MMS Insider20142015 Volume 3 Issue 2

Inside this Issue:

pg1 Directors Message3 MMS Spring Showcase MMS Logo Items4 Exercise MMS Shopping 5 Completed After-

School Programs6 Upcoming After-

School Programs7 Reading to Children8 Favorite Things About

Spring9 Bowling Fundraiser10 Radical Reptiles11 Fall Feast &

Celebration12 Open House

Directors MessageDena Stoneman, Debbie Sheehan

ResponsibilityParents often marvel at how responsible their children are when they are here at school. By and large, the children keep track of their belongings, are responsible for cleaning up after themselves, and do classroom chores without much prompting. Some parents lament that at home they can scarcely get their children to pick up their toys, much less be responsible for household tasks. Montessori educators know that there is no magic in the air at school, but rather it is the expectations set for the child at school that make all the difference.We believe children are capable of caring for themselves and their environment, and even have a need to feel useful in those areas. Children need to feel as though they are being helpful and making a contribution. When a child contributes, it creates a sense of belonging that brings together a classroom community and, even more so, a family. In recent times, children have been asked to do less and less for the family. Largely gone are the days of doing chores on the farm. Children miss all the benefits that come from giving back and being contributing members of the group. Children who have responsibilities to the family develop a sense of their own importance, and their self-esteem grows as their competencies grow.

continued...

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Ages 8 to 11t Keep bedroom clean, including dusting,

vacuuming, and changing sheets t Be responsible for backpack and lunch

box daily tWake up using an alarm clocktWash dishes t Prepare a few easy meals on own t Clean the bathroom with supervision t Do laundry with some supervision t Screen phone calls using caller ID and

answer when appropriate

Ages 12 and 13t Take care of personal hygiene,

belongings and homework tWrite invitations and thank you notes t Keep bedroom and common areas tidy

and do occasional deep cleaningt Dust, vacuum, clean bathrooms and do

dishes t Mow the lawn with supervision t Prepare an occasional family meal

Ages 14 and 15t Responsible for all personal chores for

previous agest Do assigned housework without

prompting t Do yard work as needed t Baby sit t Prepare foodfrom making a grocery

list and buying the items (supervised) to serving an occasional meal

Ages 2 and 3t Pick up playthings with your

supervisiont Take dirty laundry to the laundry

baskett Fill a pets water and food bowls (with

supervision)t As language develops, requiring polite

words on a regular basis (Yes, please, No, thank you, greetings, etc.)t Taking dishes to the sink and helping to

clear tablet Simple decision-making (Would you

like juice or milk to drink?)t Clean up what is dropped while eatingtWatering plants (with pre-measured

amounts!)

Ages 4 and 5t Regular morning routine becoming

established (getting dressed, cleaning room, making bed before breakfast)t Simple hygienebrush teeth, wash

and dry hands and face, and brush hair (with help if needed)t Bring personal things from the car to

the house, or from the car into schoolt Set the table with supervision t Help a parent prepare food, and pack/

unpack lunch boxt Help a parent carry in the lighter

groceries t Match socks in the clean laundry,

bringing dirty laundry to sortt Hang up towels in the bathroom

Ages 6 and 7t Independent hygiene tasks (bathing,

brush teeth, comb hair, choose clothes & dress)tWrite thank you notes with supervisiont Cleaning (using cleaning supplies

properly, vacuuming, dusting, cleaning mirrors, empty trash)t Sorting and folding laundry with

supervision, putting own laundry away t Put away dishes from the dishwasher t Help prepare meals with supervision,

independent food preparations as able (pour drinks, making salad)t Feed pets and clean the living areat Sweep and wash patio area

Directors Message continued

Teaching children responsibility is simply teaching them life skills. Raising helpful, conscientious, self-reliant children is not a fantasy. Its as easy as believing that the child can do, and then expecting that he or she will do. If we teach our children responsibility in the home, it benefits not only themselves, but the whole family reaps the rewards.While there are differences in individual development, generally there are some age appropriate responsibilities you can expect at home:

The adults idea that freedom consists in minimizing duties and obligations must be rejected The freedom that is given to the child is not liberation from

parents and teachers; it is not freedom from the laws of Nature or of the state or of society; but the utmost freedom for self-development and self-realization

compatible with service to society. Dr. Maria Montessori

If you want your children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders.

