Our whole school community celebrated Earth Day on April 21st. It reflected the effort and feelings of all the students and teachers. At MSNH we gathered in the gym for an "Earth Day" assembly. Sina Balouch hosted the event . Amara Le and Branden Venditti invited the students to participate in the "Pledge to the Earth". The primary classes sang beautiful songs about Reducing, Reusing and Recycling. Students from Mrs. Haider's class shared research they had conducted on Theodore Roosevelt the “Conservationist President” and Senator Gaylord Nelson the founder April 2011 of "Earth Day" in the Country. Two other students had chosen Mother Teresa as a personality to remember on such an auspicious day who had served humanity with the utmost devotion. The theme of the research was "Do ordinary things with extra ordinary love". Mrs. Scales class delighted the audience with a lyrical rendition of the song: "The Pledge, an Earth Anthem". The assembly ended with a video broadcast of "Montessori News Earth Day Edition" by Mrs. Motlagh’s students who enlightened (Continued on page 5) T H E P Y R A M I D M o n t e s s o r i S c h o o l o f N o r t h H o f f m a n L o t u s M o n t e s s o r I S c h o o l Do ordinary things with extra ordinary love. Earth Day Celebration
Transcript
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Our whole school community celebrated Earth Day on April 21st. It reflected the effort and feelings of all the students and teachers. At MSNH we gathered in the gym for an "Earth Day" assembly. Sina Balouch hosted the event . Amara Le and Branden Venditti invited the students to participate in the "Pledge to the Earth". The primary classes sang beautiful songs about Reducing, Reusing and Recycling.
Students from Mrs. Haider's class shared research they had conducted on Theodore Roosevelt the “Conservationist President” and Senator Gaylord Nelson the founder
April 2011
of "Earth Day" in the Country. Two other students had chosen Mother Teresa as a personality to remember on such an auspicious day who had served humanity with the utmost devotion.
The theme of the research was "Do ordinary things with extra ordinary love". Mrs. Scales class delighted the audience with a lyrical rendition of the song: "The Pledge, an Earth Anthem".
The assembly ended with a video broadcast of "Montessori News Earth Day Edition" by Mrs. Motlagh’s students who enlightened (Continued on page 5)
T H E P Y R A M I D
M o n t e s s o r i S c h o o l o f N o r t h H o f f m a n L o t u s M o n t e s s o r I S c h o o l
Do ordinary
things with extra
ordinary love.
E a r t h D a y C e l e b r a t i o n
Dear Parents, As this school year is coming to end, I would like us to reflect and think about our children’s education in Montessori and how their experiences have helped them in their growth and development.
In a child centered environment where each person’s unique individuality is being observed and respected, children will blossom and grow to their fullest potential. Looking at each Infant/toddler, Toddler, Primary, Elementary, and Erdkinder community what is most apparent is the happy and engaged children working together peacefully. They learn how to learn, and how to love, respect, and support one another. In this type of environment, children follow their interests and with guidance further their skills and knowledge, to explore, create, and overcome their deficiencies. They are not controlled by the adult to follow a standard-driven format, rather they follow their own innate desire to learn and explore. The development of their creativity, intelligence, and talents will provide them with the ability to take on the extraordinary challenges of living and working in the new reality of the 21st century—a global society. As we all know, the quality, loving, and supportive nature of our staff and faculty is a great contributing factor to the success of our program. Their love and pride for their children and the way they relate to them is very special. Each and every day they help their students learn how to acquire the skills and competencies necessary to confidently face whatever the future holds. This year we have achieved an excellent level of teamwork with our parents. Your participation in our Parent Ed sessions, Parent Seminar Series, and the communication between us, has resulted in
strengthening our ability to work as effective partners for the benefit of our children. We hope to continue to develop this partnership as your children complete their cycle of Montessori Education. Sincerely, Molood Naghibzadeh, Ph.D
A l e t t e r f r o m o u r p r i n c i p a l
Quality, loving, and supportive nature of our
staff and faculty is a great
contributing factor to the
success of our program.
