Alef Bet Montessori School

Discover “The Club”: Our Exciting Aftercare & Extracurricular Program

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 21:19:33 GMT

At Alef Bet Montessori, learning doesn’t stop at dismissal! We’re thrilled to offer “The Club,” our enriching aftercare and extracurricular program designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and joy in children aged 2 and up. Running every Monday through Thursday from 3:00–5:00 pm, The Club provides fun, hands-on activities that complement our Montessori curriculum while giving children the chance to explore new interests.

A Week Full of Enrichment Activities

Our thoughtfully designed weekly schedule offers a variety of engaging activities:

Mondays: Art Expressions with Morah Farhana – Unleash your child’s creativity through painting, drawing, and crafting.
Tuesdays: Movement with My Gym – Encourage physical activity, coordination, and confidence through guided movement and play.
Wednesdays: Rhythm, Music, and Movement with Rockstars & String Practice with Morah Cornelia – Develop rhythm, musical skills, and self-expression in a fun, supportive environment.
Thursdays: Baking in Hebrew with Morah Racheli – Combine practical life skills with cultural learning, as children measure, mix, and bake delicious treats while practicing Hebrew.

Flexible Options to Fit Your Family’s Needs

We understand that every family has a unique schedule. The Club offers flexible enrollment options:

Full-Time: $400/month – Attend every day and enjoy the full range of activities.
Part-Time: $150/month per activity – Choose the days or activities that best suit your child’s interests.
Drop-In: $50/day – Perfect for occasional attendance or trying something new.

Why Families Choose The Club

Our aftercare program is more than just childcare—it’s a place for learning, exploration, and social growth . Children gain confidence, make new friends, and discover passions in art, music, movement, and cooking, all while in a safe, nurturing environment.

Spaces are limited , so we encourage families to reserve their child’s spot early. Join us at The Club and let your child continue the joy of learning long after the school day ends!

The Sound of the Shofar at School

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 14:45:15 GMT

This week, our children experienced the beautiful tradition of shofar blowing .

Each year, we have the honor of welcoming Mr. Boltax , who shares this special moment with our community.

The shofar, made from a ram’s horn, is blown during the month of Elul and on Rosh Hashanah , the Jewish New Year. Its sound is a reminder to pause, reflect, and prepare our hearts for the year ahead.

In the classroom, the children have been learning to recognize the different tkiot (shofar sounds). With Mr. Boltax, they were able to see, touch, and even try to blow real shofars . They listened carefully to the sounds of different shofars and practiced distinguishing between the tkiot they had learned.

In true Montessori spirit, the children engaged with all their senses—watching, listening, and trying for themselves. Moments like this connect our students not only to Jewish tradition, but also to a sense of wonder, discovery, and community.

Water Walk & Picnic – A Joyful Day Together

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 19:56:00 GMT

This week, our families came together for a beautiful Water Walk & Picnic at Locust Grove Nature Center. The children splashed, laughed, and explored as they enjoyed time with the water, a delicious snack, and a lively music activity.

It was a wonderful opportunity for our community to gather outside the classroom—parents, children, and teachers sharing smiles and creating memories.

The photos capture the pure joy of the day and the sense of connection we all felt being together.

We are grateful for everyone who joined and look forward to more moments of bonding and celebration as a community.

Coffee with the Director: One-on-One Montessori at Home

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 22:30:32 GMT

This morning, we gathered with parents for our first Coffee with the Director of the year. The focus of our conversation was One-on-One Montessori at Home—sharing practical ways to extend your child’s learning outside the classroom in meaningful, natural moments.

It was a warm and thoughtful discussion, and we are grateful for the close connection we share with our parents. Together, we reflected on how to keep the Montessori process alive at home—through independence, respect, and small opportunities for children to contribute and grow each day.

We look forward to continuing these conversations and building on our shared journey. Stay tuned for our next Coffee with the Director—we can’t wait to see you there!

Shavuot Celebration: Children Prepare, Share, and Celebrate

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Fri, 30 May 2025 16:18:35 GMT

Today, our school came together for a truly special Shavuot celebration — a day filled with sunshine, delicious dairy dishes, and the spirit of community that makes our school so unique.

Shavuot, the holiday where we celebrate receiving the Torah, is also a time of gratitude, generosity, and delight in learning — all values that align beautifully with Montessori education. In true Montessori spirit, where independence, responsibility, and purposeful work are core principles, each class took on the joyful task of preparing part of our dairy feast. This collaborative effort helped children develop a sense of contribution, ownership, and care for their community.

We began our day outdoors under the blue sky with a festive Shabbat party, singing and coming together in joy and gratitude. Then we moved into our Shavuot feast, enjoying all the delicious foods our children so thoughtfully prepared.

Events like this reflect the heart of our educational philosophy: children learning by doing, celebrating Jewish traditions, and building a strong, connected community. We are so proud of our students and grateful to celebrate this holiday as one school family.

Chag Sameach!

Celebrating Lag Ba’Omer with Joy, Community, and Tradition

Tue, 20 May 2025 15:13:28 GMT

We gathered with our school families to celebrate Lag Ba’Omer —a day filled with light, laughter, and deep-rooted Jewish values. The spirit of this special holiday was alive in every corner of our celebration, as children and parents came together for an afternoon of connection, creativity, and fun.

Lag Ba’Omer is a joyful break in the Omer count, commemorating both the end of a tragic plague among Rabbi Akiva's students and honoring the life of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai , a mystic who brought great light into the world through his teachings. It’s traditionally marked with outdoor gatherings, bonfires, and celebrations of Jewish unity and resilience—values that were beautifully reflected in our school’s event.

Families joined us on campus for a delightful mix of activities that made this Lag Ba’Omer both meaningful and memorable:

�� Face painting and crafts invited the children to express their creativity and joy, bringing color and imagination into the day.

�� Fun games gave families the chance to laugh and play together—reminding us of the simple joy in being together as a community.

�� We shared a picnic-style falafel meal , spreading out on the grass to enjoy delicious food and each other’s company in the fresh air.

�� Of course, no Lag Ba’Omer would be complete without a fire , and ours was the heart of the celebration. Families gathered around to roast marshmallows for s’mores , and in a special twist, we also dropped potatoes into the fire to bake , connecting to the rustic, outdoor customs of the day.

This event wasn’t just about fun—it was a living expression of Jewish values : community (kehilla) , joy (simcha) , tradition (masoret) , and gratitude (hakarat hatov) . Watching families connect with one another, children delight in the magic of the fire, and everyone pause to enjoy the moment reminded us of the beauty and strength of our shared heritage.

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make this Lag Ba’Omer so special. Celebrations like these are a vital part of what makes our school more than just a place of learning—they make it a vibrant, connected community where Jewish life is lived with meaning and joy.

Language of Love

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 13:50:39 GMT

Which phrase would you think would have more of an impact on a child?

“No, you silly, that’s not how we do it”
“That’s helpful, let me show you how we do it”

That was easy. Of course most of us would say that both phrases have the potential to impact the child. The first reply dismisses his/her answer completely and proves the child “wrong.” In contrast, the second phrase acknowledges the child’s attempt in a positive way and builds on it.

It reminds me of the scene in the Disney film Jungle Book, where Baloo, the Jungle bear, wants to teach Mogli a lesson. Baloo, trying to show Mogli basic jungle survival techniques, twirls Mogli around and throws him flying in the air, causing him to land on a log. Bagira, the Jungle tiger, observing the lesson asks the bear: “After you know your students senseless, how do you expect him to learn the lesson?”

The words we use with our children can build thor confidence or shatter their self esteem. Saying “no”, and adding “You silly" certainly isn’t helpful. It is critically important to be a ware of the messages we convey in the language we use; Montessori educators will go one step further to say, when you say “No, No” as a response to a child’s action, you are achieving the negative result of low self esteem.

Certainly, if your child lets go of your hand and runs into the street, you most certainly should be shouting “NO.” But unless it is a dangerous or life threatening situation, there are positive ways to reinforce discipline and teach a lesson.

Conventional discipline focuses on teaching children “what not to do or what to do because someone else ‘said so’,” argues Jane Nelsen in her book Positive Discipline .

“Positive Discipline focuses on teaching children what to do, because they have been invited to think through the situation and use some basic guidelines to find solutions.”

Dr. Nelson argues, and we agree, that focusing on solutions “creates a very different family and classroom atmosphere from focusing on punishment.” A three year old child might hit another child because he is looking for the other child’s attention, but doesn’t know how to achieve it, or simply does not understand the power of his/her hands. Saying “No” is not going to help. However, guiding the child’s hand, while holding his/her arm, stroking your own arm while showing him/her how to use the arm gently, saying “gently” helps the child understand the power of his/her hand. Dr. Nelson argues further, that focusing on the solution is even better than focusing on logical consequences.

She tells the story of students during a 5th grade class meeting, who were asked to brainstorm logical consequences for two students who didn’t hear the recess bell and were late for class. The children wrote a list of consequences:

Make them write their names on the board.
Make them stay after school the same number of minutes they were late.
Take away from tomorrow’s recess the same number of minutes they were late today.
Take away all of tomorrow’s recess.
Yell at them.

The students were then asked to forget about consequences and brainstorm for solutions that would help the late students get to class on time. Here is the list they found:

Everyone should yell together, “Bell!”
The students could play closer to the bell
The students could watch others to see when they are going in
Adjust the bell so it is louder
The students could choose a buddy to remind them that it is time to come in
Someone could tap the students on the shoulder when the bell rings

The difference between the two lists is profound. Punishment v. Helping to do better. Designed to Hurt. vs Designed to Help. This is a clear example of seeing a problem as an opportunity for learning.

Dr. Nelson has gathered timeless principles for understanding of, and resources for, raising children. These are guidelines for parents who wish to help children develop self-discipline, responsibility, and positive capability and attitudes.

Words can build and words can ruin. Using kind words to redirect a child can make a whole difference in the child’s world. “The language we use in maintaining appropriate limits and boundaries with our children reflect our thoughts and attitudes as parents in relationship with our children. When we are mindful of our language and choose our words with intention, we can…improve our relationship with our children” says Donna Bryant Goertz, Founder of Austin Montessori School. The same is true for the language we use with our spouse, for that matter. Goertz draws on her thirty years of experience guiding a community of 35 six-to-nine year olds.

“The language we use has its roots in our ways of thinking and being,” she adds. We believe that education is the most powerful tool we can use to change the world. We can teach the language of love, and make it part of our thinking and being.

Leil HaSeder: A Celebration of Freedom and Tradition

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 21:31:19 GMT

Our school gathered to celebrate Leil HaSeder, the special evening of the Passover (Pesach) holiday. This beautiful tradition allows us to retell the story of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their journey to freedom. More than just recounting history, Leil HaSeder teaches us about resilience, gratitude, and the importance of passing down traditions from generation to generation.

The Story Behind the Seder

Passover commemorates the miraculous liberation of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt over 3,000 years ago. The Haggadah, the text read during the Seder, guides us through this story with symbolic foods, songs, and rituals. Each element on the Seder plate represents a different part of the Israelites' journey, helping children and adults alike connect to the past in a meaningful way.

Experiencing the Seder Through the Montessori Lens

In our Montessori environment, children learn best through hands-on experiences. Our Leil HaSeder celebration provided a multi-sensory approach to understanding the holiday, allowing the children to see, touch, smell, and taste the elements of the Seder plate.

Matza – The unleavened bread that reminds us of the Israelites' hurried departure from Egypt. The children explored its texture, noticed its crispness, and tasted its unique flavor.
Maror (Bitter Herbs) – Representing the bitterness of slavery, the children smelled and carefully tasted the strong, sharp flavors, helping them connect to the struggles of the past.
Haroset – A sweet mixture of apples, nuts, and grape juice, symbolizing the mortar used by the Israelites in their labor. The children enjoyed its contrasting sweetness and grainy texture.
Carrot & Lettuce – These vegetables symbolize different aspects of the Israelites' journey, including both hardship and growth. Children engaged in thoughtful conversation about the meaning of these foods.
Zeroa (Shank Bone or Roasted Beet) – Traditionally representing the Paschal sacrifice, we used a roasted beet instead of real meat to keep our kosher restrictions.
Beitzah (Roasted Egg)

Symbolizes mourning for the destruction of the Temple and the cycle of life and renewal.

A Joyful and Meaningful Celebration

As part of our celebration, we enjoyed a warm bowl of homemade matzah ball soup , a favorite among the children! Sharing this comforting dish brought a sense of togetherness and joy to the meal. We also sang traditional Pesach songs , filling the room with music and happiness. Reading from the Haggadah , the children listened intently to the ancient words that continue to be shared in Jewish homes around the world.

Through these experiences, our Montessori students connected deeply with the holiday, engaging all their senses to build a lasting understanding of Passover. By celebrating Leil HaSeder together, we not only honor our traditions but also nurture a love for learning, storytelling, and cultural heritage.

We are so grateful for this opportunity to celebrate together and wish all of our families a Chag Pesach Sameach – a happy and meaningful Passover!

Baking Matzah: A Hands-On Montessori Pesach Experience

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 18:08:06 GMT

In the days leading up to Pesach ( Passover) , our children stepped into history, reliving the journey of Bnei Yisrael as they hurried to leave Mitzrayim. In true Montessori fashion, they engaged in a hands-on experience that connected them to the deeper meaning of the holiday—baking their very own matzah on our school’s tabun (fire pit).

Just like the Israelites had to prepare their dough quickly before their departure, our students mixed flour and water, working swiftly to shape their matzot. They rolled out the dough with care, understanding that there was no time to let it rise. Using forks, they pricked holes into the dough, just as matzah bakers have done for generations to prevent it from rising. Then, with anticipation, they watched as Moreh Or carefully placed each piece onto the heated surface of the tabun, baking them to perfection in mere minutes over the open flame.

This experience was more than just an exciting baking activity. It was a meaningful way to embody the values of Pesach—freedom, resilience, and gratitude. Through hands-on work, the children internalized the story, feeling the urgency and simplicity of matzah-making. As they listened to the story of Yetziat Mitzrayim, they could imagine themselves in the place of Bnei Yisrael, experiencing history through their senses.

As we continue to prepare for Pesach, we carry with us not just the taste of the matzah but the values and experiences that make this holiday so special. By engaging in purposeful, hands-on learning, our children don’t just hear the story of the Exodus—they live it.

Growing Independence: Our Montessori Garden in Action

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 20:19:27 GMT

At our Montessori school , learning extends far beyond the classroom walls. This week, our kindergarten (Lion Club) and elementary students took their education outdoors, rolling up their sleeves to work in our hands-on learning environment —our backyard garden!

With shovels in hand, they prepared the soil , carefully planted vegetables and herbs , and gently watered their new garden beds. But this wasn’t just about gardening—it was about learning valuable life skills. Montessori education emphasizes independence, responsibility, and real-world experiences , and what better way to teach patience and care for the environment than by growing real food?

Over the next few weeks, our students will observe, nurture, and eagerly await the moment they can harvest their crops . Once ready, they’ll bring their fresh veggies and herbs into the classroom to prepare healthy snacks —completing the cycle from garden to table .

Through this process, they’re not just growing plants; they’re developing independence, problem-solving skills, and a deep connection to nature . Our Montessori approach fosters a love for learning by doing , ensuring children gain the skills they need for elementary school success and beyond.

If you're looking for a nurturing, hands-on Montessori kindergarten or elementary program , come see how we help children grow, learn, and thrive! ��

Beyond Academics: How Montessori Shapes Responsible Citizens

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 14:00:00 GMT

A common misconception about Montessori education is that the entire classroom focus is on academics. True, our classroom is blessed with an incredible variety of academic work, from math, early concepts of geometry, language skills of writing and reading, and a concrete presentation of science and geography. Yet, this is not what the program is all about.

During every presentation for visitors of our school, I try to emphasize that one of our core objectives is to build a community. It takes a community to raise a child, and each child learns to be an essential contributor to the community.

So how do we do it? We put emphasis on meaningful work and behavior codes; we help the child to become responsible, independent and self sufficient. Practically saying, we allow the child to do everyday chores (what we call Practical Life Exercise), while making chores matter. Chores can be anything from helping set up materials, cleaning the table with water and soap, washing hands and sewing. In doing so, we do not allow ourselves to underestimate the child. Quite the contrary, we believe in her and grant her the responsibility to do it by herself.

