September 06th, 2022

​Hi Foxtail families!


Our first two weeks back in Foxtail have passed. It's been two very good weeks! During these first days, we have listened to a lot of music from different parts of the world. We have learned about the importance of rhythms and tones that create different instruments around the world. Some of the songs we heard this week were Planting Flowers by Los Cojolites, The Pink Elephant by Martha Harte, and The Fox by Odetta. We have also read very good books, like Windows by Julia Denos, Nimoshom and His Bus by Penny Thomas, and Dim Sum by Grace Lin.


One of the primary lessons in Montessori is called Grace and Courtesy. Grace and Courtesy are what allow the smooth functioning of the room. This is where the children learn to live collectively and individually. Through these lessons we teach how to raisie your hand to ask or comment, walk inside, settle disagreements, and help each other. During these first weeks, grace and courtesy lessons are practiced daily. Grace and courtesy give children an external set of cues that they practice and internalize and which leads them to modifying their behavior according to the environment and community they are in. This is the first step to self-control and self-discipline.


Every Friday we have Show and Tell. All children are invited to participate, but it is not an obligation. Show and Tell is where children practice public speaking and it is where they have the opportunity to present something that is important to them. What can they bring to show and tell? Objects like stones, drawings, photographs, flowers, shells, and insects. No toys please, no action figures, no cars or stuffed animals. Show and tell is one of the favorite activities of children but it is not an obligation, as it allows your child to decide whether or not he wants to participate.

If your child is new to Foxtail, please expect to hear from me over the course of next week to let you know how the transition has been. And as always, please reach out with any questions or thoughts! Here’s to a great first two weeks!



Thank you,
Eric