Your child will gain the most benefit from working on the equipment by themselves.<br /></strong>p.19 Child, Society & The World, Maria Montessori<br />In an extract form a course lecture, Barcelona 1933, the Rules for the Teacher in the Children’s House were to (Point #11) “make his presence felt to those who are still looking (for a job), and hide it from those who have succeeded.”<br /><br />p.17 Basic Montessori, Learning Activities for Under 5’s, David Gettman<br />The adult in the Montessori environment can serve the child in three ways: as the main ‘caretaker’ and guardian of the work space, its furnishings, and the materials; as a ‘facilitator’ of the child’s interaction with the materials; and as an ‘observer’ of the child’s work and development. You can be all three of these things at once, but never the child’s teacher in the traditional sense, since in the Montessori environment the child learns through active discovery, rather than through passive reception. Montessori called the adult who assumes the above three roles the environment’s ‘director’.<br /><br /><strong>Protocol #2: We are creating an ‘environment’ in which the child is free to follow his/her own instincts to learn. It is a child’s learning environment.<br /></strong>p.19 Child, Society & The World, Maria Montessori<br />In an extract form a course lecture, Barcelona 1933, the Rules for the Teacher in the Children’s House were to<br />(Point #7): respect those who are working without ever interrupting.<br />(Point #9): respect anyone who is resting and anyone who is watching the others work without disturbing him, without calling him or making him return to his own task.<br />(Point #10): be ‘tireless’ in trying to offer objects to those who have rejected them; and in teaching those who still haven’t learnt and who make mistakes – making the environment as alive as possible and yet keeping a concentrated silence, using soft words and a loving presence.<br /><br />p.51 The Montessori Way, Tim Seldin (Montessori quote)<br />“Those of us who have tried to learn the ways of childhood from children (instead of from our own ides) have been amazed at the discoveries we have made. And there is one point on which we all agree – children live in a world of their own interests. The work they do there must be respected, for though many childish activities may seem pointless to grown-ups, nature is using them for her own ends. She is building mind and character as well as bone and muscle. The greatest help you can give your children is freedom to go about their work in their own way, for in this matter your child knows better than you.”<br /><br />p.53 Normalization + orange box<br />Normalization describes the process that takes place every year in Montessori classrooms around the world, in which young children, who typically have short attention spans, learn to focus their intelligence, concentrate their energies for long periods, and take tremendous satisfaction from their work.<br /><br />In his book, Maria Montessori: Her Life and Work, E.M. Standing described the following characteristics of normalization in the child between the age of three and six:<br />A love of order<br />A love of work<br />Profound spontaneous concentration<br />Attachment to reality<br />Love of silence and of working alone<br />Sublimation of the possessive instinct<br />Obedience<br />Independence and initiative<br />Spontaneous self-discipline<br />Joy<br />The power to act from real choice and not just from idle curiosity<br /><br /><strong>Protocol #3: Your main role in this environment is to observe your child.<br /></strong>p.51/52 The Montessori Way, Tim Seldin<br />“The first step to take in order to become a Montessori teacher is to shed omnipotence and to become a joyous observer. If the teacher can really enter into the joy of seeing things, being born and growing under his own eyes, and clothe himself in the garment of humility, many delights are reserved for him that are denied to those who assume infallibility and authority in front of a class (Montessori, To Educate the Human Potential)<br />Here lies the essential point: from her scientific preparation, the teacher must bring not only the capacity, but the desire, to observe natural phenomena. In our system, she must become a passive, much more than an active influence, and her passivity shall be composed of anxious scientific curiosity, and of absolute respect for the phenomena she wishes to observe. The teacher must feel her position of observer; the activity must lie in the phenomenon. (Montessori, The Montessori Method).”