Let’s start this edition of Scribbles by looking back to Thanksgiving and our first cooking project. The children made their own individual cornbread muffin.
Here are the steps:
Measuring the liquid ingredients: oil, milk and egg into a bowl. For our vegetarians the egg was left out.
Beat with an egg beater.
Measuring the dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, baking powder and sugar into a sifter. When measuring the dry ingredients you need to level the top. We used a popsicle stick.
Add a pinch of salt.
Sift onto a paper plate, then add to liquid mixture and stir. Spoon into lined muffin tin and bake.
As a class we made butter by shaking whipping cream that was poured into small jars. Spread it onto your muffin and enjoy!
Geography:
We concluded our study of North America by looking at our state (Michigan) which is easy to find on the USA map because of its unique shape. We discussed that Michigan has two parts called the Upper and Lower Peninsula. The Upper Peninsula looks like a rabbit running and the Lower Peninsula looks like a mitten. Michigan is known as the Great Lakes State it touches 4 of the 5 Great Lakes, Lake Superior, Michigan, Huron and Lake Erie. The Great Lakes has the largest surface of fresh water in the world.
We had a work that introduced a few animals that are native to the Great Lakes; Fish - Lake Sturgeon and Yellow Perch, Birds – Canada Goose and Great Blue Heron, Mammals – Little Brown Bat and Canada Lynx, Amphibian – the Common Mudpuppy and a few others. The children sorted and placed the animals by if they live on land or in the water.
Land forms were introduced our first being a peninsula. A peninsula is land that has water on three sides. Also, a lake – a body of water surrounded by land. Land forms allow for hands on learning.
Art:
Our painting of Michigan was a two medium painting project. First, our artist used Oil Pastels to color the water and then watercolor paint for the land.
Sensorial:
The Binomial cube has been introduced. The Binomial Cube is made up of eight blocks that fit together to form a cube. In pre-primary it is used as a sensorial work in shape, color, and pattern recognition. In elementary the cube is used for algebra equations.
Practical Life:
Two new dressing frames have been added to the shelf: the Snapping Frame and the Buttoning Frame. Developing fine motor skills and practicing independence!
Mortar and pestle work, currently we are grinding eggshells.
During the month of December, we are exploring winter Holidays. What makes the Holiday Season special depends on the customs and traditions that were handed down in your family. Every family and culture are unique and distinct. Here at Schoolhouse Montessori, we are blessed to have such a diversified community.
We started by honoring the most widely celebrated holiday in the world Christmas. The popular symbol of the Christmas tree popped up in our classroom. The children colored and cut out ornaments for one of the trees and placed mini light bulbs on the other. Germany is credited with starting the decorated Christmas tree tradition. In Germany Christmas trees are called Tannenbaum.
Using Sensorial materials to make a colorful Christmas tree.
Art: Paint dabbers
At our writing table the children can choose a gingerbread man or tree stencil along with the message Happy Holidays to copy.
Math:
One to one correspondence.
A few friends are using addition strips which help children visualize addition facts and to count forward from a given number.
This coming week I will be sharing my family tradition and the Jewish Holiday of Hanukkah. Hanukkah, also called the Festival of Lights is celebrated with food, the candle-lighting of a menorah, spinning a top called a dreidel and gifts. The menorah has nine candles. Eight candles represent the eight days of Hanukkah. The ninth and tallest candle is used to light the others.
We will also talk about Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is a non-religious holiday. Kwanzaa is a week of festivities starting on December 26th, honoring African-American culture and heritage. Kwanzaa means “first fruits” in Swahili, one of the many languages spoken in Africa. Each night, family and friends gather to light a candle that represents one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The candles are placed in the Kinara.
This is the last Scribbles for 2025. Scribbles will resume in January 2026.
We wish you a very Joyous Holiday Season.
Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy New year.
Thank you for all of your support!
The Olive Room Staff