CONNECTIONS
ISSUE 5 | February 202 5
UPCOMING E VE N T S
February and March
Here are some of the highlights for the next two months a t Pines.
7th Continued Enrollment Concludes
February
8th Glass Classroom- From Infants through Middle School, you will be immersed in the wonder and the why of Montessori. RSVP Required Childcare is provided and spaces are limited. You don’t want to miss this!
14th Play in the Park- Bake Sale will continue!
17th School CLOSED
28th Casa dei Pines After school until 4:30 pm. Walk around and see how independent the children are! You might call it “Adulting”… We call it meaningful work
March
10th -14th Spring Break- School CLOSED
21st Play in the Park- Bake Sale will continue!
Up Next EcoFair
Friday, April 25th The EVENT
Saturday, May 3rd
CONNECTION S
From Infants through Middle School, you will be immersed in the wonder and the why of Montessori.
Space is limited for this intimate walk through of curriculum and the classrooms.
CLICK here to register
Saturday, 08 February 2025
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
8 Montessori trained teachers are preparing a full morning for those who register now.
Cost is $30 per person or $40 per two people-same family
1 Montessori book included with each registration
Childcare and snacks included
What parents said from last year ’ s Glass Classroom!
POLAND AND UKRAINE
Thank You
We had such a wonderful time, and there are so many people and schools to thank!
TEAM organize Progressive Dinner-Mr. David
TEAM host dinners: The Amador, the Forero, the Hall, and the Hutchinson families
TEAM Space Center Houston, Galveston and shopping! Ms. Gabbie and Ms. Linda
TEAM Mexican dinner and Line Dancing: Ms. Jennifer, Ms. Kathrine, Ms. Skyla, Ms. Selena, Ms. Ashley F., Ms. Peyton, Ms. Alexandria
TEAM Lunch at Pines: Chef Liz, Ms. Maria and Ms. Veronica
POLAND AND UKRAINE
Click here to read what was published in the Jewish Herald Voice
Our Montessori school tour took us in Houston to:
• St. Catherine’s Montessori School
• School of the Woods
• Goldberg Montessori School
• The Parrish School
Aus�n/Round Rock
• Tier 3 Montessori
• Parkside Community Montessori School
CONNECTION S
From Infants through Middle School, you will be immersed in the wonder and the why of Montessori.
Space is limited for this intimate walk through of curriculum and the classrooms.
CLICK here to register
Saturday, 08 February 2025
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
8 Montessori trained teachers are preparing a full morning for those who register now.
Cost is $30 per person or $40 per two people-same family
1 Montessori book included with each registration
Childcare and snacks included
What parents said from last year ’ s Glass Classroom!
TEACHER EXPERIENCES
Dance
KITCHEN CONNECTIONS
Berry Jam
Ingredients:
2 cups of berries
2 Tbsp chia seeds
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
3 Tbs maple syrup or honey
1 lemon juice and lemon zest
1 tbsp flax seeds
Instructions:
1. Wash the fruits.
2. Measure all the ingredients.
3. Mash the berries.
4. Place the fruits into a saucepan to low-medium heat.
5. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir.
6. Bring to a light boil and stir for 1- 2 minutes until the texture thickens.
7. Let the jam cool completely in a glass container for 15 minutes.
8. Place in the fridge to thicken for a couple of hours.
Honey Whole Wheat Bread
(for the Bread Machine)
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cup warm water
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup
3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp instant yeast
Instructions:
1. Measure all the ingredients.
2. Add the ingredients into the bread machine in the same order they are listed in the ingredient box.
3. Program the machine on number 1 (White/Basic) clicking on the menu button. (The machine will do the rest.)
4. Remove the bread from the machine once is done and invert onto a rack or plate too cool before slicing.
KITCHEN CONNECTIONS
PREPARED BY PINES
Fostering Independence in Young Children
By Melissa Steen, 11 years at Pines Montessori Toddler Teacher
Fostering independence is a big part of a child’s daily routine in the Montessori classroom. When they are infants, they rely on adults with their daily needs and care. Later, as they make their way into toddlerhood, you will hear them say ,“No,Idoit!” or “Ididit!” This is when the shift takes place – when the children want to become more independent and do more things themselves. They are asserting their autonomy!
Allowing children to have some independence builds their self-esteem, confidence in their abilities to handle challenges, and make choices. Younger children will need more guidance, and older children will take on more complex tasks. Independence gives your child a sense of importance and belonging, which is essential for building social relationships and contributing to their environmentandworld.