According to the Talmud, “teaching your child to swim,” is a parental responsibility. Swimming is a requirement because the goal of parenting is to raise our children to leave us. The children need the practical, ordinary survival skills. The clinical psychologist, Wendy Mogel, Ph.D., writes in her book “Blessing of a Skinned Knee” about how assigning children with chores helps them to become self reliant. She talks about two-year-olds who exercise self-care, such as using the toilet, doing their own grooming and feeding themselves. By age three, she says, children can begin to be given responsibility for dressing themselves. “Older preschoolers can water plants and help to sort the laundry by color. By four they can wash hands and brush teeth with some supervision.” This exercise should not stop at the school door. It should enthusiastically be taken home.

Our aim is to teach our children how to contribute in taking care of the household. Older children and teenagers learn cooking, ironing, washing the car. We are using the family, according to Mogel, as a “little laboratory for what Judaism sees as the most mature stage of responsibility, where we treat our community as family, give charity and provide service to others.”

In our unique classroom, we allow children to do everyday chores, and applaud a successful completion of each chore. No wonder Professor Steve Hughs, a pediatric neuropsychologist says that there is nothing like the Montessori classroom to help develop a child’s sense of self esteem, accomplishment and responsibility. It is a scientifically based philosophy that helps develop the child’s brain.

Observing Aspects of Social Development in the Classroom

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 14:00:00 GMT

The Montessori classroom is a flurry of continuous activity and conversation at any hour of the work period. The children move about freely as they constantly choose work materials to take on and off the shelves. They have frequent interludes with different classmates, working alongside, or together with them. Sometimes they watch with curiosity while another child does an interesting activity.

Even if they appear to converse little with their classmates, they are observing and absorbing conversations, expressions and the interactions of others. It is human nature to want to be active and social. Social interaction is not directed or restricted by the teacher, who is simply a guide, ensuring there is social harmony in the group and not disruption.

When your children work together to solve their problems without adult prompting, they become independent.

Guidance is given on how to ask for things, express emotions and solve disputes so the children can help themselves.

It is sometimes asked how children can develop socially when most of their work is individual. All these individuals feel part of the group. Each member contributes to the harmony of the community in many ways. They put away their activity so that another can use it and, thus, the same activity is shared with others. They may help a classmate pick up dropped work. They may speak out for one who cannot express themselves or who needs assistance. They care for and maintain objects in the room as they feel necessary. They surely notice and express concern, if a classmate is absent for the day.

Maria Montessori stated that “It is in seeking an optimal solution to this tension between personal independence and dependence on the group that the social being is being formed.” The environment, consisting of materials and the members of the community, together assist social development.

As an observer, one must enjoy not only watching children perform their activities, but also their wonderful way of interacting with each other.

Note: This blog, originally written by Farhana Jaffrey, was first published in our school newsletter in 2008.

Costumes and Carnivals: Celebrating Purim at Alef Bet Montessori

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 16:13:12 GMT

Purim is one of the most joyful days on the Jewish calendar, celebrating how Queen Esther's courage helped save the Jewish people from Haman's evil plot. It is a holiday of celebration—marked by מסכות (masechot – masks), רעשנים (ra’ashanim – noisemakers), משלוח מנות (mishloach manot – gifts of food), and of course, dancing and laughter. At our school, the excitement of Purim isn’t limited to just one day—it builds for weeks as we embrace the holiday’s theme of joy and togetherness.

Welcoming Adar with Joy: Crazy Hat Day in Carpool

Our Purim celebrations began on ראש חודש אדר (Rosh Chodesh Adar – the first day of the Hebrew month of Adar) with Crazy Hat Day. This lighthearted tradition reflects the Talmudic teaching, Mishenichnas Adar marbim b’simcha —“When Adar arrives, we increase in joy.”

Teachers kicked off the festivities by wearing crazy hats in the carpool line, bringing laughter and excitement to the morning drop-off. Later in the day, students joined in by crafting their own whimsical hats in class, designing Hershey’s Kiss-inspired creations personalized with their names. This hands-on activity set the tone for a month filled with happiness and festive anticipation.

Classroom Carnival: Hands-On Purim Fun

Purim excitement continued with a classroom Purim carnival, where students immersed themselves in the holiday’s traditions through art, games, and hands-on activities. They decorated mishloach manot to fill with treats, designed their own ra’ashanim to shake during the reading of the Megillah, and crafted masks, embracing the playful and hidden miracles of Purim.

No carnival would be complete without games! Students enjoyed Pin the Tail on the Donkey, air hockey, and a ball toss into a clown’s mouth. Laughter echoed through the classrooms as they played and celebrated together.

Adding to the fun, students participated in a costume show-and-tell, proudly sharing their creative outfits and the stories behind them.

A Festive Finale: Costume Parade and Dancing with Families

After the classroom festivities, families joined us for a joyful Purim dance party and costume parade. Music filled the space as students, teachers, and parents came together to dance, celebrate, and showcase their costumes. The energy, laughter, and sense of community perfectly captured the spirit of Purim—where joy and unity take center stage.

Of course, no Purim celebration would be complete without a taste of אוזני המן (Oznei Haman), the traditional triangular cookies that remind us of the holiday’s story, also known as Hamantaschen. These sweet treats, combined with the joy of costumes and dancing, made for a truly memorable celebration.

See the joy and excitement of our celebration for yourselves!

Want to experience more of our holiday celebrations? Check out how we celebrated Hanukkah with light and song, explored the traditions of Tu Bishvat through planting and tasting, and prepared for Rosh Hashanah with the sounds of the shofar.

What is a Jewish Montessori School?

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 15:00:02 GMT

What does Judaism have to do with Montessori education? It is much more than a place where Jewish parents send their children to get a Montessori education. It is, in fact, a place where the Jewish values inform and infuse the methods and philosophy of Montessori schooling to create something that is greater than the sum of its parts.

The basis from which all else flows, in dealing with children, is an overriding respect, love and appreciation of the value of each child. Maria Montessori quotes a Roman poet, saying “The greatest reverence is owed to a child.” Each human being has such unique strengths and capabilities, that we must give each his own ability to develop those strengths and capabilities. We must provide for the child an environment filled with warmth and love, and rich in spiritual nourishment, so the child can develop himself to his fullest potential.

Shlomo Hamelech himself, the wisest of all men, said it best of all: “Chanoich l’naar l’fi darcho.” Teach a child according to his way.

We, in this Jewish Montessori school, are creating an environment in which the children feel the love and respect due them. They absorb the trust that we have in them and in their abilities, and we allow them to develop the independence that they desire. We create an environment in which they can learn and absorb the Jewish values of caring, and fairness, of the love of G-d and man, and of the Jewish religion and its beautiful traditions.

How do we create this environment? We blend with finely woven balance, structure and freedom. In the Montessori classroom, there is great freedom. There is the freedom to choose an activity, the freedom to choose how long to do the activity, the freedom to move about the classroom, to socialize, and to reflect. Inherent in those freedoms, however, are natural limitations, which provide structure and limits to the child’s freedom, such as the respect due to others in the classroom, and to the environment and its materials. Limits that are placed on individual freedom are for the sake of the group.

The Vilna Gaon, a great Rabbi of the 19th century, said that a person’s personality is set, but how that personality is expressed constructively is the challenge of education. That is our challenge at Alef Bet Montessori, as we assist the child in “becoming.”

A Montessori Pond: Learning from Nature’s Winter Secrets

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 16:31:46 GMT

Our school pond is not just a peaceful retreat—it’s a living classroom! Throughout the year, children witness the changing seasons through the lens of aquatic life, learning valuable lessons about ecosystems, adaptation, and care for living things.

Right now, our goldfish in the pond during cold weather are having icy cold temperatures. Did you know that…

Koi and goldfish are cold-blooded creatures , meaning their body temperature and activity levels adjust to their environment. As water temperatures dip below 50°F (10°C):
Fish reduce their activity and settle near the bottom of the pond, where the water is slightly warmer.
Their metabolism slows down , so they eat less, digest food slower, and rely on stored energy to sustain them during the winter. (Feeding them during this time can actually be harmful!)
They take a deep nap – Dormancy! In freezing conditions, fish enter a state of torpor , conserving energy until the water warms again.

This natural cycle is a beautiful example of respecting the rhythms of life , a core Montessori value. Children observing the pond in different seasons gain a deep understanding of cause and effect, patience, and the interconnectedness of all living things . Plus, it’s a great opportunity for little scientists to ask questions: "Why do the fish slow down? What happens under the ice?"

A pond brings a special kind of wonder to our school—a place for reflection, discovery, and learning. Even in winter, when all seems still, there’s a quiet lesson waiting just beneath the surface.

Ask Your Child!

Next time you visit the pond, ask your child:
�� What do you notice about the water and the fish?
�� How do you think the fish feel in cold weather?
�� What changes will happen when spring arrives?

Nature is full of mysteries, and our pond helps Montessori learners uncover them one season at a time! ��

Building on Success: The Case for Keeping Your Child in Montessori Elementary

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 15:00:02 GMT

You’ve made one of the best decisions by choosing Montessori education for your child’s early years. In an environment focused on curiosity, independence, and the joy of discovery, children develop a genuine love for learning.

As your child approaches elementary school, you might wonder whether a traditional classroom setting will offer similar benefits. Understanding the changes that occur during this critical period is key.

What Changes, You May Be Wondering?

Everything! The “absorbent mind”—the heightened ability to acquire knowledge through absorption—no longer applies. The elementary child must engage their “conscious mind” and learn with greater effort. Other noteworthy shifts for children ages 6 to 12 include:

A Growing Sense of Justice and Morality : Children begin to question the world around them and develop a sense of fairness and social responsibility.
Collaborative Learning : Students want to work together on projects, learning from one another and developing essential social skills.
Exploration of Complex Subjects : Children moving beyond concrete learning to abstract thinking.

Montessori vs. Traditional Education: Understanding the Key Differences

One of the most striking differences between Montessori and traditional education is how children learn. In a typical elementary classroom, much of the day is spent copying from a board—long hours of what some call “drill and grill.” This often comes at the expense of tactile, active learning.

In contrast, Montessori classrooms prioritize hands-on learning that ignites curiosity. Children can move freely after completing tasks and take the time they need to focus, allowing each child to engage deeply at their own pace.

Advanced Learning Materials : Students build upon the foundational skills developed in Kindergarten through advanced Montessori materials that facilitate deeper exploration.

For example, in math, children engage with the four operations—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—using concrete materials. They literally carry, borrow, and change quantities, helping them perceive the interplay of numbers unconsciously.

Montessori Language Materials isolate universal elements of language, enabling children to understand that all words are composed of sounds represented by written signs. This method fosters a rich, engaging environment for literacy development.

The Push for Standardized Testing

The Common Core standards have intensified the push for standardized testing, as early as kindergarten. These tests are not only stressful for young children but also unreliable indicators of what they actually know or can do. Research shows that children who experience Montessori education demonstrate strong academic performance and greater engagement in their studies, even into middle school and high school.

Montessori values the whole child. Teachers get to know their strengths and challenges deeply, helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally without the pressure of a one-size-fits-all exam. This personalized approach nurtures intrinsic motivation and provides targeted support in reading, writing, and math. Instead of being reduced to a test score, children receive tailored guidance that fuels confidence and lifelong learning.

Why Montessori Elementary Builds Lifelong Skills for Success

Traditional classrooms can crowd out opportunities for essential skills like problem-solving, self-regulation, and emotional growth, which are difficult to measure through testing but critical for later success. By fostering these skills alongside reading, writing, and math, Montessori elementary prepares children holistically for academic and personal achievements.

Key Skills for Future Success : Children are encouraged to understand and apply math concepts through reasoning and practical exercises, nurturing confidence and an analytical mindset essential for higher-level math. Montessori’s focus on oral storytelling, peer interactions, and self-expression through writing builds reading comprehension and communication skills, which are foundational for future academic success.

The Montessori Advantage

As parents, your choice to start your child in a Montessori environment was grounded in wanting what’s best for them. The benefits are clear: Montessori prioritizes curiosity, independence, and a love for learning while building a solid foundation in reading, writing, and math.

Choosing Montessori means giving your child a proven advantage—not just academically, but also in personal growth and self-motivation—qualities essential for lifelong success. Keeping your child’s learning journey grounded in Montessori principles offers a unique path forward, where they can thrive academically while nurturing the joy of discovery and self-confidence that will stay with them for life.

Happy Birthday to the Trees! Tu Bishvat at Alef Bet Montessori

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 14:37:58 GMT

Engaging the Senses in a Hands-On Celebration

At Alef Bet Montessori, each holiday is an opportunity for immersive learning, and ט"ו בשבט - Tu Bishvat , the New Year of the Trees, was no exception. Our students engaged in a rich, sensory-filled work-cycle that connected them to the natural world through touch, taste, smell, and creativity.

Students were free to choose their own path of exploration, engaging with a variety of activities. Many explored an assortment of delicious fruits, a perfect occasion for practicing the brachot (blessings) associated with different foods. They thoughtfully distinguished between those that grow on trees, like apples and oranges, and those that grow in the ground, such as strawberries and watermelon. The experience encouraged them to observe textures, flavors, and scents as they sampled each fruit.

Creativity flourished as students crafted dried orange necklaces, threading slices of fruit and colorful beads to create fragrant, wearable pieces that engaged their senses and fine motor skills. The Primary and Elementary classes also made bookmarks with dried flowers and leaves. The children pasted handmade paper onto the card, used Modge Podge to arrange and adhere the carefully selected flowers, made a hole and strung a ribbon through it.

Planting was a highlight of the day, as children carefully placed basil seeds in small pots to take home, feeling the textures of soil and seeds while observing the process of plant growth. Some classes also planted parsley, which they will tend to as it grows. They will be harvest the parsley just in time for Passover, bridging one holiday’s lessons to the next in a meaningful cycle of experiential learning.

From tasting and smelling to planting and creating, Tu Bishvat at Alef Bet Montessori was a celebration of sensory exploration and discovery. Through these experiences, our students deepened their connection to nature and engaged in the Montessori philosophy of learning through experience.

Want to experience more of the joy and learning that happens during our holiday celebrations? Learn how our students celebrated Hanukkah with light and song, explored the traditions of Sukkot , and prepared for Rosh Hashanah with the sounds of the shofar

Magnificent Montessori Materials

ellie@alefbetmontessori.org (Ellie Lichtash) — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:00:03 GMT

The Moveable Alphabet

In our classroom there is a large rectangular box, inside of which are 26 slots which contain sets of letters that comprise our Moveable Alphabet. The sets of letters enable the children to manipulate each letter to form sounds and words. In our classroom, children learn to write and then read, as they pronounce the sounds of the letters (phonetically, e.g. “LLL” or “MM”).

We support the notion that writing and reading are distinct processes. Montessori philosophy supports the methodology where writing comes first; using the Moveable Alphabet we are preparing the children for their own “discovery” of writing. After using the Moveable Alphabet several times, children begin to spontaneously read back what they have written and “discover” reading, as well.

Primary Class (3-6)

There are two dominant colors - pink (consonants) and blue (vowels). The color coding assists the child in developing the idea that all the words contain a combination of consonants and vowels. As soon as a child is familiar with some sounds (the first stage is sound lessons so that the child learns the sounds of the letters) they can be introduced to the Moveable Alphabet. Letters (that the child knows as sounds) are put together to make words and eventually sentences. A child is very excited when they can put the sounds /m/ /a/ /t/ together to make the word “mat.”

A child as young as three can successfully build words using the Moveable Alphabet.

Elementary (6-9)

At the elementary level, Moveable Alphabets can be used to study phonograms: two sounds that, when put together, create one sound such as sh or ch . Using a card that lists phonograms (e.g. sh - “shut”, “push”, “hush”) the child has a phonogram dictated by the teacher or another child. The child then uses the Moveable Alphabet to create the phonograms or words. The elementary child can then be asked to expand their vocabulary by correctly using the phonogram in a sentence. The Moveable Alphabet in this case would be color coded differently, as it is no longer necessary for a child to have emphasis placed on vowels, but on the phonogram sound. So the phonogram sh is in one color and the other letters are a different color.

The Multi-Aged Classroom

ellie@alefbetmontessori.org (Ellie Lichtash) — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 14:31:26 GMT

Benefits of a mixed-age environment

In Montessori schools the age groups of children always span three-year age groups, such as, age 0-3, 3-6, 6-9, 9-12. Multi-age environments are one of the core differences between a Montessori classroom and a traditional one. One obvious reason, as any experienced mother of more than one child will testify, is younger children learn very quickly by imitating and following the footsteps of older children. Yet, Dr. Montessori had another reason that is not so easy to detect– learning values.