<br /><br />p.18 Child, Society & The World, Maria Montessori<br />In an extract form a course lecture, Barcelona 1933, the Rules for the Teacher in the Children’s House were to<br />“(Point #3): be ‘active’ when putting the child in rapport with the environment, and be ‘passive’ when this rapport is achieved.”<br /><br /><strong>Protocol #4: You, the parent or guardian, are ultimately responsible for ensuring a piece of equipment your child has used is left in a complete state – totally ready to be used by the next child.<br /></strong>p.50 The Montessori Way, Tim Seldin : Beauty<br />Each learning activity is complete; everything needed is present and in good repair. Objects placed in the classroom are attractive and elegant, designed to attract the child’s interest and attention.<br /><br />p.18 Child, Society & The World, Maria Montessori<br />In an extract form a course lecture, Barcelona 1933, the Rules for the Teacher in the Children’s House were to<br />(Point #1): look after the environment in the most careful way, so that it looks clean, light and well ordered. Repair things that are worn through use: mending and repainting: or obtaining some attractive ornament. ‘Like a faithful servant who prepares the house for his master’s return’.<br /><br /><strong>Protocol #5: Everyone in this environment has the right to work undisturbed. Do not interrupt, or allow your child to interrupt, a working child or an adult working with a child, under any circumstance.<br /></strong>Montessori Insights, Alined Wolf : Nurturing Concentration<br />Cultivating a child’s power of concentration actually begins before the child is three. Concentration is a fragile mind-set that can easily be interrupted by adults who do not understand that age 0-3 is the formative stage for this lifelong power. For example, a young child may be floating sticks in a puddle or lining up pots and pans on the kitchen floor when her caretaker decides, “enough of this mess,” and abruptly ends the activity.<br />To interfere with a child’s concentration in order to change his messy clothes or clean up a cluttered floor is to put appearances ahead of the child’s psychic development. If a child’s cycle of activity is interrupted, the results are a deviation of behaviour, aimlessness and loss of interest...So whatever intelligent activity we witness in a child – even if it seems absurd to us...we must not interfere; for the child must be able to finish the cycle of activity on which his heart is set...”<br /><br />p.50 The Montessori Way, Tim Seldin<br />“..the adult must protect each child’s choice by ensuring that the child will be able to work with the chosen learning materials without interruption or interference from other children.”<br /><br />p.15(2) Child, Society & The World, Maria Montessori<br />“The phenomenon of concentration is necessary first. Then the children are calm. They move their hands only when they work. A child who concentrates does not disturb others. The teacher must recognise the first moment of concentration and must not disturb it. The whole future comes from this moment and so the teacher must be ready for non-interference when it occurs. This is very difficult because the teacher has to interfere at every moment before the children are normalized. Generally teachers interfere when a child is working. They go to see what they are doing and praise them. This praise is interference. The teacher goes to correct mistakes; this is an interference, even though it is an interference of goodwill. It is not interference to interfere when the child is naughty...When the child is working seriously they will often go and say “what are you doing? Show me?” Then the concentration is broken; it is finished. So never interfere when a child is working by himself. Don’t be preoccupied about whether he is making mistakes, you must not correct him at this moment. The important thing is not that the child should handle the material well, but that this material has attracted the attention of the child. The child corrects himself though repeating the exercise or through the control of error which is exact for some of the material. If you interfere, a child’s interest finishes, the enchantment of correcting himself is broken. It is as though he says “I was with myself inside. You called me and so it is finished. Now this material has no more importance for me”. A child does not need praise; praise breaks the enchantment. The child is not interested in one material. It is a great inner energy, normality, which comes and you break this if you interfere.”