When to bring kids? / What to wear? / Where to be? Hello Elementary parents. Our dance teacher, Jeanne Speier, asked me to send along this information to you. Please let Jeanne know if you have any questions or concerns. Jeanne’s Letter: Students in TNSM’s elementary grades have been working hard on their Montessori-in-Motion presentation which happens next week. It is the one opportunity each year to see the results of dance, music and stringed instruments taught in TNSM’s curriculum. What days are the performances? Your child needs to be at both performances. Tue, Mar 7 evening performance Wed, Mar 8 …
Preprimary students learn about Australia
Preprimary teacher Debbie Weinstein introduced her students to life in Australia. They learned about the native people, seasons, animals and food. They tasted Vegemite and listened to Rachel Thurman, TNSM alum, about her time in Australia. Debbie read a book by famous Australian, Mem Fox, called Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge. The story is about a friendship between an elderly woman and her young neighbor, Wilford. The children wrote letters for Rachel’s grandmother, who lives in Australia, to distribute to people living in nursing homes.
TNSM 4th grader and New School alumni act in Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s production of “Richard III.”
New School Montessori students in 4th-6th grade attended a weekday matinee of Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Richard III. Two of their classmates were in the play: one a current student (Eli) and one a New School alumni (Jack). Eli commented, “It’s been a really good experience, getting to act in a professional play. This was my first time acting outside of The New School.” For many years, TNSM has offered an after-school Shakespeare Club. The club is led by TNSM teacher, Laura Slanker, and the school’s director, Jeff Groh. Students have performed Rome and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Julius Caesar …
New School Montessori students composed, recorded and performed their own music.
TNSM music teacher, Josh Fink, led an after-school-songwriting club. Josh has co-written songs for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Carnegie Hall, and numerous bands. He enjoyed introducing the art of songwriting to these committed 2nd and 3rd graders, helping them create a compilation CD showcasing their work. Click to see and hear their songs. We are so pleased to have Josh Fink on our staff as our elementary music teacher. He received his bachelor of music and master of music degrees from Northwestern University. He is a composer, teacher, and multi-instrumentalist. As a classical musician, Josh has performed with Bernard …
1st graders studied the Great Barrier Reef
New School Montessori 1st graders studied the unique and fragile ecosystem of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. It is the world’s biggest single structure made by living organisms and is home to thousands of species. Students learned about vertebrates and invertebrates living in the reef and created artwork using oil pastels and watercolors.
Students shared their school with grandparents and friends
Last night, grandparents, relatives and special friends of New School Montessori students came to TNSM. Students enjoyed taking their guests through a typical day, showing their work, touring the campus, and visiting with classroom teachers.
Parent information about the (6-9) musical
THE CUCKOO (6-9) Musical Thursday, March 16 at 7 p.m. Friday, March 17 at 8:30 a.m. Cast List 1st graders– birds 2nd graders– birds (except Eleanor, Murray) 3rd graders– birds (Except Mira, Madi, Sophie, August) Costume List Birds–solid color t-shirt, NOT bright. Color choices: black, brown, blue, purple, gray, white. Each bird may choose his/her color, with the exception of Audrey P., Jesse, Calvin, and Jonah, who must wear black t-shirts. Buho– brown Cuckoo– gray Topo– black Conejo– white Fuego– orange, red, or yellow Chac– green
Students write “how to” papers to take you step by step through a process
In language arts, 4th graders learned to write a “how to” paper without actually using the words “how to.” In their lesson, the class discussed various transition words to explain each step of the process, and how to dress up their writing with descriptive adjectives and -ly adverbs. Students’ writing is on display in the Annex where you can learn how to hold a chicken, how to throw a football, or even how to make a cat dress. Click to read Anna’s paper on how to dress a cat. Click to read Will’s paper on how to launch a model rocket. …
Important info about Montessori-in-Motion
When are the Montessori-in-Motion performances? This performance is a wonderful opportunity to see and hear the dance and music that your children have been learning this school year. Tues. March 7, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. in the Growing Room Wed. March 8, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. in the Growing Room Children’s costumes are required for both performances: Thank you for helping students remember to wear this attire. White t-shirt Black or dark solid pants Notes from dance teacher, Jeanne Speier: It is my pleasure to share the dance that comes from Bali Indonesia with New School Montessori students. I am encouraged by …
Understanding Pi
6th graders investigated the relationship between the diameter and circumference of a circle. They first measured the diameter of a round object, and then estimated how many diameters there are in the circumference. The answer was 3 1/7 diameters which just happens to be pi!