Here are some pictures of the new backyard equipment. We won't be playing in the front yard anymore. There are still a few things that need to be tidied up, but it looks great and the kids love it!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Our new backyard!
Here are some pictures of the new backyard equipment. We won't be playing in the front yard anymore. There are still a few things that need to be tidied up, but it looks great and the kids love it!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
October news
September was a very busy month with my move, but I think we ended up having a great time and got a lot accomplished at the school, too! We've been working hard on practicing taking turns and doing other grace and courtesy exercises such as saying "Please, yes please, thank you, no thank you" etc. We're all really getting the hang of it!
This week we added the calendar to our work. Please encourage your child to tell you what the date is. Even the month or day of the week is a good start!
We are talking about the leaves and have been learning the parts of a leaf (blade, veins and stem). We've been talking about photosynthesis and what happens to trees/leaves in the fall. We were collecting leaves and putting them onto our nature table until we realized that our cat was eating them! We'll have to figure out a different way to have them in our classroom :) Until then, we are noticing the beautiful changes taking place through our classroom windows.
Later this month we'll take a short walk/field trip over to the Nicollet Ace hardware store and buy a pumpkin for our class. Just like last year, we'll carve our pumpkin and roast the seeds. On Tuesday, October 26th we'll have a little party with costumes optional. We'll eat our roasted pumpkin seeds and do Halloween crafts (if your child doesn't come on that day of the week, we'll still be doing the crafts through the entire week and will be sure to party on each day of the week!)
Here are a couple of Autumn songs we are learning:
Grey Squirrel
Grey Squirrel, Grey Squirrel swish your bushy tail
Grey Squirrel, Grey Squirrel swish your busy tail
Wrinkle up your little nose
Hold an acorn in your toes
Grey Squirrel, Grey Squirrel swish your bushy tail
Leaves are Falling
Leaves are falling, softly floating, tumbling to the ground
Leaves are falling, softly floating, tumbling to the ground
Orange, red, brown, yellow, orange, tumbling to the ground
Orange, red, brown, yellow, orange, tumbling to the ground
This week we added the calendar to our work. Please encourage your child to tell you what the date is. Even the month or day of the week is a good start!
We are talking about the leaves and have been learning the parts of a leaf (blade, veins and stem). We've been talking about photosynthesis and what happens to trees/leaves in the fall. We were collecting leaves and putting them onto our nature table until we realized that our cat was eating them! We'll have to figure out a different way to have them in our classroom :) Until then, we are noticing the beautiful changes taking place through our classroom windows.
Later this month we'll take a short walk/field trip over to the Nicollet Ace hardware store and buy a pumpkin for our class. Just like last year, we'll carve our pumpkin and roast the seeds. On Tuesday, October 26th we'll have a little party with costumes optional. We'll eat our roasted pumpkin seeds and do Halloween crafts (if your child doesn't come on that day of the week, we'll still be doing the crafts through the entire week and will be sure to party on each day of the week!)
Here are a couple of Autumn songs we are learning:
Grey Squirrel
Grey Squirrel, Grey Squirrel swish your bushy tail
Grey Squirrel, Grey Squirrel swish your busy tail
Wrinkle up your little nose
Hold an acorn in your toes
Grey Squirrel, Grey Squirrel swish your bushy tail
Leaves are Falling
Leaves are falling, softly floating, tumbling to the ground
Leaves are falling, softly floating, tumbling to the ground
Orange, red, brown, yellow, orange, tumbling to the ground
Orange, red, brown, yellow, orange, tumbling to the ground
Monday, September 6, 2010
Update: Changes!
Happy Labor Day, everyone,
I'm writing to tell you about a few changes at our little school. All good changes, I believe!
1. I am making this in-home daycare, my real home. Enrollment is still ok, but I lost a couple of students (due to job losses/changes) and feel that it would be in our best interest for me to live at the school. This will impact the environment, but it will allow me to invest more $ in materials and be more flexible with the hours of operation. Later in the month, I will be moving in all of our stuff, but have designated the large living room for the school. You will see a curtain come up, separating the dining area from the living room.
2. Due to a major loss of refrigerator space, you will now have to put ice packs in your child's lunch box. I would also prefer not to heat up lunches, but small Thermos containers work very well! Lunch boxes can be put on the shelf right inside the classroom/apartment door. Please also leave shoes downstairs and place backpacks/bags in the upstairs hallway. Coats/jackets will still go in the front hall closet.