A p r i l 2 0 1 1 T h e P y r a m i d
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It was with great pleasure that we welcomed all our guests on grandparent’s day. It is so true that grandparents can share in the simple joy of childhood without the chores of daily life or decisions of parenting. They welcomed each offering of work, simple or complicated, in only the way a grandparent can smile upon their youngest family members. What was so delightful to behold was the interest and patience they showed all children in the class who approached to ask questions or offer samples of their own work. In this day, when so many families live apart, it was great to have this opportunity for everyone to connect with the “elder statesmen” of our community. We wish to thank all our visitors and their families for the success of this day and look forward to more opportunities in the future. Corinne Sher
G r a n d p a r e n t ’ s D a y
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The Erdkinder class is currently raising sev-eral chickens for our farm project. We col-lect left over food for these chickens from our school. However, we do not get that
much food from our school so our chickens are not getting the amount of food they require. On be-half of the Erdkinder class, I am requesting parents to give us leftovers from your houses, so we can feed our chickens and give them something good to eat. Parents can leave their leftovers in the Erdkinder classroom at the main (Freeman) campus of MSNH. Thank you.
From the Erdkinder Students
A R e q u e s t f r o m o u r E r d k i n d e r
S t u d e n t s
In this day, when so many families live apart, it was great to have this opportunity for everyone to connect with the “elder
statesmen” of our community.
As the elementary students transition to adolescence, there are many physical, mental, and emotional changes within them. The caterpillar is emerging from the cocoon, ready to become a butterfly. At this point in their development, the students want to form their own micro-society. It is important to encourage them to work together - teaching them the value of loyalty, discipline, and being a rule-following member of society.
Aside from their math, science, English, and history curricula, the Erdkinder students also study micro-economy. Why micro-economy? At this age they have the need for financial independence. This is the time when justice and fairness is as important as making one’s own decisions, when the contributions they
make are recognized by the community. There is interdependency amongst them as they work together to improve themselves and their community as a whole. And what better way to instill self-confidence and independence than through the study and implementation of micro-economy? It teaches them banking, entrepreneurship, bookkeeping, and teamwork as well as grace, courtesy, and patience.
Every Friday, the Erdkinder students run the hugely popular breakfast café. They plan the menu and cook the meals themselves. Additionally, each student is encouraged to come up with his or her own business. This year, we have quite a few successful entrepreneurs! Brandon Kocanda, a 7th grade student, has started a weekly Origami Club where he teaches his students to make intricate origami models. Due to the popularity of the class, he has started a second class for kindergärtners and is assisted by his classmate, Brandon Venditti.
Amara Le and Sumi Wojciechowski have created a couple of different businesses since the beginning of the year, from Thanksgiving to Valentine to Easter baskets. They purchase the materials and create their unique baskets, in the process learning about budgeting, advertising, and profit and loss. Zaib Haider, Michael Douros, and Sina Balouch are the sportsmen. They run a football club twice a week teaching such tactics as good
sportsmanship, teamwork, and football plays and stances. Though this is a fairly new class, it has already taught them quite a few valuable life lessons: patience in dealing with younger students, quick decision-making, and good team spirit. These are lessons they will carry into their adult lives.
The money Erdkinder students earn from all their businesses is used for an international trip at the end of their 9th grade. Last year, the 9th grade students went to Spain. This year they will visit England. The
E r d k i n d e r M i c r o - E c o n o m y
“The chief symptom of adolescence is a state of expectation, a tendency towards creative work and a
need for the strengthening of self-confidence.” Maria Montessori
A p r i l 2 0 1 1 T h e P y r a m i d
Continued on page 6
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list of hundred sight words. Sometimes a child just needs the encouragement or direction of an older student on a particular day. As a classroom teacher I have been so impressed with their ability to connect with the younger students. They
the audience about topics like extinction, green businesses, and current events with a green twist.
The Erdkinder presented Haiku(Japanese Poetry) and one student did a very visual presentation of the "Water Cycle".