What is the most important value that you would like to instill in your child? I have asked myself and other parents this question time and again. It is not surprising that the answer is never “to think of themselves first,” or “to be the best,” or “to know more than others.”

In our community, we wish our children to be kind, loving, and respectful to others.

Dr. Benjamin Spock argues that by far the most important value “is to bring up children excited about helping other people , first in their family and then other people outside.” [emphasis added].

In an interview given as his book A Better World for Our Children: Rebuilding American Family Values was first released, Dr. Spock asserted that more than anything else, “children want to help – it makes them feel grown up. That includes simple things like being able to set the table.”

Dr. Spock noted that parents often say ‘I can set the table quicker myself,’ but in doing so, the parents missed the point. “Children should be encouraged to help, to be kind and loving to other people.” Dr. Spock argues that these are the spiritual values that are quite obvious, but we’re not paying enough attention to them.

There is a great difference between bringing up children to think of themselves first (and achieve material success for their own good), rather than to be a helpful person to the world. Where do we fail? We fail to understand that spiritual values can be taught by modeling. Being the role model for your child is what your child will absorb immediately.

Dr. Spock submitted that “anthropology studies from all over the world show that children can be taught any set of values that their parents and their group truly believe in. If children worship material success rather than truth or compassion, it is because they have absorbed those values from others.” Our children will learn how to respect their mother and father by observing us being respectful to our own mothers and fathers.

Where can a child find modeling of behavior in the classroom?

A multi-age group environment is key because in such natural, family-like groups, children learn to help each other, teach each other, ask for help, observe to see if they are needed, be responsible for others and feel good about themselves.

Susan Stephenson, author of Joyful Child and Child of the World , argues that the kindergarten year in a Montessori classroom, or the sixth grade of an elementary class are magical for a child. It is in this year that the generosity and responsibility that Dr. Spock talks about comes to fruition. During this year, the spiritual values become part of the child’s being.

A Celebration of Light: Chanukah at Our School

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 15:18:52 GMT

Music, Meaning, and Hands-On Fun

As the mornings grow colder and the days shorter, the light of Chanukah reminds us of the miracles, big and small, that brighten our lives. This week, our school came alive with that light as we welcomed grandparents, parents, and special guests to celebrate together. It was a beautiful reminder of the connections that bind us as a community.

Lighting the Way with Music and Laughter

Our celebration began with heartfelt opening remarks from our Director, who set the tone for the morning by reflecting on the deeper meaning of Chanukah: the power of perseverance and the impact of even the smallest acts of light.

Next came a highlight of the day: two of our elementary students led us in a meaningful candle-lighting ceremony before inviting the rest of their class to join them in song.

Each class performed a song that captured the spirit of Chanukah. Families delighted in watching their children shine, each contributing their own unique light to the celebration.

Enjoy the songs from the event and let the music bring the light of the season into your home.

In addition to the songs, students delighted the audience with two creative plays.

Our Kindergarten Arayot, with some help from Elementary, proudly performed a charming play about a baby dragon and the brave Maccabees who saved the day. Their enthusiasm and teamwork were a joy to watch.

Following that, students from our Elementary program presented a retelling of the classic Hebrew song about Chana Zelda and Rabbi Kalman. Their comedic timing and lively performance brought smiles and laughter to all.

Hands-On Fun in the Classrooms

After the performances, families joined their children in the classrooms for a creative and meaningful Chanukah activity. Together, they designed their own candles using colorful melted wax from tealights to paint beautiful patterns onto white pillar candles.

The experience was a joyful exploration of creativity and tradition. Laughter and concentration filled the rooms as both children and adults took pride in their creations, each candle a unique work of art. Guests also enjoyed delicious סופגניות-sufganiyot (donuts) and other treats, rounding out the festivities with sweetness.

Carrying the Light Forward

As we head into winter vacation and Chanukah break, we reflect on the light and joy this season brings. Chanukah teaches us that even the smallest light can dispel the deepest darkness. Together, as a community, we share the responsibility of being that light for one another.

May your Chanukah be filled with warmth, love, and the kind of moments that brighten your world.

Chanukah Sameach!

A Taste of Tradition: Soup in the Sukkah

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 19:15:46 GMT

Where family, fun, and learning come together

At Alef Bet Montessori, community is at the heart of everything we do, and our recent Soup in the Sukkah event was a beautiful reflection of that. Parents joined their children in our school’s סוכה (sukkah) to celebrate the holiday of Sukkot with a warm, family-centered gathering over a simple, comforting meal of soup.

It was a proud moment for our students, who eagerly showed off their knowledge of Sukkot. While in the sukkah, they answered questions in a lively call-and-response, sharing everything from the structure of a kosher sukkah and the סכך (schach) to the לולב (lulav) and אתרוג (etrog)—the special plants used in the holiday’s daily rituals. Watching them respond with such confidence and excitement was a true highlight, showing the joy of learning that we nurture every day.

The event wasn’t all about education, though! After the meal, families had a blast participating in a Sukkot-themed obstacle course, bringing energy and laughter to the celebration. It was a day full of connection and fun, creating memories that we know families will cherish.

Soup in the Sukkah gave us a chance to strengthen the bonds between families, students, and our school community. These shared experiences truly reflect our commitment to fostering a love of learning, tradition, and togetherness.

At Alef Bet Montessori, we believe in creating meaningful moments that shape not only the educational journey of each child but also their sense of belonging. We’re excited to continue building a vibrant, supportive community for families who value learning that goes beyond the classroom and lasts a lifetime.

Building, Exploring, and Celebrating: A Montessori Sukkot Experience

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 16:28:44 GMT

Bringing Sukkot to Life with Practical, Child-Led Learning

At our school, סֻכּוֹת -Sukkot (Festival of Booths) is more than just a holiday we celebrate—it's an opportunity for our students to engage with Jewish traditions in a hands-on, meaningful way. Montessori education emphasizes learning through experience, and Sukkot, with its rich symbolic practices, provides the perfect setting for this approach.

From the physical act of sitting in the סֻכָּה -sukkah to the tactile experience of shaking the לּוּלָב -lulav (palm branch) and אֶתְרוֹג -etrog (citron), our students are immersed in the sensory and practical elements of the holiday. By actively participating in these rituals, they gain a deeper understanding of the mitzvot (commandments) of Sukkot, building connections that go beyond textbook learning.

Building Our Sukkah: A Community Effort

Our school sukkah, constructed by parent volunteers, stands as a tangible representation of community and tradition. While the physical building was completed by adults, our toddler class took an active role in decorating the sukkah, bringing their own creativity and joy to the project. This child-centered contribution allowed even the youngest students to feel invested in the holiday, exercising independence and pride in their work—core values of Montessori education.

What Makes a Kosher Sukkah? A Lesson in Independent Learning

One of the highlights of the week has been our interactive lesson on what makes a sukkah kosher. In alignment with the Montessori method, this was not simply a lecture but a discovery process. Using the letters of the word "סוכה" (sukkah), students explored how the structure’s walls must align with Jewish law. By guiding their own understanding of why a sukkah can have 4, 3, or even 2.5 walls, students were encouraged to draw on both logic and tradition. This combination of cultural learning and problem-solving is a perfect example of how Sukkot can support a child-led learning environment.

Exploring the Lulav and Etrog: Hands-On Discovery

Our students had the unique opportunity to experience the lulav and etrog firsthand. In true Montessori style, each child was given time to explore the texture and shape of the lulav and etrog, learning not only the symbolic meanings behind these items but also practicing the movements to fulfill the mitzvah. This sensory engagement—touching, holding, and shaking—enabled them to connect with the holiday in a more profound and personal way.

Sukkot as a Montessori Experience

The experiential nature of Sukkot—whether decorating the sukkah, handling the lulav and etrog, or exploring the requirements of a kosher sukkah—gives students the opportunity to learn through action. Montessori education teaches that when children are engaged in purposeful, hands-on activities, they not only learn concepts but internalize them.

As Maria Montessori so beautifully expressed, “The hands are the instruments of man’s intelligence.” Through the hands-on experiences of Sukkot, our students are not only learning Jewish traditions—they are building connections to their heritage that will last a lifetime.

Wishing everyone a joyful and meaningful Sukkot. Chag Sameach!

Exploring Creativity in Aftercare: Jungle Collage Inspired by Pierre Maxo

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 13:12:04 GMT

Fostering collaboration through mixed media art

The Club's art enrichment program kicked off with a collaborative mixed media collage project.

It is based on the work by Pierre Maxo , an artist from Haiti, who was known for his bright paintings of jungle scenes with wild animals.

The older children learned to sketch various wild animals.

The younger children helped to paint the leaves and fruit. They took artistic liberty to add bright flowers and leaves and worked together to fill the scene with color.

A true collaboration of creativity!

United in Spirit: A Story of Resilience and Creativity

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 12:57:06 GMT

How Our Students’ Artwork Became Part of the 'Wall of Hope' in Jerusalem

When you walk through the entrance of our school, it’s hard to miss the brightly colored tiles that hang on the wall. Each one is a canvas, lovingly decorated by our students, with the Hebrew word “תִקוָוה”—Hope—painted boldly in the center.

They were created earlier this year as part of a global initiative, the "Wall of Hope" project , which brought together 4,000 children from 40 Jewish schools around the world to contribute to this powerful symbol of unity.

Together, their individual canvases formed a giant mural in Jerusalem, a mosaic of hope.

Before our students picked up their brushes, they were introduced to the project’s theme. As they carefully colored the Hebrew word "תִקוָוה," they discussed what hope meant to them, and they expressed excitement knowing that their artwork would become part of something greater. As the students created their canvases, they joined hands with children from around the world—each school a thread in the larger tapestry of the Jewish people, united by a shared spirit.

As we reflect on the tragic events of October 7th, 2023, the tiles serve as a poignant reminder of the pain experienced—lives lost, families forever changed, and a sense of peace shaken—while embodying the resilience and unity of the Jewish people in the face of adversity.. Yet, just as in moments of tragedy, the Jewish people have always found strength in unity, creativity, and resilience. The "Wall of Hope," born out of this tragedy, now stands as a poignant reminder of the power of coming together to create something beautiful, even in the face of adversity.

In Parshat Nitzavim, Hashem spoke to our people about the choices we face in life, urging us to choose between good and evil. "Choose Life," He said, and this is what we strive to teach. The "Wall of Hope" is an embodiment of that choice—an affirmation of life, creativity, and community.

The tiles hanging in our entrance, and those in Jerusalem, stand as quiet but powerful symbols of resilience. Each brushstroke tells the story of a people who continue to hope, create, and remain united through every challenge, who continue to choose life. The students' contribution to the "Wall of Hope" mirrors this strength and perseverance that define our community.

As we walk past these tiles each day, may they remind us of the power of unity and creativity.

And through that unity, may we find hope for healing, hope for peace, and hope for tomorrow.

Am Yisrael Chai!

Shofar Blowing Event Marks the Start of Rosh Hashanah Preparations

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 19:25:24 GMT

Engaging Students with the Sights, Sounds, and Textures of the Shofar

This morning, we were honored to welcome alumni parent Andrew Boltax back to our school to blow the shofar, marking the start of our Rosh Hashanah preparations. Andrew’s daughter, Alexa, was one of our first students and is now studying at the University of Maryland (go Terps!).

The shofar, a ram's horn traditionally blown during the Jewish High Holidays, serves as a powerful call to reflection and renewal. Today, our students were excited to experience not just one, but two kinds of shofarot: the familiar ram’s horn and a new shofar made from the horn of a Kudu, a large African antelope.

Students had the unique opportunity to engage their senses by feeling the texture of the different shofarot—one smooth and one rough—and hearing the distinct sounds they produce. They compared the horns by size and shape, observing the long, spiraled Kudu horn and the shorter ram’s horn.

Our elementary students were particularly curious, asking insightful questions about the Kudu's habitat and the purpose behind its long horns. They were also thrilled to count how long Andrew could hold the tekiah gedola—a full 24 seconds!

It was a wonderful way to bring the spirit of Rosh Hashanah to life!

We wish our entire school community a Shanah Tovah U'Metukah—a good and sweet new year! May this Rosh Hashanah bring peace, happiness, and blessings to all.

Summer Fun: Montessori Activities to Enjoy at Home

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 18:02:20 GMT

Summer Activities and Montessori Works for Different Age Groups

Dear Parents,

As we embrace the summer break, we are excited to share some fun and enriching activities you can do with your children at home. These Montessori-inspired ideas are designed to foster independence, creativity, and a love of learning. We've divided the activities into three age groups: toddlers, primary, and elementary.

Toddlers (18 months - 3 years)

1. Practical Life: Pouring and Transferring

- Set up a small tray with two containers and a spoon. Show your child how to transfer dry rice or beans from one container to the other using the spoon. This

activity enhances hand-eye coordination and concentration.

2. Sensorial: Color Sorting

- Provide colored pom-poms or buttons and matching bowls. Encourage your child to sort the items by color. This activity helps with color recognition and fine motor skills.

3. Language: Picture Books

- Choose picture books with simple, clear images and few words. Read aloud and point to the pictures, encouraging your child to name objects and animals. This activity boosts vocabulary and language skills.

4. Outdoor Play: Nature Exploration

- Take a walk in the park or your backyard. Collect leaves, flowers, and rocks. Discuss the different textures, colors, and shapes. This activity fosters a connection with nature and sensory exploration.

Primary (3 - 6 years)

1. Practical Life: Baking Together

- Involve your child in simple baking tasks like stirring, pouring, and measuring ingredients. Making cookies or muffins can be both fun and educational, teaching them about measurements and following instructions.

2. Sensorial: Mystery Bag

- Fill a bag with various small objects (a key, a feather, a ball). Blindfold your child and ask them to identify the objects by touch alone. This activity enhances tactile discrimination and descriptive language.

3. Math: Counting with Beads

- Use colorful beads and a string to make bead necklaces. Encourage your child to count the beads as they thread them. This activity strengthens counting skills and fine motor coordination.

4. Art: Nature Collage

- Collect natural items like leaves, twigs, and flowers. Provide glue and paper for your child to create a nature collage. This activity promotes creativity and fine motor skills.

Elementary (6 - 12 years)

1. Practical Life: Gardening

- Start a small garden or care for indoor plants. Teach your child how to plant seeds, water plants, and understand the basics of plant care. This activity fosters responsibility and a love for nature.

2. Science: Simple Experiments

- Conduct easy science experiments, such as making a volcano with baking soda and vinegar or growing crystals with sugar and water. These activities ignite curiosity and scientific thinking.

3. Geography: Map Making

- Provide a large sheet of paper and colored markers. Encourage your child to draw a map of your neighborhood, labeling important places like their school, the park, and home. This activity enhances spatial awareness and geography skills.

4. Creative Writing: Storytelling

- Ask your child to write a short story or create a comic strip. Provide prompts or themes to spark their imagination. This activity develops writing skills and creativity.

We hope these ideas inspire you to engage in meaningful and enjoyable activities with your children over the summer. Remember, the goal is to create a fun and enriching environment that encourages exploration and learning.

Happy summer, and we look forward to seeing you and your children again soon!

Introducing our NEW aftercare program

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 16:21:54 GMT

Welcome to "The Club" - Alef Bet Montessori's new aftercare enrichment program for the 2024-2025 school year.

We are excited to offer a new and improved enrichment program intended to complement our Montessori curriculum and provide students with additional opportunities of discovery:

What are your aftercare hours?

The Club is open every Monday-Thursday from 3-5 pm

What are the ages of the program?

The Club is available to students in our Primary and Elementary classes (ages 3+)

What is the cost of the program?

Full-time: $400/mo for all 4 activities

Part-time: $150/mo per activity

Drop-in: $50/day

You're invited! Open House for our Elementary Program

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 18:19:08 GMT

Wish you could send your child to a Montessori school without sacrificing their Jewish education? Look no further than Alef Bet Montessori in Bethesda, Maryland!

Join us for another Open House to learn about the school, ask questions, and experience the beauty of Dr. Montessori’s educational approach.

Our Elementary Program spans 1st-6th grades and includes natural and physical sciences, mathematics, practical life, music and arts, Hebrew and English language, Judaic religious studies, and more.

Have we piqued your interest?

Email admission@alefbetmontessori.org to save your spot!

When: Monday, July 8 | 8:15-9:30

Where: Alef Bet Montessori, 6125 Tuckerman Ln, Bethesda, MD 20852

Soon We Feast: Preparing our Shavuot Celebration

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 16:21:55 GMT

Our students have been excitedly learning about and preparing for the upcoming holiday of Shavuot (if your student is in Elementary, ask them if they remember one of its other names!) They’ve learned about the Torah, harvesting wheat and the first fruits ( Bikkurim ), and about the special food we eat.

