The Lower Elementary learning environment is filled with opportunities for movement. Children have the freedom to move during the work period. With that freedom to move comes responsibility. The movement must be purposeful. For example, a child walks across the room to choose a job. The movement must not interrupt anyone in the classroom. For example, a child should walk around a work mat rather than jump over it. The movement should serve the needs of the child. Some children need to move at more frequent intervals because of pent up energy. These children could choose to add movement to a lesson by setting up a work station on the opposite side of the room from the location of the job on the shelf. Extra movement is added while walking the extra steps to set up the job. Maria Montessori set up her learning environment to honor the needs of children. Movement can often be the top need of many younger children in the Lower Elementary learning environment. Days of sitting at desks would be intolerable for most of these children. One of my favorite quotes from Maria Montessori is as follows:
“Children are human beings to whom respect is due, superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their future.”
Homework was sent home this week. It is also posted in Google Classroom. Let us know if you have any questions.
Cultural Lessons this week included a Montessori Great Lesson on the Timeline of Life; Birds Eye View of Maps; the Electromagnetic Spectrum, and a closer look at cells.
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