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Children are often asked to adjust to our adult world. In the hope that every child has a place where they can "just be", our environment has been especially designed to include every aspect of life for your children. I invite you to read our classroom highlights to get a glimpse of your child’s world at school. Your children are often working independently to meet individual interests and needs, but this page will give you updates on our work as a community. I will share group discussions, class trends, community goals, and relevant Montessori concepts. Please know I feel honored to observe and support your child’s development this year. Thank you for sharing them with me! Megan FellowsMegan@traversechildrenshouse.org Room Parents Rachel Atkins Ni Thang |
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Classroom Highlights
April 15, 2025
Dear Lily Families,
We’ve begun preparing for our annual May Day Celebration, and the excitement is already in the air! The children have been busy crafting beautiful floral crowns and practicing a few special songs for the occasion. Click here to hear Wild Mountain Thyme and The May Day Carol—your children especially love the challenge of singing all four verses of the carol on their own, without any adult help! On May 1st, we’ll gather in the courtyard to watch the kindergarteners perform the traditional Maypole dance. Families of kindergarteners are invited to attend—please check Waypoints for more details.
April is National Poetry Month, and we’ve been celebrating by reading a wide variety of poems. We've discovered that poetry can take many shapes—it can be long or short, rhyming or free verse, funny, serious, or delightfully imaginative. Inspired by all this creativity, the class decided to write a poem together about baking. They all agreed—it had to rhyme! Here’s our group poem:
Baking
By: The Lily Class
I like baking cookies, chocolate chip
Chip is the name of the ship
Making cookies
Making cupcakes
Not too much, or we get a stomach ache!
What will we bake?
A cookie in the shape of a lake
Baking flour on a tower
Let the cookie bake!
One of the many beautiful aspects of our school community is the opportunity students have to connect across age groups. These connections happen in a variety of ways—some planned, others more spontaneous—and they enrich our classroom in meaningful ways. For example, the Cedar classroom from Upper Elementary visits us twice a week to read stories aloud. Over time, the children have grown so comfortable with these visits that they often curl up in the readers' laps, fully immersed in the stories being shared. It’s a sweet part of our week.
We also have a special helper, Elijah, an Upper Elementary student who takes out our trash and recycling at the end of each school day as part of his Model United Nations fundraising efforts. As a thank you, your children invited him to join us for a snack. They baked muffins and made him a cup of tea—it was a lovely gesture of appreciation (see attached photos).
Beyond these moments, your children often take the initiative to connect with other classrooms by writing letters when they’re interested in visiting or hosting. Over the course of the year, we've seen children read to babies, share lunch with toddlers, invite elementary students for lunch, and even begin pen pal relationships with Junior High students. There is something truly special about seeing former Lily students return to our room. Watching our current group gaze up at them with admiration is a powerful, full-circle moment—one made possible by being part of a school that nurtures children from infancy through Junior High.
One last reminder - Please help us by ensuring that toys from home stay at home. They can be a distraction and are at risk of getting lost or damaged. Thank you for your support!
Warmly,
Megan
March 7, 2025
Dear Lily Families,
I can hardly believe we’re approaching the week of our final parent-teacher conferences of the school year. This uninterrupted time with you is always one of the highlights of my year. Your insights, thoughtful questions, and ideas are the foundation of our strong partnerships. Thank you for taking the time to connect with me—it truly elevates your child’s experience at school from good to great. Additionally, please consider sending any specific questions in advance so that I can make the most of our time together.
Last week, we began exploring the concept of ability, starting with the biography of Helen Keller. We focused not only on the obstacles she overcame but also on her remarkable contributions to improving the lives of others who are deaf and blind. After reading the story and engaging in a thoughtful discussion, the children have been exploring sign language cards to learn new signs. In addition to our language exploration, we introduced a new art lesson that encourages each child to try drawing while wearing a blindfold (See attached photos). This activity challenges them to rely on their other senses and has sparked eye-opening conversations about how we experience the world around us. Next week, we’ll be reading two powerful stories that highlight characters with different abilities: You’re So Amazing, Karen George and Emmanuel's Dream: The Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah by Laurie Ann Thompson. Both stories will emphasize the strength in difference and deepen our understanding of ability, perseverance and empathy.
