First Year Language Lessons

The first years are all working on different phonics patterns. However, many of them are learning the same grammar and word study lessons.

Many of the first years are working with nouns. They are matching objects to cards that identify the noun as a person, place, thing, or animal. We are also making a paper pyramid just like the symbol we use for nouns. 

She is working with the grammar farm. She is labeling nouns on the farm and will write them in her journal.

Many of the first years are also working on compound words. We have learned that compound words are two root words put together to make a new word.

 

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He is putting root words together to make a new word. Then he draws a picture to go with the new word. Soon we will be putting together root words without picture cues.

Stamp Game

Some of our first years are already getting into the Stamp Game! This is an exciting first step toward adding abstractly. Here are a few photos of two different first years doing this lesson.

After the equation is set up, the child combines them at the bottom of the rug (under the black line) to find the answer.

For more information on the Stamp Game, please visit this link.

For a free download of a printable Stamp Game, please visit Montessori Print Shop. 

The Space Between Planets

Get it?

Today we did something that's become a tradition in Lower Elementary. We went outside and measured on a rope the distance between the planets of the solar system.

First we lined up. First years were the solar system first. About two to a planet.

Here is the Sun and Mercury. Look how bunched up they are!

The Solar System down the line.

Then we did the same thing with the second years so the first years could watch.

Right now I'm standing where Saturn is.

Look how far Mrs. Kirk and Neptune is from the Sun!

 After we discussed how close together the Inner Planets are and how far apart the Outer Planets are we practiced orbiting the sun. For such a looooooong rope, you can imagine how long that took. We all moved at a different pace which was the perfect simulation to how the planets actually revolve. In books they are always in a straight line but that isn't the case in space.

These are the distances we used if you'd like to try it at home! 
Mercury 2 feet
Venus 3 ¾ ft.
Earth 5 ¼ ft
Mars 8 feet
Jupiter 27 ½ ft
Saturn 50 ½ ft
Uranus 101 ¼ ft
Neptune 159 ft

Viewing the Stars

Hi everyone! Harrison and I are just about to go outside and try to find some constellations! On Friday, we sent home a star map in everyone's green folder so you could find some stars too!

More sky maps can be found here.


Some other good ways to do some stargazing is by downloading the app Sky Map. Just search it on whatever smart device you have. This one is made by Google. We like it in our house because you simply point it in the sky and it identifies what you look at. Here's a screenshot.

Another great way is to visit a planetarium. Francis Marion has a great one called Dooley Planetarium. Last year we went on a field trip to visit it. Not only do they do neat star shows (for free every other Sunday!) but they also have nifty resources, handouts, and displays. Here is their website with a calendar of events.

How To Complete a Lesson

Lower Elementary Montessori is different from Primary Montessori in many ways. This is the basic procedure for completing a lesson in our classroom.

First, a child chooses a lesson that has been presented to her. The teacher has observed the child and has shown her this lesson to meet the needs of the child.  As in Primary, the child chooses a work space and brings the lesson and the rest of her materials to her work space. Once she is ready, she writes the lesson in her work plan. The work plan is a great tool for the child, teacher, and parent to see at a glance what they have been working on in class. Eventually it is used as a planning tool for the child.

After it is written on the work plan, she completes the lesson. This is the Compound Word Key Experience. A Key Experience is the first presentation of a lesson or how the teacher introduces a concept to a child. Although this child has had experience with compound words in her Primary class, this is the first time compound words have been introduced to her as a combination of root words. After the Key Experience, the child is shown several follow-up works until she reaches mastery. 

After she completes the lesson, she records it. In this case, she will write the words and draw the objects. Recording lessons is required in Lower Elementary. About 90% of our lessons are recorded in some way. 

After she is finished recording, she cleans up her work and returns it to the exact spot she finds it in. Then she moves on to something else she feels the need to practice.

New School Year

Here are some photos of the class working! We've been in school three weeks. We already have a group of intrinsically motivated, peaceful workers. It's going to be a great year.

Same ole tricks.

Working on some language work by the window.

BFF's researching together.

Working hard on a toothpick and marshmallow constellation.

Researching the Solar System.

More research.

MORE research.

A shy smile while working on some language.

7 Long Bead Chain

9 Long Bead Chain

Our class uses a different language program than the primary class. Same basic thing. Just different colors.

Watching a constellation project intently.

Some great dinosaur research from a first year.

The end product of the deconomial.

Mrs. Kirk loves taking photos of student working hard.

States of Matter work.

Practicing the Small Bead Frame

Making Ursa Major

Mythology

On Friday we will be sharing the myths we have researched at home. A myth is any story that explains something that occurred in nature. Children do not need to prepare much. Just a few sentences to share with the class is fine. If you would like to make a poster or something that is fine too. Here are a few resources for help.

Wikipedia

Myths for Kids

Creation Myths

Greek Myths

Roman Myths