Our major curriculum unit on biomes of North America is in full swing! Throughout the month of February, the children learned about the animals, plants, climate, and many other interesting facts of four biomes – the temperate forests, grasslands, wetlands, and mountains. The children had the opportunity to make booklets with the different animals, and the teachers brought parts of some of the soil and vegetation of the biomes into the classroom. This gave the children the chance to have a hands-on experience. Of course, our weekly nature walks are the best way to experience one of the biomes (the temperate forest) right outside our door.

February was also all about celebrating: Chinese and Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day, President’s Day and Carnaval (Mardi Gras). The children learned about the meaning of these celebrations and were able to fine-tune their art skills by creating different arts and crafts. Valentine’s Day is always a highlight for the children, and they enjoyed decorating their own Valentine bag to hold the cards that their fellow students brought to give out. Distributing cards into the bags of each child is something the kids always look forward to.

February 17^th was Kindergarten information night. The Kindergarten year in the Montessori classroom gives the child an experience like no other. Not only do they get to be a leader and mentor, it is also the year the skills they have been practicing and developing for a couple of years really come to fruition. The Kindergarten year gives the child the chance to further grow socially, emotionally, and academically, while still in a familiar, safe, and nurturing environment where they feel comfortable and all staff knows and loves each child.