<br /><br />p.14(2) Child, Society & The World, Maria Montessori<br />“...After this, whenever I saw a child concentrate on a piece of work I left him undisturbed. We must not interfere with a concentrating child, because something is happening inside that child. ”<br /><br /><strong>Protocol #6: Keep words to an absolute minimum when you are demonstrating a piece of equipment.<br /></strong>p.18(2) Child, Society & The World, Maria Montessori<br />“The children know that in this attractive environment they are free to choose their own occupations and that there is this attractive dignified person. An English poet wrote of a teacher that she should be like an angel, protective and sweet and dignified. The children get this sense of security when they are near this superior person. The teacher must be everything that is perfect.”<br /><br /><strong>Protocol #7: Trust your child to find the right job for themselves – refrain from suggesting jobs.<br /></strong>p.14 Montessori Insights, Alined Wolf<br />When an adult performs a particular action, such as going upstairs, it is usually for a specific purpose... But during a sensitive period a child will climb the stairs because she is guided by an inner impulse to practice that particular movement. Staircases give the greatest joy, Montessori wrote, because children have in themselves an innate tendency to go upwards. To come down the stairs is more difficult, and the parent usually has to help the child with this manoeuvre. The child may then climb the steps again to the chagrin of her caregiver, who may not understand that she is inwardly motivated to master this skill.<br />Montessori reminds parents that this kind of activity, which serves no external purpose, gives children the practice they need for co-ordinating their movements. The child is fortunate whose parents can perceive the long-range purpose of this kind of repetition and patiently give their time and any necessary assistance.”<br /><br />p.16 Child, Society & The World (2), Maria Montessori<br />“...at the moment of real concentration. This is the moment of conquest, the time when the child instructs himself according to the urge of nature.”<br /><br /><strong>Protocol #8: Before presenting a piece of equipment to your child try and familiarise yourself in its use.</strong><br />p.18 (3,4) Basic Montessori, Learning Activities for Under 5’s, David Gettman<br />“First, each activity should be presented at precisely the right moment in a particular child’s development, so that it will challenge the child’s intellectual and physical abilities, and tie together certain of the child’s previous experiences, thereby stimulating the child to observe the presentation closely and later to attempt the activity independently. To help create a challenge, the director doing the presentation must conduct the activity as perfectly as humanly possible, with a strong sense of confidence and an appearance of facility and grace. Rather than put the child off, this vision of perfection will be absorbed by the absorbent mind, and will lead the child to repeat the activity many times in pursuit of that perfection. The director must perceive when the initial challenge has been met in the child’s daily attempts, and then introduce the additional exercise that build on the activity and its principles.<br />Second, after an activity has been presented to a child whose curiosity was sufficiently stimulated by it, the director must have the restraint to allow the child voluntarily to select and independently attempt the activity, and to attempt it many times without interference, comments or assistance. In other words, you must resist your sentimental impulse to help, and the child must be permitted to explore the new material freely and to struggle towards reproducing your presentation. However, if for some reason the child did not fully grasp the whole presentation, or seems hung up by the lack of an important step or technique, then sometime in the near future the director should repeat the presentation.When repeating a presentation, the director chooses a time that the child will not relate to any failed attempt, and simply says, “I would like to show you this material again”, without reference to the child’s previous attempts or to the earlier presentation.” </p><p></p><p></p>SW Montessori Children's Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692350400072425455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75972875734555204.post-45591509547022940722009-06-12T20:47:00.011+08:002009-06-14T22:58:03.944+08:00Term2 Week7 - Monday SessionThis week our parent education evening discussed the importance of the various open session protocols. If you are unfamiliar with the protocols they can be found in the post for the Parent Ed night. Today was an excellent example of implementing Protocol #5: Everyone in the environment has the right to work undisturbed.