3. I added a bunch of new materials last week and have a more formal curriculum coming for the fall. We are going to be working with themes this year. They will change periodically, but be based on the seasons and what's going on in the world. We'll have a nature table that we'll add items to. We'll take nature walks, but you are welcome to help your child find/bring in things that you find on your own nature explorations. We'll also have new art projects every week. I've found that the children really like to repeat the same activities over and over, so it may be more of a rotation as children lose interest... This week we'll be cutting and pasting with glue sticks and I've added a lined chalkboard for practicing writing/drawing. I'll be sending out a list of what we'll be focusing on each month throughout the school year. The calendar will also be a regular part of our day and they'll learn how to recognize their names in print.
4. I do have a cat that will be joining our group. If anyone has a problem with this and/or allergies, please let me know. He's a very friendly cat who is great with kids (he takes a lot of "love" from my boys!), but I do have the option of putting him in the basement during school hours, so please don't hesitate to let me know if you'd like me to do that.
I really believe that this move is for the best and that we'll have another great year at the school. It's been a joy working with your children and getting to you know you. If you know anyone looking for part time/hourly childcare (children 2years +), please pass on my information. So far, you have all been great with the referrals. Thanks so much! Also, if you want to increase your hours, let me know! :)
Have a great day!
Megan
I'm writing to tell you about a few changes at our little school. All good changes, I believe!
1. I am making this in-home daycare, my real home. Enrollment is still ok, but I lost a couple of students (due to job losses/changes) and feel that it would be in our best interest for me to live at the school. This will impact the environment, but it will allow me to invest more $ in materials and be more flexible with the hours of operation. Later in the month, I will be moving in all of our stuff, but have designated the large living room for the school. You will see a curtain come up, separating the dining area from the living room.
2. Due to a major loss of refrigerator space, you will now have to put ice packs in your child's lunch box. I would also prefer not to heat up lunches, but small Thermos containers work very well! Lunch boxes can be put on the shelf right inside the classroom/apartment door. Please also leave shoes downstairs and place backpacks/bags in the upstairs hallway. Coats/jackets will still go in the front hall closet.
3. I added a bunch of new materials last week and have a more formal curriculum coming for the fall. We are going to be working with themes this year. They will change periodically, but be based on the seasons and what's going on in the world. We'll have a nature table that we'll add items to. We'll take nature walks, but you are welcome to help your child find/bring in things that you find on your own nature explorations. We'll also have new art projects every week. I've found that the children really like to repeat the same activities over and over, so it may be more of a rotation as children lose interest... This week we'll be cutting and pasting with glue sticks and I've added a lined chalkboard for practicing writing/drawing. I'll be sending out a list of what we'll be focusing on each month throughout the school year. The calendar will also be a regular part of our day and they'll learn how to recognize their names in print.
4. I do have a cat that will be joining our group. If anyone has a problem with this and/or allergies, please let me know. He's a very friendly cat who is great with kids (he takes a lot of "love" from my boys!), but I do have the option of putting him in the basement during school hours, so please don't hesitate to let me know if you'd like me to do that.
I really believe that this move is for the best and that we'll have another great year at the school. It's been a joy working with your children and getting to you know you. If you know anyone looking for part time/hourly childcare (children 2years +), please pass on my information. So far, you have all been great with the referrals. Thanks so much! Also, if you want to increase your hours, let me know! :)
Have a great day!
Megan
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
UPDATE: Hours and contact info
Everything is going really well at the school. I'm loving my time with the children and we have been happy but are excited about the melting snow and sunshine. It'll be great when we can get outside regularly.
I have decided to change the school's days to Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs 8:30-5:00pm (with some flexibility of coming earlier or leaving later if necessary). However, I will be CLOSED FRIDAYS. Being a one woman show - a one-woman-mother show has made me realize that being at the school 5 days a week 8:30-5pm is not ideal. Things might change in the fall when my younger son goes to Kindergarten, but now through the end of summer, I'll be sticking to the Mon-Thurs schedule. I apologize for any inconvenience.