In all this assembly brought our community together. Each level contributed something unique from research to poetry, song
E r d k i n d e r C o m m u n i t y S e r v i c e
to visual newscast. Previously, the primary students had prepared fossils in their classroom with ground coffee as an "Earth Day" art activity. The Primary Elementary students happily gave up recess to collect trash around the school's premises and neighborhood.
Word searches , relay races and sidewalk chalk murals were some of the other activities the children enjoyed. The goal of Montessori is to build
Earth Day Celebration continued
approach new tasks with a willingness and confidence that any employer would welcome. So while I thank them on behalf of my students for their efforts, I also smile to think what a great first job this is for them. Corinne Sher
For the past year, the Erdkinder students (grades 7-9) have participated in community service with our primary classrooms. Just as there is an exchange of ideas and learning between young children in a multi-aged classroom, so too do we observe a unique interaction between our oldest and youngest students school wide. Each day for one half hour, they share their skills and youthful enthusiasm with an occasional dose of patience and understanding. Their tasks might include a relationship with one specific child around the development of a specific skill. They are asked to plan activities with the teacher and report progress or obstacles. It might include working with a larger group of children on a single task such as learning the
independent conscious, caring global citizens. The students of our school showed deep and true commitment to our planet.
Saba Haider
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For the past 3 weeks, the upper elementary and Erdkinder students have been experiencing firsthand the joy of exercise. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week these children have a running club led my Mrs. Motlagh. The purpose of the club is to prepare the children for a cross country team which will be in place for the 2011-2012 academic year. The children are learning the proper stance for distance running and learning how to pace themselves. The club has a day devoted to speed training, where the children sprint and walk, while doing drills designed to increase speed during running. The club also has a day devoted to strength training and of course distance running. The club has already run 3.2 miles and hopes to complete a 4 mile run before the end of this academic year. These kids have really given Mrs. Motlagh a run for her money!
Sara Motlagh
T h e R u n n i n g C l u b
international trip is definitely a lot of fun; more importantly, however, the trip instills a sense of confidence and pride in the students for having earned the experience through their hard work.
Learning lessons in micro-economy pays off for our students in manifold ways. The experience and life lessons themselves are invaluable.
Erika Danou-Hasan Zahida Bahrainwala
A p r i l 2 0 1 1 T h e P y r a m i d
Erdkinder Micro-Economy Continued
Ancient Life Ways Upper Elementary Field Trip April 26th - May 29th
Teacher Appreciation Day
Tuesday, May 3rd
Mother’s Night Thursday, May 5th
Volunteer Appreciation Day
Monday, May 9th
Camp Dewan Over night Field Trip -Lower Elementary Only Tuesday, May 11th – May 13th
Erdkinder East Coast Trip
Monday, May 16th – May 23rd
Piano Recital Thursday, May 19th 6pm
School Closed - Memorial Day
Monday, May 30th
U p - c o m i n g E v e n t s
Here is a description of what a typical morning in our classroom looks like: at 9 A.M. we gather together and sing our “I’m So Glad” song and greet all of our friends; we then disperse to choose our own activities for “work time”; at 10 we gather for stories in our loft; from there it is off to the gym for half an hour of gross motor play. At 11 we enjoy “line time”. During line time we sit around in a circle and do different activities like singing and “The Silence Game” where we learn to keep quiet and listen to our peers and our surroundings. At 11:45 we start preparing for a family-style lunch where we not only eat but practice our manners. Our cots are all set up so that following lunch we can nap. Most of the children are up by 2:30 P.M. and on to more activities. Currently our class is made up of young toddlers, but in the near future we hope to expand our ages from 3 months to 2 years. Our environment and our schedules will of course change to meet the needs of the children. Feel free to stop in and see the transformation in progress!