Some ways to help your child at home are to:
• Setpredictableroutines
• Letyourchildmakeage-appropriatechoices
• Letyourchildhelpwithchores/tasks
• Letyourchildsolveproblems
• Nurturefreeplay
Youcanencourageyourchild’sindependencebylettingthemtry new things safely, offering developmentally appropriate challenges, watching for their cues, and resisting the urge to intervene. Encouraging independence helps children become more responsible adults later in life. Be joyful, step back, watch andtake in everymomentwhiletheyareyoung
“Thegreatgiftswecangiveourchildrenaretherootsof
responsibilityandthewingsofindependence”
(Dr.MariaMontessori)
TEACHING AT PINES
What brought you to Pines?
First of all, I have very good memories from my student years here at Pines. Also, my aunt, Ms. Adriana in Class 2, is a teacher at Pines. She was the one who encouraged me to apply for the extended care position when I was looking for a part time job. That was four years ago, so here I am!
How did you decide to become a teacher?
I decided to become a teacher during my second year at Pines. I wanted to be more involved and participate more with the children and the teachers in other classrooms.
What are some things that you love about working at Pines?
One of the things I love is how much everyone cares and supports each other at Pines. Secondly, witnessing the school’s growth from the time when I was a student here just amazes me! Lastly, watching all the children at all levels grow in so many ways.
What are some things you love about working with primary school children?
One of many things that truly amazes me is watching children grow throughout all three years when they are with us. When they just come to our classroom, they draw doodles and recognize some letters, but when they leave, they can write sentences, create beautiful drawings, and read from books. I am so excited to be part of this learning journey!
What are some of the practical activities you would recommend parents to do at home with their children?
I love nature, being outdoors and doing different activities that go along with it. So, from my perspective, I would recommend getting involved in gardening, taking care of pets, watering the yard, and searching for leaves and different plants on a walk. Also, talk about children’s findings, discoveries.
Here is what is needed to make this the BEST EVENT ever!
YOU and all your friends!
Items for Live and Silent auc�on
Dona�ons from your favorite places.
Wine or spirits you do not need.
Experiences you can offer
Time at a vaca�on des�na�on Teach a class to adults or kids
Saturday,
03 May 2025
SPONSORSHIPS help us get The EVENT off to a great start!
We are very excited to get this party started! Our BIGGEST FUN and Fundraiser of the Year!
FAMILY FOCUS
The Alvarado family had 10 questions to choose from.
Here are the 5 they picked. Thank you!
ALVARADO FAMILY
How were you introduced to Montessori and why did you feel that it was the best fit for you and your family?
Our family went through a journey to find Pines Montessori. David (3-year-old now) started with a nanny at home, then slowly moved to a Mother's Day Out at a Church 2x/week, then a summer camp at a nearby daycare, and we finally found Pines Montessori after some online research and a tour. Our only regret is not having started at Pines sooner. From the tour we did, we were so impressed (I even joked with my husband saying surely all the smart kids must be placed by the windows on tour days), but every interaction we've had since then only further demonstrates everyone's commitment to our kids and pride in the impact they make in their lives.
How long have you been at Pines and what is your favorite memory about Pines?
David (our 3-year-old) started a year ago in the toddler’s class in August 2023, and moved to primary in February 2024. Belem (our 1year-old) started in the infant’s class in April 2024. We don't have a single favorite memory, but all of our favorite ones have a themeeveryone's commitment and love towards our children, even in the smallest interactions:
• From day 1, Ms Lupe knew our kids' ages, classrooms, start dates, etc. (seriously, she could work for the FBI) and was very welcoming in every interaction
• David's teachers (both at Toddlers and Primary) have been very dedicated to his development
• On Belem's first week, her Infant teachers kept sending us updates and even a teacher from Toddlers kept checking in on her
• During morning drop offs (be it carline or walking around), we are always impressed everyone (including teachers from other classes) will always greet our kids by their name. It is such a lovely and cheerful start to our days.
What changes have you noticed in your child’s behavior or learning since enrolling in Montessori school?
David (3) is a lot more independent and is (slowly but surely) developing his speech. He loves to help around the house and take care of "his baby" sister. The highlight of his day is dropping off "his baby" at school before heading to his classroom. He loves to help set the table, load and unload our laundry, and feed our dogs. Belem (1) is also showing a lot of signs of independence - it is clear when she likes or dislikes something, she went from wobbling around to chasing her brother, and she loves to dance and read books (she will sit at her usual spot after bath time and ask for a book if she doesn't have one within her reach).
How do you as a parent support Montessori at home?
We love to support their independence - let David go to the restroom by himself or guide him as he dresses himself. We also love to utilize the words/phrases that we know they learn in school, like "my work", "my turn", "walk away", or my body".
How does your child describe their day at school?
9 out of 10 times David will say "I played with my friends". When we get some of his work back home, we display it on the fridge or on the counter and he will proudly walk by and note he made it.