At Thanksgiving time we tried to keep the focus on GRATITUDE! We worked with constant reminders of all of the amazing things we have to be thankful for, including our Earth! As a culminating event, we baked pies and delivered them to a nearby assisted living center.
Pumpkin pumpkin big and round, I’m glad you grow upon the ground.
I’m glad you don’t grow in a tree for then you might fall down on me.
Last week we had the opportunity to visit Brookdale Farms for their fall field trips. They did an amazing job using their resources to educate the children about animals and agriculture. The children really enjoyed themselves and learned a lot in the process.
The children also showed that they have become good friends – looking out for their partners and reaching out to help friends when needed. While waiting to line up, we discussed what we might learn about today. The children discussed how pumpkins begin from a seed, then become a sprout before they grow into a pumpkin on a vine.
The first “farmer” taught us the difference between beaks and bills and taloned and webbed feet. Then we got to head over to pet “Lamb-Lamb” the sheep and meet their donkey and horse.
We learned about ruminants and hooves. We also learned about how teeth are different for herbivores and carnivores. Each child got to pet and feel the difference between the sheep and the donkey. 
After we got to know the animals a bit, we headed over to the covered barn to learn about cows and butter. Five children got to dress the to be a specific part of the cow: the body, tongue, hooves, udders, and fly-swatting tail! After that we got to make butter by shaking heavy cream. Then it was time for a snack – butter on saltines.
Next we headed to the tractor for the hay ride. It was a crazy ride and the children had a blast! The tractor delivered us to the corn fields where we learned about different types of corn and corn products. Next was the pumpkin patch! Each child got to choose a pumpkin and clip it from the vine.
Everyone was very pleased with their pumpkins! From a Montessori perspective it fit nicely into our study of land-animals and living and non-living objects! Happy FALL!
A large component of the early years of the Montessori classroom is practical life, and since eating is a very key component of life, a lot of the works center around food and its preparation. Even if there is not actually food present, a lot of it is applicable to food preparation. Some of these works include pouring, working with tongs, carrying trays.
These practical life skills also come into play with snack time. At Sandpiper Mon
tessori we have a self-serve snack time. Each family brings in food for a given week of snacks and the children help prepare and serve themselves. This includes the washing of hands and the setting and clearing their eating space. The children feel a sense of pride in sharing their choices with the others, so please include them in the process of deciding what your family will bring when it is your turn.
A natural extension of this is getting started with safe cooking jobs in the kitchen. At Sandpiper we have been embracing fall and making seasonal things. Last week we made apple sauce and pumpkin bread.
This week we have harvested the summer’s basil and turned it into pesto.
Through these activities the children start to understand recipes, kitchen vernacular, measuring, pouring, and lots of other valuable life lessons! It is our hope that it instills in them an understanding of the intricate relationship our planet has with our bodies – providing both home and nutrition.
Now that we have a few weeks under our belt we are sinking into a nice rhythm. The children are now used to the classroom environment. It is amazing the difference a few weeks can make! They are choosing their own works and doing so peacefully.
As we transition into fall and more content we will be focusing on “Our Peaceful Classroom.” During this time we will emphasize grace and courtesy lessons to include:
We will also be working with our peace table, the nature table and taking care of the classroom plants.
