Message from the Principal
Hello All Kindians,
I am very excited to see our first newsletter for this year being published. We are starting our seventh year at Kindi with the same vigor, energy, and commitment to our mission and beliefs as we did on day one. The more I look at the landscape of schools in existence today, the more I loose confidence in the educational pedagogy and mindset currently prevalent in schools and I start doubting the aptitude and credence of our officials in charge of charting the education policy for our children. The crisis is at its apex in primary, elementary and middle school grades. At this prime age for laying a solid foundation for a lifetime education, a flimsy and a meager one is laid instead which sets the stage for struggling and wobbling students for many years to come.
How can any one in his right mind believe that a student is actually receiving any education when his child is one of 30 to 35 students stacked in rows and confined to chairs all day long and assigned to a single teacher? And yet, we expect our children to be happy and learn! And we expect the teacher to produce the next Noble prize winner! It is truly sad that schooling is shifting its objectives from mainly education to somewhat education and mostly crowd control and management. Lucky students with vigilant parents are some of the only survivors in this system!
I always said and still saying that most of schools around today are factories masquerading as schools. The Primary through Elementary grades are looked at as ATM machines in many private schools and as Day Care facilities in public schools. It is sad, but it is reality! The can is always kicked down the road. By the time it reaches High school, it is rusted and punctured and in need of an excessive repair job that is generally hard and too-late to perform. Only the few survive. You only need to look at the average SAT scores for seniors in high school (1490 out of 2400. Just imagine that you need to score about 1800 or more in 8th/9th grade (not 12th grade!) to be considered for selective high schools!!!). In PISA, we scored 17th in science and 24th in math on the international scene.
Schools like Kindi are trying to reverse the tide and make the time kids spend at school actually worth it. Kindi believes in every child and knows that children learn differently and at varying paces. Our approach to teaching is the natural and organic approach to learning. Our Montessori environment works well that way. In Middle school, Math and English (core subjects) are customized based on small groups and, in many cases, on an individual level. Our environment of mixed ages is the natural place for children to be and it is similar to a home environment. The extreme separation of ages which runs in almost all other schools is not the natural way of living and learning. It is just that people are conditioned to accept it as the way to school a child (This is similar to product lines in a factory!). Schools like Kindi go back to the origins where education took place at home around everything that is real and everything that is life! Just take a look at many of the pictures in this newsletter and you will know what I mean!
We are grateful that you've chosen Kindi and I'm sure you are reciprocating such feeling for Kindi's great education. We pride ourselves on taking students from being ordinary to becoming extraordinary. On a recent field trip, the host started asking questions to our students in math and meanings of words and many of our children had the answers right there and then to the point the host wanted to make sure that this was a first grade class not a fourth grade class!! Just a simple witness to the effort we invest in children. We want to continue this wonderful journey for all your children for many years to come. Kindi is not just a school, but the school for quality education.
Have a wonderful Fall, Thanksgiving and Holiday Season!
I am very excited to see our first newsletter for this year being published. We are starting our seventh year at Kindi with the same vigor, energy, and commitment to our mission and beliefs as we did on day one. The more I look at the landscape of schools in existence today, the more I loose confidence in the educational pedagogy and mindset currently prevalent in schools and I start doubting the aptitude and credence of our officials in charge of charting the education policy for our children. The crisis is at its apex in primary, elementary and middle school grades. At this prime age for laying a solid foundation for a lifetime education, a flimsy and a meager one is laid instead which sets the stage for struggling and wobbling students for many years to come.
How can any one in his right mind believe that a student is actually receiving any education when his child is one of 30 to 35 students stacked in rows and confined to chairs all day long and assigned to a single teacher? And yet, we expect our children to be happy and learn! And we expect the teacher to produce the next Noble prize winner! It is truly sad that schooling is shifting its objectives from mainly education to somewhat education and mostly crowd control and management. Lucky students with vigilant parents are some of the only survivors in this system!
I always said and still saying that most of schools around today are factories masquerading as schools. The Primary through Elementary grades are looked at as ATM machines in many private schools and as Day Care facilities in public schools. It is sad, but it is reality! The can is always kicked down the road. By the time it reaches High school, it is rusted and punctured and in need of an excessive repair job that is generally hard and too-late to perform. Only the few survive. You only need to look at the average SAT scores for seniors in high school (1490 out of 2400. Just imagine that you need to score about 1800 or more in 8th/9th grade (not 12th grade!) to be considered for selective high schools!!!). In PISA, we scored 17th in science and 24th in math on the international scene.