Anees Ishrati
I n f a n t Y o u n g - T o d d l e r T r a n s i t i o n i n t o a n e w c l a s s r o o m
The plans to merge our infant and young toddler classes became a reality on April 11th. With Mrs. Bansil on her way to the Philippines for a little over a month and room for two year olds to move up to Mrs. Henderson-Garner’s class, we put the plans into action. I shifted to the baby room to join Mrs. Veseli with my few young toddlers. The first two weeks after shifting were very hard as the children took time to get used to the changes in the classroom. We moved lots of materials from my young toddler classroom, moved out unused cribs, and started getting our new environment ready. At first the children showed no interest in any of the work, they would just look at an activity and move on before they even tried it. But eventually, I saw a difference. They started taking a little interest in the work and showing more concentration on the activities they chose. They started to adapt to a new daily schedule filled with activity. The children in the infant class were at the ages where they would normally transition into my classroom, but instead I came into theirs. As they got comfortable with their environment, I captured a few precious moments on my camera to share with you.
T h e P y r a m i d A p r i l 2 0 1 1
The children in the infant class were at the ages where they would normally transition into my classroom, but instead I came into theirs.
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During Spring Break, 12 teachers, Dr Naghibzadeh, and Mrs. Haskins attended the National American Montessori conference that was held in downtown Chicago. This is an event that I personally look forward to attending every year for several reasons. The first reason I enjoy this opportunity is because of the many seminars that are taught by professionals both in the Montessori field and in the education realm. The topics vary from curriculum to classroom management, from peace in your class to special needs of students. There is always something from each of the 6 seminars that I can use in my classroom. Next, the conference team always finds compelling and entertaining people to be the key note speakers for the conference. This year there were three. Yong Zhao who spoke of his book, Catching Up or Leading the Way: American Education in the Age of Globalization, , Ellen Galinsky who spoke about her book, Mind in the Making, and finally Sir Ken Robinson addressed the audience with points from his book called Out of Our Minds: Learning to Be Creative. All three inspired out of the box thinking to help address the needs of all students. Finally, because Dr Naghibzadeh attends as well as staff from both campuses, I am able to brainstorm, to collaborate and to simply have fun with our amazing staff. The ideas shared among us from ideas we heard to how each teacher might implement the ideas in our class is exhilarating. Every time a teacher goes to a moving presentation, she comes back to our room filled with ideas and excitement. Every conference I attend, I see my former colleagues and teachers from Cincinnati. They are always impressed that our administrator puts such an emphasis on further education for her staff and has us attend. I agree. I am very lucky for this amazing opportunity. Bridget Scales, Elementary Directress
C h i c a g o A m e r i c a n M o n t e s s o r i C o n f e r e n c e s 2 0 1 1
A p r i l 2 0 1 1 T h e P y r a m i d
During Spring Break, 14 staff members attended the National American Montessori Conferences.
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The mission of Montessori School of North Hoffman &
Lotus Montessori School is to provide a family
environment based on mutual understanding, respect
and cooperation. We are committed to fostering
independence, joy of learning, academic excellence, and
social responsibility as well as developing body, mind and
spirit. We encourage students’ sense of wonder and
admiration for the world by enhancing their life
experiences. We strive to instill global awareness with a
sense of compassion, sensitivity, and tolerance. We
believe that learning must be integrated and
comprehensive while focusing on the uniqueness of the
individual child.
www.MSNH.org
Montessori School of North Hoffman 1200 Freeman Road
Hoffman Estates, IL 60192 Phone: 847-705-1234
Fax: 847-705-0506
Lotus Montessori School 3805 Huntington Blvd.
Hoffman Estates, IL 60192 Phone: 847-705-5678
Fax: 847-705-5683
This month, our children from kindergarten to 2nd grade attended two field trips. They watched the play, “Pinocchio”, at the Metropolis Theater. The story was about making good choices in life. The performers did a great job in having the children help Pinocchio make the right decisions. The second trip was to Elgin Symphony Orchestra
Theatre. They attended the concert, “Beethoven Superhero”, which introduced the children to the wonders of Beethoven and his music. Before the concert, they studied Beethoven’s music and his life. During the concert, they listened to several of Beethoven’s well-known compositions. They were very proud to be able to sing “Ode to Joy” with everybody during the performance which they had learned in Mrs. Armandi’s music class.
