Hello Cedar families, what a rich and fun blended month in April. Thanks to those parents who come into the class to share their talents and interests with us. Please enjoy the blog.
Africa
Africa, in the Montessori map, is green in color. We learned there are 54 countries and more than 2000 languages spoken on this continent. African countries have many different rich traditions of arts and crafts, for example, their unique fabric and clothing with energetic and vibrant colors, patterns, and textures. The continent’s climate is diverse, including deserts, rainforests, and savannas, with a variety of animals in each region. We also learned that northern African people have much lighter skin than other in other parts of Africa. We explained that people who live closer to the equator area tend to have darker skin color which helps protect their skin from the strong sunlight. All the Colors We Are: The story of how we get our skin color by Katie Kissinger. Shades of People by Shelly Rotner and Sheila Kelly.
Reptiles
We discussed reptiles and their features, such as their dry skin, unlike amphibians with wet skin. We also explored their cold-blooded nature, meaning their body temperature fluctuates with the environment. We delved into the sea turtle’s life cycle and compared alligators and crocodiles. Alligators, typically found in freshwater, are dark-colored with a broad, rounded snout. In contrast, crocodiles prefer saltwater habitats, are grayish-green, and have a narrow, tapered, triangular snout.
Art with Julianne–Self-portraits, Making a book
Please click the document for the self-portrait and the one for making a book from Julianne.
Birthday Circle
We celebrated Alex’s 3rd and Milo’s 4th birthday this month.
Parent sharings
India trip
Deepti and Luca told the class about their trip to India. They explained that the wheel at the center of the Indian flag symbolizes freedom. Luca shared money, coins, and photos from their journey. They even gave us a piece of hand-made cloth with patterns and elephants.
Science experiments
We had a blast doing cool science experiments with Ash and Aaron, Nico’s parents. First, We played around with Oobleck, a mix of corn starch and water to explore the transition between solid and liquid states.
Then we made Elephant Toothpaste using yeast, dish soap, and hydrogen peroxide. The result? Loads of soft and silky foam that bubbled up like a volcano. Here is the link if you want to try it at home with your child.
Another fun and magical experiment was called Invisible Ink. First, the children wrote/drew something on the cardboard with a baking soda liquid. After the paper was dried they painted over it with a turmeric solution. Then, the hidden drawing appeared!
Animal Habitats
Ellen, Melia’s mom, brought three dioramas—an ocean, a forest, and a savannah—and discussed animal habitats. First, we explained what habitats are and the unique characteristics and conditions of each one. Using this understanding, we helped the children sort various animals into their appropriate homes. After the presentation, the children observed how animals are naturally situated in their safe and suitable habitats. They then had the chance to remove the animals and try sorting them back into their habitats later on.
Pasta Making
We’re fortunate to have Dan, Fiona’s dad, who’s a professional chef, teach us how to make pasta. First, we learned to make orecchiette, which are ear-shaped pasta formed by pressing a small piece of dough with our thumbs. Then, he showed us how to prepare ravioli. He started by rolling out the pasta dough into sheets and then used a pasta cutter wheel to create squares. After that, he placed a cheese filling in the center of each square and sealed it with another piece of pasta to form the ravioli. Dan also demonstrated various shapes and designs for the ravioli. Making our own pasta was both enjoyable and delicious!
Inside Time
Outside Time
