End of the School Year

Emma's teachers compiled these pictures of her at school this year, so I thought I'd post them. We went on a field trip to Hoagan's farm (Emma's friend). The kids got to glean potatoes.

Lizzy, Zoe, and Emma.

I can't believe Emma is done with preschool and will be moving on to kindergarten! I can't say enough good things about Snake River Montessori School. We have loved our experience there and plan on putting Jane and Ruby in when they are old enough. I loved the school when I taught there and it has continued to improve still. Emma has always loved to learn, but she really thrived at school this year. In September they began teaching her to read and she has continued to progress quite well. We're working on her sight words right now. I love this picture because it reminds me of a story Miss Joanie told me one day. She said that Emma grabbed her hand and said "Let's go make some words together Miss Joanie." How cute is that?!

Emma at the tracing table.

The children made leaf masks for a fall parade around the school. They sang a song that still gets stuck in our heads (the leaves are falling down, the leaves are falling down...)

Making some Halloween treats. I can't believe how little she looks...that wasn't that long ago!

Using the apple corer and slicer.

Peeling potatoes in preparation for Stone Soup.

Just making a little orange juice. The edible "works" are always a hit with the younger kids.

The kids get to invite their families to come for Stone Soup which usually comes just before Thanksgiving. I had Ruby a week before, so my mom came with Jane.

Emma got to go to Hoagan's farm again to see calves that had been born that morning!

Don't let that cute smile deceive you, it was freezing!!!

They made masks for Chinese New Year...

and three corner hats for Presidents Day.

Before St. Patrick's Day Emma made a leprachaun trap. The leprachan's came and destroyed the classroom, but left gold coins. Those poor kids had to put all of the works away where they belong.

When it was nice enough they got to go do works outside.

Emma completed the 25 board. She's learning those numbers, and looks thrilled :)

I love how they teach math. It's very visual, and it must work. I saw these little kindergarteners doing multiplication.

The 100the day of school.

Flower arranging with Paige.

I told Emma about this work that I knew she'd love. It's called "guest and host." It is a glorified tea party. It takes the children a looong time to accomplish. They have to first iron the napkins and table cloth, set the table, prepare the herbal tea and cookies...and then they wash the dishes and the napkins and table cloth. Emma loved it!

The 100 board.

One day they got to bring a stuffed animal or doll.

Emma and Jane out by Emma's cubby. Jane does everything Emma does.

At the end of the year they had an art show. Emma completed a beautiful map that involves tracing all of the continents and then with a little poker she poked holes along the lines until she could easily rip out the continent, then gluing the continents on the paper and labeling them. Wow does that teach patience...but she did it! Oh, and can you tell that Jane looks up to that big sister?

We'll miss this fun school and the great teachers who were so gentle and patient with all the children!