Story Writing - One of our budding four year old authors.
April
We are beginning our Sea Life Unit. There are a plethora of activities on the shelves ranging from a number of Nomenclature 3 Part Cards, matching shells to picture cards and a variety of art activities, as well. There are works helping the children to learn about the 5 Sea Life families and the various characteristics of each class of animals...Fish, Mammals, Crustaceans, Echinoderms and Mollusks. We will be traveling to the Shedd Aquarium as part of our unit of study. It will enhance our studies of this beautiful and fascinating unit.
As part of the Sea Life unit, I will be discussing how we can be good stewards in the care of our oceans and planet. As global citizens, I think it is important to bring awareness to such things as reducing our ecological footprint and therfore, creating a healthier environment for all living creatures in our oceans and our planet. The following is a quote from Maria Montessori which says it so well in how we should approach certain sensitive subjects in regards to our young children..."At this age (3-6 year olds) we do not tell the child about the problems with the environment, global warming, etc. Giving this information too early can cause confusion and stress, worry and even an avoidance of anything to do with the earth. Instead we share the wonder and the beauty of the earth. This is true of the studies of plant and animals, and of people of the world. Children grow up to care about, be interested in, and care for, the things they have learned to love."
As your child brings work home, please take time to engage in conversation about your child's work. To the child, it means his/her work has value and purpose. In the Montessori classroom, some of these works take several days to complete. Also, it would be lovely to have a bulletin board or a special container to hold your child's work for future reference and to help them to remember the work as a treasured learning experience. ENJOY!
In conclusion, the following Maria Montessori quote says it well for our Sea Life unit..."Solicitous care for living things affords satisfaction to one of the most lively instincts of the child's mind. Nothing is better calculated than this to awaken an attitude of foresight."