COLORS: Marble Painting

This was such a fun project that we did in order to explore how colors change when mixed together.  We started with yellow, red & blue paint and then let the marbles do the rest!  Who knew marbles could be so fun!!  :)

Parent Teacher Conferences

Here is the list of our upcoming Parent-Teacher conferences.  Please be here around 11:45 (once carline is done).  Of course, kids and siblings are welcome to come too!!  Come ready with any questions and concerns...this is YOUR time!!  :)

Tuesday, Sept. 17th                       HALEY
Wednesday, Sept. 18th                  SOFIA
Thursday, Sept. 19th                      MORGAN / ELIZA
Friday, Sept. 20th                          BRYNN
Monday, Sept 23rd                         LANDON
Tuesday, Sept. 24th                       ZACHARY
Wednesday, Sept. 25th                  SONYA
Thursday, Sept. 26th                      LUCY
Friday, Sept. 27th                          RIGLEY

If you need to change or adjust your day / time, just let me know!!  Thanks so much for being such WONDERFUL parents.  I can't wait for some one-on-one time to help me get to know you better!!

Our New Prize Jar

Kids love the chance to be rewarded for their good choices.  So, I am going to be adjusting the way that we do our prize jar.  Our little darlings will be able to choose something (such as stickers or a small treat) from the prize jar each time they do a lesson with me.  This allows you, the parent, the opportunity to try to discuss what we worked on together.  I will help this along, by sending home a small note letting you know that your child had a lesson and what we worked on.  This will build a wonderful continuity between home and school if you are interested in working with your child at home.

Also, the prize jar can be used to reward positive behavior in the classroom.  This could range from participating in music class to asserting themselves in helping another child.  I believe that positive recognition of social and academic growth helps to foster in each child the confidence and desire to make good choices and build strong learning habits.  

SEASONS: An Arizona Snowman

Today we talked about WINTER.  And, unfortunately, winter in Arizona isn't quite the same as other places.  It was hilarious to find out that most of the kids have never actually seen REAL SNOW!  So, we made an ARIZONA SNOWMAN...nothing but melted snow (or in this case, dried glue).  

 And embracing the abstract (because really, a melted snowman is just one big mess!)...

I can't wait to see how they look when the glue dries and turns from white to clear!  Such a fun art project!!

The 2013-2014 School Year

I am making some fun & exciting changes for the upcoming school year.  I will be providing 2-day, 3-day and 5-day class options in order to better meet the needs of my preschool families.  I have posted some information to help you better understand what you can expect at my preschool.  If you would like a complete registration packet, please contact me and I will be happy to email it to you.

Tuesday/Thursday Class  $90
Monday/Wednesday/Friday Class  $120
Monday-Friday Class  $180
*All classes are held from 8:30am-11:30am


(ps.  I haven't been much of a blogger in the last few years...but I thought it would be the easiest way to share information!  But while I haven't been posting pictures, we have still been having plenty of fun!! )

A Few More Details (2013-2014)

●•●•●•●•Dear Parents●•●•●•●

Another school year is already upon us, and I am practically giddy with excitement!!  Children this age are so ready and excited to embrace the wonderful world of learning.  As a certified Montessori teacher, I have always found joy in my ability to offer you a specialty niche preschool filled with both group and individual learning opportunities.  And this year, we are embracing and embellishing both learning experiences.

Since group learning is paramount to the social development of each child, we are going to maximize our experiences together.  Since I will be offering classes of no more than 10 students, I will continue to be able to focus the necessary time and attention on creating an optimal social environment for your child filled with love, appreciation and respect (from both myself and their peers). 

Our social curriculum works hand in hand with the academic portion of our school day.  It is so wonderful when a child is able to start kindergarten with the confidence of being prepared to learn.  A key part of empowering a child academically is to work with each child on their individual level.  This is where the real magic happens.  It is here, working side by side with your child, focusing attention on just them, that they become excited to learn and anxious to achieve.  Their potential for learning becomes limitless.

Working individually with each of your children is definitely the favorite part of my day, and I want to make the most of this time with your child.  Many of you have heard of on IEP (Individual Education Plan) used for children with special learning needs.  I believe that the learning needs of each child is special and very important.  This is why we will be using our own version of an Individual Education Plan for each child during the 2013-2014 school year.  You will be able to come up with the social and academic goals that you would like to see your child meet, and we will work together to achieve those goals. 

We also enjoy things like READING BUDDIES and a PRESCHOOL LIBRARY filled with books your child can take home to enjoy as a family.  I have longer preschool hours in order to allow us more time for group learning activities.  Each and every time you come to my preschool, I want you to walk away feeling that you have gotten something special.  I am excited as we look forward to another year filled with learning and adventure!!

Sincerely,

Miss Jessica

“It is true that we cannot make a genius.

We can only give to each child the chance to fulfill

his potential possibilities.” -Maria Montessori

WELCOME to Mackey Preschool… 

 We are so excited to get ready for the upcoming school year (2013-2014).  This is going to be fun for both your child and myself as we embark on an education adventure.  We will maximize both their love of learning as well as their individual potential.  This age has always been one of my favorite ages to teach because their minds are so pliable, so ready to soak up information and learning.  We are going to strive to make the most of our time together. 

   

Who We Are… 

Jessica Mackey received her training and certification in Early Childhood Education (ages 3-6) through the American Montessori Society in the beautiful Kalispell, Montana.  She has had much experience teaching in a private Montessori preschool located in Chandler, AZ.  She loves working with young kids and looks forwards to combining her knowledge and experience to create a rich learning experience for your child.  This will be her fifth year owning and operating Mackey Preschool.

What We Do…      

 As most of you know, we are going to be blending together both traditional and Montessori learning styles into our schooling.  Many of you have asked, “What is Montessori?”  The easiest answer would be that Montessori is an educational philosophy.  It is based on helping each individual child reach his or her highest potential while instilling an inherent love of learning.  We best accomplish this by incorporating into our schedule time for group learning (traditional) as well as individual work (Montessori).  

        The individual work portion of our day will allow your child to choose from a series of prepared “works” or activities in various disciplines (including math and language).  Your child will be able to choose and manipulate works and receive lessons based on their individual level.  For some, they may be using works to help teach numbers, others may be ready for works involving simple addition.  The point is to allow me to work with each child at their level, regardless of where that may be, and guide them toward progression.    

        With your help and support, we will be able to achieve a wonderful balance between these two methods that will best help your child prepare for his or her educational future.  We will be having a Meet the Teacher on August 15^th, 2013 where we will introduce our classroom to both you and your child. 

Bright & Shiny New!!

My wonder-of-a-husband worked hard this summer (in the searing heat!!) to enclose our patio and make it into our beautiful new classroom.

We managed to finish in just the nick of time...but it was completely worth it. We have all loved our new space.

It is truly perfect.

...and just the right size!! It is going to be a wonderful year!!