Montgomery Knolls Fall 2009
In music class we have started working on theory such as pitch and rhythmic notation. We are also learning about music vocabulary in context (high and low notes, short and long notes). We hear and sing at least one song per class and accompany it by expressive movements and classroom instruments. As research shows, children who are literate in music find abstract and mathematical concepts easier to grasp, For that reason I will make sure students hear and see various instruments, learn about composers and get exposed to different musical genres. All this will be done according to MCPS curriculum and outcomes as well as the National Standards for Music. Parents and guardians are always welcome to stop by and join any class. See you soon!
Mrs. Kromelian, Music Teacher
Hello! My name is Nicole Bserani, and this is my first year here at Montgomery Knolls. I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with the primary grades this year, as well as PEP, Pre-K and Headstart. Mrs. Michele Koster- Evans joins the Art team once a week. Mrs. Koster-Evans brings over 20 years of experience to our students.
All Grades: This year in art we will be investigating various artists, styles and a wide variety of art media including paint, pastels, and clay. Students should proudly bring their artworks home, unless the artworks are still drying or used for a display. We do have smocks available; however, it is always a good idea to avoid dressing in your best clothes on art day.
All classes have been studying color theory and color mixing techniques. Students have created and labeled color wheels, as well as created numerous colors using only the primary colors. We have achieved color mixing through various media including oil pastels, crayons, tempera, and finger paint. Currently, students are designing masks and various creatures using assorted lines, shapes and patterns. Watercolor as well as collage techniques will be practiced.
First & Second Grade: Art club started Wednesday, October 21st. The Art club meets once a week and gives students a chance to explore art in further depth, with more one-on- one guidance. This session is full, however a new session begins in January. Please feel free to visit the art room anytime. If you are interested in volunteering in the art room or donating “found materials” such as fabric or plastic containers please call me at 301-431-7667 to make arrangements.
Nicole Bserani “Miss B.” Art Teacher
Fall 2009
We’ve had a great start to the new school year! During Technology, students have been practicing and extending skills and concepts in reading, math., science and social studies. Pre-K students have been completing web site activities counting and the alphabet. Kindergarten students have worked on phonics counting, sorting and patterns while learning how to navigate the Montgomery Knolls Kindergarten Page In addition to also working on phonics activities, First Graders have been working on math activities such as using counting strategies to solve addition and subtraction problems. They have also been learning about rocks and minerals. Second graders have been working on social studies concepts including rights and responsibilities. They are researching and writing an informational article about butterflies as a part of their Life Cycle of the Butterfly unit. We also will work on basic keyboarding using Type to Learn.. With the Tech Center activities students are improving computer skills as they become familiar with navigating web sites, using educational software and manipulating the mouse and the keyboard. We also discuss Internet safety and using proper care when on the computer.
Mrs. Elrod, Technology Teacher
It’s hard to believe that the first quarter has come to an end. The students have had a successful learning experience focusing on loco motor skills (hopping, skipping, jumping, galloping) and the effects of exercise on the body. We applied these skills in many different activities such as builders and bulldozers, shark attack, and captain and crew. During the next marking period we will be focusing on the overhand throw and catching. I am looking forward on teaching these skills to the students and hope the students have a fun, learning experience.
Andrew Pompei , PE Teacher
The Media Center has been a busy place this fall!
You might have seen some “clues” about this at home…In Second Grade, we have become experts on the genre of mystery and all of its elements.
First graders have been discussing and comparing folktales from around the world, especially stories about Africa’s favorite trickster, Anansi. Our Kindergarten friends have met Mr. Wiggle, learned about book care and have been discussing the elements of fiction stories. They have even been on an Alphabet Adventure!
Media classes meet once a week. Our lessons are centered on a shared story with a related follow up activity/lesson. Thus far, our focus has been on literacy skills, story elements and vocabulary.
Reading at home with your child --even if for just a few minutes-- is a terrific way to spend time together and to reinforce good reading strategies. We have added a HUGE selection of great new books to make your time together even more rewarding!
Mrs. O’Neil
Media Specialist
The Social Studies Enrichment Focus for the fall was to expose the students in k-2 with a general understanding that we live in a democratic society, where people create governments to provide order, security, and protect individual rights. We learned that if a democratic society is to be effective, citizens must fulfill civic responsibilities such as participating, staying informed, voting and following rules and laws.
We are currently learning about American symbols, human and physical landmarks of the United States, and stories from history. Historical facts, and interactions between the Pilgrims and Wampanoag, a Native American group will be compared. We will explore places these two groups lived, and how they changed and adapted their different cultures to meet their basic living needs.
In December and January we will explore history, to learn how changes made a long time ago have an effect on us today. Producers and consumers, goods and services, human and capital resources and scarcity information will be explored to allow students to see the value in making wise choices.
Mrs. Michaels, Social Studies Enrichment Teacher