October . . . One For The Books!
The last few weeks have been tremendously hectic and busy. We have all been going strong since school started, week nights of soccer and field hockey have now all ended and we settle down into a gentler rhythm of time together before the next flurry starts with Christmas and basketball season. This time between Halloween and Christmas is one of amazing growth for children and one of great learning for all students. Daylight savings will chase us all inside, making for well rested and vibrant students! Bring on November!
But before we turn the chapter on October, lets look back over some of the fun we've been having.
There is always math work on the shelves and available for choice each and every day. Many of the works available during work time are montessori based. This week we added a block of time in the afternoon called math workshop. This is a 30 to 45 minute block of time dedicated to math! We start with a math read aloud and then choose from 'special' math works. There are enough math stations for each child and an extra or two for early finishers. This allows us to do three to four days of math workshop each week. The children have been very excited about the new schedule and love showing off their mathematical thinking.
A special thank you for the delicious Halloween snacks. We are so lucky to have amazing parents at HCMA!
These happy butterflies were working on their "Best Pumpkins". This art project was inspired by Mrs. T's reading of The Very Best Pumpkin by Mark Kimball Moulton. The children's pumpkins are displayed in our window. Swing by for look!
Aren't these just the cutest Halloween tricksters? Halloween was a special day spent with Mrs. Sharp and her friend George the Monkey.... Do you recognize George?
We had a somewhat 'normal' morning, working on special Halloween projects and eating those delicious Halloween treats. At 10 we got into costume and went for a parade around town, sharing our costumes with our neighbors and friends. We visited Twin Designs, Gina's Cafe, the Post Office, Parkhurst's, the Fire Station, and the Bank. We received lots of waves and honks as we traveled from place to place!
This is such a special time of year and a real marking in the passage of time for children. The children understand that the year is coming to a close and a new one is about to begin as the days get shorter. For many of our students, the next few weeks will also be marked by an important passage of time indicator... a birthday! We will celebrate four children's travels around the sun with birthday celebrations between now and Christmas! Whether you are taking walks by moonlight or celebrating birthdays, take time to mark the passage of time in special ways for your children. For these will be the little things they remember many years down the road.
Have a wonderful week!