Kitty Class Newsletters
9/9/25
Hello Families,
The children have been introduced to the amazing world of apples through engaging science and
practical life activities. This month, your child is exploring nature while learning key concepts
about living vs. non-living things, plants vs. animals, and the wonders of the apple tree.
Living vs. Non-Living
We began our exploration by distinguishing between living and non-living things. Children
learned that living things grow, need food, and water, and reproduce, while non-living things do
not. This foundational concept helps them categorize the world around them.
Plants vs. Animals
Next, the class compared plants and animals, focusing on their differences and similarities.
Through fun, hands-on activities, children learned that both plants and animals are living, but
plants make their own food through sunlight, while animals eat plants or other animals.
Parts of a Tree (Apple)
Your child is studying the parts of a tree, including the roots, trunks, branches, and leaves. When
we learn about apple trees, flowers and apples will be added to the discussion. This helps them
understand how each part plays a role in the growth and life cycle of the tree. Thank you to
Ophelia for volunteering to dress up as a tree for an awesome visual aid!
Parts of an Apple
Soon we will explore the inside and outside of an apple, identifying the peel, flesh, core, seeds,
and stem. This helps children observe how each part is connected and contributes to the growth
of a new apple tree.
Taste Testing Apples
Soon a basket full of various apple species will be introduced onto our Sensorial shelves.
Children will explore the assorted colors, sizes, and shapes of different apples. These apples will
enable us to have a fun apple taste test, where the children will try several types of apples, such
as sweet, tart, and crisp varieties. This will develop their sense of taste and help them appreciate
the diversity in a single fruit.
Apple Cider vs. Apple Juice
Before the month is over, the class will meet as a group and discuss the fundamentals of the
scientific method: making a hypothesis, evaluating the hypotheses, and gathering evidence to
support or dispute the hypothesis. They will guess if apple juice or cider will win a taste test.
After each child samples juice and cider (with a palette cleansing saltine between drinks), we
will vote for our favorite drink. This allows the children to analyze their hypothesis and the
outcome. We will compare the drinks based on characteristics such as color, flavor, and smell.
This activity also precipitates a discussion about the process of turning apples into various
products.
Leaf of the Week
Ms. Courter has begun an autumn “Leaf of the Week Program.” The children are learning the
parts of a leaf and comparing the shapes, colors, and sizes of distinct species. Ms. Courter is
sharing her wealth of knowledge through science, art, and literacy skills activities centered on
leaves.
Slicing and Sharing Apples
In the weeks to come, apples will become part of our Practical Life. Children will practice slicing
apples and sharing them with their classmates. This will not only teach them about healthy
snacks but also improve their fine motor skills/coordination, and grace and courtesy.
Grating Cinnamon and Nutmeg to Make Applesauce
Children will grate cinnamon and nutmeg to add to homemade applesauce. This is a sensory-rich
activity that connects them with the scent and preparation of spices. Applesauce making will be a
fun group cooking project!
Focus on Science and Practical Life
These apple-themed activities are designed to engage your child’s curiosity in science and nature
while also building practical life skills. From slicing apples to comparing juice and cider, they
are enjoying hands-on learning that connects them with the world around them. These activities
(and extensions of them for kindergarten students) will remain on our Science and Practical Life
shelves for the fall.
Upcoming Events
The culmination of this month of apple studies will be a trip to Curtis Orchard on Thursday,
October 2nd. Details will be forthcoming in the next couple of weeks.
The children are settling in, learning, and becoming more independent! Thank you for all of help
and support!
Sincerely,
Ms. Holland
9/1/25
Kitty Room Notes, August 2025
Third Week in the Classroom
Welcome to the third week of our school year! We are excited to share some of the wonderful progress and experiences your children have been having in the Kitty Room!
Routine Mastery: Our students are becoming more confident with their daily routines. Children are improving their independence at morning drop off. Please remember “confidence is contagious” and send your child in with a hug and cheerful goodbye. The class is mastering the art of self-care, from tidying up work areas, to wiping up spills, and transitioning smoothly between activities. It is amazing to see their independence grow!
