Primary 5

January 2026

This month, we explored European History and Culture. Europe is a diverse continent made up of over 40 countries and is known for its rich history, famous landmarks, and beautiful landscapes ranging from mountains to beaches. With more than 200 languages and many unique cultures and foods, Europe is an exciting place for children to learn about the roots of democracy, famous art, and fascinating animals while discovering countries such as France, Italy, and Russia.



We learned about well-known landmarks including the Eiffel Tower (France), the Leaning Tower of Pisa (Italy), and various castles found throughout Europe. We also explored different languages spoken in Europe, such as English, Spanish, French, and German, and enjoyed learning about popular foods like pizza, croissants, cheese, and churros. Some of the animals we discussed were brown bears, gray wolves, white eagles, beavers, squirrels, and salamanders.

In science, we studied the life cycle of animals, focusing on deer. We learned how a newborn fawn has white spots and stays hidden while nursing, then grows into a spot-free yearling that learns to find food and stay safe, before becoming a full adult.

We also learned about the parts of a flower. The petals are like colorful clothes that attract bugs, the stem holds the flower up and carries water, the leaves help make food, and the roots absorb water from the soil. We talked about sepals, which protect the flower when it is a small bud, and the pistil, which helps make seeds that grow into new plants.

Another fun topic was states of matter. We explored solids, liquids, and gases using examples like ice (solid), water (liquid), and steam (gas). Solids keep their shape, liquids flow and take the shape of their container, and gases spread out to fill space, like air in a balloon.

Lastly, we talked about Martin Luther King Jr. and his message of kindness, fairness, peace, and dreaming of a better world. The children shared their own dreams for how they can help make the world a kinder place and expressed them through drawings.

December 2025

During the month of December, our classroom theme focused on South America. The children explored the continent’s culture, history, animals, plants, and many fun facts. They learned that Spanish is the primary language spoken in most South American countries, while Portuguese is spoken in Brazil. We also discussed how many people speak English as a second language. The children enjoyed learning about South American animals such as piranhas, toucans, monkeys, snakes, and many others.



In Math, the children worked on subtraction using hands-on Montessori materials. Lessons included subtraction with golden beads, the stamp game, strip boards, and subtraction story problems. We introduced subtraction by starting with concrete, hands-on experiences, such as taking objects away, and gradually moved toward more abstract materials. The children learned that subtraction means finding how many are left or understanding the difference between numbers.

For Sensorial work, the children explored geometric shapes, color sorting, geometric solids, and sandpaper letters, strengthening both visual discrimination and fine motor skills.

In Practical Life, the children practiced important daily skills such as walking slowly and carefully, properly caring for chairs, carrying a full glass of water, and combing or brushing their own hair, helping to build independence and confidence.

In Language, we introduced phonograms including sh, ch, th, using words such as shoe, shine, chain, chair, tooth, these, and those. The children matched sounds to pictures and words. We also introduced phonograms ee, oo, and ai, learning that these letter pairs make a single sound. Examples included ee (bee, seed), oo (food, boot), and ai (rain, tail, paint), helping the children develop reading skills and understand long vowel sounds. One of the children’s favorite activities was phonogram bingo, where they practiced reading phonogram words in a fun and engaging way.

Throughout the month, the children also practiced for our Christmas performance, created Christmas cards, and made ornament gifts for their families. We ended the celebration with a wonderful performance and a joyful cookie-decorating activity with family members. The children had an amazing time, and we hope you enjoyed it as much as they did!

November 2025

In November, we practiced many important classroom skills. In Practical Life, the children learned how to sweep with a child-sized broom, clean small messes with a dustpan and brush, and zip up their jackets. In Math, we worked on addition using golden beads, the stamp game, and real-life objects. In Language, we practiced CVC words, word families, blends, and new sight words (a, the, is, and). In Sensorial, we explored texture matching, flower-scent activities, and mystery bags.



