November at Montessori Children’s House: A Month of Gratitude, Learning, and Fun!
As we enter the heart of fall and the middle of the school year, there’s a special energy buzzing at the Montessori Children's House. The kids are fully settled into their routines and the classrooms are alive with activity. This month is not only about cozying up with a good book or learning about the seasons, but it’s also a time for developing important life skills, building connections, and expressing gratitude. Here’s a peek into what’s happening in our Toddler, Primary, Lower Elementary, and Enrichment programs this November.
Toddler & Primary Programs: A Hands-On Approach to Learning
November in the Toddler and Primary programs is a perfect blend of seasonal activities, engaging themes, and practical life skills. Now that we’re a few months into the school year, our children are more comfortable in their environments, friendships have blossomed, and school feels like a second home.
Toddler Program: Exploring Nature and Community
The Toddlers are having a blast as they dive into fall-themed activities! From pumpkins to bats to apples, these little learners are soaking in everything autumn has to offer. Their curiosity about the world around them is nurtured through hands-on exploration. This month, they’re moving into studying the Earth and beginning an introduction to the 7 Continents—with a special focus on North America to tie in with Thanksgiving. The Toddler program offers many sensory activities, such as:
Preparing food: Setting the table, washing dishes, and even learning how to clean up after themselves are key practical life skills that foster independence and self-reliance.
Chore activities: Toddlers are engaged in simple yet valuable tasks like sweeping, folding, and helping to care for their classroom space. These activities give them a sense of responsibility and belonging.
These activities set the foundation for the skills they’ll continue to develop throughout their education!
Primary Program: Digging Deeper into Earth and Artists
For Primary-aged children, the learning is already in full swing. Having explored the Earth in earlier months, they’re now honing in on more detailed themes that help them connect to the world around them. They’re exploring artists, especially those who lived in Iowa, and will soon be diving deeper into artistic techniques and styles. Field trips might slow down as winter sets in, but guest speakers and community visitors will come in to continue learning through different perspectives.
As the month draws closer to Thanksgiving, the Primary class gets hands-on with gratitude activities, preparing a feast and reflecting on what they are thankful for. The sense of community and sharing is strong in Montessori, and it’s so special to see these kids apply practical life skills, like setting the table and preparing food, in a real-world context.
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Lower Elementary Program: The Power of Social Learning
The Lower Elementary program is where the magic of social learning and independent work really come together. At this stage, children are in the second plane of development, which means they are deeply motivated by friendships and collaborative work. Here’s how that looks in action:
Freedom to choose: Students have the autonomy to decide how they work—whether alone or in small groups—and who they work with. This nurtures independence, personal responsibility, and self-confidence.
Small class sizes: With just a few students and two teachers, there’s a focus on individualized learning. Teachers know each child’s unique interests and learning style and tailor lessons accordingly. This one-on-one attention helps children feel supported and encouraged.
Multi-age classrooms: The Lower Elementary classroom isn’t made up of just one age; it’s a community of students from different ages. Older students have the opportunity to mentor younger ones, which not only boosts their confidence but also deepens their understanding of the material. Teaching others is one of the best ways to absorb new knowledge!
This month, the Lower Elementary students are also involved in a special community project—partnering with a local senior center. They’ll be creating greeting cards, placemats, and other projects to share with the residents, and even putting on a little concert. This activity fosters a sense of empathy, service, and appreciation for older generations.
Enrichment: Learning Beyond the Classroom
The Montessori Children’s House isn’t just about what happens inside the classroom. Our Enrichment program offers unique opportunities to explore new interests, develop creativity, and build skills outside of traditional academics. This month, students are enjoying:
Special guests: We’re welcoming outside contractors who are bringing fun and educational programs like Soccer, Drama, Book Club, and Music. These enrich the Montessori experience and provide students with a well-rounded education.
Library Partnership: We’re continuing our exciting collaboration with the West Des Moines Public Library. The library’s mobile unit visits twice a month, bringing new books for our classrooms. Students can borrow books to take home or use in their projects, ensuring that reading continues to be a stimulating part of our curriculum.
Student-led Open Houses: What better way for children to show off their work and take ownership of their learning than by becoming tour guides? At our open houses, children lead families through the classroom, explaining projects and demonstrating what they’ve been working on. It’s a fantastic way to empower children to take pride in their work and develop leadership skills.
Finally, a long-standing Montessori tradition will unfold this month—the Gratitude Tree. Children and staff alike will take time to express what they’re grateful for, creating beautiful leaves to decorate the tree. Some students may contribute 20 leaves, while others may only have one—but the beauty is in the diversity of expression, and it’s a lovely way to bring the school together in a shared moment of reflection.
A Thanksgiving Feast: Celebrating Our Skills
Toward the end of the month, many classrooms will hold a Thanksgiving feast, where the children’s practical life skills come full circle. They’ll help set the table, prepare dishes, and serve their peers and families. This time-honored tradition is a beautiful example of how Montessori education weaves academic learning with life skills, and it’s a joy to watch these children grow into confident, capable individuals who know the value of hard work, cooperation, and gratitude.
Looking Ahead: What’s Coming in December?
While we’re still soaking up the excitement of November, there’s plenty to look forward to in December. The winter months will bring new opportunities for indoor learning as field trips slow down. We’ll also welcome more guest visitors from the community to keep learning alive during the colder months.
But for now, we’re enjoying all that November has to offer—seasonal activities, community connections, and plenty of reasons to be thankful.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Montessori Children's House!