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346422599226715362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYBZQICE8QnA23hWPZKAfRvh_nfsI39ycIzYRJO7k0WdNlALKq7w-f4BNeN0_yr18tOuRdqNX-CGEFVq5PCW5xMcgV3a7cLhF_5F-dDNpXSAs-bIzTiednXKCloQapJkjddtvnNXxWSY/s320/annmarie.JPG" border="0" /><br />This morning at the start of the session Annmarie and Emma chose the 'Take Off' game (found in the 6-9 year old area). The 'game' includes a large detailed world map and unique country profile cards, featuring maps, flags, vital information and geographic clues. This game is both educational and fun and the girls quickly became engrossed in it. With sessions now starting with circle time rather than ending with it our guide Carmellina had a decision to make at 9:15 - to 'interrupt' their job and call for the children to join together, or to wait. With the guidance of our Protocols, the decision was already made, and circle time was delayed. It is very important that we do not disturb our childrden in the environment. As parents, and guides, we are caretakers and it is our job to protect our children's space to ensure that they aren't interrupted which allows them to develop concentration, aiding in skills development.<br /><br />Thus, we remind our parents that when in the environment to please keep conversations to a minimum and refrain from interrupting a child under any circumstances. Please be aware too that our guide makes an effort to work with our children individually, so if you see they are busy with a child please wait until they are free, especially if it is to say hello or goodbye.SW Montessori Children's Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692350400072425455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75972875734555204.post-32715329709011802182009-06-06T21:03:00.025+08:002009-06-06T22:01:41.190+08:00Term2 Week6 - Saturday SessionToday for the first time this term Lisa and Phil - who were attended Saturday sessions last term - brought Brodie (4 years) and Sienna (2 years) back to the club, along with the new addition to their family, Aaron John Lay, who is 8 weeks old (pictured below). Welcome to our community, Aaron!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344200728607248626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjughcbHZj_SScCNZClUx4NtvBrGv8F9ZK_8VbVJx10XJK4dmK1fiUlVRaoihQrfMRIM-Fe_8Mf-3uxzRwSyV4k-J30-M_sWaeBkNVzXudXXO7g38ifdyvHw7L2BwD7uHdwdhHG34cjZSE/s400/2009_0606_105236AA.JPG" border="0" />With three families in attendance, Aaron found the quiet of the environment very conducive to snuggling up with dad! Brodie settled in with an all-time favourite, the farm, whilst Sienna put the Bionomial Cube together with mum.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6YeuWNwTxxFW3JnuX8iqArKmfe5jdioV52PGiveeqnf2yTSRRgVV9BnpnfAnXtuc3HvSepljAkKiLtTDnkNiZlePwleXJSgkiUClV2UyHebsVgMnwM5WCRV9g_JjeyOsw85nCGIOsow/s1600-h/Paul.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344206277658476098" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6YeuWNwTxxFW3JnuX8iqArKmfe5jdioV52PGiveeqnf2yTSRRgVV9BnpnfAnXtuc3HvSepljAkKiLtTDnkNiZlePwleXJSgkiUClV2UyHebsVgMnwM5WCRV9g_JjeyOsw85nCGIOsow/s200/Paul.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5kQ_Y36f5FnZ6-CGe4h9qGKSf1Zd6dqeDGUULFxIm09C2ealHRztEJQP9pzgyQBFRDVB9sEKqdU2C91z-omsyypWyOhtdNpEbmj-9ad5GO4n9yrCaLYQHw093vGXJ-CT70p0e0zyaNQ/s1600-h/Dee.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344206981511336946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5kQ_Y36f5FnZ6-CGe4h9qGKSf1Zd6dqeDGUULFxIm09C2ealHRztEJQP9pzgyQBFRDVB9sEKqdU2C91z-omsyypWyOhtdNpEbmj-9ad5GO4n9yrCaLYQHw093vGXJ-CT70p0e0zyaNQ/s200/Dee.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />In fact, the quiet of the morning was a great opportunity for parents to trial some of the equipment. Mum, Dee, took the opportunity to demonstrate balancing to son, Jim (2 years) whilst dad, Paul, had fun making magnets flip for his son Kai (22 months).<br /><br />Saturday sessions really are a great way for families to spend some quality time together and we appreciate the committee trialling attendance on Saturdays! Thanks Carmelina for going out of your way to open and close the club up for us!