Exploring Montessori Materials: This week, children have been engaged with various Montessori materials. In Practical Life, they practiced pouring, sorting, and using utensils, which helps them build fine motor skills and concentration. Activities using water have been presented. In Sensorial, they explored textures, shapes, and colors, enhancing their sensory perception. In Math, our youngest children are working from the one to ten shelves, while older students explore more abstract mathematical concepts. In Language, younger children are practicing literacy skills such as sequencing a picture story and part/whole relationships. Many children have had presentations about phonetic sounds (which are presented through multisensory materials). Geography materials have expanded with the introduction of air, water, and land. Children are working on Montessori puzzle maps. Science materials have included categorizing plants versus animals and living versus non-living things. Some children have had presentations about the life cycle of plants and animals.
Social Development: We are noticing wonderful social interactions among children. They are learning to share, cooperate, and solve problems together. Our group activities have fostered a sense of community and teamwork. We practice the peaceful resolution of conflict through words, rather than physical contact of any unkind nature!
Individual Learning Paths: I am closely observing each child’s interests and developmental milestones. This helps me assess what Montessori materials are appropriate to present to each child over the course of a week in the classroom.
Looking Ahead: September will usher in studies with an apple theme. The children will learn the life cycle of the apple tree, slice apples in Practical Life, study parts of the apple tree, parts of the apple, and make applesauce…..in addition to other apple adventures! I am excited to share that Ms. Courter will begin a special unit of study about leaves and trees with the children. Her wealth of knowledge as a Master Naturalist will enrich learning in the Kitty Room this fall! Please note that newsletters will be shared once a month beginning in September. Thank you for sharing your children with us in the Kitty Room.
Sincerely,
Ms. Holland
8/25/25
Kitty Room Notes, August 2025
Second Week in the Classroom
Practical Life Activities: This week, the children continued to build their independence and concentration through practical life activities. They practiced tightening nuts and bolts, spooning beans, and buttoning frames. These exercises help develop fine motor skills and a sense of responsibility.
Sensorial Exploration: The children engaged in various sensorial activities, including working with the Pink Tower, Red Rods, Knobbed and Knobless Cylinders, and the Brown Stairs. Interested children began learning about Geometric Solids. These materials enhance their ability to perceive and categorize different dimensions, laying the foundation for mathematical thinking.
Language Development: Language activities focused on phonetic sounds and vocabulary building. New students were introduced to the first group of Montessori phonetic sounds with sandpaper letters and matching objects beginning with the sounds. Our readers continued to practice and build their spelling and writing skills.
Mathematics: New students explored numbers 1-10 using Counting Beads and Number Rods. These hands-on materials help them understand quantity and number symbols, making abstract concepts tangible. Older students continued their math exploration with materials such as the Hundred Board, Short Bead Chains, Long Chains, and Division Board.
Looking Ahead: Presentations from our science and geography shelves will be a highlight in the days ahead. Practical Life works that require water will be introduced. We continue to practice grace and courtesy! Kitty Room Three Rules for Peace in the Classroom are discussed daily! To practice walking in the classroom, coordination, and concentration, the children walked around a line with bells or glasses of water in their hands. The challenge was to walk so carefully that bells did not ring and water did not spill. This activity will continue. We will also introduce the Silence Game next week.
The children are learning and growing each day! Thank you very much for all your support!
Sincerely,
Ms. Holland
8/17/25
Kitty Room Notes, August 2025
First Week of School in the Kitty Room:
As we conclude the first week of school in the Kitty Room, we are delighted to share the wonderful experiences our young learners have had. This week was all about settling in, exploring our environment, and beginning to understand the rhythms and routines of our Montessori community.
Welcoming Environment:
The Kitty Room was carefully prepared with Montessori materials, inviting children to explore and engage with activities at their own pace. Ms. Courter and I warmly welcome the children in the morning to foster their sense of security and comfort in the class.
Hands-On Learning:
The children spent time getting to know the different learning areas, such as Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, and Math. Each child was encouraged to choose activities that interested them, fostering independence and a love of learning from the start. From pouring and spooning exercises to early language activities, the children began to develop new skills while also practicing concentration and coordination. Kindergarten children mentored younger/new students as the feeling of being a “school kind of family” began.
