2024 Newsletter Term 01 | Issue 04

Culture is an integral aspect of the Montessori classroom. While we don’t have a dedicated shelf for it in the 0-3 environment, we foster awareness of various cultures through music, songs, and food.

Over the past two weeks, we celebrated Harmony Week, which acknowledges the diversity of cultures here in Australia. Nina shared carved wooden animals from Brazil and treated us to delicious polenta corn cake, which everyone enjoyed.

What could be more enjoyable than dancing to music from different parts of the world, including Mexico, France, and Latin America!

In line with cultural awareness, some families celebrate Easter. Children assisted Sarah in making hot cross buns and even took some home to share with their parents and siblings. We also enjoyed playing a fun game called ‘pin the bunny’s tail,’ which brought laughter and excitement to both children and teachers alike.

We look forward to celebrating more cultural experiences by continuing to incorporate diverse cultural elements as we strive to nurture an environment where every child feels valued and respected, fostering a sense of belonging and interconnectedness.

— Corinne, Anniebelle, Nina, Sarah.

A wave of excitement swept through our classrooms this week as the children delved into the captivating realm of numbers. Counting and numeral recognition took centre stage, with many of our curious minds eagerly engaging with activities such as the spindle boxes. Through these activities, they honed their counting skills with meticulous one-to-one correspondence and practiced matching numerals, laying a strong foundation for mathematical understanding. The number rods proved to be another invaluable tool, refining their numeral recognition skills and deepening their grasp of numerical concepts.

In addition to our numerical escapades, practical life experiences flourished in our classrooms. From sewing to polishing and cleaning, our children enthusiastically embraced these activities, fostering independence, concentration, and a sense of responsibility. Through these everyday tasks, they not only develop essential life skills but also cultivate a deep respect and appreciation for their environment.

— Kathleen, Teresa, Katherine and Yuko.

Over the last two weeks, we have seen children helping one another to pack away items, clean tables, and care for our plants. One of the most beautiful aspects of a Montessori environment is how children develop a sense of belonging by looking after their own surroundings. While cleaning leaves, tables, or windows, they refine gross and motor skills, connect with peers, and develop an active role within our classroom community.

—Harshitha, Catalina, Jo, Rachel, Claire & Angela.

Animals and plants have always been a source of wonder for children.  From the smallest weird and wonderful Thorny Devil to the Scorpions and cacti in outback Australia. From visits by a Minor Bird or a Leopard Slug to our classroom there is much to learn from these creatures.

Children can acquire a wealth of knowledge and gain inspiration from the natural world around them and these lessons can help them gain a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it.

Their curiosity and questions have been infectious.  Each day choosing what they would like to investigate the following day by looking through our beautiful reference books.  They have transferred their learning in creative ways, using different mediums, practicing their writing and developing their ability to focus and concentrate for extended periods.

Who knows what we will investigate next!

– Dawn

Warmest regards,

—Toby, and Chris and Amy Louise & Ella.

The past couple of weeks in Yani have been filled with cultural exploration, historical discovery, and scientific inquiry. Harmony Week was a celebration of diversity, as children proudly showcased their heritage through traditional dances, storytelling, and sharing of cultural artifacts. This inclusive event fostered a deep sense of respect and understanding among the students, enriching their collective learning experience.

Meanwhile, the children embarked on a journey into the world of Ancient Egypt. They delved into the life and legacy of the legendary pharaoh Ramses, immersing themselves in the wonders of this ancient civilization. As part of their preparation for an upcoming excursion to the Australian Museum, the children engaged in interactive lessons about Ramses, exploring his achievements and historical significance. They were given various creative options to showcase their knowledge, from artistic interpretations to written reflections, allowing each child to express their understanding uniquely.

In addition, the Yani children had the opportunity to continue their science studies. With a focus on matter and energy, the children participated in hands-on experiments and engaging lessons. Whether investigating the properties of different materials or exploring the principles of energy transfer, each science lesson sparked curiosity and critical thinking skills. The classroom’s natural outdoor space provided an ideal setting for scientific exploration, offering ample opportunities for observation and experimentation.

—Laura, Thomas, Ella & Amy Louise.

North Head Campus

In our Monday classes, we have been focussing on drums. Over the last few weeks we have been working on swing rhythm through a variety of games, listening and playing. We have been listening to songs and learning to tell the difference between even rhythm and swing rhythm. We have also learned basic swing rhythm on the ride cymbal.

Friday Morning Ensemble sessions

Great sessions with both fortnightly groups.

Yani are doing great at reading music notation! Aikya have been learning ‘Burning Down the House’ by Talking Heads.

Preschool Campus

Our groups are continuing to work on fruit rhythms and dynamics through song.

— The Evergreen Music Team.