We are excited to officially welcome Gaél and his family to our Lily community! Gaél’s arrival has sparked a renewed sense of responsibility and pride in being a positive role model among the children (see attached photo of a friend supporting Gaél in the coatroom). It has been such a joy to show him around our space and watch our class grow through new friendships.
At the end of each school day, we come together for a mindful moment as a class. During this time, we reflect on the children who were absent that day and remind ourselves that our classroom is only truly whole because each of us contributes something unique. Gaél has added a special piece to our puzzle, and now our Lily room feels complete.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Megan
February 18, 2025
Dear Lily Families,
What a lovely Valentine’s Day celebration! Your children thought deeply about the word ‘love’ and showed it to each other through acts of service and kind words. They each made a card for a surprise valentine that included a thoughtful compliment. Some of them said “I love your heart”, “I love talking to you at lunch” and “you are really good at letter sounds”. Primary children are naturally egocentric, so this is a challenging task that stretches us to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes. We will continue to practice giving compliments at birthday celebrations all year long. Thank you for supporting your children in their valentine making this month. It was a joyful exchange!
We had some wonderful guests visit our class to share their traditions with us in January. Mirabelle’s mom shared photos, stories and delicious food from Nigeria. Junghwa visited from the Fern classroom to teach us how to make lanterns during our study of Lunar New Year. These visits from experts are powerful. Your children are still talking about these experiences weeks later! Please let me know if you would like to share a family tradition or something from your professional lives with our class. We would love to welcome you!
This month, I have chosen to highlight a material from the primary environment. Many of you have probably seen your child tagged in a photo on Transparent Classroom that mentions “Walking on the Line”. The black line on our floor in the shape of an ellipse is an important Montessori material. Although many activities in our room naturally provide opportunities for movement, Dr. Montessori established Walking on the Line to specifically build up this skill. She noticed children’s’ need to move as they continuously tested their balance and equilibrium, so she provided accordingly. The Walking on the Line Activity aims to develop and perfect balance and equilibrium as they walk heel to toe on a thin line. It also promotes social cohesion when we walk on the line as a group. Children are required to cooperate with each other and respect personal space. This week, we added several options for extensions to this work. Your children can now try walking on the line while carrying a full cup of water, balancing a bean bag on their head or holding a bell without letting it ring.
If you’d like to see Walking on the Line and other materials in action, Renee has updated the observation calendar. Please click here to schedule an observation at our one-way window. This is a great way to prepare questions for our March conference.
Warmly,
Megan
Upcoming dates:
- Primary Parent Visiting Day: February 26th (8:30-9:30), one adult per child please
- Conferences: March 13th (half day) and 14th (no school)
- Grandparent’s Day: Share addresses by March 21st in Ravenna
January 15, 2025
Dear Lily Families,
One of the key skills young children practice at school is the ability to regulate their emotions or have control over their emotional state. This might mean stopping an impulse to scream during a moment of frustration or asking for a hug to reduce feelings of sadness. Emotional regulation is essential to mental well-being and successful social relationships. Our classroom shows children a variety of strategies and tools to develop self-regulation, including Marc Brackett’s Mood Meter and now Leah Kuyper’s Zones of Regulation. The zones support children to label their feelings, talk about how they feel and learn coping strategies in neutral moments. We are using the attached charts to check in with each other at chapter book time and remind ourselves of strategies when we find ourselves in a particular zone. The Mood Meter is used in a similar way but gives children a more nuanced understanding of feelings.