Schools like Kindi are trying to reverse the tide and make the time kids spend at school actually worth it. Kindi believes in every child and knows that children learn differently and at varying paces. Our approach to teaching is the natural and organic approach to learning. Our Montessori environment works well that way. In Middle school, Math and English (core subjects) are customized based on small groups and, in many cases, on an individual level. Our environment of mixed ages is the natural place for children to be and it is similar to a home environment. The extreme separation of ages which runs in almost all other schools is not the natural way of living and learning. It is just that people are conditioned to accept it as the way to school a child (This is similar to product lines in a factory!). Schools like Kindi go back to the origins where education took place at home around everything that is real and everything that is life! Just take a look at many of the pictures in this newsletter and you will know what I mean!
We are grateful that you've chosen Kindi and I'm sure you are reciprocating such feeling for Kindi's great education. We pride ourselves on taking students from being ordinary to becoming extraordinary. On a recent field trip, the host started asking questions to our students in math and meanings of words and many of our children had the answers right there and then to the point the host wanted to make sure that this was a first grade class not a fourth grade class!! Just a simple witness to the effort we invest in children. We want to continue this wonderful journey for all your children for many years to come. Kindi is not just a school, but the school for quality education.
Have a wonderful Fall, Thanksgiving and Holiday Season!
News From The Montessori 3-6 (Preschool to KG)
Apples, Pumpkins and Leaves are the discussions in the classroom this month. The change of season has given us an opportunity to observe the changes in the environment and weather outside. We incorporated the seasons of the apple tree, pumpkin and the sunflower.
At the Blackberry Farm, we visited the apple orchard and learned many amazing facts about the apple. It was great learning experience for the children. They discovered the different food made with only apples. We further enriched the classroom with books about apples and pumpkins. The practical life area has been busy with coring apples, sorting pumpkins and raking leaves. From polishing apples to scrubbing pumpkins, will be activities helping children develop gross motor skills to fine motor skills.
The science area has the focus on the study the shapes, sizes and the colors of the leaves. The children are collecting leaves from outside to bring to class and enjoy learning about them. The Kindergarten classes are interested in learning about the continents and are creating their own World Map. We will continue to further develop their interest with the map of North America. This includes learning about the animals and flags of North America. The children are adjusting to their daily routines. They are working on developing many skills and building concentration in their work cycles.
Thank you
Ms. Sujata and Ms. Anab (Room 101)
Ms. Sravani and Ms. Hebba (Room 102)
Ms. Ridhima and Ms. Archana (Room 103)
At the Blackberry Farm, we visited the apple orchard and learned many amazing facts about the apple. It was great learning experience for the children. They discovered the different food made with only apples. We further enriched the classroom with books about apples and pumpkins. The practical life area has been busy with coring apples, sorting pumpkins and raking leaves. From polishing apples to scrubbing pumpkins, will be activities helping children develop gross motor skills to fine motor skills.
The science area has the focus on the study the shapes, sizes and the colors of the leaves. The children are collecting leaves from outside to bring to class and enjoy learning about them. The Kindergarten classes are interested in learning about the continents and are creating their own World Map. We will continue to further develop their interest with the map of North America. This includes learning about the animals and flags of North America. The children are adjusting to their daily routines. They are working on developing many skills and building concentration in their work cycles.
Thank you
Ms. Sujata and Ms. Anab (Room 101)
Ms. Sravani and Ms. Hebba (Room 102)
Ms. Ridhima and Ms. Archana (Room 103)
Our Scholars at Work in Science!
Hello,
The science students at Kind have been extremely busy for the past seven weeks. Students have completed many labs and activities in all grades. These labs have been increasing their ability to be strong scientists by improving their scientific writing skills.
4th graders are studying matter including density, volume and more. They have been using submicroscopic simulations to better understand atoms.
5th graders were excited to put their knowledge of Earth’s chemical and physical weathering process with a trip to Starved Rock.
6th graders are studying cells of all kinds and are entering the interesting world of genetics and DNA very soon.
7th graders are studying ions and elements. It is challenging to learn all the formulas but they are working hard. Finally our
8th graders have been doing some amazing work with the laws of motion in physics. Ask them who they think the true father of physics is!