Rosh Hashanah has apples and honey.
Hanukkah has latkes and sufganiyot.
Pesach has matzah and maror.
Shavuot has cheese .

Eating dairy is perhaps one of the most time-honored traditions of the holiday, connecting us historically, symbolically, and spiritually to Israel and our ancestors (community). Alef Bet loves to honor tradition, so to reinforce the value of connection, each class is preparing a dish to share with the entire school: Toddler made macaroni and cheese, Primary bakied cheesecake and Elementary made Pizza.

Check out some photos below!

Dissecting Flowers in a Scientific Way

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 16:05:04 GMT

Recently, our Montessori classroom was filled with excitement as we explored the intricate beauty of flowers through dissection. This hands-on activity was the culmination of our lessons on the different types of flowers, their shapes, sizes, and textures.

We began our journey with a series of lessons that introduced us to the world of flowers. We examined a variety of blooms – daisies, roses, lilies, and sunflowers – paying close attention to their unique characteristics. We touched the petals, noticed the differences in texture, and marveled at the range of colors. These initial observations helped us develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world. With this foundation, we moved on to the flower dissection activity. Armed with magnifying glasses, tweezers, and scissors, we were ready to uncover the hidden details within each flower. Before starting the dissection, we reviewed the basic parts of a flower: petals, sepals, stamen, and pistil. This brief overview ensured that we had a clear idea of what we were looking for during the dissection process.

The excitement in the room was palpable as we began to gently remove the petals. Each discovery brought a new wave of enthusiasm and wonder:

"The petals are so soft and velvety!"
"Look at these tiny little bumps on the stem!"
"The pollen on the stamen is like golden dust!"

These observations were more than mere statements; they were evidence of our growing connection to the material. By dissecting the flowers, we weren’t just taking them apart – we were learning to see and appreciate the intricate details that make each flower unique.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this activity was seeing how it catered to different learning styles. Some of us were captivated by the tactile experience, enjoying the feel of the petals and stems, while others were drawn to the visual aspect, using magnifying glasses to explore the fine details. This multi-sensory approach allowed each of us to engage with the material in a way that resonated with us. Throughout the dissection, we documented our findings in nature journals. We drew detailed diagrams, labeled the different parts of the flowers, and wrote down our observations. This practice not only reinforced our learning but also allowed us to express our creativity and individuality.

Beyond the scientific observations, this activity also fostered a sense of respect and appreciation for nature. We learned that flowers are not just beautiful objects to admire but complex structures that play a crucial role in the plant’s life cycle. Understanding the function of each part of the flower – from the petals that attract pollinators to the stamen and pistil involved in reproduction – deepened our appreciation for these natural wonders.

In our Montessori classroom, it is about fostering a love for exploration and an appreciation for the world around us. The flower dissection activity exemplified this philosophy perfectly. It turned a simple flower into a source of wonder and knowledge, allowing us to connect with nature in a meaningful way.

Moments like these remind us why we love to learn. Discovering and connecting with the natural world is incredibly rewarding. Watching our faces light up with excitement and curiosity during the flower dissection activity was a powerful reminder of the beauty and complexity that surrounds us every day.

Chick Q&A: Our Children Answer Questions

Fri, 24 May 2024 20:03:04 GMT

Watch this delightful video featuring our primary children sharing their knowledge about our chickens. We asked them fun and silly questions, and their short, sweet answers are both informative and charming.

Celebrating Yom Ha'atzmaut and Kindergarten Graduation

Tue, 14 May 2024 20:27:43 GMT

Today, we gathered as a community to celebrate two remarkable events: Yom Ha'atzmaut and our Kindergarten Graduation . The joy and pride on our children’s faces as they performed and looked out at the room filled with parents and grandparents will be a cherished memory for years to come.

The ceremony began with delightful performances from each class. Our students sang heartfelt songs, and we even spotted some great dancers there, showcasing their talents and enthusiasm for this special day.. Following these wonderful performances, we proceeded with the graduation ceremony. Each Kindergarten graduate received their certificate, marking a significant milestone in their young lives. The excitement and happiness in the room were palpable as each child was recognized for their hard work and achievements.

After the ceremony, we engaged in a meaningful project titled "Wall of Hope." Each child, alongside their parents, colored a "תקווה" (Hope) picture. These beautiful artworks will adorn a wall in our school, symbolizing our collective hope for a better future. Our school is proud to be part of an international initiative, sending some of these paintings to Israel to contribute to a global Wall of Hope. This project is especially significant in these times, reminding us all of the power of unity and shared aspirations for peace.

Following the creative session, our children enjoyed a delicious Israeli lunch, featuring falafel, Israeli salad, hummus, tahini, and pita. The smiles and laughter during lunch were a testament to the fun and joy of the day.

To our graduating Kindergarteners: We wish you a future filled with endless possibilities and success. Always remember the joy of today and the love that surrounds you.

To Israel, on its 76th Yom Ha'atzmaut: We celebrate with hearts full of hope and pride, wishing for continued growth, peace, and prosperity.

Enjoy the wonderful pictures from today’s event below. They capture the spirit and happiness that filled our school. Thank you for being part of this special day and for helping us create lasting memories and a hopeful future for our children.

Honoring Yom Hazikaron: Educating Our Children on Israel's Story

Mon, 13 May 2024 21:08:42 GMT

We believe in fostering an environment where our students not only excel academically but also grow into compassionate and well-rounded individuals. As part of our commitment to nurturing cultural awareness and understanding, we observed today Yom Hazikaron, the Day of Remembrance in Israel, in a meaningful way.

We wanted to share with you a special moment that occurred during this observance. Moreh Or took the initiative to impart some knowledge about Israel's history and his personal experiences serving in the military to the Elementary class. The children were captivated by his storytelling and showed a genuine curiosity, asking insightful questions that sparked enlightening discussions.

You may wonder why it's important for our young students to be exposed to such topics, especially concerning military service and remembrance. Firstly, understanding the history and culture of Israel helps broaden our children's worldview, fostering empathy and respect for diverse perspectives. Secondly, discussing topics like Yom Hazikaron provides an opportunity to instill values of honor, sacrifice, and remembrance in our students, values that transcend borders and cultures.

Moreover, by educating our children about Israel's story, we aim to nurture their love for Israel and empower their Judaism. By connecting them to their heritage and the rich tapestry of Jewish history, we provide them with a strong foundation upon which they can build their identities and values.

We want to assure you that the discussion was conducted with sensitivity and age-appropriate language, ensuring that the children felt comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions. Moreh Or skillfully navigated the conversation, creating a safe space for learning and reflection.

As parents, we understand that topics like military service and remembrance can be sensitive. However, we believe that open dialogue and education are essential in shaping informed and compassionate individuals. By engaging our students in discussions about Israel's history and traditions, we empower them to become global citizens who appreciate the importance of honoring the past while striving for a better future.

What is Science all About?

Wed, 08 May 2024 18:01:08 GMT

Embracing the Wonders of Science: A Lesson in Patience

In our elementary class, students recently delved into the captivating world of mixtures and the art of separating them, learning an invaluable lesson along the way – patience. Science isn't just about conducting experiments; it's about embracing the process, including the waiting game. As our young scientists mixed compounds and observed reactions, they discovered that sometimes, the most profound discoveries require time. Whether it was waiting for sediments to settle or observing the slow filtration process, they realized that science operates on its own timeline. Through this experience, they learned the importance of patience, a virtue that extends beyond the lab and into all aspects of life. So let's continue to nurture their curiosity, encouraging them to ask questions, explore, and embrace the patience that science demands, as they embark on their journey of scientific discover.

Trying Mazza Ball Soup for the 1st Time.... Yummy

ellie@alefbetmontessori.org (Ellie Lichtash) — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 16:58:16 GMT

Mazza Ball Soup for the 1st time at school... getting ready for Passover

We all ate it, and had a ball!

Seder Table - Passover is Here

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 18:58:24 GMT

Passover Seder @ Alef Bet Montessori school

We had a fabulous Seder Table, as a community, each class set for the meal with a Seder Plate. We sang songs, and made blessing. It is the duty of each generation to tell the story of Exodus as we left Eygypt and walked to the land of Israel. Happy Passover.

The Alef Bet Team

Passover Magic: Baking Matzah and Spreading Joy

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 11:59:41 GMT

Passover Joy at our school! ��

Our little ones embarked on a delicious journey of tradition and learning as they baked Matzah on the fire! Guided by Morah Liraz, they explored the timeless tale of Passover, shaping dough that doesn't rise, just like our ancestors did in Egypt. Amidst stories shared by our teachers, our young ones embraced the Montessori spirit, crafting and playing with Matzah dough, even spreading chocolate on it! Next up: Seder celebrations with the children next Tuesday! Stay tuned for more festive fun! ��

What happens if a child is doing nothing or not initiating?

ellie@alefbetmontessori.org (Ellie Lichtash) — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 16:03:12 GMT

Dr. Angeline Llillard tells the story about Shelby, a curious and imaginative four year old girl she observed in a cozy Montessori classroom. Shelby had a penchant for daydreaming and pondering the world around her. One day, the teacher introduced a lesson on Geometric Solids , displaying various forms of solids and explaining their properties. Shelby listened intently, absorbing every word with wide-eyed fascination. When the lesson concluded, the teacher let her explore the materials independently.

Time went by and Shelby remained still. He rolled over the soft carpet, gazing at the shapes scattered across the room, lost in thought. Minutes turned into twenty, and still, Shelby made no move to engage with the materials.

The teacher observed her with a gentle smile, understanding that every child had their own unique way of processing information. She recognized Shelby's quiet time as a moment of "False Fatigue," a term coined by Dr. Maria Montessori to describe the reflective pause children sometimes took after a period of learning.

After a while, Shelby turned to the teacher with a spark of insight in her eyes. "You know," she said thoughtfully, "our classroom is a Rectangular Prism." Her words echoed with a profound understanding of the lesson, demonstrating his deep internalization of the concept.

The teacher nodded in acknowledgment, her heart swelling with pride for Shelby's newfound understanding. She respected her need for quiet contemplation, recognizing it as a valuable part of his learning journey.

I love this story by Dr. Angeline Lillard, in her book The Science Behind the Genius. She simplifies our need to learn and to reflect. The need to daydream and internalize information. Process it at our own time.
In another situation, the teacher might look to see what specific interests this specific child has, and offer her a new "work", she will often say: Would you like to work on this or that" - giving 2 options, to allow the child to make a choice.

And sometimes, she will just let the child be - to allow daydreaming and happy thoughts.

Ayelet 'Ellie' Lichtash

Independence at a Young Age

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 18:38:22 GMT

Fostering Independence: A Montessori Approach

At our school, we believe in empowering children to become independent individuals from a young age. One beautiful aspect of this philosophy is witnessing children as young as 3.5 years old taking charge of simple tasks with confidence and capability.

In a recent video, two of our primary children exemplify this independence by loading the dishwasher after enjoying a fresh morning snack they prepared themselves. This is just one part of their morning routine, where they learn not only practical life skills but also the importance of contributing to their community.

Encouraging independence in children from a young age has numerous benefits. It fosters a sense of responsibility, builds self-esteem, and cultivates essential life skills that will serve them well into adulthood.

As parents, we invite you to watch this heartwarming video and reflect on the beauty of nurturing independence in our children. Together, let's continue to support their growth and development every step of the way.

What is Your Child Seeing Online?

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 18:53:10 GMT

Check out Jesse Weinberger link below, and be educated about what is going on...that includes phone, Youtube, screens, and more.

A wonderful suggestion from Morah Rachli, for a rainy day with your children- check out Zava Zone, Pinstripe, and more gross motor activities (that can replace any online screens).

https://www.overnightgeekuniversity.com/parents-what-is-your-child-seeing-online/

Exciting News: A Feathered Addition to Our School!

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 13:27:24 GMT

Look Who's Back!

Dear Parents,

We are thrilled to share some egg-citing news with you! Thanks to the incredible generosity of a kind-hearted donor, our school has welcomed four lovely egg-laying chickens to our campus. But that's not all – this thoughtful donor went above and beyond by not only providing the chickens but also spearheading the effort to create a spacious and safe chicken coop nestled in the hill.

This generous gesture not only adds a charming touch to our school but also creates a wonderful opportunity for educational enrichment. Our children will have the chance to learn firsthand about responsible animal care, the life cycle of chickens, and the importance of sustainability.

With the Montessori philosophy at the heart of our approach to education, this new addition aligns perfectly with our belief in hands-on, experiential learning. The chicken coop becomes a living classroom where children can engage with nature, observe natural processes, and develop empathy and responsibility towards other living beings.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our donor for their remarkable generosity and foresight. Their contribution not only enriches the educational experience of our students but also reinforces the sense of community that makes our school so special.

As we embark on this feathered adventure together, we are excited to involve our entire school community in the process. We invite you to share your ideas for naming our new feathered friends! Please feel free to submit HERE your suggestions, and let's see what creative names our school community can come up with.

Purim Carnival

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 16:51:39 GMT

Take a sneak peek into our Purim Carnival! Our school was buzzing with laughter, joy, and endless fun as the children enjoyed games, costumes, and arts & crafts. Watch the highlights of our unforgettable celebration and join in the festive spirit!

Exploring Montessori: Nurturing Independence through Snack Preparation

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 19:56:17 GMT

Exploring Montessori: Nurturing Independence through Snack Preparation

We invite you to witness the magic of your child's development in action. Through the simple act of preparing a snack , your little one is honing essential life skills . As they carefully spread peanut butter on the bread, their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination are at work, fostering independence and concentration . Watch as they slice the sandwiches into perfect squares, demonstrating precision and problem-solving abilities . By engaging in these practical tasks, your child is not only nourishing their body but also nurturing their growing independence and confidence . Welcome to the wonderful world of Montessori learning, where every activity is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

New Meta Study: Montessori Education Leads to Positive Student Outcomes

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 20:44:32 GMT

Better Results for Young Children

Students in Montessori schools do better than their non-Montessori counterparts , with positive effects especially notable in general academics (composited across math, language, science, and social studies); with strong showings in both language and math. CLICK HERE to read the article by The American Montessori Society .

Sneak Peek into our Elementary Class:

Pin Map of Africa

Orton-Gillingham

Spelling Sentences

Large Bead Frame

Ancient Egypt Research

Multiples

A Tu Bishvat Journey Through Learning and Celebration

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 21:11:53 GMT

A Tu Bishvat Journey Through Learning and Celebration

How We Celebrated Tu Bishvat at Our School:

In the Toddler class, Te'ena, the little ones embarked on a sensory learning journey by planting on recycled coffee pods. This activity was designed to introduce them to the wonders of nature, fostering an early appreciation for growth, while also incorporating eco-friendly practices.

For our Primary classes, Rimon and Dvash, the celebration involved creating beautiful necklaces from dried oranges and exploring the world of fruits through the educational process of preparing delicious fruit salads. During this activity, the children had the opportunity to enhance their fine motor skills by engaging in cutting the fruits for the salad. They also learned about different fruits, and their textures.

The Zayit class, our Elementary children, engaged in a fascinating science experiment involving dried fruits and apple seed planting. This hands-on activity promised to be both educational and enjoyable for your children.

The whole idea was to try and build a community in our area for parents who are looking for advanced tactile education and Montessori

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 07:03:37 GMT

Ayelet “Ellie” Lichtash is the founder and executive director of the Alef Bet Montessori School in Bethesda, a school that has been able to fulfill Lichtash’s vision of providing a high-quality education and a Jewish education to students in the Bethesda area. Lichtash, an attorney in both the U.S. and Israel, has spent over a decade as a founding member of the National Organization of Montessori Administrators Association, and recently was one of 12 ecipients nationwide of the inaugural Shine A Light on Antisemitism Civic Courage Award.

Can you tell me about the process of founding the school?

The whole idea was to try and build a community in our area for parents who are looking for advanced tactile education and Montessori – there are 56 Montessori schools in the Greater Washington, D.C., area. It’s very popular in the United States. It’s all over Europe. It’s all over the world. So, when you think about it, we are a very large community without such advanced tactile education. I wanted to have that for us. So, I really built the school for the community …

Most parents who look at a Montessori school have to make the choice – am I going to a Montessori school or am I going to a Jewish school? And my goal was to combine the two with a full Hebrew language program and to make it available for our community. This is a nonprofit that I founded in 2005 … So, you have in our community a very special building that is built for a Montessori school for advanced tactile education for the Jewish community. That’s pretty rare.