On Friday, we will have a birthday celebration for Martin Luther King Jr. January 15th was MLK’s birthday, so this classroom tradition is a concrete way for children to honor his life in a way that is familiar to us. We spent the week preparing for the gathering by making birthday cards, reading about peace, listening to Stevie Wonder’s Happy Birthday song and baking cornbread. Check out some of our favorite books from the week:
On January 30th, all primary families are invited to learn more about the kindergarten year. This year is the capstone of the primary experience and is a culmination of their hard work. Your child must meet the age requirement and get an invitation from their guide to begin kindergarten, but this event is a great chance to learn more as you prepare for the milestone. You can RSVP and register for childcare here. Looking forward to seeing many of you!
Warmly,
Megan
December 16, 2024
Dear Families,
Earlier this month, we had a special visit from Ashley Fetters from Northern Pediatric Therapy. Ashley is a speech and food therapist that serves several children at our school. She joined our group gathering to talk about trying new foods before the holidays. We learned it can take up to 13 exposures to a new food before we begin to enjoy it! Ashley shared the attached handout with us that outlines the six ways to explore unfamiliar food in a positive way: touch, smell, kiss, lick, bite and enjoy. Your children tried these steps with a snack and continue to reference the strategies when new foods are introduced at lunch.
Last year, Chelsea introduced us to the phrase “it’s not to my taste” instead of making a negative comment about a food. We continue to use this phrase and always remind children they won’t know if something is to their taste until they try it. See what happens when you reference these ideas at home!
All of you will receive a holiday gift from your child this week. Your children took lots of pride in creating something special for you. They even donated their prized easel paintings for the wrapping paper! At our group gathering, your children practiced how to politely give and receive a gift. However, they all agreed it might be too difficult to keep this gift a surprise!
I look forward to seeing all of you on Friday, December 20th for our annual Seasonal Sing. The school-wide performance is in the gym and begins at 11am. Campus will close after the program. After you collect your child and check in with one of the Lily grownups, please walk to our coatroom to empty your child’s cubby. It is helpful to have clean, labeled snow gear for the new year!
I am excited to enjoy the festive week ahead with your children and hope you have a peaceful winter break. We’ll see you in 2025!
Warmly,
Megan
November 21, 2024
Dear Lily families,
Thank you for making time for parent teacher conferences last week. I am truly honored to work alongside such dedicated families. Each of you is thoughtful about preparing your child for the road of life!
I want to extend a warm welcome to a few new families in the Lily room. Emmett Smith and Rowan Johnson have recently joined our community from their YCC rooms. Your children have taken them under their wings and been incredible role models. The mixed age classroom allows even our youngest learners to take on leadership roles. Soon, we will welcome Aberdeen who joins our classroom after Thanksgiving and Gael who will join us after winter break.
We recently started our first artist study of the year. We are exploring Alma Thomas, an abstract painter and art teacher. The children have been captivated by her colorful and patterned paintings. We learned that Alma loved making art as a child and felt most inspired by nature. After admiring her work and reading about her life, your children have started to make abstract paintings of their own. Take a look at their Alma Thomas inspired creations in the attached photos!
We are looking forward to our Harvest Feast on Tuesday, November 26th! Your children have each chosen a dish they want to contribute to our meal. The class decided on the menu and made special place cards with Emmeline. You will find another copy of the menu attached to this email. The event is a fun way to say goodbye before Thanksgiving break and a chance to take ownership of an event. We are still looking for volunteers to support our set up and clean process. If you are interested and available, you can click here to choose a time slot. If you volunteer, you are also welcome to join us for the meal. We appreciate your help!
Your children spent time practicing how to express gratitude this week and I was moved by their responses. They shared gratitude for their cozy homes and the earth, but most of all, they shared their gratitude for you. I am grateful for your children who bring so much joy to our lives. I hope you all have a rejuvenating break with your families!
October 16, 2024
Hello Lily families,
Your children have welcomed fall with open arms! We started the season by talking about apples. We explored the parts of an apple, learned the names of many apple varieties, had an apple taste test and added an applesauce recipe to our baking table. We learned that apples begin as flowers, and you can see the apple blossom or calyx when you look at the bottom. We also took a close look at a cross section of an apple to find the seeds. Ask your child which apple has been their favorite so far: honey crisp, granny smith, pink lady or gala?