We read Fill a Bucket to learn about kindness, empathy, and how our actions affect others. We also studied the four seasons and what makes each one unique.

For Thanksgiving, we talked about gratitude, family traditions, and foods Native Americans ate. We enjoyed books, crafts, coloring, and making fun turkey hats.

During circle time, we explored U.S. culture, history, animals, plants, and the American flag. We also learned about roots and why plants need them. Another favorite lesson was Animal Classification, where we grouped animals into mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish based on their characteristics.

October 2025

During the month of October, we explored many exciting areas in our classroom, including Practical Life, Math, Language, Sensorial, and Science. The children were busy learning new skills and building confidence in each area.

In Practical Life, we practiced moving carefully by walking on a line and greeting others politely with eye contact and handshakes. The children also learned to set the table, clean up after meals, and take care of small spills using a towel or sponge.

In Math, we worked with golden beads and number cards to build and understand numbers. The children enjoyed combining smaller numbers to make bigger ones and discovering how to break larger numbers into smaller parts.

In Language, we used the moveable alphabet to create word families such as cat, bat, and hat. We also practiced blending sounds together with beginning blends like bl, st, and tr, and ending blends such as nd, mp, and st.

In Sensorial, the children explored their senses by using taste bottles, smell bottles, and sound boxes. They loved discovering how each sense helps us experience the world around us.

In Science, we learned about the four seasons—spring, summer, fall, and winter—and explored zoology by studying different kinds of animals. The children learned to identify mammals like zebras, monkeys, and lions; birds such as eagles and sparrows; fish like goldfish and swordfish; reptiles such as snakes, turtles, and crocodiles; and insects like ants, butterflies, and ladybugs.

It was a wonderful month full of hands-on learning and discovery!

September 2025

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! We’re thrilled to begin a year full of fun, learning, and new adventures together.

Our first theme was “All About Me.”

The children explored how to care for their bodies and talked about their favorite foods, colors, books, and hobbies—along with things they like and dislike. They also learned about their families and the special people who care for them, helping them build a strong sense of self and connection to others.

For Friday Sharing, each child brought a family photo to show and created a drawing of their own family, including everyone who is important to them.

In Practical Life, we practiced skills such as pouring, grasping, spooning, folding, rolling, cutting, and working with water.

In Language, we sang alphabet songs, traced the letters A, B, and C, and practiced tracing our own names. We also read The Kissing Hand, a book that empowers children to decide when and how they want to show affection, encouraging healthy boundaries, new habits, family traditions, and adaptability.

In Math, we focused on number recognition, counting, tracing numbers, exploring shapes, and comparing object sizes through circle time, play, and problem-solving activities.

For Art, the children created self-portraits, life-size body tracings, colorful paintings, and handprints.

Reminders:

• Please keep an extra set of clothes in your child’s cubby.
• Label water bottles and lunchboxes.
• Apply sunscreen each morning.

Thank you for your support, and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.



Summer 2025

We had an amazing and fun-filled summer with a variety of exciting activities! Our summer kicked off with a celebration of the 4th of July, where we learned about the USA and created festive flag art, handprints, and more.



One of our favorite themes was exploring the planets. We learned about Uranus, Neptune, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, and discovered that Earth is the only planet we know of that supports life.

We also explored ocean life! The children enjoyed water play activities with ocean animals, practicing pouring and developing fine motor skills. We created our own ocean animals, including fish and octopuses, and read many books about sea creatures and life under the sea.

Another exciting theme was community helpers. We talked about the important roles of nurses, doctors, teachers, firefighters, and other members of our community. Through books, art, and various activities, we learned how each of these helpers contributes to our daily lives.

Our summer exploration continued with bugs and insects. We learned about the three main body parts of insects—the head, thorax, and abdomen—along with their six legs and antennas. We were introduced to common insects like butterflies, ants, and ladybugs, and explored their fascinating world through hands-on activities.

Overall, our summer was packed with learning, creativity, and fun! The children loved exploring each theme and discovering something new every day.