Also, I've had some new referrals! That's great. The best way to reach me is by email meganlongtin@gmail.com. We can schedule a time to meet and take a tour of the school. It's helpful if you put your child's age and the days and hours you are looking for. I'm still working on an hourly rate of $6 for one child for over 12 hours per week, $7 per hour for under 12 hours per week and $10 for two. This may have to increase in the Fall. Students who come more than one day per week regularly or are not drop ins pay a $60 materials fee and put down a deposit of 2 weeks tuition that goes toward your child's LAST two weeks of child care.
I look forward to meeting all the new families out there! Welcome!
I have decided to change the school's days to Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs 8:30-5:00pm (with some flexibility of coming earlier or leaving later if necessary). However, I will be CLOSED FRIDAYS. Being a one woman show - a one-woman-mother show has made me realize that being at the school 5 days a week 8:30-5pm is not ideal. Things might change in the fall when my younger son goes to Kindergarten, but now through the end of summer, I'll be sticking to the Mon-Thurs schedule. I apologize for any inconvenience.
Also, I've had some new referrals! That's great. The best way to reach me is by email meganlongtin@gmail.com. We can schedule a time to meet and take a tour of the school. It's helpful if you put your child's age and the days and hours you are looking for. I'm still working on an hourly rate of $6 for one child for over 12 hours per week, $7 per hour for under 12 hours per week and $10 for two. This may have to increase in the Fall. Students who come more than one day per week regularly or are not drop ins pay a $60 materials fee and put down a deposit of 2 weeks tuition that goes toward your child's LAST two weeks of child care.
I look forward to meeting all the new families out there! Welcome!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
More Montessori Materials!
We are off to a wonderful start. I'm happy to say that we have a wonderful bunch of children! I recently purchased a few more Montessori materials and have been connected with a woman who is retiring her in-home Montessori school and will be purchasing more materials from her. I'm excited to delve into the real Montessori work. Below are some pictures of the new items and children at work!
We've also had fun collecting leaves, acorns and other items at the park and on our walks. Autumn is surely coming (despite all of this hot summer weather we've been having!) and we are busy talking about all of the changes in nature.
We've also had fun collecting leaves, acorns and other items at the park and on our walks. Autumn is surely coming (despite all of this hot summer weather we've been having!) and we are busy talking about all of the changes in nature.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Kingfield Montessori School Handbook
Hours/days of operation:
Monday-Thursday
8:30am-3:30pm
extended day options: 7:30am-8:30am and 3:30pm-5:30pm
CLOSED FRIDAYS
Daily Schedule:
7:30-8:30am extended day arrivals. Breakfast, stories, quiet play time
8:30-8:45am morning arrivals
8:30-10:30am morning work cycle: individual and small group presentations, snack
10:30-10:35am - prepare lunch area - move tables, set tables
10:35-10:50am morning circle time -songs, finger plays, presentations, sharing,discussion, etc.
10:50-11:30am outside time
11:30-noon - lunch time
noon - morning dismissals
12:30-2:30pm- rest or quiet activity
2:00pm- afternoon snack (nappers will have snack individually after they wake)
2:30- 3:15pm - afternoon activities, free play, outside time, or projects
3:15-3:30pm - afternoon dismissals
3:30-5:30pm- extended day after school
Drop off/pick up:
As you enter the building, there is a shelf behind the door where inside shoes will be stored. Please help your child to remove outdoor shoes and put on inside shoes (older children can do this themselves). Proceed upstairs and hang coats in the coat closet. Help your child to wash his/her hands and go to the bathroom if needed before entering the classroom. Drop off is best when done quickly and confidently. Children pick up on parental anxiety. Assure your child that he or she is going to have a great day!
When picking up your child, especially at a time that is not a general dismissal, please do so with little disturbance to the rest of the classroom. We will, likely, be immersed in a project or individual work.
During class hours, the upper apartment door will be locked. Please knock and I will answer. If you do not get an answer, please check to see if we are outside in the back yard. We will sometimes take a walk to Martin Luther King park but will be back for dismissal time. I will have my cell phone at all times if you come at a time other than dismissal time and we are not there -612-859-8168.
Communication with me:
Quick comments and questions are welcome at pick up and drop off times. If you need to have a more lengthy conversation please contact me outside of school hours. The best way to reach me is through email meganlongtin@gmail.com or you may call before 10pm 612-859-8168.
Please let me know if there will be any different pick up person (I will need photo i.d. from anyone, other than a parent, leaving with your child- this applies to people on the authorization form who I have not been introduced to by a parent).
