Our Montessori theme for this term is Changes, which aligns perfectly with everything taking place inside the Saja classroom right now. It has been a month of transition, growth, and establishing new rhythms as a community. Here is a little glimpse into what we have been working on together.
Settling In & Creating Our Classroom Agreement
This month has really been about welcoming new students joining us and helping everyone settle into the environment. To support this transition and ensure a smooth start to the year, the students have been collaborating on writing and finalising our new Classroom Agreement. This student-led document outlines how we will work together respectfully, giving the students true ownership over their community and supporting one another throughout the year.
An Environment Makeover
The physical environment has undergone a makeover to accommodate our growing group. We introduced new furniture, and the students took charge by building and mounting the new chairs and tables themselves. We have also reorganised the layout to create more purposeful spaces. Specifically, our library area has been converted into a quiet, cosy corner for deep reading and reflection, and we have established a dedicated space for our morning meetings to bring a grounded structure to the start of each day.
New Academic Routines: Socratic Seminars
Alongside the physical updates, we are introducing new academic challenges. Our new students were recently introduced to the Socratic Seminar. This method encourages critical thinking, active listening, and evidence-based dialogue. The students are already adapting well, showing great maturity as they engage in these collaborative discussions.
Recommended Reading for Families
As we navigate these classroom updates and the natural developmental shifts that come with this age group, we highly recommend the book Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain by Dr Daniel Siegel. It provides an insightful look at the neurological changes occurring during these years and offers practical guidance for families supporting their children through this stage of growth.