You were the recipient of the 2023 Shine A Light on Antisemitism Civic Courage Award after battling some local issues relating to antisemitism. Can you tell me about that?

I’m grateful [to receive the award]. It’s a small amount of money [that comes with winning]. I decided [to donate the money] because it’s not me, it’s

not my award. It’s our duty as civil servants and active participants in our community to protect our community from hate crimes. And I feel that I’m doing my service by doing that. I gave it [the money] to the school because I think it’s the school’s award. I see the school as a beacon of light. We’re accepting children, whoever they are. We have families who are Jews and non-Jews in our school. They want what we provide. They want the courtesy, the grace, the kindness of education. They want the ability to explore, they want the discovery zone for the children. They want the values that we instill. We are a Jewish school; we are celebrating every possible Jewish holiday on the calendar and a salute of Israel is our graduation day when we march with the flag of Israel. We’re connected to our heritage, to our beliefs. There’s no double standard about that. And so, as a school, I feel like the school is fighting antisemitism, not me.

You’re on several state and national educational organizations. What kind of work are you doing there to combat antisemitism?

I started conversations about hate and wanting to make sure that people understand what hate is and how it’s terrible to make people frightened of it, and just because you’re Jewish … that doesn’t mean it’s allowed. And sure enough, look at what we have here in our community right now in the United States, it’s out there, it’s obvious, it’s on the surface. And that’s something we have to fight. And so, I’m not sitting still on my laurels, and I think I have a job and a duty, because I can bring it to the conversation and I can bring it to the minds of other heads of schools, especially independent schools in the Greater Washington area. We’re having a huge conversation with the executive directors of the organizations of heads of schools in January on how to bring the conversation of hate into the conscientious mind of heads of schools, especially the high schools, because I believe that if we prepare the high schools’ children to understand what is hate, what causes hate, how does it come about and how to fight it, those who go to college will be able to be our advocates in those colleges. And that’s my goal. I’m doing it in our Greater Washington area. And I also serve as the president of another nonprofit. It’s called Whole School Leadership. These are heads of schools from all over the nation … and I’ve served as a president for five years now. I’ve reached out to the Montessori Association to start a conversation about peace. It’s not just local, it’s global. It’s nationwide, and heads of schools from all over the world who belong to this organization will be part of this discussion.

What is the personal importance of being able to provide Montessori-style Jewish education to the community?

Our children deserve the best education out there in the world. And if the founders of Google, Sergey Brin and Larry Page, and then the founders of other huge companies like that, were able to enjoy Montessori education, so do our children in our community with Jewish life. I can name a number of people who are famous who are Montessori graduates, and those who graduate credit their education in early childhood and elementary school to their success later in life. Because this education is tactile, it’s hands-on. It’s a discovery zone that welcomes mistakes. That’s the key. If you welcome mistakes that a child can make, you don’t put them down. You help them to feel, oh, I should try again. I should try again. And I should try again. Coming back to the same problem and trying to tackle it again and again and again will make you very successful in life. And I feel that I had a similar situation in Israel in a very small community where I grew up and I had a teacher who believed in me to try again and again and again. So why not? Why not provide it for our community?

Thanksgiving Celebration

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 18:01:05 GMT

Today, our school embraced the true spirit of Thanksgiving, with each classroom hosting a traditional feast. The children relished kosher turkey, mashed potatoes, and green beans while learning the importance of gratitude.

We're thankful for our parents' trust and support, as well as our incredible community. Our children bring joy and curiosity to our school every day!

Our Water Walk Adventure

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 18:57:24 GMT

This week, we had an incredible water walk adventure with our children and their families. From water walk and games to tasty snacks, it was a day filled with smiles, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Watch the short video clip to relive the fun and to cherish the moments we've created as a community.

Apple Picking for Rosh Hashanah

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 19:14:02 GMT

Sweet Memories: Rosh Hashanah Apple Picking with Family

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is a time for reflection, renewal, and family gatherings. Continuing our cherished tradition, our family once again embraced the spirit of the holiday by going apple picking together this year. The crisp autumn air and the promise of a bountiful harvest filled us with excitement as we set out for the orchard.

The experience of apple picking was not just about gathering fruit; it was about building cherished memories and passing down traditions from one generation to the next. With the bags brimming with apples and hearts full of joy, we headed home, ready to celebrate Rosh Hashanah with our loved ones.

This Rosh Hashanah, our apple-picking adventure served as a reminder of the importance of family, tradition, and the sweetness that life has to offer. As we gather around the holiday table, we'll be sure to savor every bite of those apples, knowing they were picked with love and laughter, setting the tone for a year filled with sweetness and togetherness.

Celebrating the Holidays with Mr. Boltax and the Shofar!

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 13:17:49 GMT

Hello Parents,

We hope your little ones are as excited as we are about the upcoming holidays! we had a special guest, Mr. Boltax, who introduced our children to a beautiful and meaningful Jewish tradition – blowing the Shofar.

The Shofar: A Symbol of Unity and Celebration

The Shofar is a traditional Jewish musical instrument made from a ram's horn. It holds deep cultural and spiritual significance in Jewish culture and is often blown during important Jewish holidays such as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The sound of the Shofar is a call to reflection, renewal, and celebration, and it symbolizes unity and togetherness.

Mr. Boltax's Visit: A Memorable Learning Experience

During Mr. Boltax's visit, our children had the wonderful opportunity to witness the blowing of the Shofar up close. Mr. Boltax explained the significance of the Shofar in Jewish tradition and how it is used to mark the beginning of the Jewish New Year.

Not only did Mr. Boltax graciously blow the Shofar for our curious learners, but he also let them hold this ancient instrument in their hands. This hands-on experience allowed the children to feel the weight and texture of the ram's horn, fostering a deeper connection with this unique cultural artifact.

Additionally, Mr. Boltax brought in different shapes and sizes of Shofars, which our children eagerly examined. They discovered that Shofars can vary in appearance, and they listened intently as each one produced a slightly different sound. This exploration not only engaged their senses but also encouraged their natural curiosity and desire to learn about the world around them.

This interactive element of Mr. Boltax's visit truly made the experience unforgettable for our students, further reinforcing our commitment to providing them with hands-on, meaningful learning opportunities.

Wishing you and your family a joyful and enriching holiday season ahead!

Red Rods Lesson - Age 3

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 16:22:23 GMT

Red Rods Lesson - Age 3

Elementary River Experience

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 17:14:59 GMT

Our Elementary children learned about what a river is, how rivers form, the functions of their characteristic parts, and how to locate the headwaters. They looked at the major rivers of the world, and their importance to both the environment and to the development of civilization. They spent one day exploring a nearby stream and discovering what plants and animals live in or near it.

Summer Camp 2023

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 15:07:31 GMT

Summer Camp 2023

Get a glimpse of the incredible fun we're having at our Summer Camp through this video. From thrilling water games and engaging educational programs to exciting field trips, your kids are having the time of their lives while learning & exploring. Don't miss out on all the excitement!

The Montessori Advantage in Early Education and Seamless Transitions

Wed, 17 May 2023 15:58:43 GMT

Nurturing Lifelong Learners: The Montessori Advantage in Early Education and Seamless Transitions

We are delighted to share some exciting news with you regarding the successful transition of our Primary students to our Elementary program here at Alef Bet Montessori School. It is with great joy that we hear our students expressing their love for their new class. One of our young learners recently exclaimed, "I don't just like it, I love it!" This heartwarming statement highlights the magic that happens when a Montessori education seamlessly evolves as your child grows.

At our school, we firmly believe in the importance and advantages of early Montessori education. The Montessori approach fosters a child's natural curiosity, independence, and love for learning from an early age, nurturing lifelong learners in the process. We want to take this opportunity to share the incredible benefits your child receives from being a part of our Montessori community and why continuing their educational journey with us beyond Primary is an exceptional choice.

Individualized Learning Experience: In a Montessori environment, each child is recognized as a unique individual with their own pace of learning and interests. Our specially Montessori trained teachers guide your child through personalized learning experiences, tailored to their developmental needs. This approach ensures that your child receives the attention and support necessary to thrive academically and emotionally.
Holistic Development: Montessori education focuses on the overall development of the child, nurturing their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. Our carefully designed learning materials and engaging activities promote critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and adaptability. Your child develops the essential skills needed to navigate an ever-changing world successfully.
Love for Learning: By cultivating a love for learning, Montessori education instills a deep sense of intrinsic motivation within your child. They become active participants in their own education, driven by curiosity and a genuine desire to explore and discover. This love for learning remains with them long after their time in Montessori, becoming the foundation for a lifetime of intellectual growth.
Smooth Transitions: One of the unique aspects of our Montessori program is the seamless transition between classes. Our students experience a gradual progression from Toddler to Primary and finally to Elementary, ensuring a comfortable and familiar environment throughout their educational journey. The positive experiences and relationships built along the way create a strong sense of belonging and security, making the transition to Elementary a natural continuation of their Montessori adventure.
Jewish Education and Values: In addition to the numerous benefits of a Montessori education, we are proud to offer a rich Jewish educational experience that fosters a strong sense of identity, values, and community. Our school integrates Jewish traditions, customs, and values into the daily curriculum, providing a comprehensive Jewish education that nurtures your child's spiritual and moral development. Through engaging lessons, holiday celebrations, and Hebrew, we instill a deep understanding and appreciation for Jewish heritage and values.

As your child reaches the end of their Primary years, we encourage you to consider the incredible value of continuing their education with us. We understand that the transition to Elementary may raise questions and considerations about public schools; however, we want to assure you that our Elementary program is specifically designed to build upon the strong foundation established during their early years. By staying with us, your child will benefit from:

Consistency in Montessori principles, methodologies, and materials
Continued support from our dedicated Montessori-trained teachers
Opportunities for leadership, mentorship, and further exploration
A nurturing and inclusive community that values each child's unique journey
Seamless integration into our established Montessori culture and values

Together, let us embrace the exceptional advantages of Montessori education and celebrate the successful transitions of our students. We invite you to reach out to us with any questions or to schedule a visit to our Elementary program. Your child's future awaits, and we are here to guide them every step of the way.

Warm regards,

Ayelet Ellie Lichtash

Purim 2023

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 11:31:53 GMT

Watch our Purim festival !

Tu Bishvat 2023

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 14:25:45 GMT

Tu Bishvet 2023 Celebration

When was the last time you wished a tree " Happy Birthday "? The 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat is a great opportunity. It's known as Tu BiShvat !

Tu Bishvat, the "New Year for Trees," holds deep importance in Jewish tradition and emphasizes our connection to nature. This annual celebration, typically observed in late January or early February, serves as a reminder of our deep connection to nature and the environment.

As a symbolic holiday, Tu Bishvat represents the renewal and rebirth of trees and plants, highlighting the cycle of life and the importance of sustainable practices. It emphasizes the responsibility of humans to be caretakers of the Earth and to protect its natural resources for future generations.

Through tree-planting ceremonies and ecological initiatives, Tu Bishvat fosters a sense of environmental stewardship, encouraging individuals and communities to actively engage in conservation efforts. It prompts reflection on our ecological footprint and the impact of our actions on the planet.

By celebrating Tu Bishvat, people come together to appreciate the beauty and abundance of nature, promoting a sense of gratitude for the gifts the Earth provides. It also serves as a reminder to support initiatives that combat deforestation, climate change, and habitat destruction, promoting a sustainable and thriving ecosystem.

Beyond its religious significance, Tu Bishvat also serves as an opportunity for interfaith and intercultural dialogue, fostering unity and collaboration among diverse communities committed to safeguarding the environment.

Ultimately, celebrating Tu Bishvat reinforces the understanding that nature is an essential part of our lives, and caring for the Earth is a collective responsibility that extends beyond borders and beliefs, promoting a more sustainable and harmonious world.

Celebrating this holiday with children at school is crucial as it instills a sense of environmental responsibility from an early age. It fosters a love for nature, encourages sustainable practices, and empowers the next generation to become stewards of the Earth, ensuring a greener and more sustainable future.

Best Regards,

Carlye Hillman

He is Biting My Child

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 12:50:28 GMT

He is Biting My Child

It is such a difficult situation in a classroom when a child is biting.

One time, a Head of School relayed to me the following situation about a very smart and nice boy (let's call him Alfred). Our Alfred is 23 months and has been in the toddler’s room for 9 months. He knows the routines and has been wonderful and playful. Yet, the team noticed that our little boy has been acting differently since his mom went back to work.

One new girl, in particular, has been bitten by him repeatedly (almost every other day) and ONLY this girl. He is not biting anyone else but this young girl.

The girl's mom is furious with the school, and for a good reason. There's no question that the school has to do something about it.

The girl is intrigued by Alfred and gets along with him most of the time. She always chooses to go and play with him.

No mother would accept her daughter getting bitten.

This creates a great deal of stress and tension among the teachers. They are constantly on their toes, watching. In fact, a plan has to be in place.

With three fabulous team members, there's no issue with supervision.

So what do we do?

Here are a few things we do right away:

We invite the boy’s parents for a conversation without delay, after sending a report home, signed by the teacher describing the incident. The purpose of the meeting is to contemplate a plan that involves both home and school:

1. We do observations to identify if there's a pattern. Is the child irritated by something? Is it always happening around the same time? Does he bite one of the parents at home? Is he able to express himself with words? Has there been a major change in the house? Is the child overstimulated?

2. At this age (18 months to 3 years old) children are trying to be friends, and we will teach signs of grace and courtesy. We will teach proper language to form positive interactions using a few important alternatives: with the use of words.

This is very common for a child who cannot use words or try to protect his private space.

The child that bites need to learn a few words that can help him, such as "Stop" and raise his hand. Or "Help".

The girl also needs to be observed. Where is her play area? Is he going to her area or is she getting into his space? Is she an instigator? What is the interaction? Does it happen at a specific time, during the transition? Does it happen when he is hungry? Trying to see if there is a pattern often helps put prevention measures.

It will usually stop once the team addresses the situation.

2. We will provide him something to bite (like a sensory necklace or a sensory biting toy) if the urge to bite meets him.

3. We will be engaging in constant conversations with the parents of the child, and if needed we seek further professional help from a specialist.

Often times a Speech Pathologist or an Occupational Therapist will provide good strategies to handle situations.

4. A tip for parents: biting is very common at this age. It expresses a need. There are no vicious intentions.

The key here is for the team to find what is the need. Therefore observations and supervision are most important.

Biting at an older age, over 4 requires similar attention, but certainly involves matters of self-regulation. There is a need to work with the child on anger control, the use of words, and space within the classroom.

We are here for our children, for the full classroom. We watch with extra per of eyes each day.

Tamara Kahana Avisag.

Hanukkah Party

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 15:19:26 GMT

Watch how we celebrated our Hanukkah 2022 party

Thanksgiving Feast

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 23:36:42 GMT

Today we celebrated Thanksgiving by having a lovely traditional feast. We learned the process of cooking & baking and enjoyed making mashed potatoes, corn bread & Pumpkin pie.

The elementary class made traditional dolls out of straw in honoring of the native american history. We learned the importance of gratitude and being thankful for what we have.

Farhana Jaffrey

Meet Our Alumni

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 14:45:58 GMT

Our alumni are here to share their experience and tell the differnces between a Montessori environment and a conventional one. Startling information .... Both are now (2022- 23) seniors in high schools.

High Holidays חגי תשרי

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 16:03:52 GMT

At the beginning of each year our classroom celebrates the High Holidays starting with Rosh Hashanah symbols of Apple Dipped in Honey (A blessing for a sweet New Year), moving into Yom Kippur (being kind to your friends and loving G-d), and 5 days later building up a Sukkah, temporary hut, for Sukkot Holiday. We take pleasure in having a Soup in the Sukkah party with our parents. The last party fo the High Holiday is Simchat Torah - and Shemini Azeret. In our school, marking the beginning of the Torah reading from the start, concentrating on the book of Bereshit.

Rosh Hashana

Yom Kippur

Sukkot & Simchat Torah

Celebrating Sukkot

admission@alefbetmontessori.org (Admission Admission) — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 21:05:51 GMT

Happy Sukkot Holiday to everyone. We are celebrating a weeklong holiday that comes five days after Yom Kippur.

Sukkot celebrates two main elements: 1. Gathering of the harvest season, and 2. Commemorates the miraculous protection G-d provided for the children of Israel when they left Egypt and walked through the dessert. During that time our nation dwelled in temporary shelter.