<br /><br /><div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Just a reminder that on Monday night, June 8th, there is a parent ed evening where Carmelina will be demonstrating the use of various equipment. If you would like to nominate a particular piece of equipment please feel free to email (<a href="mailto:carmic@geo.net.au">carmic@geo.net.au</a>) Carmelina your suggestion. </div></div>SW Montessori Children's Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692350400072425455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75972875734555204.post-21045009452544756412009-05-30T21:07:00.007+08:002009-05-30T21:21:15.447+08:00Term2 Week5 - Saturday SessionGood News: Saturday Sessions are up and running for the rest of the term on a trial basis. $10/family you are able to attend on a casual, pay-as-you-go basis! (though you are most welcome to pay up front for the remainder of the term!) Saturdays are a great opportunity for the dad's who generally don't get the opportunity to attend during the week to come along and interact with their children in the Montessori environment. Today, was a quiet start, with two families taking up the opportunity. New community member and father, Dean, came along for the first time to the club (since the Introductory Library session) with son Clive (2) and they spent some of their time together checking out the farm set, which is a popular job with almost all our children! Welcome Dean!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341604361870237282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-YyqAnQZ1jl0t_IVpBWUG8EIatOYA3nOFTcqZYPwUTY930tocvisJ89BA0ahUnZmxZ96IlbrvoM2q2BSoaGfDeqJtypeSYL0pHMf8voKf2Aq_MYvZHPgcN4L_6pg1cLZHKrtDeIjs8M/s320/2009_0530_104459AA.JPG" border="0" />As with the Wednesday sessions, Saturday sessions are not staffed. Thus parents are reminded to value and respect the environment completely and ensure that all property and working space be left in an optimal state before leaving the room. If you notice anything out of the ordinary or misplaced on arrival there will be a “communication booklet” for you to describe such. This is important as it will assist in the upkeep and the maintaining of our environment which we are all responsible for. We would like to reiterate that this is purely a ‘trial basis’ and the committee will review the feasibility of Saturdays at the end of this term. So, if you think Saturday Sessions are great and needed - come along and join in! See you at the club.<br /><div></div><div></div>SW Montessori Children's Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692350400072425455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75972875734555204.post-41930584745286725432009-05-29T21:28:00.020+08:002009-05-29T22:16:53.977+08:00Term2 Week5 - Wednesday Session<div><div>Often at times it can be frustrating for a parent when they see their child do the same activity over and over again. This is particularly so when it is an activity that seems to offer no challenge, or one which they could be undertaking outside of the Montessori environment. It is important as parents that we respect our child's right to choose. If we are unhappy with their choice however, that is not to say there is nothing we can do about it.<br /></div><div>Erin (pictured below, 4 years) loves to sit and draw for a large part of every session and does not like her mum, Shona, to suggest jobs, nor does she want them demonstrated. S<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMktxLlvpWig1Yb6qF8jFFr4irTCL4LF0cjNup8Jd5-9f5coLGnfsMA54FwTafYwayaaNxfh-rVTIKy2o-czyoT-E8ohlZV8X2FuMWE_j3n1z7QEdedrNyUMb7tSseEmlvID_Y6juL1U/s1600-h/2009_0527_110335AA.JPG"></a>o whilst Erin was drawing today, Shona undertook the long, red, rod job with her son Kai, 20 months. The minute Kai finished returning the rods to their stand Erin had them out. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341248861235751810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPSKuRFTlADfY0t8wq9eZbHUag9KT_CZJlMS5Wz_nA7DOJTQnA0WOsJdR1zXL-tnzd8WAtKKPrcUU5G_WrlpVa3eDyuM1XTsrM1VaMkCC5RuiCeftUXJXkYKqtyrA2m8HTdwN2rbC_yo/s320/2009_0527_110335AA.JPG" border="0" />With some aid from Shona, she completed every one of the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO0E1nBCWcqXRYKEw6UOkFQ7RfCgsYzKrNH18WWWHem_VLCQgEx2Oq31xDGq320pHDQdR02Ym3M3NmECdbSfGRGsWFp-A2WR8RMtc23zR0HOK23pFEks3ZrKOKH2bSJ8VS15KwjZ7XwXE/s1600-h/2009_0527_110452AA.JPG"></a>cards, and her satisfaction at completing the final card is evident in the photo pictured below.