Abigail van Buren (Dear Abby)

The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility

and the wings of independence.Denis Waitley

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Its a student variety show. Its a silent auction. Its a chance to see your children and their friends perform on stage and make some lasting memories. Its an opportunity to support and raise funds for our fantastic school. Its the inaugural MMS Spring Showcase Fundraiser! Invite your whole family and join us!Variety Show: The student variety show includes individual acts from piano solos and comedy routines, to small groups doing gymnastics and dancing, as well as group songs from the Primary and some Elementary classrooms.Silent Auction: The silent auction will include an art project from each class. Make sure to bid on your childs project! Other items up for bid are hotel stays, themed gift baskets, restaurant gift cards, and the like. Auction items will be available online up to a week before the event.Raffles: Try your luck at winning one of our many prizes for the low price of a raffle ticket. Want to show your appreciation to MMS teachers or staff? Write one of their names on a raffle ticket before dropping it into the box, and they will receive the prize.

How can you help? Im glad you asked!Donate: Do you own your own business or know someone who does? Do you have a special skill you can share? Do you have a favorite restaurant or spa that might donate to our event? Does your child enjoy a unique summer camp that might make a donation? Donations will be accepted until Friday, April 17.Volunteer: We need volunteers to assist with: assembling gift baskets and other auction items, set up and clean up the day of the show, and stage management the day of the show.Visit the event WEBSITE for more details. If you have any questions or comments, you can ask Kathleen Dellisant, Sarah Lin, Liz Sacca, or Josie Wintch.

MMS Logo ItemsMaria Montessori School is pleased to announce the launch of our new ONLINE STORE, in partnership with Big Frog, a local business that provides custom apparel and other products. Want to show your school spirit and make a contribution to MMS at the same time? Now you can! Visit our new ONLINE STORE to purchase MMS logo child and adult t-shirts and hoodies or a school tote bag.t MMS logo products can

be further personalized by adding your name or other text.

t Expedite your order and save on shipping costs by picking up your items at Big Frog's local store in Clairemont.

A portion of the sales proceeds from Maria Montessori products are returned to our school!Support MMS and show pride in our school by purchasing your MMS logo apparel today!

Visit http://www.webstorz.biz/mariamontessori.html

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Support MMS through Shopping

Addicted to Amazon? Be sure to use the MMS Amazon link

(bookmark it!) to do your Amazon shopping and earn a

percentage for our school.

Addicted to Target? Sign up for a Red Card (debit or credit). MMS receives 1% of purchases

and you automatically get 5% off all purchases and free shipping if

shopping online!

Shop at Vons or Safeway? Register your Vons card and

designate MMS as your rewards recipient. Pay with cash or debit for MMS to receive the rewards.

ExerciseAngela McNamara, MMS Physical Education

As your PE teacher, I am a big believer in finding lifetime activities to promote wellness. Simply put, I want to make sure your kids learn to move their bodies in different ways, understand why its important, and find something they will enjoy doing long term. Lets be honest here: we tend to gravitate toward traditional after-school sports such as soccer, baseball, basketball, and gymnastics. These sports are wonderful! But, they are not always the right fit for every child. In an attempt to help you think outside the box and find some different and perhaps unconventional things to do, I have highlighted the activities below. Remember, the goal is to get them moving! Sometimes we have to try a few different things, but most children naturally love to move their bodies; they just have to find the right environment.

