As MJDS parents you are becoming more knowledgeable about Montessori Pedagogy; many of you may have heard of the Absorbent Mind and know how it forms an invaluable component in a child's overall development. Dr. Montessori believed that children from birth to about six have a powerful way to learn things: they possess an unconscious absorbent mind, which allows them to absorb a myriad of impressive events. These events, which include image, sound, taste, smell and touch, help the young children adapt to the world, but more importantly, they create and shape the person the child is to become. 

Dr. Montessori pointed out that the Absorbent Mind has two phases:  the first phase is from birth to three years old and the second phase from three to six years old. During the first phase, the child unconsciously reacts to what he/she feels attractive in his/her environment; his/her thoughts are mostly fragmented, unorganized but abundant. When a child enters the age of three, the second phase of the Absorbent Mind slowly kicks in. He/she begins to organize his/her experiences and classify them into different categories. He/she continues to refine his/her basic skills but is better able to use them more purposefully and reacts more consciously to his/her surrounding world.

Our MJDS toddler classroom is subtly designed and equipped so that the toddlers take full advantage of their unconscious Absorbent Mind. Each activity is carefully planned with points of interest but without over-stimulation which motivates the toddlers to practice the important skills joyfully and nurtures their ability to concentrate. 

Darota Urbaniak Photo Album

As part of our Sports and Health Year, Rimon and Shalhevet students met Canadian Olympic Rowing athlete Dorota Urbaniak. The children learned that she has won numerous events on the international circuit including three world championships. She also won an Olympic bronze medal in the women's eights at the 2000 Summer Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.   She will be participating in the PanAm games this summer.  Our children were impressed by her accomplishments, her personality and her personal stories.  More of their impressions in next week's newsletter!  

Let's get active together! On Thursday morning the Casa students invite their parents to get active for this year's Sports and Health Event.

Join us in Beth David's Social Hall at 9:30 am dressed in your workout clothes for an interactive event that will get us all moving. We will begin with a short warm up before moving to the various Sports and Health related stations. We will finish the event with some calming yoga stretches.

Please RSVP through the evite or directly to regina@mjds.ca

MJDS children gathered together to welcome Nissan, the first month on Jewish calendar (according to the Torah). The Torah calls it Chodesh Ha-Aviv-the month of spring, as it marks the beginning of the spring season.

It is in this month that we celebrate Pesach, Passover, from the 15th through the 22nd of Nissan. As we do we commemorate the Jewish people's miraculous redemption from slavery in Egypt, and the birth of the Jewish nation.

A special mitzvah which can be fulfilled only once a year-anytime during the month of Nissan-is to recite the brachah upon seeing a fruit tree in bloom. Many people visit botanical gardens during this time, so as to avail themselves of an opportunity to observe this beautiful mitzvah.

It is mentioned in the Talmud that according to one tradition, the three fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob all were born and passed away in the month of Nissan.

Chodesh Tov!

Dear MJDS parents,

We are happy to invite you to a special evening program- Shinshinim bamitbach - Shinshinim in the kitchen.

We will meet at the Rebick's house on Thursday March 26th from 7:30 to 9:30 to make Shakshuka and and Israeli salad, and discuss different Israeli issues.

Please RSVP at galandishai@gmail.com

See you there!

Gal and Ishai

MJDS Shinshinim