We celebrate Sukkot by dwelling in a foliage-covered booth (known as a Sukkah ) and by taking the “Four Kinds” (arba minim), four special species of vegetation. We decorate our Sukkah, and we spend time playing and eating in the Sukkah.

We welcome all our parents to our Soup in the Sukkah Party next week.

Today, our toddler class (Te'ena) enjoyed learning about the sukkah through our play sukkah. They enjoyed seeing their friends through the window and sitting with them together inside.

The Te'ena and Rimon classes performed the mitzvah of Ushpizin in the sukkah together and learned about the four species.

The Zayit class learned about the characteristics of a sukkah and what is considered a sukkah. They examined the different characteristics that define a sukkah - 4 walls, being able to see the sky, and s'chach that is made of plants and that is not attached to the roof.

They learned the Hebrew words: Wall (kir - קיר) - Roof Covering (Schach - סכך), & Guests (Ushpizin - אושפיזין).

Nataliia Onyshchenko.

Learning about Significance of Yom Kippur

admission@alefbetmontessori.org (Admission Admission) — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 16:47:07 GMT

For Yom Kippur the Elementary class learned about the essence of forgiveness and wrote about what we want to let go of this year in a Tashlikh ceremony. They all wrote what they're sorry for and threw it into a bonfire to get rid of their sorrows. We discussed what we want to leave behind and what we what to take with us into the new year.

They learned about Teshuvah, Tefillah, & Tzedakah.

Preparing for Sukkot

admission@alefbetmontessori.org (Admission Admission) — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 16:07:51 GMT

Building Our Sukkah for Sukkot

We are busy building our Sukkah in preparation for Sukkot! Thank you to our parent volunteers who came out to help us build. The students are so excited to have a Sukkah!

Rosh Hashana & Yom Kippur Shofar Blowing

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Sun, 02 Oct 2022 19:28:22 GMT

Our kids had a special visitor- Mr. Boltax , who brought his Shofar (a horn of a kosher animal). The children heard the Shofar blow and got to touch it.

What does the Shofar horn symbolize?

The very first reference is in Genesis when Abraham was about to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac. As an angel stops Abraham, we are told that a ram gets caught as his horn is tangled up in a thicket. The animal gets substituted for Isaac. Hence, we are taught that the shofar represents continuity and a hopeful future.

Goodbye To Our Chickens

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 19:07:07 GMT

We are so thankful for the good memories we had with our chickens, we will love them forever.

Back to School 2022/3

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 18:54:33 GMT

We're Back at Home !

First two days of school

Our Year In Two Minutes

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 21:34:45 GMT

Dear Parents and Friends,

Another year has ended, and summer is here.

We are saying goodbye to a few friends, and we cannot wait to see everyone back in the fall.

But just before we forget, let's try and remember a few of the highlights of our last year.

We opened with wonderful smiles, and got through so many Covid tests.

We did not let the pandemic take us down. We celebrated every holiday with joy and learned quite a bit about ourselves as we grew into a wonderful family.

The team has grown and found so much comfort with parents and children.

We all miss you this summer and will wait for you to come back on August 19 for Meet and Greet at 9 am.

With love to you all,

Ellie Lichtash

Petting Zoo

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 12:58:09 GMT

The Petting Zoo came for a visit at our camp this summer. Our children had an awesome time.

They learned all about the animals and got to meet a hedgehog, duck, tortise, chicken and a rabbit. We loved seeing the smiles on their faces!

Learning and interacting with animals has a unique way of teaching children about empathy, compassion and responsibility. This is where we teach about a gentle touch, feelings and friendship.

The Real Story of Mr. Zucchini

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 19:45:39 GMT

Mr. Zucchini

Mad Science Workshop

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 14:15:38 GMT

We enjoyed a Mad Science Workshop last Friday!

Our kids learned how to create slime of all different colors, then got to play with them. It was such a fun experience!

It Feels Like Summer

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 20:10:48 GMT

Our children enjoy their summer camp experience and love it.

Plenty of activities keep them busy all day long. When the sun is out- the slide is out! Enjoy these photos...

Bim Bam Bam Hot Corn

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 13:22:04 GMT

Bim Bam Bam Tiras Cham (Hot Corn) Story Day

Water Slide + Games Day

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 18:46:46 GMT

The summer's heat is just another reason to have fun outside!

Here is our Water Slide + Games Day

June Summer Programs

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 18:38:46 GMT

Take a look at our summer camp programs we have in June

End Of The Year & Welcome To Summer Program

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 13:02:14 GMT

Dear Parents,

Summer is here and our wonderful year together has come to an end. There are so many pleasant memories, pictures and smiling faces. We celebrated the last day with Water Games, WaterColor Activities and Outdoor Field Games, Water Balloons, Color small guns,Bubble games and more. We had a healthy lunch of lentils, rice and green vegetables, and enjoyed ice cold popsicles in the warm sun.

Over this year, our children learned so much. They have developed a language of communication, made friendships and playful games. We enjoyed seeing you each morning and taking care of the children. The Elementary class blossomed with Mora Kim and Moree Jay - conducting plays, projects and acting. They lead the Graduation ceremony and Yom Haatzmaut dedication ceremony.

Our Primary classes were flourishing with games, work and much more depth of knowledge - story time, puppeteering (with Morah Farhana and Morah Inbal) and baking with Morah Carlye and Morah Tamar.

Our toddlers are most fun to watch. They start our program barely wobbling, and by the end of the learning cycle, just before they are ready to move up to Primary, they are already so independent. With Morah Carla, Morah Naomi and Morah Carmen they master new abilities and new skills.

We will miss the families who are moving on, and we are ready to welcome those who will be joining us for Camp starting June 8th.

Our next academic year starts on August 19th with a Meet and Greet on the playground from 9 to 10 am.

The First day of school for returning students is August 22nd (half day).

Have a wonderful and enjoyable summer. We hope you get to enjoy the outdoors, the water pools and the beautiful parks surrounding our area. We hope you come back with wonderful stories to share. We will be waiting for you next year.

With much gratitude to the PTO and everyone who volunteered this year to make it a wonderful year together,

Ellie Lichtash

Our next year calendar for the fall of 2022 is uploaded on our website. You can find it here .

Morah Tamar's Challah Recipe

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Fri, 27 May 2022 16:28:27 GMT

Morah Tamar's Challah Recipe

8 Cups Flour (1 Kilo)

2 Tablespoons dry yeast

5 Tablespoons sugar

Half a cup of oil

Water as needed (Around 2.5 cups)

Pinch of salt

In a Bowl pour the flour, yeast and sugar.

Add the oil and mix to a uniform dough.

Add water until it becomes a uniform and smooth dough (Consistancy in soft, a little sticky)

If the dough comes out too dry add more water, if the dough is too wet add a little flour.

At this point add the salt.

Knead for 10 minutes when ready to smear with a little oil and let it rise.

When the dough doubles in size, punch the dough and allow it to rise again for another 1/2 hour.

Braid into any shape you want, brush with egg and top with sesame seeds or poppy seeds.

Bake at 350 degrees until happy (Around 25-35 minutes, depending on size of challah).

Be'Te'Avon! (Enjoy)

Shabbat Shalom,

Morah Tamar

Tag us on Facebook/Instagram and share your Challah with us!

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/abmontessori

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/alefbetmontessori ( @AlefBetMontessori)

Yom Ha'Atzmaut 2022

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Wed, 25 May 2022 19:51:23 GMT

We colored our school with Blue & White!

Lag Ba'Omer 2022

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Wed, 25 May 2022 19:42:01 GMT

We celebrate the 18th day after Passover with a BonFire Party called Lag B'Omer .
So what’s up with the name? The word “Lag” is made of of the Hebrew letters lamed (ל) and gimel (ג), which together have the numerical value of 33. “BaOmer” means “of the Omer.” The Omer is the counting period that begins on the second day of Passover and culminates with the holiday of Shavuot, following day 49.
Hence Lag BaOmer is the 33rd day of the Omer counting.

We are commemorating the life and the passing of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai , who lived in the second century of the Common Era. Rabbi Bar Yochai was the first to publicly teach the mystical dimension of the Torah known as the Kabbalah, and is the author of the classic text of Kabbalah, the Zohar. On the day of his passing, Rabbi Shimon instructed his disciples to mark the date as “ the day of my joy .”
We strike a light for his memory, and many celebrate it with a bonfire or special candles.

Why Seder ? What is This So Different?

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 11:47:45 GMT

This Friday night we are all encouraged to ask all the questions...why? And what is so different this night from other nights? SEDER NIGHT...

This week the school was gearing for Seder . Each class is ready.... to ask WHY? The tables are set, the food is ready, and the children are excited to sit to the community familial table for a wonderful experience of tasting, sinnging and asking questions. Moreh Blas, dressed as Elijha (Eliyahu HaNavi) was dress in white, and the children immediatly recognized him and smiled.

In every classroom we each had a (model) Seder last Tuesday. The Seder went in the order that we would do it at home. Seder in Hebrew, means Order . We followed that specific order. We did kiddush, had the vegetables, sang the Four Questions, ate matzah and marror, and then had our meal. The children enjoyed having the festive atmosphere, especially Morah Racheli's matzah balls !

We cannot wait until Pesach is here! We look forward to having a wonderful holiday and hopefully your children will share with you something they have learned this year.

Chag Kasher v'Sameach!

Weaving For Passover

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 00:28:37 GMT

Weaving on a Ground Loom

Finally, after a long cold winter, we can feel that spring is in the air. To celebrate the spring and the upcoming Passover holiday , also called the Holiday of Spring we spent time outdoors, connected with nature and our ancestor s. We learned the story of our ancestors, who were slaves in Eygpt, and moved from slavery to freedom.

Following our ancestors, we learned how to make Matzah on a fire pit. We celebrated the Seder night. And the children learned to weaved, using a loom, which our ancestors used in the past. This old fashion way of weaving on a loom produces a magnificent weave artwork.

We used a loom that our ancestors used in the past, the “ground loom.” It is one of the most ancient looms found in the iron age and is still used today in the Bedouin communities in Israel. The ground loom is laid and attached to the ground, so the earth becomes part of the loom. We used six sticks and a hummer to assemble our ground loom and to attach it to the ground. Next, the children weaved using different wool and materials, including some plants and fiber.

It was a group weaving; while each child weaved on one section of the loom, they all weaved together, exchanging wools and enjoying the process. Some of the children were natural weavers.

The result was amazing .

Writing In Cursive age 4 - With Morah Farhana

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 16:00:03 GMT

Morah Farhana Teaches A 4 Year Old Writing In Cursive

Making the Matzah on a Fire Pit - The Matzah Factory at School

ellie@alefbetmontessori.org (Ellie Lichtash) — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 18:11:55 GMT

Count....up to 18 minutes. That is all the time you have to make a Matzah

Why we eat Matzah? How it is made? We all know it is made from wheat. Yet the way it is made, the cutting, the threshing and grinding into flour. Then putting flour to water and the rule of 18 minutes - are the critical Matzah preparations codes.

On Friday, the entire school had the chance to make matzah. Moreh Blas and Moreh Or fired up the fire pit (Tabun טאבון) and each class individually came outside to roll out their dough, poke holes in the dough so it would not rise, and with help, place it on the fire - counting 18 minutes. The home made matzas were delicious!

Before the kids prepared the matzah, we discussed how we get to the dough by cutting the wheat, threshing the straw from the kernels, and grinding the kernels into flour. Then the moment the flour touches water, we start a timer for 18 minutes. All matzah must then be baked in those 18 minutes, otherwise it will become chametz.

The children poked holes in the dough with forks to m ake it look more like Matzah and learned how to keep the rules of Matzah preparations.

Tree Planting Dedication - Month of Nissan 2022

ellie@alefbetmontessori.org (Ellie Lichtash) — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 23:17:44 GMT

"... and created in it goodly people and goodly trees to give mankind pleasure."

The Joy of Music! Dvash Class Learns About String Instruments

shiran@alefbetmontessori.org (Shiran Natan) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 18:06:17 GMT

A friend of Morah Farhana brought various string instruments: Cello, Viola, and violin , to show and play for the children in Dvash.

The children learned about the instruments all week and were very excited to finally see and listen to them in class!

Check out these pictures from Friday.

What is a Seder Plate? The Zayit Class is Learning About the Symbolic Passover Food

shiran@alefbetmontessori.org (Shiran Natan) — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 18:06:11 GMT

Zait class learned about the Seder plate , with the symbolic foods that represent different parts of the Passover story.

They learned the different Hebrew foods names and sang the traditional "Ma Nishtana?" Seder song together.

Enjoy the pictures!

Gal Learns Writing In Cursive

or@alefbetmontessori.org (Or Shteinmetz) — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 19:12:03 GMT

Orel Works On The Europe Map

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 20:39:02 GMT

Try It - Montessori Activities at Home

shiran@alefbetmontessori.org (Shiran Natan) — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 19:31:06 GMT

It's easy, and fun. Try Montessori activities at home

For those of us who love the Montessori approach and want to try it with your children at home, and for those who want to discover more about Montessori practices...

Watch this video with fun ideas for some Montessori activities

(from the website and blog: https://www.themontessorinotebook.com/)

PURIM 2022 Alef Bet Montessori

shiran@alefbetmontessori.org (Shiran Natan) — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 17:11:42 GMT

How can I help My Child Help Himself?

shiran@alefbetmontessori.org (Shiran Natan) — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 16:30:03 GMT

We all know that for a child to be successful later in life it takes creativity, flexibility, self-control, and discipline. As educators, we are looking for those elements throughout the development of the young child.

A child who cannot self regulate often does things that my other children do not do. When we see that a child has a hard time to regulate his behavior - What does that mean? For example: while he is very social, he finds it difficult to concentrate when on task. He sometimes very impulsive or answers in a negative tone. A child who is physical and has hard time to control his arms. Another example a child who cannot stop crying when things do not go his way, even when redirected to another activity.

How can we help him become more flexible, to have some self control of his hands, words, and a self sense of discipline?

The Success

ellie@alefbetmontessori.org (Ellie Lichtash) — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 16:21:35 GMT

Montessori Schools' Record of Success

The recent article at the Wall Street Journal of research and data that is coming out of Montessori schools reaffirm our eduction - a straight line of success. Here is the article.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/montessori-schools-education-students-children-research-studies-11648075156?mod=opinion_major_pos17

Purim Carnival! at Alef Bet Montessori

shiran@alefbetmontessori.org (Shiran Natan) — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 15:36:20 GMT

Look at us! We are wearing costumes for Purim!

ALEF BET HAS TAKEN ROOT! JOIN US TO CELEBRATE THAT

shiran@alefbetmontessori.org (Shiran Natan) — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 12:30:10 GMT

Pajama Day! at Alef Bet Montessori :)

shiran@alefbetmontessori.org (Shiran Natan) — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 17:09:40 GMT

Pajama Day is so much fun! Check out these cute pictures!

CRAZY HAIR DAY at Alef Bet Montessori! in preparation for Purim

shiran@alefbetmontessori.org (Shiran Natan) — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 21:08:28 GMT

Purim is almost here! Crazy hair day today at Alef Bet Montessori :)

Parashat Hashavua (פרשת השבוע) at the Zayit class

shiran@alefbetmontessori.org (Shiran Natan) — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 20:59:45 GMT

This week's Torah portion is Vayikra (ויקרא) - dealing with tough subjects for children

Moreh Jay is working with our Elementary children this week on Parashat Viyikra - the parasha, weekly story, is dealing with Sacrifices at the Mishkan, God's temple. How do you explain such a complex subject to children?

The children in the Zayit class are sitting on the rug around a beautiful model of Hamishkan - God's temple.

They are very exited to see, touch and explore, using all their senses while learning about the weekly Parasha, Parashat Vaikra.

What is in the Parasha?

Parashat "Vayikra" also known as Toras Kohanim- the teaching of the Kohanim, deals with the Korbanos (offerings) brought in the Beis Hamikdash.

What is a Korban?

The class is having a conversation about the deeper meaning of a Korban. Korban is a gift we are giving to God. Moreh Jay is guiding the conversation with questions giving the class some food for thought:

Who is giving the Korbanos?

What kind of Korbanos?

What is the relevance of Korbanos for today? He points out to the place of Korban, and asks: What is Korban, Sacrifice? Where else did we see it? A child says, in the story of Avraham and Yiztchak. The children know the answers and ask more questions: What type of animals do we use? What are the types of Sacrifice other than animals? (grains).

Morah Jay gives an example for giving a gift of a Korban. If I took your bicycle, without asking permission. is that OK? They all knew the answer. A Korban is given in such a case. Ahha, said another child. It is saying I am sorry.

