Springtime is here
Springtime has arrived, both on our playground and inside the classroom. Bugs are on the shelves and blue and yellow (ahem, green) paints are on the easels. Art class has been outside several times, "baby"…
Now presenting: BUGS
This spring, teachers have left many "buggy" materials on our shelves. More and more every week! We are doing bug puzzles counting bugs drawing bugs writing about bugs making our own bugs. In the process, we…
Love for Valentine’s Day
[caption id="attachment_3213" align="alignright" width="300"] A bulb baster is a fun way to improve fine motor skills![/caption] Valentine's Day is a popular one for children. We started a few weeks ago with various heart-shaped materials on our…
The Differentiated Classroom
Visitors to HMS marvel at the varied activities going on at the same time. This morning we noticed these two age-appropriate activities happening at the same time. To the untrained eye, these may seem two…
Back to Work
After a break from the classroom for the holidays, this morning the students were eager to get back to their Montessori works. As usual after breaks from school the children arrived to find the usual…
Math in the preschool classroom
Recently one of our students, just shy of his fifth birthday, pointed to the rack of beaded chains on our wall and asked "What can I do with these?" "You can form them into squares,"…
We ❤️ our Camping Trips
A few years ago (maybe it was in our first year?) our parents suggested that we get together for a school camping trip. With Khuloud and Rick both being avid campers, it was a go.…
Space, first unit of the year
[caption id="attachment_3072" align="alignright" width="300"] Labeling the Planets[/caption] At HMS, we begin each school year with the unit of Space. As a part of that, our four year olds have been working hard on a perforation work…
Starting a new school year
After a week of teachers' preparation and anticipation, this morning we welcomed returning students to HMS. Some students went back to their old favorite works, while others explored some of the new options on our…
We will miss you, Dorte
Last week, we said good-bye to some students who we have know for three years and are moving on to Kindergarten. Even more bittersweet, we also said goodbye to our Art Teacher, Dorte, who is retiring…
Handwashing Experiment
Parents and teachers often remind children to "wash your hands." It is not a stretch to imagine the child who wonders "Why do I wash my hands? They look the same before and after!" Last month,…
Student Wall Calendar
Since the first of the month, our older kids have been working collaboratively to make a wall calendar. Along with circle-time discussions, especially birthday celebrations, calendars are essential to children learning about the basic concepts of…