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341248864902655106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOLFJEuShPhIkXy3MlH3p5oHrTC7fc-5Rh2ijknl05L9YBCAhImmXyFbkL4MSHLh5_SQ5A2GqEFP-rk80ZeBZuRE6whMFjo3VlOMnWpQ5gv29cRII40BSkl3_QEGreofrB1x3lxCWNg4/s320/2009_0527_110452AA.JPG" border="0" />Another way to attract a child's interest in a job is to take it from the shelves and to sit near them and complete the job on your own, preferably without saying anything! Ultimately though, the child has the right to choose, and inherently knows what they need. Sitting drawing with another child is a valid job, holding a pencil it prepares the way for writing, it is developing very important social skills, and it is an amazing form of free expression!</div></div>SW Montessori Children's Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692350400072425455noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75972875734555204.post-54425381921662692692009-05-29T21:10:00.006+08:002009-05-29T21:27:20.666+08:00Term2 Week5 - Monday Session<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFD3iPdnF0Qgd8b0mYGdRdnD8HDmJNarZIWJ4pSSkbmJLDwDbi4UKmMvy_E9eLNDe6FKFXheGON0ufslX-qwYhtCZEfEBO-gjHMWCzj1l2JYUnLnTxAe20Xgq60mZF9cdtfLKhMQS9vI/s1600-h/2009_0525_092616AA.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341234380083820818" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFD3iPdnF0Qgd8b0mYGdRdnD8HDmJNarZIWJ4pSSkbmJLDwDbi4UKmMvy_E9eLNDe6FKFXheGON0ufslX-qwYhtCZEfEBO-gjHMWCzj1l2JYUnLnTxAe20Xgq60mZF9cdtfLKhMQS9vI/s200/2009_0525_092616AA.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDn3uN_-r6UYhGpWm8sijpKgYnYk0ZBRnJwwbjR9t3VGcigvKnJT5JKU8lltAJqcMogrUowWzX2p0pztaoc_S41GeANQpQPKZesZ6iR05ydofgQNJAIQ2HOvMieRZBwAOkaQ4lmnNBvDE/s1600-h/2009_0525_092609AA.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341234104483610994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDn3uN_-r6UYhGpWm8sijpKgYnYk0ZBRnJwwbjR9t3VGcigvKnJT5JKU8lltAJqcMogrUowWzX2p0pztaoc_S41GeANQpQPKZesZ6iR05ydofgQNJAIQ2HOvMieRZBwAOkaQ4lmnNBvDE/s200/2009_0525_092609AA.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Once again our session began with circle time which focused on the practicing of 'making silence' and finished with the 'walking of the line'. It is interesting to see after a few weeks of practice how orderly the children now walk the line, and that some of the younger children who initially required the help of a parent, no longer do. Pictured left, we see Kai (in the red in the centre), 20 months, following the progression of the line unaided. In the picture on the right, behind Carmelina, we can see Zavier (4 years) and you can see by the placement of his feet, and the position of his head that he is expending a lot of concentration ensuring he 'walked that line'! Well done all of our children!</div>SW Montessori Children's Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692350400072425455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75972875734555204.post-3982686258867685442009-05-29T20:38:00.012+08:002009-05-30T21:05:11.183+08:00Term2 Week4 - Thursday Homeschool SessionMaria Montessori emphasized the child’s need to engage in meaningful work while exploring one's own role in the world. It is upon this basis that a lot of the equipment for a montessori classroom is chosen. Looking around our classroom one will notice that there is a fully functional washing machine, an iron, vacuum, mops, pouring equipment etc. This equipment is available for our children's use. Before 'laundry' became one of the term jobs, one of the older children, with the aid of a parent, was observed doing the laundring in the classroom. We've all seen the younger children take great delight in mopping up spills and wiping bowls!<br /><br />Today Timothy (4.5 years) watched his mum, Ros, as she started to defrost the freezer and wanted to help. In the end Timothy took over the job, industriously removing big chunks of ice to find the sides of the freezer again. He completed the job to his own and everyone else's satisfaction! A job with a difference - a great example of meaningful work! Work which has helped our community to run smoother.<br /><br />Recently in the newsletter there was a call for volunteers to do various jobs that the community needs done to continue to function smoothly. If you would like to volunteer for a job there are still many on offer. Please email <a href="mailto:montessori.learning.community@gmail.com">montessori.learning.community@gmail.com</a> your interest or for further information. Your time and efforts will be very much appreciated!SW Montessori Children's Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692350400072425455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75972875734555204.post-45023951861817701952009-05-29T19:22:00.013+08:002009-05-29T20:58:06.487+08:00Term 2 Week4 - Wednesday SessionAs of this week Wednesday mornings were opened up to families currently enrolled in Open Sessions as an additional session, without the assistance of the staff. It was great to see a number of families take up this opportunity today. With 7 weeks of term left, at a cost of $10/child, we ask any other families interested in attending Wednesday sessions to arrange payment for the remainder of the term as soon as possible. The 3-hr session runs from 9.30 am and we remind parents of the need to be self-sufficient in all ways and mindful of the Open Session Protocol (refer to the pin-up board in the classroom).