Lunch:
If your child will eat lunch at school he/she will need an insulated lunch sack (can be put into the refrigerator in the kitchen when child arrives). Reusable containers are encouraged. Real plates, bowls, cups, cloth napkins and utensils will be provided. Lunches will be unwrapped and placed on plates before eating.
Beverages (rice milk/water/or juice) and soup (store bought or prepared in class) will be provided.
*NO PEANUTS/TREE NUTS*- We have a child in the class with a non-life threatening allergy to peanuts. With the recent prevalence of nut allergies, though, we are going to avoid them altogether.
Clothing:
Please dress your children in loose fitting, comfortable clothing. We will be spending most of our time on the floor and will be doing yoga and other exercise. Elastic waists are preferred for potty training and ease in self toileting. In the winter, dress your child in layers so he/she can shed or add a layer as needed.
Send a complete set of extra clothing to be kept at school. If your child is toilet training send several pairs of underwear and pants/shorts and socks. An extra pair of slippers is also useful for potty trainers.
Inside Shoes:
Please send a pair of inside shoes/slippers for your child to change into. The shoes/slippers should have backs (no flip flops) and be comfortable. Please no big fluffy animal slippers.
Outerwear:
We will be going outside whenever possible. Your child will need appropriate outerwear. Snow pants, boots, hats, mittens, rain boots, etc.
Label:
Please label your child's clothing with your family/child's name. This is greatly appreciated as there are times when the children don't recognize their own clothing!
Nap:
If your child will be napping, send a small blanket (and pillow, if desired) labeled with your child's name. Blankets will be sent home at the end of the week to be laundered.
Children may bring comfort items from home (special blanket/stuffed animal), but they will be put into the coat closet as soon as your child is ready to part with it. If it becomes a big distraction for your child or other children in the class, such items will have to be left in the car or at home.
Sharing:
Although toys are discouraged, if your child would like to share a particularly interesting or beloved item with the class, he or she may do so during circle time. Examples of appropriate items are photo's, found objects from nature, something from a trip/vacation.
Birthday celebrations:
Please send pictures of your child at various ages. Write a bit on the back about what's going on in the picture and we'll read them together in class. You may send a special treat, but fresh fruit or a nice loaf of bread are preferable to sugary sweets. The children find any kind of different snack brought from home on their birthday to be a treat. We will sing together and make wishes for your child! Parents are more than welcome to attend the little ceremony (around 10am).
Optional Supplies:
We are in need of certain consumables on an ongoing basis. If you happen to see a sale or buy in bulk, we would appreciate any and all donations!:
facial tissue (plain- fragrance free/non lotion)
toilet paper
cellulose/kitchen sponges
paper towels
drawing paper
construction paper
brown rice
multi-purpose flour for making play dough
salt for making play dough (regular salt)
food coloring
plain rice milk
band aids and other first aid supplies
From time to time I'll give notice of things we need for the classroom that you might have in your garage or would consider purchasing for the classroom. Some are things you can find at a garage sale. Here are a few items we are looking for right now:
dish towels/wash cloths
food storage containers with lids
small household plants (non poisonous of course!)
stainless steel mixing bowls and cookware (pots/pans)
flat sheets (any size/color for fort making)
outdoor play equipment -sidewalk chalk, hula hoops, gardening tools, balls etc.
Volunteer opportunities:
Please let me know if you have a special skill you'd like to share with the class. We are also more than happy to have parents come and help with raking, gardening, painting/making shelving, cleaning, material making, sewing and more. Let me know what you do, and I'll put you to work!
Parent education:
Many parents have shown an interest in learning more about the philosophy and methods of Maria Montessori. There is a wealth of information on the internet (just google Montessori) and I have available a small library of books that you are welcome to borrow. In the future it would be possible to have evening workshops/information nights. It's fun to have a chance, as parents, to play with the materials and find out what it's all about, first hand!
Necessary paperwork:
I will need the following paperwork in your child's file within the first 30 days of attendance
Admission and Arrangements (including emergency info) NEEDED ON THE FIRST DAY
Enrollment contract signed (if your child attends more than one day)
Travel and Activity Authorization
Hennepin County Provider Policies form signed
Immunization Record
Permission to administer medication form (if necessary)
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