December Newsletter
November Recap
At Gaowa Montessori School, November was marked by a series of engaging events that fostered community spirit and cultural appreciation. We honored Veteran's Day by examining a marine’s uniform and expressing gratitude for those who served. This was followed by a vibrant classroom cultural potluck, where families shared dishes that celebrated their diverse heritages, enriching our school's cultural tapestry. As the month progressed, students and staff enjoyed a well-deserved break as the school closed for Thanksgiving, allowing everyone to spend quality time with loved ones and reflect on the season of gratitude.
Toddler Classrooms

In a Montessori environment, toddlers engage in purposeful activities such as tonging, pattern sequencing, and tracing lines, each designed to enhance their developmental skills.
Tonging activities, which involve using tongs to transfer objects from one place to another, improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while fostering concentration and control.
Pattern sequencing introduces children to concepts of order and organization, helping them develop critical thinking skills as they learn to recognize and create patterns with various materials.
Meanwhile, tracing lines aids in the development of pre-writing skills, promoting hand strength and dexterity necessary for future writing tasks.
Collectively, these activities not only support physical and cognitive development but also empower toddlers to explore their independence and build a foundation for lifelong learning, in line with the Montessori philosophy.
Primary Classrooms

The Montessori philosophy offers several benefits for primary students, promoting a holistic approach to education that supports their intellectual, emotional, and social growth.
- During cutting work, the students improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as they practice using scissors safely and effectively.
- The combination of the brown stairs and pink tower aids in understanding size differentiation and spatial relationships through tangible manipulation of materials.
- Exploring geometric solids allows children to identify shapes and their properties, enhancing their spatial awareness and mathematical thinking.
- Additionally, gardening activities, such as harvesting and washing a carrot, not only teach students about plant life cycles and nutrition but also instill a sense of responsibility and connection to nature.
Overall, Montessori education creates a rich environment that addresses the diverse needs of primary students, preparing them for lifelong learning.
Kindergarten Program

Recently, the Kindergarteners have begun an exciting journey by reading the Magic Tree House series and this month they are on Merlin Missions. This series captivates young readers with its blend of adventure and historical exploration, making it an ideal foundation for integrating different subjects.
Reading comprehension is crucial in early education, as it lays the basis for critical thinking and communication skills. When children dive into stories like those in the Merlin Missions, they not only enjoy exciting narratives but also practice understanding characters, settings, and plots. This comprehension becomes even more engaging when it is connected to practical activities.
Throughout this month, the kindergarteners have been creating their own masterpieces that relate to the story, further enhancing their critical thinking skills and fine motor development.
November Birthdays

Veteran's Day

December Events

Jolly greetings as we welcome the month of December! As we move into this joyful season, we have several exciting events planned for our school community.
First, we are thrilled to announce our Toy Donation Drive, where we encourage families to donate new toys to brighten the holidays for those in need.
Next, mark your calendars for our Montessori Parent Night, where parents can engage in meaningful discussions and learn more about our teaching methods and community.
We will also be celebrating our Holiday Tradition Share Week, inviting families to share their unique holiday traditions with the class. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn from one another and appreciate our diverse backgrounds.
Additionally, we will host a Spirit Week, filled with themed days to boost school spirit and camaraderie among students.
Don’t miss our Winter Show Performance, where our students will showcase their talents and spread holiday cheer through music and dance.
Lastly, please note that school will be closed for Winter Break, allowing families to spend quality time together and enjoy the holiday season.
We look forward to a month filled with joy, community, and celebration!