Moreh Jay continues - These things, the animals and grains, are costly.. That means people pay for it. When they bring it to the Temple , what is it? he asked. A Truma (donation) a child immediately answered. It is saying I am sorry with my intention to get closer.

The Hebrew meaning

Now it's the time to get some Hebrew context, Korban=Karov. That means to bring close. We are getting close to god by giving the special gift of a Korban.

The miniature model gives the children the special opportunity to dive into an ancient world in their imagination. They explore and see with their own eyes the structure and materials of the "Mishkan" and the Altar. Learning about the Parasha - the weekly bible story in an interactive and fun way!

Wishing everyone Shabat Shalom

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Is Montessori Education Designed for Private or Public Schools?

ellie@alefbetmontessori.org (Ellie Lichtash) — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 17:26:56 GMT

In 2018, Jeff Bezos, the richest former Montessori pupil in the world, announced that he was putting two billion dollars into his Day One Fund, dedicated, in part, to establishing “a network of high-quality, full-scholarship Montessori-inspired preschools.”

Who are the Montessorians?

Jeff Bezos is in good company, as a former Montessori students, together with few others, such as Larry Page and Sergey Brin (Google), Julia Child (Masterchef), Prince Harry and Prince Willam, to name a few. All attended private schools. There are thousands of private schools around the nation. In the recent 20 years, we have seen hundreds of public Montessori schools in the US.

What does the research say?

There is a substantial body of research about graduates of Montessori education. For example, Dohrmann, K. R., Nishida, T. K., Gartner, A., Lipsky, D. K., & Grimm, K. found out in a study of Milwaukee high school graduates showed that students who had attended Montessori preschool and elementary programs significantly outperformed a peer control group on math/science scores. “In essence,” the study found, “attending a Montessori program from the approximate ages of three to 11 predicts significantly higher mathematics and science standardized test scores in high school. Sourc e : Outcomes (2003) Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 22 (2), 205–217

Another famous researcher, Dr. Angeline Lylard has completed a comprehensive review of the scientific literature that demonstrates how current research validates Dr. Montessori’s observations about how children learn, particularly with regard to movement and cognition, the detrimental effect on motivation of extrinsic rewards, the

beneficial effect of order in the environment, and the academic and emotional benefits of freedom of choice. See https://www.montessori-science.org/ Book: Montessori, The Science Behind the Genious. New York, NY, Oxford University Press.

It seems that the Science affirms what Dr. Maria Montessori knew then.

Montessori education was meant for the public

Jessica Winter writes at the New Yorker, about The Miseducation of Maria Montessori -

Her method was meant for the public. Then it became a privilege. To read more, click her e. I find it fascinating that writers informed by Wikipedia, allow their pen scribble so much inaccuracies about Montessori education.

The premise of the article is well founded. Dr. Maria Montessori wanted to share her methodology with the world. Actually, she was nominated for 5 Nobel prizes at her lifetime. She helped establish schools all over the world, and founded AMI , the Association Montessori International. The local branch of AMI is AMI - USA . These website can help find out truth about Dr. Maria Montessori, her passion, her vision and what does Montessori Education means.

Education as an aid to life

Imagine a school…(whether private or public).....

"where education is viewed not just as a means to an end, but as an aid to life ; where the method for learning comes not from a curriculum, but from the natural development of your child ; a place where creativity, innovation, and individuality are valued as much as concentration, motivation, and persistence; where your child is not just a student, but also a teacher." AMI USA . In other words, imagine your child learning in a Discovery Zone.

In that zone, he can touch everything he or she learns, test it, fail, and try again and again.

Crazy Hat Day ALEF BET MONTESSORI

shiran@alefbetmontessori.org (Shiran Natan) — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 19:29:18 GMT

Crazy Hat Day was the opening of celebrations for the Jewish month of Adar - we went mask optional, and children could see everyone smiling for the first time in years :)

https://youtu.be/Xa4Fm__OYd0

Welcome Shabbat with us!

shiran@alefbetmontessori.org (Shiran Natan) — Sat, 05 Mar 2022 13:15:03 GMT

The smell of fresh baked challah is filling the air in the Teena class. The kids are excited and getting ready to welcome Shabbat together in a ceremony called the "Kiddush". Morah Naomi is arranging the candles, placing the beautifully braided challahs on a silver tray, and covering them carefully with a special white woven cloth.

Then they all sing a Shabbat song:

Bim bum, bim bim bim bum,

Shabbat shalom, hey!

Naomi is quietly lighting the candles. The kids are covering their eyes with their little hands and saying the prayers together.

They are enjoying a moment of togetherness and diving into an ancient tradition learning about the Jewish heritage.

Lastly, they enjoy the challah made fresh weekly by Morah Tamar.

Enjoy the pics and video from the Teena Shabbat ceremony!

Hanan Haganan (The Gardner Named Hanan))

admission@alefbetmontessori.org (Admission Admission) — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 12:59:28 GMT

Last week in the Dvash class we started reading Hanan Haganan (The Gardner Name Hanan, in Hebrew), a book about the process of fruits and trees growing from seeds to trees. We learned the names of fruits (in Hebrew of course) and researched seeds including carrots, tomatoes and different flowers. In addition, the class created a large mural of common fruits.

We ended the week with a big celebration on Friday when the whole class cut up a big fruit salad and ate it at a Saturday party.

Above are our photos from the fruitful and experiential week we went through.

When is Math Fun? When it's Hands On!

shiran@alefbetmontessori.org (Shiran Natan) — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 17:30:28 GMT

Montessori Math materials help children approach arithmetic problems using hands-on, tactile senses, visual, and physical learning aids. These materials allow students to handle concrete knowledge to the often abstract concepts of Math

Math learning for young children

Usually, children ages 3 and 4 show great interest in numbers and counting. For this reason, we start teaching Math concepts that are easy to grasp. A child ages 3 and 4 learn how to recognize the digits: 1..2..36...

He then matches the Digit with the Quantity.

Let's play a game!

The teacher plays a game to encourage the child's interest. The numbers are hidden in an envelope, and each child is asked to get the quantity of items according to the numbers. So a child who holds the number 3, can bring 3 crayons; a child who holds the number 6 brings 6 boxes and so forth.

What is in the pictures?

The pictures below depict Liev (age 4) experiencing the actual quantities of the numbers 1-9. He matches the symbol (number) to the corresponding quantity. He is able to double-check his work as he organizes the rods by length and so also experiences the numbers in their correct sequence.

This work shows that he understands the quantity behind those numbers. He is not merely counting, but he is calculating. You can also see that other younger children are watching him. Soon they too will ask for a presentation of that lesson. Liev will be able to progress to the next stage of tens - the numbers that are double digits: 11, 12...20...30, and so forth.

GET READY The Month of Adar - Preparation to Purim Holiday

admission@alefbetmontessori.org (Admission Admission) — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 18:30:04 GMT

During these upcoming weeks, we are teaching songs in Hebrew משנכנס אדר מרבים בשמחה for the month of Adar. “When Adar enters, joy increases,” the Talmud says.

The spirit of Purim permeates the entire month of Adar, making it a time of unparalleled rejoicing and good mazal (“fortune”) for the Jewish people.

This year, we have 2 Adars - אדר א & אדר ב. Why? During a Jewish leap year , which occurs seven times in a 19-year cycle (approximately once every three years), there is an added month called “Adar I,” inserted before this month of Adar (termed “Adar II” in leap years). This aligns the lunar months with the solar year, ensuring that the holidays fall in the proper seasons.

DATES to REMEMBER

In our school we are building it up slowly towards several events:

3/09- Crazy Tie Day

3/10 Crazy Hair Day

3/11- Crazy PJ Day

3/14-Crazy Sock Day

3/16-Half Day: Purim Parade @ 12 - The whole school will be dressed up to celebrate!

The Elementary students are creating event decorations and Crazy Hat Decoration. We learn the story of Purim, Ester the Queen, Mordechai the righteous man, and the Kingdom of Achashverosh. We will all be celebrating together with costumes and a parade on March

We are so happy to send share this information with you, it already makes us smile,

Love

The Alef Bet Montessori Team

Fabulous Ideas for Child Activity in the Spring

ellie@alefbetmontessori.org (Ellie Lichtash) — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 18:30:03 GMT

Spring is almost here. What can you do with your child?

Here is a link to some fabulous ideas that you can do with your child as spring is approching. https://www.mother.ly/parenting/child/child-learn-play/15-montessori-spring-activities-for-kids/

We Love Food, Especially Healthy Food!

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 17:01:11 GMT

Parents say that their children eat things at school that they would never touch at home. What is it about eating the same foods together that helps children develop an appetite for healthy eating? Check out these pictures below.

*These snacks were prepared in the Rimon classroom

And here is our new lunch menu, Bon Appetit!

Carrot Day at Dvash class

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 21:13:31 GMT

The children at Dvash class are working on fruits and vegtable week, in continuation of Tu B'Shvat. What could be better than the famous story in Hebrew of אליעזר והגזר Eliezer and the Gezer (Carrot)? The story is similar to the English version The Big Carr ot. Dvash class's the children know the story almost by heart at this point. They also were busy today in making a Carrot Cake. Rimon Class with enjoy the story next week.

Covid Flowchart - Family Day in Israel

admission@alefbetmontessori.org (Admission Admission) — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 14:23:14 GMT

On February 1st, Israel celebrated family day We seemed to be in sync, as Omicron is making his way closer and closer.

Our school Health Committee came up with a wonderful Flowchart - so that you can tell What to Do When facing Covid.

Happy Rosh Chodesh Adar from Dvash

admission@alefbetmontessori.org (Admission Admission) — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 18:15:38 GMT

We celebrated the beginning of the Month of Adar with songs and the Adar train!

We are planning to celebrate Adar Bet this year with Crazy Hat day

Celebrating Tu B'Shvat - Festival of Trees

ellie@alefbetmontessori.org (Ellie Lichtash) — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 21:33:05 GMT

We were preparing for a Tu B'Shvat & Had a Fabulous Celebration this Monday

Tu B'shvat, stands for 15th day of the month of Shvat is marks the beginning of a “new year” for trees. Commonly known as Tu Bishvat, this day marks the season in which the earliest-blooming trees in the Land of Israel emerge from their winter sleep and begin a new fruit-bearing cycle.

We mark the 15th of Shevat by eating fruit, particularly from the kinds that are singled out by the Torah in its praise of the bounty of the Holy Land: grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates. On this day we remember that “man is a tree of the field” ( Deuteronomy 20:19) , and reflect on the lessons we can derive from our botanical analogue.

In our classrooms we are busy with art work - creating pictures of trees. The Elementary class is working with seedlings of new plants. Elementary also worked on producing natural colors from fruits and vegetables, and all our children are using the natural colors for painting. Last - children are working on their Granuala Jars and decorating them.

Elementary Field Trip to Joy's Farm

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 17:09:04 GMT

Field Trip to the Farm

Our Elementary students received the wonderful opportunity of visiting Joy Siegal's farm on a Sunday earlier this month. The students, and even some of their siblings, had an amazing time.

They got to dress in farm boots and see turkeys, chickens, geese, donkeys, mules, and more. There was even a chance to say hi to our chickens, Sally and Lucy. Everyone was able to pick up, pet, and learn about how each of the animals are cared for.

One of the highlights was taking a tour of the farm on an ATV!

We look forward to our future trips and are so happy the students had a blast.

Enjoy the photos below from our adventure.

Music & Montessori

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 16:18:00 GMT

Music is pivotal to a child’s development. Research shows that language acquisition is enhanced when children learn vocabulary from songs, for example. Montessori specifically, emphasizes learning through all five senses, including audial learning. One study found that a group of children reacted positively to music and to musical instruments and became more confident in their […]

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First Writing, then Reading

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 17:46:00 GMT

Ever wondered why we teach writing letters first, and then reading? Here is why.. something that Dr. Maria Montessori found years ago.. A study out of Johns Hopkins University has shown that writing letters by hand when learning languages proves to be more effective than learning language through typing or watching videos, for example. […]

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The Connection Between Montessori and Faith – Judaism

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 17:52:00 GMT

The Montessori method does not espouse any specific religious beliefs. See Miriam Cotek in her recent post. That being said, as Maria Montessori stated, “The consciousness of knowing how to make oneself useful, how to help mankind in many ways, fills the soul with noble confidence, almost religious dignity.” Based on education that follows […]

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7 Ways to Bring Montessori Home

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 17:24:00 GMT

While our students are back in the classrooms, bringing the essence of the Montessori method home after school is a great way to instill the consistency of daily routines in our children. Allowing Montessori to be a lifestyle outside of class can help children to increase their growth within the classroom. “Help me do it […]

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Each child is different, so why do we treat them all the same?

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 12:06:00 GMT

Everyone is Different
by Shoshanna Dressner

It is fascinating to think that out of the billions of people on planet earth, every single individual is entirely unique. Fingerprints, the most widely used biometric identifier, are a clear example of this. And it’s amazing to note how billions of faces are all different too!

Our uniqueness does not end with our physical makeup. The way we think, feel, and view the world is individual, too, and influenced by many factors, such as upbringing, education, and personality traits.

To read the full piece click here.

Connecting to Nature – Montessori & the Outdoors

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 14:53:00 GMT

“When children come into contact with nature, they reveal their strength.” – Maria Montessori

At Alef Bet, we don’t take our outdoor space for granted; each area serves a specific function. From the fish pond where students can feed the fish, to the vegetable garden where our students have the opportunity to water the seeds and watch the veggies & plants grow, to our wonderful fire-pit where children have been known to make s’mores (with the help of teachers & parents) to our composting process, and finally to our newer addition of chickens, our students never have a dull moment. Let’s take a closer look at one of the things that makes our school unique:

♫ “Layer it and layer it and layer and layer it, and layer it, and layer it, Compost Cake!”

“Turn it, and turn it, and turn it, and turn it, and turn it, and turn it, Compost Bake!”

“Pile it high, pile it high, pile it high, Compost Make!”

At our back yard garden you’ll see some giant green cylinder sitting on a rotating axis. This compost bin is called a Tumbler. Tumbler compost models allow students of all ages to spin the compost (working those gross motor skills), in addition to speeding up the composting process. In our old bin, it takes at least a year for our food waste and garden scraps to decompose fully. We will have a finished compost in as little as two weeks. Cheers to that!
What is Compost?

Compost is the product that’s left after organic matter has fully decomposed. It’s also called humus. Human-made compost comes from carefully mixing food and garden waste materials — ingredients high in either nitrogen or carbon — and placing them in an environment where they can decay. When the decaying process has gone well, we put the finished compost, or humus, back into the garden soil and grow healthier plants by improving soil fertility. This way we fertilize our garden as well.
Why do we compost at Alef Bet Montessori School?

For starters, compost has a longer ground-life than other fertilizers. It lasts longer in soil than crop residues or animal manures that degrade rapidly here in the humid Southeast. This longevity makes for healthier plants and food crops. Composting also reduces our waste throughout campus. By diverting organic matter from the landfill and into a closed-loop cycle, we transform our “waste” into a fertilizer for our gardens and food for the microorganisms that live in the soil beneath us. We also save money by eliminating the need and associated cost of additional soil fertility inputs. And let’s not forget, composting is just plain fun!

Alumni Students Return as Interns – Summer Job, Anyone?

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 19:14:00 GMT

This summer, we have some amazing high school and college interns helping us in each of the classes. Alumni of our school, Liam Ratner, Oree Yachin, Eli Herman and Eitan Lichtash have joined Maya Gvirtzman, Blass Goldstein-Capaluto, Bianca Sanchez and Sheer Lichtash in their work here at Alef Bet. They are all naturals to our […]

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Camping Trip 2021

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 17:32:00 GMT

Music & Montessori

Music is pivotal to a child’s development. Research shows that language acquisition is enhanced when children learn vocabulary from songs, for example. Montessori specifically, emphasizes learning through all five senses, including audial learning. One study found that a group of children reacted positively to music and to musical instruments and became more confident in their approach to learning over time, when music was included. Maria Montessori herself claims that “There should be music in the child’s environment”.

At Alef Bet, we don’t shy away from ensuring that music is included in our students’ lessons.

A Buggy Week at Dvash (Primary) Summer Camp

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 17:52:00 GMT

It has been a buggy month with all the Cicadas flying and falling around us! The children have studied and enjoyed looking at these interesting insects. We explained that they have been underground for many many years and their life above the earth is for a short time. We talked about allowing creatures to eat […]

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True or False?

