Welcome families,
It is with great honor that I introduce myself as your child's primary directress for the 2013-2014 school year. This is my fourth year with TCAPS and I am just thrilled to be apart of this wonderful school district and the encompassing community.
For those of you who are new to my classroom I was born and raised in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. Three years ago I moved to the area and feel so blessed to be living and working in such a beautiful community. I am committed to being a life long learner. I have obtained a Bachelors of Art in Elementary Education (with a major in math and a minor in Early Childhood), a Masters in Early Childhood Education, a Learning Disabilities Certification and most recently a Primary Montessori Certification. I have always enjoyed children, so I have spent one year teaching second grade, five years teaching third grade and five years teaching preschool both in the general education and special education programs. My last certification has brought me to the TCAPS Montessori and I couldn’t be happier to be here!
I am currently returning from a six month leave of absence that I was very blessed to be able to take in order to care for my son, who experienced some complications at birth. He is currently a healthy and very active 8 month old!!! I’m looking forward to being back in the classroom not only as your child’s directress but also as my new role of fellow parent.
Parents play such a critical role in their children’s education. Education begins at home with the parent. You are your child’s first and most influential teacher. Our classroom environment is a natural extension of your home. You are encouraged to be involved in school activities such as open house, class observations, volunteering and parent teacher conferences. In order to maintain open lines of communication you can also reach me during school hours at the number below. I’m available anytime via email. I will also be available in the mornings before school by appointment.
It is Maria Montessori’s belief that children under six have extraordinary powers of mind. They have a universal, once-in-a-lifetime ability to absorb knowledge from their surroundings just by living. They take in their environment - the physical space, the language and movement of adults and children - with what Montessori called the “Absorbent Mind.” The absorbent mind is at its peak receptivity during the preschool years.
In order to be calm and happy, children under six need to explore and discover. They are curious about everything. They are keenly attuned to everything that stimulates their senses: shapes, sounds, smells, textures, and tastes. They also respond to order because of their innate need to know where things belong and how pieces fit together. They want to master the movements of their own bodies by learning to balance, run, skip, and jump. And they are fascinated by the customs and traditions of people in their lives.
With respect to the absorbent mind, my assistants and I are committed to providing a prepared environment for the children that allows for them to move, touch, manipulate and explore. We will provide, for the children, a blend of freedom and discipline in a place especially designed for their development. They will be given the freedom to choose their own work, without unnecessary interference from an adult. In this environment it is our goal that they may learn to work independently, based on their own initiative while building concentration and self-discipline.
Thank you for sharing your precious children with me this year! I’m very much looking forward to an amazing school year full of growth and new discoveries.
Sincerely,
Sarah Socks
[email protected]
Classroom # (231) 933-5853
Excerpts taken from “What is Montessori School?” by David Kahn, 1995
It is with great honor that I introduce myself as your child's primary directress for the 2013-2014 school year. This is my fourth year with TCAPS and I am just thrilled to be apart of this wonderful school district and the encompassing community.
For those of you who are new to my classroom I was born and raised in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. Three years ago I moved to the area and feel so blessed to be living and working in such a beautiful community. I am committed to being a life long learner. I have obtained a Bachelors of Art in Elementary Education (with a major in math and a minor in Early Childhood), a Masters in Early Childhood Education, a Learning Disabilities Certification and most recently a Primary Montessori Certification. I have always enjoyed children, so I have spent one year teaching second grade, five years teaching third grade and five years teaching preschool both in the general education and special education programs. My last certification has brought me to the TCAPS Montessori and I couldn’t be happier to be here!
I am currently returning from a six month leave of absence that I was very blessed to be able to take in order to care for my son, who experienced some complications at birth. He is currently a healthy and very active 8 month old!!! I’m looking forward to being back in the classroom not only as your child’s directress but also as my new role of fellow parent.
Parents play such a critical role in their children’s education. Education begins at home with the parent. You are your child’s first and most influential teacher. Our classroom environment is a natural extension of your home. You are encouraged to be involved in school activities such as open house, class observations, volunteering and parent teacher conferences. In order to maintain open lines of communication you can also reach me during school hours at the number below. I’m available anytime via email. I will also be available in the mornings before school by appointment.
It is Maria Montessori’s belief that children under six have extraordinary powers of mind. They have a universal, once-in-a-lifetime ability to absorb knowledge from their surroundings just by living. They take in their environment - the physical space, the language and movement of adults and children - with what Montessori called the “Absorbent Mind.” The absorbent mind is at its peak receptivity during the preschool years.
In order to be calm and happy, children under six need to explore and discover. They are curious about everything. They are keenly attuned to everything that stimulates their senses: shapes, sounds, smells, textures, and tastes. They also respond to order because of their innate need to know where things belong and how pieces fit together. They want to master the movements of their own bodies by learning to balance, run, skip, and jump. And they are fascinated by the customs and traditions of people in their lives.
With respect to the absorbent mind, my assistants and I are committed to providing a prepared environment for the children that allows for them to move, touch, manipulate and explore. We will provide, for the children, a blend of freedom and discipline in a place especially designed for their development. They will be given the freedom to choose their own work, without unnecessary interference from an adult. In this environment it is our goal that they may learn to work independently, based on their own initiative while building concentration and self-discipline.
Thank you for sharing your precious children with me this year! I’m very much looking forward to an amazing school year full of growth and new discoveries.
Sincerely,
Sarah Socks
[email protected]
Classroom # (231) 933-5853
Excerpts taken from “What is Montessori School?” by David Kahn, 1995