September 2024
Peek Inside Lower Elementary
BLACK BEAR
Dear Black Bear Families,
In September, the entire Creo community came together to celebrate Peace Day, embracing Maria Montessori's vision and the spirit of unity and harmony that guides our learning environment. We had meaningful conversations, activities, and reflections on what peace means and how we can contribute to a more peaceful world.
Alongside these celebrations, our biology studies continued, with children exploring the natural world through hands-on lessons and preparing our gardens with Ms. Laura. We can't wait to see our campus flourishing with plants and the children nurturing it with curiosity and dedication.
The classroom has been alive with the hustle and bustle of creativity and learning. Children have immersed themselves in stories of the first humans, sparking their imaginations and deepening their understanding of history. They even brought these stories to life by making their own cave paintings!
This dynamic mix of activities has cultivated a strong sense of community, where everyone works together, learns from each other and shares their unique perspectives.
We are thankful for your support and trust as we eagerly look forward to the months ahead, excited for the continued exploration, learning, and growth that awaits us!
Warmly,
Ms. Rebeca and Ms. Carmen
COYOTE
Hello Coyote families,
Happy Fall! We are so excited for the cooler weather to finally be here. We have already begun taking full advantage by going out on the playground again for recess.
This month, we explored the impact that human beings have had on Earth in the short time we’ve been here. We reflect on how we’ve shaped the world, even beyond technology and academics through the contributions of individuals who have come before us. From mathematicians and scientists to historians, authors, and novelists, we always emphasize how each of these people has paved the way for the life we enjoy today.
When they focus on gratitude for those past figures, the children are learning to hold a sense of appreciation during their lessons and activities. Whether they're engaging in math, science, literature, or history, they now have an understanding of the effort and brilliance it took to make learning possible. This awareness helps them approach their work with a greater sense of purpose, knowing that they are standing on the shoulders of those who came before them.
The class had so much fun on the International day of Peace when we gathered in the gym to sing songs and listen to peers speak about pacifists that inspire them. It helped tie in how important it is as individuals to work together, treat each other equally and respect, and to always stand up for what's right in society.
We look forward to continuing this theme in the months ahead!
Warmly,
Ms. Shelby and Ms. Evelyn
Peek Inside Upper Elementary
FALCON
Dear Falcon families,
What a fantastic time we’ve had in our classroom over the past few weeks! The students have been engaging in hands-on learning, creative projects, and explorations that span a wide range of subjects. I’m excited to share some of the highlights of what your children have been up to.
International Cooking Fun
In our study of global cultures, the children have been learning to cook international dishes. They made Italian gnocchi and Mexican chilaquiles from scratch. Not only did they practice measuring ingredients and following instructions, but they also got a delicious taste of different culinary traditions. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm as they explored new flavors and foods from around the world!
Spooky Story Writing
With fall around the corner, the students have been crafting their very own spooky stories using descriptive writing techniques. They’ve been focusing on how to set a scene, build suspense, and use vivid language to bring their tales to life. I’ve been so impressed with their creativity and attention to detail!
Going Out to the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary
Some students had the opportunity to make an unforgettable trip to the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary, where they got up close to various reptiles and amphibians. They learned about conservation efforts, animal habitats, and the importance of protecting endangered species. The children had a blast and their enthusiasm for wildlife is inspiring.
Mathematics Through Exploration
In math, we’ve been delving into plane figures – exploring shapes, angles, and the properties of two-dimensional figures. The students have been using materials to understand the geometry of the world, and it’s wonderful to see their confidence in math grow.
Cereal Box Book Reports
The students are working on completing a book report in a fun and imaginative way – by designing them in the style of a cereal box! They are creating colorful and creative boxes that include summaries, reviews, and fun information about the books they’ve read.
Create-Your-Own Island Projects
We are wrapping up our create-your-own island projects, where the students designed fictional islands complete with geography, culture, and wildlife. Their islands reflect a mix of creativity and critical thinking. Come see their final projects on October 3rd at 2:00pm.
Thank you for your continued support! We’re looking forward to more adventures in learning as the school year progresses!
Sincerely,
Ms. Emily and Ms. Carla
ROADRUNNER
Dear Parents,
We can hardly believe we are already approaching the third month of school! Time has flown by, and the children have been busy engaging in a variety of exciting projects and activities. One of our main focuses has been the Island Project, which will come to a close on October 3rd. We are thrilled to invite parents and family members to join us that day to see the incredible work the children have created. Last month, the students thought carefully about the physical features and landscapes their islands would have, along with their natural resources. This month, they have taken on the challenge of figuring out how human life could thrive on their islands, based on their findings. Some children have created intricate systems of interdependent tribes, each located in a unique biome with access to different resources, while others have discovered that their islands would need to rely on many imports due to their location or landscape features. Along the way, we’ve explored various governing and economic systems, including monetary and bartering methods, and reviewed the Fundamental Human Needs to help guide their thinking.
Additionally, this month we welcomed our first set of visiting guests as the children worked with our volunteers to create Japanese Knot bags, which some students are ready to take home soon or may opt to keep in the classroom to hold their handwork projects. Practicing their sewing skills aids in the development of concentration, and fine motor skills, as well as gives them practical life skills. The children have also taken turns working with our classroom coordinator to create our classroom’s auction project for the upcoming Esperanza Charity Event, CreōFest. Next month join us in viewing the classroom projects in a sneak preview before the event in November.
This month we also looked into different styles of poetry and the children collaborated on a beautiful ABC poem about peace leaders throughout history, a wonderful way to tie creativity with our lessons on important figures. In math, the children have been focusing on mastering their math facts, working through multiples, fractions, decimals, squares and cubes of numbers, as well as exploring exponents. We have also delved into analyzing word problems, and the children have enjoyed discovering patterns and tackling these challenges. Science exploration continues to be a highlight for the class as well. As we look ahead, the children have started planning our first big fundraiser to support our Big Trip at the end of the year. I will share more details as the plans come together. Thank you for your continued support.
We look forward to seeing you at the Island Project showcase on October 3rd!
Warmly,
Ms. Lauren and Ms. Juany