Grace and Courtesy Lessons and Ground Rules:
A significant focus this week was on grace and courtesy, with teachers modeling and guiding children in using polite language, sharing, and respecting each other’s space. These foundational lessons help build a harmonious classroom environment and support the development of social skills. We practiced our Rules for Peace in the Kitty Room: 1. Use walking feet in school. 2. Use quiet indoor voices in the Kitty Room. 3. Always try to be a kind and respectful friend.
Looking Forward:
As we move into the next week, we will continue to build on the foundations laid this week, introducing new activities and lessons that align with each child’s individual interests and developmental needs. We are excited to see how the children will grow and flourish in the weeks to come! We strongly encourage using the school drop off in the circular drive. After saying goodbye, please allow your child to enter school independently. Parents that walk students into the Kitty Room make separation more difficult for the child. Ms. Courter and I promise to be of comfort to any children in need. Together, we can help the children by nurturing their confidence and independence. It was a pleasure to welcome returning children and new friends to the Kitty Room, and we thank you!
Sincerely,
Ms. Lynn Holland
7/31/25
Kitty Room
2025-2026 School Year
Welcome to the Kitty Room!
We are excited to begin a new school year! My name is Ms. Holland, and I am your child’s Montessori head teacher. I have been an American Montessori Society certified teacher for over thirty years.
Ms. Courter is your child’s assistant teacher. She has completed many Montessori courses and is an Illinois Master Naturalist.
Your children will be learning and growing in a Montessori prepared learning environment. The Kitty Room encourages daily opportunities for emotional, social, physical, and intellectual development. Our daily schedule includes work time with the Montessori materials and group time (academic demonstrations, music, movement, stories). The children enjoy free play outside and a healthy morning snack.
In the afternoon, kindergarten students will attend lessons in a separate classroom. Napping children will enjoy lunch and a resting time in the Butterfly Room. Children in the Horse Room during the afternoon participate in various enriching activities including lunch. As our oldest class members, the kindergarteners fulfill an essential role as peer mentors and classroom leaders. Kindergarten students are always truly kind and helpful with our new and youngest class members. This is a beautiful characteristic of our mixed age Montessori classroom.
Below please read important notes with essential information for your child and family.
On the first day of school, please have your child bring these items:
1. A backpack large enough to accommodate artwork/notebook papers. Label it clearly with your child’s name!
2. Two reusable bags clearly labeled with your child’s name.
Bag One: Include a COMPLETE set of undergarments/clothes clearly label each item of clothing with your child’s name!
Bag Two: Leave empty and clearly label with your child’s name. This bag will transport dirty clothes to and from school as needed.
3. The class is on the playground in the morning. Dress your child for the weather!!!!! Please check the weather and make sure your child has the appropriate items needed for playing outside. Children without rainboots and raincoats (rainy day) or snowpants, snow boots, hats, and mittens (cold, snowy days) …. etc. remain on the sidewalk for play time to avoid being wet and cold for the school day. Thank you!
Important rules to remember:
1. No food or water bottles/drinks are allowed from your home into MSCU. MSCU is a NUT FREE CAMPUS! We have children with life threatening allergies in our school. Please, for their safety, respect this rule.
2. Children that are ill must STAY HOME the following school day! Do not send your child to school if he/she has a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or severe cough/congestion. Sick children are isolated in the office until a family member comes to MSCU to take them home. Please refer to the MSCU Parent Handbook for additional details. Thank you!
3. MSCU school drop off in the circular drive takes place from 8:15am to 8:30am. Unless a family is enrolled in the Early Dropoff Program, they may not enter the school before 8:15am. If you are interested in the Early Dropoff Program, please contact the MSCU office for enrollment information. Please be on time for school so your child does not miss anything in the Kitty Room.
Thank you very much for your time and attention to this valuable information! For additional information/details, please visit our MSCU webpage at montessorischoolofcu.org and read your MSCU Parent Handbook.
Thank you so much for sharing your children with us in the Kitty Room!
We appreciate our wonderful MSCU families!
I will be in touch weekly for the first month of school, and from then on, please
look for a monthly newsletter. It will be a great school year!
Sincerely,
Ms. Lynn Holland, Head Teacher Kitty Room of MSCU
lholland@montessorischoolofcu.org