We are currently finishing our research and plan to begin working on our projects tomorrow. Some may have come home with material requests. These requests were determined after scrounging the classroom cupboards and discussing what is really needed! I have encouraged students to do the following:
- Search your bathroom & kitchen cupboards, then...
- Search the basement, then...
- Finally, search the garage
- If all else fails, go to the store.
I encourage you, parents, to set a firm shopping $ limit. Require your children to work for the money if purchases are needed. (For many projects, purchasing is NOT needed. Some kids just WANT to buy materials. Some have even said, "My mom will buy it for me.") Why am I encouraging this type of thinking? Innovation is encouraged in the Upper Montessori room. Innovation is also a 21st century type of thinking! Jobs of the future (many which have yet to be created) will require our children to think outside the box, be innovative, solve problems, and research. (Remember, many jobs today were not in existence when we were in school back in the 70's and 80's. We just had great music!) For all of the above reasons, science fair "kits" which are often found at craft stores and online, are not allowed.
If you have questions, comments, or ideas please be sure to email me or Mrs. Flynn. We have been having a lot of fun encouraging your children to think big, to recycle materials for the projects, to develop a dollar-less project, to be innovative!
In typical fashion, these kids have chosen some amazing projects. They've chosen topics that truly interest them, that are not considered "typical" for 4th and 5th graders, and the facts they are finding have already created a buzz in the classroom! For this group, congratulations are already in order!
CELEBRATION OF LEARNING details:
- Theme: Earth and Space
- March 27, 2012
- 4:30-6:00 p.m. (Upper Montessori has an extended time.)
- All Montessori classes will begin in the gymnasium or multi-purpose room.
A worthwhile Earth and Space link: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forkids/kidsclub/flash/index.html
See you Tuesday!
--Mrs. Perrien
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