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 11:00:00 GMT

People often have thoughts about Montessori education. Here are some common questions people ask (to avoid any misconception): 1. Montessori classrooms are too structured. Each child is free to choose from a vast array of activities and to discover new possibilities. The teacher carefully presents the specific purpose of each material and activity in a […]

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Summer Program

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 14:22:00 GMT

Our Summer Program has begun! See below for our weekly themes and activities. Registration is still open! Click here to sign up.

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Gratitude for our Chickens

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 07:08:00 GMT

Here at Alef Bet we are so thankful for the amazing opportunity we get to take care of two chickens, Sally and Lucy. As a Montessori school, it has been our dream for our students to look after and interact with animals. Thanks to Joy and John Siegal as well as Masica family we not […]

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Goodbye for the Year

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 20:14:00 GMT

A Note from Ellie Lichtash – Goodbye Year, Hello Summer. By all accounts, this has been the most unusual school year. We opened the year mid summer to allow children to have some sense of normalcy, yet nothing was normal this year. The daily temperature checks, repetitive hand-washing, face masks for children, rushed carpool-line, new […]

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Tricks for Ticks

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 18:36:00 GMT

Families who relocated to our Washington DC area this year will be surprised to learn that this year is not only the 17th year of the Cicada’s emergence, where billions of cicadas are appearing in the biggest emergence event since 2004. But also that our summer time is a prime time for ticks. We are blessed […]

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Matisse Art Project

Fri, 21 May 2021 19:30:00 GMT

School is almost over, and doing art is a nice way to appreciate it.Today the children learned about the French artist Henry Matisse famous for his vivid,colorful paintings, using colors as a way to express feelings.In the last decade of his life, Matisse’s health was deteriorating and prevented him frompainting. Not able to paint, Matisse […]

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Rhythm & Ruach

Wed, 19 May 2021 20:30:00 GMT

Today we had a wonderful music and movement class. Our students moved, sang, and danced to Hebrew songs and even learned some new Hebrew words. Please see our pictures below.

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Shavuot Party & Kindergarten Graduation

Fri, 14 May 2021 16:22:00 GMT

Congratulations to our Kindergarten graduates! Yesterday we had a wonderful Kindergarten Graduation Ceremony and Shavuot Party. Our Elementary students received their Siddurs. Chag Sameach! (Happy Holiday).

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Call it Circle the Sun

Fri, 14 May 2021 16:07:00 GMT

Aaron celebrated his birthday today with the class. The children gathered in a circle, In the center, we had a picture of the Sun. Aaron held the Globe and circled around the sun 4 times, one for each year. Everyone sang happy birthday and Aaron got to share the goodies he brought to share with […]

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A Week in the Elementary Class

Mon, 10 May 2021 19:50:00 GMT

As we are nearing the end of the year, you can tell how the children in the class gained independence and love for their learning. They are working on their crowns for Shavuot Party, Rehearsing for their performance, learning Hebrew with Morah Racheli, Taking Math seriously with Morah Kim, learning subtractions and additions of 4 […]

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Shavuot & Kadisheman’s Artistic Lambs

Fri, 07 May 2021 19:39:00 GMT

Our children learned about the artist Kadisheman’s life and viewed many of his lambs paintings, discussing how each painting is different and how by using different colors and paint strokes, each sheep became unique. Then each child painted his own sheep using different colors and giving its personality. For this art project, we used acrylic […]

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The Chickens Have Arrived In Time for Earth Day Celebration

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 17:26:00 GMT

Excitement is in the air at Alef Bet…Our school community is the proud caretaker of two adorable, friendly female chickens. What a fabulous way to welcome in spring and summer camp. Our two female chickens come from a local farm and were chosen for their docile disposition. Many thanks to our Alef Bet family donor, Joy […]

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From Yom Hazikaron (Memorial יום הזיכרון) to Yom Haatzmaut (Independence יום העצמאות)

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 17:05:00 GMT

Each year we take the time to remember those who lost their lives in the courageous act of defending Israel. We marked Yom Hazikaron (יום הזיכרון ) with our elementary children age 7 to 11). On the following day – we had to move directly into the celebrations of Yom Haatzmaut – Israel Independence Day. […]

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יום העצמאות (Yom Ha’atzmaut) – Israel Independence Day

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 15:49:00 GMT

Next week on April 15th we will mark Israel Independence Day. We learned about Israeli names such as Dan, Yael, Elisheva, and places such as Beer Sheva, Jerusalem, Ramat HaGolan, and Har Carmel. We also learned in Rimon class a story about children who travel to Israel and visit all those wonderful places. We also […]

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Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Memorial Day in Zayit (Elementary)

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 15:30:00 GMT

Yesterday was Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day). We started off by watching and listening to the siren in Israel and saw how everyone stops and gets out of their cars to reflect. During this, we did our own moment of silence and reflection.Then we discussed what 6 million means. We used the million manipulative and […]

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Outdoors Seder Meal

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 14:46:00 GMT

We had a fantastic Passover celebration yesterday with each of our classes. Throughout the past couple of weeks, each class spent time learning about the story of Passover and how the Jews escaped from Egypt. They learned using a variety of mediums including storybooks, plague puppets and story characters. The students also discussed the Four […]

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Weaving for Passover

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 05:42:00 GMT

In a few days on Passover night, we will be reading the Hagada where we learn that each of us needs to see ourselves as if we were getting out of Egypt: as of we had the experience to move from slavery to freedom. Today we asked the children to imagine how does it feel […]

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Google Exodus – What if Moses had Facebook?

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 17:45:00 GMT

https://d3l5y56nc9g2pv.cloudfront.net/movies/Google%20Exodus.mp4

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What to Expect When … Expecting a 5 or 6 years Old Child’s Work in a Montessori Classroom

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 15:28:00 GMT

This week, our school is holding Parent Teacher Conferences. We are often asked by the parent, what are the types of work that the 5 and 6 year old accomplishes in their third year in the Primary Level. Obviously, it’s contingent on the child’s interests and own pace of learning. Regarding the areas of life […]

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Passover – Sign of Freedom

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 20:01:00 GMT

Passover is in the air, the major Jewish holiday that occurs in the spring on the fifteen-day of the Hebrew month of Nisan is often called “the holiday of spring” and “the holiday of freedom”, celebrating the freedom from 400 years of slavery of the Jewish people from Egypt. We chose our art project of […]

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Little Hands Working – Expending Concentration Time

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 19:54:00 GMT

It is not easy being a toddler. Almost everything is a big job. Whether I can pour without spilling, push a cart, or use the painting bottles. Sometimes my teacher makes it even harder, as she puts on the shelves materials that are requiring those particular fine motor skills. The challenge is to keep at […]

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Women’s Celebration Month

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 19:48:00 GMT

March is Women’s History month. In honor of all women, we learned about a great Mexican female artist, Frida Kahlo. She was famous for her self-portraits. One of her quotes was, “I paint self portraits because I am so often alone because I am the person I know best.” Frida’s work as an artist remained […]

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Elementary Math – Multiplication of 4 Digit Numbers

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 19:42:00 GMT

What are the wonderful things that 1st graders can do in the class together with 4th graders? They can use the bead bars to learn multiplication facts – It is so much fun. They also learn the Decanomial work: The main purpose of this activity is to help children learn how to differentiate between […]

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Purim Preparations & the Globe

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 19:37:00 GMT

The Excitement about the Globe We are preparing for the upcoming holiday of Purim with Silly and Crazy Hats, and costumes. Children are also learning the story in Hebrew with Morah Racheli. The excitement is in the air. The story of Purim takes us to a tour around the globe to a far away land in Asia. Children ages […]

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Purim Preparation

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 20:34:00 GMT

Purim is in the air and we are getting ready for Purim. We mark the Month of Adar with different celebrations – Crazy Hat day, PJ party, and Crazy Socks day – but our biggest celebration is on Purim Day, Feb 24, 2021. Our team decided to dress up as Spies. Last year we […]

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Crazy Hat Day – Happy Rosh Chodesh Adar

Fri, 19 Feb 2021 20:29:00 GMT

We mark the beginning of the Month of Adar with joy – Happy Month.

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Silver Lining: Finding the Good

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 00:05:00 GMT

What are the good things that you can thank for during these times of Covid? We are striving to find the good in our lives even throughout the difficulties we are facing. Our saying This Too Is for the Good, גם זו לטובה is essential more than ever to our day to day existence. Here is my silver […]

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A Fabulous Day

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 23:57:00 GMT

We learned about the galaxy and the stars. Today’s lesson was about the death of a star. In art, we worked on painting with curved lines. One of the most favorite math practices is the Decimal Board – teaching you to add large numbers. We start with the impressionistic study of the board by adjusting […]

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Black History Month & The Artist

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 19:40:00 GMT

This month is black history month. We take the opportunity to introduce the children to one of the greatest American artists, Romare Bearden, born in Charlotte, North Carolina, and grew up in New York City ( 1911-1988). He worked with many media types, including cartoons and oils, but most famous for his collage artworks. […]

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Zoom with Peter Davidson, Acclaimed Int’l Coach, will provide Tips for Parenting Skills, Weds, March 3 @ 8:30 pm

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 22:02:00 GMT

Alef Bet is pleased to welcome the whole community to a parents’ zoom call event. If you have not had a chance to hear Peter Davidson, we hope you’ll consider stepping away for just an hour’s time on Wednesday evening for a fabulous session for parents on parenting tips. Peter Davidson, a worldwide renowned speaker, Founder of Beaverton, O […]

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Early Math Lessons for Ages 3 – 5 years old – Learning though Games

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 17:20:00 GMT

The Stamp Game is the most popular game by far at the Primary Level of a Montessori classroom for ages 3, 4 and 5. Children age of 4 and 5 are practicing addition and subtraction with exchanging ( carrying over) A younger child, ages 3 and 4 loves to play the Dot Game – he […]

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First Great Lesson in a Montessori Classroom

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 17:05:00 GMT

Last week ended with the wonderful First Great Story called, the Coming of the Universe. The attached link below is a 2 minutes video of the story, without words. It nicely shows the Coming of the Universe story and the lessons that will follow the story. The story sets the stage for lessons on the […]

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Story Telling – Great Lesson

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 19:50:00 GMT

This week we learned the First Great Lesson. We learn in the first lesson of the coming of the universe. Children then used a circle template to draw the planets. We still enjoy botany activities and we fill pots for Tu B’shvat planting.

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Science in Elementary

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 22:58:00 GMT

In our Elementary class today we are continuing with our scientific expedition. Morah Kim has given lessons on the properties of lava in Geography and started to work on Chemistry with the presentation of impressionistic work with molecules. Children in the class have received a work plan – that means, what areas they will […]

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Dynamic of a Dynamite in a Classroom

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 21:49:00 GMT

In our classroom, children at ages 3 – 6 learn together, in small groups or individually. A group of children may get a lesson in Geography on Land and water forms. In this lesson, they learn the difference between an island to a lake or cape, bay, peninsula, gulf, isthmus, strait, archipelago, and system of lakes. The children are learning about lakes, […]

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Celebration of a New Beginning: Tu BiShvat טו בשבט ‬

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 20:58:00 GMT

Today we celebrate טו בשבט (Tu BiShvat) which is a celebration of the beginning of spring. How come we celebrate spring in the middle of the winter when there are no flowers or leaves on the trees, and it is still freezing outside? We had a fascinating discussion with the children about spring and […]

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Zayit Elementary Class

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 21:25:00 GMT

In the Zayit Elementary class the work is very very intense. Children were working to understand the Hierarchy of Numbers in an impressionistic lesson: carrying on a cube that holds a million versus a hundred squares – is a tangible way to show quantity of numbers. In Geography, children work on Pin Maps – […]

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Our Elementary Class is Open

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 21:24:00 GMT

Elementary Class for 1st grade to 6th grade is here finally. A full curriculum in English and Hebrew with a unique methodology of Montessori education.

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My Dream

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 15:34:00 GMT

We asked our 1st – 3rd graders to write down or draw their dream. Each had his or her own idea. We posted our dreams in our classroom. This bonding exercise also allowed our children to write creatively, not copying from a blackboard, simply have their own thinking on a paper. Using their hands, we found […]

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Alef Bet Montessori School

Discover “The Club”: Our Exciting Aftercare & Extracurricular Program

A Week Full of Enrichment Activities

Flexible Options to Fit Your Family’s Needs

Why Families Choose The Club

Spaces are limited , so we encourage families to reserve their child’s spot early. Join us at The Club and let your child continue the joy of learning long after the school day ends!

The Sound of the Shofar at School

Water Walk & Picnic – A Joyful Day Together

Coffee with the Director: One-on-One Montessori at Home

Shavuot Celebration: Children Prepare, Share, and Celebrate

Celebrating Lag Ba’Omer with Joy, Community, and Tradition

Language of Love

Which phrase would you think would have more of an impact on a child? ﻿

Leil HaSeder: A Celebration of Freedom and Tradition

The Story Behind the Seder

Experiencing the Seder Through the Montessori Lens

A Joyful and Meaningful Celebration

Baking Matzah: A Hands-On Montessori Pesach Experience

Growing Independence: Our Montessori Garden in Action

Beyond Academics: How Montessori Shapes Responsible Citizens

Observing Aspects of Social Development in the Classroom

Costumes and Carnivals: Celebrating Purim at Alef Bet Montessori

Welcoming Adar with Joy: Crazy Hat Day in Carpool

Classroom Carnival: Hands-On Purim Fun

A Festive Finale: Costume Parade and Dancing with Families

See the joy and excitement of our celebration for yourselves!

What is a Jewish Montessori School?

A Montessori Pond: Learning from Nature’s Winter Secrets

Ask Your Child!

Building on Success: The Case for Keeping Your Child in Montessori Elementary

What Changes, You May Be Wondering?

Montessori vs. Traditional Education: Understanding the Key Differences

The Push for Standardized Testing

Why Montessori Elementary Builds Lifelong Skills for Success

The Montessori Advantage ﻿

Happy Birthday to the Trees! Tu Bishvat at Alef Bet Montessori

Engaging the Senses in a Hands-On Celebration

Magnificent Montessori Materials

The Moveable Alphabet

Primary Class (3-6)

Elementary (6-9)

The Multi-Aged Classroom

Benefits of a mixed-age environment ﻿

A Celebration of Light: Chanukah at Our School

Music, Meaning, and Hands-On Fun

Lighting the Way with Music and Laughter

Hands-On Fun in the Classrooms

Carrying the Light Forward

A Taste of Tradition: Soup in the Sukkah

Where family, fun, and learning come together ﻿

Building, Exploring, and Celebrating: A Montessori Sukkot Experience

Bringing Sukkot to Life with Practical, Child-Led Learning

Exploring Creativity in Aftercare: Jungle Collage Inspired by Pierre Maxo

Fostering collaboration through mixed media art

United in Spirit: A Story of Resilience and Creativity

How Our Students’ Artwork Became Part of the 'Wall of Hope' in Jerusalem

Shofar Blowing Event Marks the Start of Rosh Hashanah Preparations

Engaging Students with the Sights, Sounds, and Textures of the Shofar

Summer Fun: Montessori Activities to Enjoy at Home

Summer Activities and Montessori Works for Different Age Groups

Introducing our *NEW* aftercare program

Welcome to "The Club" - Alef Bet Montessori's new aftercare enrichment program for the 2024-2025 school year.

You're invited! Open House for our Elementary Program

Wish you could send your child to a Montessori school without sacrificing their Jewish education? Look no further than Alef Bet Montessori in Bethesda, Maryland!

Soon We Feast: Preparing our Shavuot Celebration

Dissecting Flowers in a Scientific Way

Chick Q&A: Our Children Answer Questions

Watch this delightful video featuring our primary children sharing their knowledge about our chickens. We asked them fun and silly questions, and their short, sweet answers are both informative and charming.

Celebrating Yom Ha'atzmaut and Kindergarten Graduation

Honoring Yom Hazikaron: Educating Our Children on Israel's Story

What is Science all About?

Trying Mazza Ball Soup for the 1st Time.... Yummy

Mazza Ball Soup for the 1st time at school... getting ready for Passover

Seder Table - Passover is Here

Passover Seder @ Alef Bet Montessori school

Passover Magic: Baking Matzah and Spreading Joy

Passover Joy at our school! ��

What happens if a child is doing nothing or not initiating?

Independence at a Young Age

Fostering Independence: A Montessori Approach

Which phrase would you think would have more of an impact on a child?

The Montessori Advantage

Benefits of a mixed-age environment

Where family, fun, and learning come together

Introducing our NEW aftercare program