December Afternoon Preschool Newsletter
Hello December~
Hello afternoon preschool parents!
This month, the preschool students will learn about and celebrate our many winter holidays. This will be incorporated into various art projects. Additionally, we practice ice skating (on the PFM playground), string lights in the classrooms, and work with puppets. We look forward to visiting a gingerbread bakery and baking (and decorating) our own tasty holiday cookies!
Afternoon Preschool Updates:
If you'd like to see our afternoon preschool program in action, we invite you to visit our space anytime between 4:00-5:00pm!
December North Preschool Newsletter
Hello December~
This month, the North Preschool students will learn about winter holidays. They will also craft holiday cards and gifts to take home at the end of the season. The preschoolers will study owls at circle time and complete a festive cloves and oranges project!
“The child has a mind able to absorb knowledge. S/he has the power to teach her/himself.”--Maria Montessori
Dates to remember:
- Tiny Tots at Banaroya Hall on December 7 from 10:00-11:30am
- Preschool Holiday Sing-Along on December 14 at 9:30am
- PFM will be closed December 24-January 1 for winter break
Quick Classroom Reminders:
Please be sure your child has extra warm clothes in his/her cubby
Please store rain gear (including boots, coats, hats, and rain pants) at school
December Birthdays:
Coming soon!
December South Preschool Newsletter
Hello December~
This month, the South Preschool students will learn about winter holidays. They will enjoy crafting holiday cards and gifts, while designing their own wrapping paper. The preschoolers will also bake delicious sugar cookies!
“Watching a child makes it obvious that the development of his/her mind comes through his/her movements.”--Maria Montessori
Dates to remember:
- Tiny Tots at Banaroya Hall on December 7 from 10:00-11:30am
- Preschool Holiday Sing-Along on December 14 at 9:30am
- PFM will be closed December 24-January 1 for winter break
Quick Classroom Reminders:
Parents, please remind yourself you are doing a great job parenting, and your child’s teacher and support staff are a phone call, chat, or email away if help is needed
Please be sure your child has extra warm clothes in his/her cubby
December Birthdays:
Finn (4) December 11 ; Toren (4) December 18 ; Grace (3) December 26
December Toddler Newsletter
Hello December~
This month, the toddler students will learn about the season of winter. They will enjoy a sensory bin with “snow” and other winter items, and there will be snow-themed matching cards on the shelf. Additionally, the toddler students will bake (and sample) delicious sugar cookies!
“The senses, being explorers of the world, open the way to knowledge.”--Maria Montessori
Dates to remember:
- Tiny Tots at Benaroya Hall on December 7 from 10:00-11:30am
- Preschool Holiday Sing-Along on December 14 at 9:30am
- PFM will be closed December 24-January 1 for winter break
Quick Classroom Reminders:
As the weather gets colder, please be sure your child has a warm coat, hat, mittens, and dry rain gear for the playground each day!
December Birthdays:
Coming soon!
December Infant Newsletter
Hello December~
This month, our friends Quinn and Emery will transition to the toddler classroom! We wish them all the best.
We welcome winter’s arrival with several winter-themed activities, including a seasonal sensory bin. Additionally, the infants will enjoy snowy art projects, snow decor (adorning the classroom), and outdoor walks to see the Gingerbread Village at the Sheraton Hotel, the train at Macy’s, and festive decorations at Westlake Park.
“Learn to move, move to learn:
Babies need to move freely in a safe
place. When babies are allowed to move
and explore on their own, they learn about
their environment and abilities. Babies
develop confidence and problem-solving
skills as they move, explore, and relate to
their environment. ”
Dates to remember:
- Preschool Holiday Sing-Along on December 14 at 9:30am
- PFM will be closed December 24-January 1 for winter break
Classroom reminder:
Please check your child's cubby at pickup to see whether they are low on supplies. At this time, PFM does not provide spare disposable diapers, and we have limited spare clothes. We appreciate your understanding!
Let's Play: How your Child Learns and Grows Through Play
“When you make time to play each day, you are giving your child a big dose of love and learning.”-Rebecca Parlakian and Sarah MacLaughlin
Play is an important part of learning, particularly for children ages 0-3. It provides an opportunity to learn, fosters creativity, and helps refine fine and gross motor skills. Additionally, play is means through which children can express emotions.
In the Montessori classroom, play is incorporated into much of our practical life work. (Of course, play also takes place organically on the playground.) For example, in the toddler classroom, a basket with kitchen items, such as plates, utensils, and wooden food, emulates the movement and practice of cooking. While the “kitchen work” could be considered play, it familiarizes toddler students with kitchen items while demonstrating what the items are used for.
To learn more about the importance of play, and how you can enhance your child’s play, we invite you to read more.
Head of School Newsletter: December
PFM Families,
December is always a festive and fun month here at PFM! I hope you all can join us to watch the preschoolers sing holiday songs on Friday, December 14, at 9:35 am. This is one of our favorite performances of the year!
In November we welcomed Taani and Zora to North Preschool, and they are doing so wonderful at their new school! Anna transitioned to North Preschool from the toddler room and she has really taken to her new surroundings and friends very quickly. This month, Quinn and Emery will begin transitioning to the toddler room – yay girls!
We have our first trip to Tiny Tots on Friday, December 7. This event is for toddlers and preschoolers and takes place at beautiful Benaroya Hall. We always enjoy these outings and feel lucky to be able to take part in such a fun performance geared toward teaching young children about music and instruments.
In December, all of the classrooms will be learning about winter holidays celebrated around the world: focusing on Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Christmas. Some families have volunteered to come in and read stories or make goodies for the children that are traditional to a particular holiday that is celebrated in their family. If you are interested in doing something similar, let your child’s teacher know and we can make this happen! We always love having families join us during learning activities like this.
Have a wonderful December everyone!
Teddi Blades
Director & Owner, PFM