INSIDE THIS ISSUE... Page 1 “The Second Plane of Development; Ages 6-12” Page 2 Holiday Shows Page 3 Shakespeare Festival Page 4 Student Achievements Page 5 Staff Continuing Education Page 6-7 “A Most Important Gift to Give Your Child” Page 8-17 Classroom Updates Page 18-19 Spanish Page 20 PE Page 21 DEAR Day Page 22 Spotlight Kids Page 23 Showcase Performance Page 24 Calendar
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER FROM MILLHOPPER MONTESSORI SCHOOL
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The Second Plane of Development: Ages 6-12 By MMS Owner & Teacher, Christina Miller By the time children are typically beginning first grade they are entering the second plane of development. The first plane is from birth to age 6 and is noted for the absorbent mind. The second plane is a period when children develop their conscious minds. Learning is different at this age and is marked by a slower and more deliberate pace. The children also become more social by nature and are ever expanding their network socially. Children in the second plane of development are interested in absorbing their family’s culture and developing an awareness of the culture in their community. Morals and values develop at this time as well as an interest in following rules. Often at this age children will claim that something is or is not “fair.” This is also the time when children’s imagination expands exponentially. This draws children into exploration. In the first through third grade Montessori curriculum, for example, the school year begins with the telling of the Great Lessons. These lessons are five imaginative epics that are stories told as if around a campfire. One of these stories tells about the beginning and the development of the universe. This story gives the holistic view that we are all connected and couldn’t live apart from the interconnected whole. The second plane is a time when children reach the age of reason. They can think in higher levels and question things deeply. They are building their consciences. Therefore, this is a perfect time to introduce children to the larger needs of the community and volunteerism. To volunteer is to give for the sake of giving. It has an expanding effect as you widen your circle and personally experience the situations of others.. Important skills can be learned such as leadership, motivation and cooperation. There are many books that can support building a sense of volunteerism in children. One book series for 8 to 12 year olds is called The Super Volunteers Club Mysteries. By Grace Grimm. Another is 50 American Heroes Every Kid should Meet, By Dennis Denenberg. As we savor this time of Thanksgiving what better way to teach thankfulness than volunteering. For children in their second plane of development, it can satisfy a deeper need that stays with them for the rest of their lives.