Roller DerbyThis is a fast-moving intense sport enjoyed all over the world. If your child likes to skate, they may gravitate toward this. There are two teams in San Diego that have a junior program for children ages 7-17. sandiegorollerderby.com sandiegoderbydolls.com

Circus SchoolTumbling, juggling, and acrobatic skills can be developed by attending a local circus school. These classes enhance hand-eye coordination, flexibility, and overall fitness levels while providing kids a creative outlet to express themselves.Sophia Isadora Academy of Circus Arts sdcircus.com

Trampoline ClassDid you know trampoline has been an Olympic sport under USA gymnastics since 2000? Trampoline has been growing in popularity over the years and is a wonderful way to increase strength,

aerobic fitness and have fun! There are many trampoline gyms in the area, but some have actual trampoline fitness classes for kids (and adults, too). flipforcesandiego.com

Jump Rope TeamsYour children may get tired of me talking about jump rope all of the time, but I do it for good reason! It is inexpensive, can be done anywhere, and is a fun way to get in a great workout. There is a jump rope studio very close to school that offers fun classes and competitive jump rope options.doubledutchhouse.com

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Since early February, we have had four after-school enrichment opportunities. 1st8th levels were able to participate in Heartlight Dance and Workshop Wizards. Students younger than Level 1 were able to participate in ArtReach and Monarch Yoga.

Heartlight DanceHeartlight Dance is an after-school dance aerobics program for girls and boys in elementary schools. Their mission is to teach children that EXERCISE IS FUN! Once children experience the feeling of fitness and the joy of movement, they often choose to remain active. Dance offers kids the opportunity to participate in a non-competitive fitness activity that emphasizes fun and individual achievement, not winning or losing. Girls and boys learn jazz, hip hop, and aerobics dance steps. The choreography is fun and kid friendly. Children feel like super stars as they follow their instructor and learn the latest cool moves. Students had the opportunity to perform at Heartlights 20th Annual Youth Fitness Expo in Balboa Parks Organ Pavilion March 14th, 2015.

Workshop WizardsWorkshop Wizards offered MMS students in the first grade and above the opportunity to enrich their skills and knowledge in the world of woodworking. Woodworking builds skills in hand-eye coordination, dexterity/fine motor skills, creative thinking, basic math, geometry and measurement! Projects this session included building a toolbox, a sailboat, a race car, and others. Presented by Junior Builders Academy, the Woodshop Wizards Program has been created specifically to provide the youth of our community the opportunity to learn the basic concepts of woodworking while fostering self-esteem, self confidence, and offering a practical skill set.

ArtReachAll youngsters benefit from the opportunity to practice creative thinking and creative doing. ArtReach puts professional artists in schools throughout San Diego County to provide hands-on workshops. All teachers are artists who make a living creating art and have a passion for making art experiences available for children. Teachers often share pieces of their own work with students

and share their belief that art is an exploration and there is no one right way to approach a project. The children worked with ceramics, watercolors, oils, and collage materials and had the opportunity to do some sculpture.

Monarch YogaGabrielle Hawkinson, E-RYT (& MMS mom!), and Monarch Yoga have provided a fabulous yoga experience where children can develop important skills in a non-competitive environment that nurtures a childs inner strength and self-acceptance. Yoga enhances concentration; maintains flexibility and strengthens growing bodies; increases self-esteem and individuality; teaches present moment awareness and focus; cultivates a peaceful, relaxed state of body and mind; sparks creativity and ignites imagination; offers tools for stress management; encourages acts of loving kindness towards self, others, and the world; teaches discipline and responsibility and so much more. This course introduced basic yoga postures (asana), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation in a fun and creative way, exploring different themes with the help of books, props, and our beautiful imaginations!

CompletedAfter-School Programs

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Preschool/KindergartenMad Science will be offered Tuesdays, April 14 through May 19 from 3:304:15. Mad Science is a program that sparks imaginative learning when school is out! The hands-on program is packed with fascinating demonstrations and inquiry-based learning that provides solid educational value. The qualified and dynamic instructors use professional lesson plans and unique material and cover topics such as chemical reactions, rocketry, sound, matter, electricity and more! Each week, students will make and take home a science project related to the class topic. Mad Science also provides a take-home card to students at the end of each class that describes the key vocabulary and includes an experiment that can be done at home.