Next, we’ll explore the life cycle of a pumpkin to prepare for Pumpkin Fun Day on October 31st! Our room parents have graciously helped prepare special crafts and snacks. Your child also brought home a handout with a reminder about costumes. Please let me know if you did not receive it.
As a caregiver at The Children’s House, you have a unique opportunity to observe your child at school. It is not often that a caregiver can carefully and unobtrusively watch their child without having to supervise or intervene. We hope you will take advantage of our observation windows and a new sign-up process. Click here to sign up!
When you arrive at the observation window, you will find a guide on the wall. We hope you’ll be as objective as possible and choose a couple questions to think about. Remember, observation does not have to be limited to the classroom. Try it at home too!
Warmly,
Megan
Upcoming events in October:
- Socialize with other primary parents and explore the materials this Friday! (October 18th)
- Picture Day: October 21st (let me know if you did not receive a form)
- Parent Visiting Day: October 29th
Reminders:
- Please fill out the Family Information Survey
- As you send in warm gear for our time outside, please make sure to label every item with your child’s name. Thank you!
A note from Angela, Alison and Steve:
The kindergarten group has been practicing lots of throwing and catching both independently and with a partner. The 3- and 4-year-olds have spent their time in the gym on balance bikes and tricycles as well as balloon play.
Kindergarten art has it’s first lesson this Friday, can’t wait to spend some time with those students!
In group time we have been working on “Funga Alafia” with the arms and legs motions. Eventually this becomes a circle dance. It is a song of welcome and community. We have also started working on keeping a steady beat while singing “Senwa Dedenda”. We are also 5 instruments into our exploration of new sounds from African origins. Kindergarten music starts next Friday.
September 16, 2024
Dear Lily Families,
The Lily class is in full swing! It feels so good to be back with your joyful, curious children. I am amazed by their thoughtfulness as they care for our space and go out of their way to welcome Sadie, Sloan, Artie and Ollie. The adults are prioritizing grace and courtesy lessons to give children the language and tools they need to be successful in a large group. We have practiced walking in the room, rolling a rug, observing a friend and asking for help. These lessons are always given in neutral moments and are often informed by our observations (next up - how to use the drinking fountain!) We’ll continue these lessons throughout the year to maintain a safe and peaceful learning environment.
At Back to School Night, I mentioned my effort to affirm the unique identities of your children. One way we learn about our similarities and differences is through information from you! Please fill out a Family Information Survey to share all that is special about your family. We hope you will share songs, recipes and stories that we can incorporate into the classroom. If you are willing to donate your time, we would be thrilled to welcome you for a visit!
One of my favorite parts of our day is lunch time. I have always felt the school’s approach to meals captures our deep respect for children. We set up beautiful tables with real dishes, candles, linens and flower arrangements. We wait for everyone to be served, place our napkins on our laps and sing our community lunch song (you can find a recording of the lunch song attached to this email). Sometimes we even listen to smooth jazz as we enjoy our thoughtfully prepared lunches from the kitchen. As we become more comfortable finding our spots, passing the pitcher of water and cleaning our dishes, we will add complexity to the routine. Two children will be chosen to help serve the school lunch each day. This is an exciting responsibility that gives them additional ownership of our day. After lunch, the kindergarteners and any willing helpers clean up our space so we can return to work. The children unload the dishwasher, start a load of laundry, sweep and move furniture. Check out the attached photos…could you incorporate any of these elements in your family’s mealtime?
Warmly,
Megan
Two Reminders:
- I have been tagging photos of your children on Transparent Classroom. If you have not received any photos by the end of this week or have trouble logging in, please let me know.
- I have started my welcome calls. I will call each of you sometime in the next month to touch base (usually Tuesday afternoons). Please don’t be alarmed if you see a call from me. I will leave a voicemail. Looking forward to answering your questions!