May 2026

🌷May Newsletter
We have found ourselves at the end of the school year already! This time of year is exciting, but it can also bring some stress for both children and parents. With many special activities, changes in routine, and conversations about transitions and goodbyes, it’s natural for big emotions to surface. Keeping daily routines as consistent as possible and preparing ahead for special events can help make this time smoother for everyone.

🌏 Cultural Studies
This month, we will complete our study of Australia and the Great Barrier Reef. Our Older Friends are working hard on their Australia continent maps as they deepen their understanding of life in the reef and its unique ecosystem.

🎶 Music Performance
Our Older Friends are preparing for their music performance of Where the Wild Things Are on May 7th. We are excited to see their hard work come to life!

🎒 Kindergarten Transition
Younger Friends who will be attending kindergarten next year will get a sneak peek on Friday, May 1st during Kindergarten Round-Up. They will meet new friends and participate in classroom activities. There will also be a parent meeting at the same time.

🏃 Wildcat Games
All students will participate in Wildcat Games on Friday, May 8th. This will be a fun-filled morning of movement and games. Please have your child wear tennis shoes and comfortable, active clothing.

🌼 Spring Fling Celebration
Our final special event of the year will be Spring Fling on Friday, May 22nd. We invite one parent or special guest per child to join us for a morning outdoors followed by a picnic lunch.
Children should bring:

• A sack lunch

• A beach towel or picnic blanket

• An outdoor toy

This is always a highlight of the year, and we look forward to celebrating together! An invitation will be sent soon with RSVP details.

📅 Last Days of School

• Preschool Last Day: Wednesday, May 27th

• Kindergarten Last Day (Half Day): Thursday, May 28th

Try It At Home

I am often asked "What can we do at home?"

Link To FREE Summer Activities in Omaha Free Summer Activities 

101 Things to Do in Omaha with Kids 

☀️ Montessori Summer Learning Ideas for Home

Summer is a wonderful time to continue your child’s learning through hands-on, real-life experiences. Below are simple, engaging activities organized by Montessori classroom areas. These ideas support independence, creativity, and a love of learning—all while enjoying the season!

🧺 Practical Life

Building independence and confidence through everyday tasks

• Wash outdoor toys, tables, or patio furniture

• Help prepare snacks (peeling eggs, slicing fruit, making lemonade)

• Practice pouring water using pitchers or watering plants

• Pack their own snack or picnic lunch

• Fold towels or wash small clothing items

• Sweep sidewalks or help with yard cleanup

🌿 Sensorial

Exploring the world through the senses

• Go on a nature walk to find different textures (smooth, rough, soft)

• Make sound shakers with natural materials (rocks, sand, water)

• Match colors using flowers and leaves

• Smell herbs, flowers, or citrus fruits

• Explore water (floating/sinking, warm/cool)

• Practice writing letters or shapes in sand

🔢 Math

Learning numbers through concrete experiences

• Count natural objects like rocks, sticks, or flowers

• Look for numbers on signs, houses, or mailboxes

• Practice measuring with cups and spoons during water play

• Use small objects to practice addition and subtraction

• Create patterns with leaves, shells, or stones

• Draw numbers outside and count by jumping or hopping

📚 Language

Building vocabulary and communication skills

• Talk about plants, insects, and weather during outdoor time

• Play “I Spy” using beginning sounds

• Draw pictures and tell or write simple stories about the day

• Practice tracing letters in sand or dirt

• Read books together and discuss new words

• Sort and name objects (animals, plants, summer items)

🌎 Cultural Studies

Understanding the world around us

• Observe and talk about plant or insect life cycles

• Track daily weather with simple drawings or charts

• Talk about places you visit and look at maps

• Learn about ocean animals or local wildlife

• Use a magnifying glass to observe insects

• Explore land and water using sand and water play

🎨 Art & Creativity

Encouraging self-expression and imagination

• Make collages using leaves, flowers, and sticks

• Paint outdoors with watercolors

• Draw with sidewalk chalk

• Use clay or playdough with natural materials

• Press flowers or leaves

• Enjoy music and movement outside

🤝 Grace & Courtesy

Developing social skills and emotional awareness

• Practice greetings (hello, goodbye, eye contact)

• Take turns during games

• Practice kind words and problem-solving

• Care for plants or animals

• Go on a quiet “listening walk” together

• Play simple cooperative games

💡 Helpful Tips for Families

• Keep a simple, consistent routine

• Let your child choose activities when possible

• Focus on real-life experiences instead of worksheets

• Encourage independence and repetition

• Follow your child’s interests and curiosity

These small, meaningful activities help your child stay engaged, confident, and connected to their learning all summer long. 🌼

Our Classroom Schedule

8:30 - Line time

9:00 - Lessons and individual work time

Tuesday- Younger Friends Music  10:00

Wednesday- Music 9:40 & Guidance 10:00

Friday- Library 9:45

10:30 - Recess (Younger Friends)

11:00 - Get ready for lunch

11:15 - Lunch

12:00 - Read A loud story time/ Music and Movement

Younger Friends Prepare for Rest Time

12:25 -  Recess

1:00  Monday and Friday Older Friend Lesson

Tuesday and Thursday Gym 12:00

Tuesday and Thursday  Older Friend Music 1:00 

Younger Friend- Rest Time

1:30  Tuesday and Thursday Older Friend Lesson

  2:00  - work time

2:30  Bonus Recess Time  when needed

3:00 - Snack/End of day clean up

3:20 - Dismissal

I just want to give a heart felt THANK YOU for all the donations that have been made to the classroom.  They have been coming in all week and it was such a joy to see the love and caring families are giving to our classroom.   They all help our classroom run better and help our children learn.  You are all amazing families and can't wait to work with you more this year.