This week we have continued our discussions and experiments with snow. Our latest experiment is one we learned from Snowflake Bentley. Put a sheet of black construction paper in the freezer for several hours. Take it our and quickly catch or place

fluffy snow/snowflakes on the paper. The coldness of the surface, and color of the paper gives the observer a longer time to see details of the individual snowflakes through their magnifying glass. The Scholastic series Snow, Glaciers, Ice and A Snowy Day, by Melvin and Gilda Berger, are being read daily by the children. They have beautiful photographs of the topic and are loaded with fun and scientific facts. 


 

    

Budding illustrator, Ian, has been experimenting with perspective - the techniques used to present a three-dimensional world (what we see) on a two-dimensional surface (a piece of paper) in a way that looks realistic and accurate, as we see it in nature. Perspective is used to create an illusion of space and depth on a flat surface. Ian's interest has lead to viewing many books and artists, and to discussing this particular passion in greater detail. He then combines this with his writing.

On another note (no pun intended) Jay Cook- Music instructor, has been working with the children weekly using rhythm sticks. This week he introduced Boom whackers- which are tuned percussion tubes.

Reminders:  

School begins at 8:30 and pick-up is between 2:45-3 Please do your best to be on time

History has been on our minds this week in Lower El: our personal histories, and those of prominent people. The Youngers are currently counting out many little squares, each one representing a year in their own lives and the lives of their parents, siblings, and pets, as they create their family age graphs. Lots of comparing takes place during this work, as they announce their parents' ages and compare how tall their tower of squares is in relation to someone else's parent's tower. Some Youngers choose to arrange their towers of squares by oldest to youngest, or boy, girl, boy, girl, but no matter how they do it, they are learning about graphing, practicing their counting, and learning a bit about themselves and where they fit in the scheme of their families.  

The Middlers have been writing out the names of their family members up to great-grandparents, excitedly comparing family names ("I have a Solomon in my family, too!") and arranging them on large poster board to create their family trees. It is interesting to hear them talk about which countries, or parts of this country, their relatives are from. This work always fills the children with a sense of wonder; they look upon their large family trees and see the people that came before them - some, familiar  figures in their lives, and others, only subjects in family stories they've heard.  

The Olders are hard at work on the biographies they have chosen, reading and taking notes on their subjects of choice. This year, our third graders have chosen Thomas Jefferson, Georgia O'Keefe, P.T. Barnum, Michael Jordan, Molly Pitcher, and Ruby Bridges as the subjects of their biographies.  

Weaving and embroidery have been popular in our practical life area this week. They began weaving with Helen in art, and the passion for it has spilled over into the Lower El classroom!  

Stay warm and have a pleasant weekend!  

Jessica, Kerstin, and Connie

We have entered into a very busy academic period in the middle school. Jessica's January health class is over. The masks are completed and are on display beginning tonight at Gallery Walk. They are being exhibited on the walls of Amy's Bakery for the month of February alongside an original accompanying poem. The following is from Finn's description for the exhibit:

The creation of a mask allows for an unfolding of imagination, desire, and technique. And nothing so clearly reveals the face beneath than the mask that covers it. The search for identity and voice is an important aspect of the Hilltop Montessori Middle School's curriculum, and the mask project is an integral part of that search.... students are constantly confronted with images of themselves that are very familiar yet hold the potential for great exploration. Masks often lend themselves to the grotesque, the exaggerated, and the sublime. They offer cover, fantasy, and new personas, and yet at their root they are casts of the students' faces and reveal a marvelous and inspired journey of creativity. 

The poetic films that students have also been seriously engaged in are very near to completion. Soundtracks are being created and final editing and tweaking is happening. We will announce a web site based film festival opening soon. As you know we have commenced our study of the Civil Rights Movement and "The Science of Race". Students have science presentations due on Monday as well as a position paper that looks at "truth" and the veracity of science. Students have also selected their "Civil Rights Movement Individual". This extensive research project results in a specific outline, paper, and a speech written in the spirit of their chosen individual and is then memorized and recited in Alabama. Now is the time for research to begin.

Speaking of Alabama we are trying something new to help raise funds for this adventure. For the time being we are taking a break from soup making and selling and going into the coffee and baking business. Every morning beginning next week there will be Mocha Joe's coffee and homemade (as in our kitchen) muffin or scone for sale by donation in the main lobby. After dropping off your student why not grab some superb hot coffee and delicious treat? We are also planning a parent information night about the Odyssey on Tuesday, March 26 at 7:00 pm. Just a reminder - the odyssey is April 3 - 10.

Coffee anyone? 

Enjoy the weekend.