The Playball program is a movement and sports program for preKK students that will be offered Wednesdays, April 15 through May 20 from 3:304:15. It is progressive in nature, starting with the basic movement patterns for the younger kids and progressing to sport drills for the older kids. Created in 1982, the curriculum is constantly being updated by sports experts, occupational therapists, and educational specialists. Playball gives children competence in sports and helps them develop skills that are not associated with sports at all.Playball focuses on skills for 6 sports: basketball, baseball, tennis, soccer, volleyball, and field hockey. We use these sports to teach life skills such as sharing, sportsmanship, listening, empathy, concentration, and the list goes on. The program offers learning opportunities and experiences relating to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development of the child.

Elementary/SecondarySchoolhouse Chess will be offered Tuesdays, April 14 through May 19 from 3:304:30, and brings chess pieces to life using creative and animated personalities that enable students to learn the game in a fun and exciting way. Students become fascinated with imaginative chess characters that accelerate the learning process and are introduced to a new lesson each week, which includes new strategies and techniques. As part of each class, students practice new strategies through partner play, and each child will receive their own portable magnetic chess set!

Benefits of Learning Chess:t Helps to build students logic, memory, and pattern

recognition. t Improves problem solving and critical thinking skills. t Has been proven to increase IQ and test scores.

Come join Gabrielle Hawkinson, E-RYT (& MMS mom!), and Monarch Yoga for a fabulous winter session of after school yoga fun! The class will be offered Wednesdays, April 15 through May 20 from 3:30-4:30. Yoga for kids is a way for children to develop important skills in a non-competitive environment that nurtures a childs inner strength and self-acceptance.

Upcoming After-School Programs

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An article with the above title was published last January in the New York Times. Heres a link. The study was conducted by Scholastic, a publisher of childrens books. Below are some of the take-aways.Parents sometimes assume that once children are old enough to read on their own, their job in the read-aloud department is done. They may believe its more beneficial for children to do the reading themselves at that point, but while its true that reading skills improve with practice, it turns out children may want to practice more if theyve been read to through their elementary years. Evidently, children are actually likely to spend more time reading on their own if theyve also spent time listening. Reading aloud does more than just generate interest, however. It has the potential to bring children in contact with more complex stories and vocabulary than they might be willing or able to tackle on their own. Surely that would prepare them to be more sophisticated readers and writers. In addition, with parents providing some guidance in selection, children may broaden their genre horizons and develop wider interests. (Caution: The childs continued interest and enjoyment is paramount.) And, finally, theres more to be gained than just reading fluency here. Reading aloud regularly offers a wonderful bonding opportunity and provides many common points of reference for parents and their children. So, now that youre committed to reading to your child from birth to twelve (the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents start reading to children at birth) where do you turn for guidance in selection? Here are a couple of websites you might find helpful:

t Read America - Provides lists of books with suggested age levelst Read-aloud Handbook - A reference book by Jim Trelease (for excerpts

from the book, click here)t Literacy Connections - Tips for parents and teachers

Keep an eye on the bulletin board outside the library door where youll soon be able to share titles of your own favorite read-alouds.

Here are just a couple of my read-aloud favorites. First, the picture books. And remember, picture books are not just for preschoolers. Though often forgotten, many have tremendous appeal and significant value for older children. In fact, several picture books are specifically aimed at children 8 and up.Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner is sprinkled with humor that even adults will enjoy. Its language is delightful, its illustrations inspired, and it gives parents a chance to practice their Spanish accents. The list of Skippy books continues to grow, but I think my two personal favorites are still the original Skippyjon Jones and Skippyjon Jones, Lost in Spice.Of course, children adore humor and adventure, but dont forget the sweet books either. Heres a book with a sensitive side: The Paddington Treasury: Six Classic Bedtime Stories written by Michael Bond and charmingly illustrated by R. W. Alley.

Study Finds Reading to Children of All Ages Grooms Them to Read More on Their OwnCindy Clevenger, MMS Librarian

(Its new to our library!) This is just the kind of book that will make your child want to curl up next you to night after night. Now for a couple of old favorites in the novel department. Theyre probably best read to children about 6 and up.