<br /><br />One of the "rules" in our classroom is that a child who chose a job can invite another to join, however should the child wish to do the job independently the second child must respect their wishes. The second child however may observe if they do so in a non-threatening way (for instance sitting on their hands which indicates they will not touch). Today Carmelina conducted a planetary lesson for her girls, Annmarie and Rebecca, which involved a discussion about the different planets (represented by various sized balls) and some writing exercises. The lesson drew the interest of some of the other children who were invited to participate. Pictured below (clockwise) are Carmelina, Madeline (2 yrs), Annmarie (7 yrs), Rebecca (3 yrs), Isabella (4 yrs), Timothy (4 yrs) and Erin (4 yrs). <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341208250120181426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGnr-TIPkVXRjAeATu4-60gZXaJeqSYNb3_veJ984nDFPpiwx5M7WCDAV4w4VkpeW6KR4_zL_dKuK8aPBuLRb_MAZgd9Jx98Sa1JbfLcbbchhO8FlB5gc1ZOnaCsohSfxR9tEuVE8hqw/s400/2009_0520_103415AA.JPG" border="0" />With the freedom to choose a job a child also has the freedom to walk away when they so desire, and are not forced to remain for a full lesson/demonstration if they do not wish. Although interested for a time, Erin and Madeline watched for a while and then both chose to go and draw.<br />Another group activity today, which was child instigated, was the collecting of rubbish. Under the supervision of one of our parents, Ros, the children (pictured above, in addition to Michael 2 1/2 yrs) donned gloves and garbage bags and searched the grounds for rubbish. They ran together in groups and were very excited, with Madeline (2) and Kai (21 months) following behind holding the hands of another parent. Oh, to be young again! And what a great example they have given us all both in terms of their co-operation with one another and their participation in meaningful work!SW Montessori Children's Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692350400072425455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75972875734555204.post-59811341372254678362009-05-18T14:54:00.013+08:002009-05-18T19:39:06.438+08:00Term2 Week4 - Monday SessionMontessori schools believe that children are at their happiest when they are busily involved in processes and not caught up in the end product. Thus young children paint purely to explore the medium. This morning that was evidenced by Amy who had a wonderful time painting during the first hour of today's montessori session. Amy (4 years old, pictured below with her father) sang a lovely song about dots as she dotted her way across her page. It was a joy to listen to. In order to take the focus off of the end product, parents are encouraged to only take art work home if the child requests it.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337056463333590226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwiIpQYG0iSYkBS-Q4txUfmvsRf3CS7_4Zt_P4DZaNiGEUVr37ihIEt4i2pIysEQZ9GbdzUKAgOK-2zyiPQa-IkGIckJqc4819jcD-RgVTzdTNH0wRszqNHHcK_Z2KVhx47z_hmsukuLw/s400/2009_0518_093848AA.JPG" border="0" />Today during circle time we continued our practice of 'making silence'. The children were invited to sit quietly and listen without moving and once they heard their name whispered they quietly joined Carmelina on the mat, on the other side of the partition from where they were sitting. 'Making silence' is something we should encourage our children to do on a daily basis. In order to encourage the practice in the Montessori classroon, a picture of a calming waterfall was posted to a window, and on the reverse side the word 'Silence' has been written. This is a place where the children can go to practice their 'making of silence' whenever they feel the need or want. This perhaps will remind us all that we should minimise the noise and disturbances in the Montessori classroom in order to provide the optimum environment for our children to develop concentration and to learn.<br /><br /><p></p>SW Montessori Children's Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12692350400072425455noreply@blogger.com0