June 2015

For the month of May, the Lila children explored the continent of Europe. The children were introduced to the continent through map tracing and were able to see Europe’s location in relation to their home continent, North America. For botany and zoology, the children sorted pictures and objects into living and non-living categories using European landmarks and native plants and animals. After the children became familiar with the pictures, we discussed in more detail these UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) world heritage sites like the Eiffel Tower, Stonehenge, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

For art, students were exposed to still life drawing and painting using our geometric solids. Still life has its roots in the European Middle Ages and stems from Ancient Graeco-Roman art. Not only did the children get a history lesson, but they were able to express their perspective of objects in the class through this genre.

Combining both language and geometry, the Lila children received a group lesson on the names of familiar geometric shapes in Spanish. One child was given a picture of a shape in English while another received a picture of a shape in Spanish. The children then used their visual discrimination skills and reading abilities to seek out their counterparts in this fun and exciting exercise.

For the month of June, the Lila class will be reviewing lessons learned throughout the year. Our group circles will revisit all areas of the Montessori curriculum to remind children of the beautiful materials surrounding them in their environment.