Dear Sparkle Families,

November wasa month of remembering to share and to be thankful. However this is something we all need to remember every month and talk about with our little ones.

Our Thanksgiving celebration was enjoyable. We thank all our enthusiastic parents who contributed to its success.

Thank you so much Ms Kanika, Ms Samantha and Ms Neelima for all the hard work put into making children understand diversity. Children learn what they see and we sincerely appreciate all the effort put into the outstanding poster at our reception.

We are now preparing for our Winter Concert. Our children are practicing diligently and we look forward to seeing everyone at the concert.

Some of the topics that we have introduced at Spanish circle are greetings, counting, colors, and body parts. We hope you all are hearing this at home. If you want a copy of the Spanish curriculum please contact Ms. Mona. This is month we will introduce some Christmas related words in Spanish.

We encourage you to read to your child for at least 20 minutes throughout the holidays. The time you spend cuddling with your children and watch them become engrossed in a story is a priceless experience. On top of the sentimental value, more and more studies are proving how beneficial reading with a parent is for developing children.

We wish you a peaceful and enjoyable holiday season!

Thanks

The Sparkle Montessori Team

Why Montessori?

This month we will attempt to explain the process of Normalization.

Normalization describes the process that occurs in the Montessori classroom where young children learn to focus and concentrate for a sustained period of time.

Dr. Maria Montessori believed that if a child is placed in a carefully prepared environment he\she would learn to live in harmony with her surroundings. The child should be free to develop his\her personality and his\her mind from the opportunities that are presented in the classroom. Normalization isn’t something that is taught in the classroom. It is something which happens when children are given meaningful work to do.

This month, we would like to share some basic manners every child should know. We go over all these at school.Helping children master these simple rules of etiquette will get him\her noticed -- for all the right reasons!

1.When asking for something, say "Please." and when receiving something, say "Thank you."

2.Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.

3.If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation.

4. When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.

5.Don't call people mean names and do not make fun of anyone for any reason.

6.Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents\teachers to teach you or watch what adults do.

7.Keep a napkin on your lap while eating; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.

8.Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.

9.Cover your mouth when you coughor sneeze.

10.Do not call your friends mean names.

Some suggested reading...

Our theme for the month of December is Christmas around the World. We will talk about how this festival is celebrated around the world and read stories about Santa and his reindeers!

Some gentle reminders...