The Enormous Egg by Oliver Butterworth. This tale features an endearing accident of nature and a despicable villain, a combination that makes for fun reading and a satisfying ending. Plus, it gives you a reason to pull out an atlas and explore Washington DC.Trumpet of the Swan by EB White. This classic includes delightful fiction with interesting real-life references that may spark a bit of research (nature, Boston, Louis Armstrong). Children will learn some things about swans along the way, but the ones we meet here are full-blown personified entities. The cob, for example, who is prone to lofty, and oh-so-swanly dialogs, is a responsible father faced with great moral dilemma. Gotta love him.

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Debbie Sheehan: Finding crocus blooming in late snows of winter; a sign that Spring is coming soon.

Heather Quantrell: The weather starts to warm up and Im able to go paddle boarding with my family and friends. Ashley Juniper: Going to see the wildflowers in the Anza Borrego Desert.Angie Buse: An old Buse family tradition is visiting the Ranunculus fields in Carlsbad, and a new family tradition is visiting our grandparents in Georgia. Amy Peckham: It is a time for rebirth and renewal!Debra Kamrath: New plants growing!

Summer Silveira: Listening to the birds chirping and watching the flowers blooming!Michelle Rickard: Early morning bird songs, and at dusk seeing the bunnies and their little white tails!Liane Jones: Taking a family vacation during Spring Break and daylight savings time!Katherine Basmagy: Spring Break!Maribeth Brown: Visiting my parents in Arizona with my family!

Favorite Things About SpringMMS Elementary/Secondary Teachers

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Bowling Fundraiser

Aidan (Room 3) and mom Jennifer pause for a picture.

Hanson (Room 11) and Josephine (Room 9) take a break from bowling.

Family together times for the Plingos-Wintch family (Rooms 11 and 8).

Bowling makes Valter (Room 11) and his mom, Daiga, hungry for pizza.

Bowling fun for parents, too!

Capt Kennedy (Room 3) and her folks get ready to bowl.

Gabriel and Isabella (Room 3) pose with Ms. Maltarollo (Room 6).

Sofia (Room 1) and mom enjoy the time together at Mira Mesa Lanes.

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Hanson (Room 11) prepares to roll a strike! Maddie (Room 11), Emily (Room 1), and mom smile for the camera.

Room 4 children Peyton, Theo, and Melia wait to pet one of the Radical Reptiles.

Katie and Amanda hold a giant millipede. Spirit, Ava, and Gabeena (Room 3) touch one of the turtles.

Quinn (Room 1) shows off her great smile and her heavy bowling ball.

Melina and Kaili (Room 9) wait for their turn to bowl.

Radical Reptile Dude shares one of his friends with the Room 1 children.

Radical Reptiles

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Fall Feast & Celebration

Kennedy, Gabeena, and Shane (Room 3) chop vegetables for the soup.

Malia (Room 1) enjoys the feast food with friends.

Dessert being prepared by Hoshe and Tamsen (Room 9).

Room 1 parents, teachers, and children make butter from heavy cream. Jordan, Ryan, and Emir (Room 8) pose with their creation for the feast.

Room 6 children and teachers gather to share a special snack. Friends from Room 4 (Gavin, Bella, Aarya, Roman, Theo) show off their turkey hats.

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Open House

Jasmine (Room 4) shows her mom the Trinomial Cube during Open House.

Cassie (Room 11) and Sophia (Room 8) share their school with grandparents and mom.

Sofia (Room 1) enjoys Open House with her mom and dad. Jack (Room 5) stacks the knobless cylinders while mom looks on.

Brandon (Room 3) does math with his mom for Open House.

Mom and daughter (Ali) time in Room 1. Samuel shows his dad some work in Room 4.

Director's MessageMMS Spring ShowcaseMMS Logo ItemsExerciseMMS ShoppingCompleted After-School ProgramsUpcoming After-School ProgramsReading to ChildrenFavorite Things About SpringBowling FundraiserRadical ReptilesFall Feast & CelebrationOpen House