Thank you
Ms. Teresa Nighelli
The science students at Kind have been extremely busy for the past seven weeks. Students have completed many labs and activities in all grades. These labs have been increasing their ability to be strong scientists by improving their scientific writing skills.
4th graders are studying matter including density, volume and more. They have been using submicroscopic simulations to better understand atoms.
5th graders were excited to put their knowledge of Earth’s chemical and physical weathering process with a trip to Starved Rock.
6th graders are studying cells of all kinds and are entering the interesting world of genetics and DNA very soon.
7th graders are studying ions and elements. It is challenging to learn all the formulas but they are working hard. Finally our
8th graders have been doing some amazing work with the laws of motion in physics. Ask them who they think the true father of physics is!
Thank you
Ms. Teresa Nighelli
Happenings of the Montessori Toddler
Dear Toddler Community,
As we approach mid-October, this is an exciting time for our toddlers as the introduction phase has passed and we have collective progress in our routine development. The toddlers are settling into their daily routines, becoming comfortable with each other and walking into the classroom with excitement and curiosity to explore.
Maria Montessori believed that the child has a natural tendency to learn and work. The secret of childhood is in work. She said “a child’s desire to work represents a vital instinct since he cannot organize his personality without working, the child’s work is not what the adult perceives as work—the child’s work is synonymous to his play from this tendency emerges the child’s natural tendency to create”. The classroom provides countless opportunities for the child to work independently and to fully concentrate. The young child is learning from using his or her senses and the transition from summer to winter, autumn, is the perfect time to stimulate visual, auditory and thermoceptive learning. Our curriculum has integrated fall foliage into various works introducing our toddlers to the changing colors and textures of this season, their favorite is using the leaves for artwork (i.e. painting, gluing, coloring)—and for many, this has been their first sensorial experience!
The sensorial material we provide our students develops the control of their pincer grips—the foundation of pencil holding and writing. This period is also a sensitive period of language development, as birth to age six is extremely important for vocabulary development. We speak with rich vocabulary, use language cards, read books with rich empathy, and most importantly engage in full meaningful conversation stimulating their ability to develop adequate language skills and comprehension.
The practical life section of the classroom has become a real favorite amongst the toddlers as they practice scrubbing, cutting fruit, arranging flowers, setting tables, serving others, and learning tables manners (i.e. please and thank you). As is the goal with developing the foundation for their futures, our classroom philosophies are streamlined with Maria Montessori’s belief that children are primarily a peaceful people. Therefore we exercise teaching respect, love and empathy in all that we do.
And most importantly, our entire curriculum is centered on a fun, warm and inclusive environment—allowing the children to develop a camaraderie and friendship with one another. Circle time is our favorite time of the day where we sing songs with rhythm sticks, learn manners and polite behaviors with others, and most importantly, develop patience as we wait for turns and develop self awareness through body and emotional control activities.
As always, we thank you for your continued support and look forward to keeping you updated on the great progress we are making in and out of the classroom!
With love,
Ms. Tayyaba, Ms. Rena, and Ms. Shameme
Toddler Team
As we approach mid-October, this is an exciting time for our toddlers as the introduction phase has passed and we have collective progress in our routine development. The toddlers are settling into their daily routines, becoming comfortable with each other and walking into the classroom with excitement and curiosity to explore.
Maria Montessori believed that the child has a natural tendency to learn and work. The secret of childhood is in work. She said “a child’s desire to work represents a vital instinct since he cannot organize his personality without working, the child’s work is not what the adult perceives as work—the child’s work is synonymous to his play from this tendency emerges the child’s natural tendency to create”. The classroom provides countless opportunities for the child to work independently and to fully concentrate. The young child is learning from using his or her senses and the transition from summer to winter, autumn, is the perfect time to stimulate visual, auditory and thermoceptive learning. Our curriculum has integrated fall foliage into various works introducing our toddlers to the changing colors and textures of this season, their favorite is using the leaves for artwork (i.e. painting, gluing, coloring)—and for many, this has been their first sensorial experience!
The sensorial material we provide our students develops the control of their pincer grips—the foundation of pencil holding and writing. This period is also a sensitive period of language development, as birth to age six is extremely important for vocabulary development. We speak with rich vocabulary, use language cards, read books with rich empathy, and most importantly engage in full meaningful conversation stimulating their ability to develop adequate language skills and comprehension.
The practical life section of the classroom has become a real favorite amongst the toddlers as they practice scrubbing, cutting fruit, arranging flowers, setting tables, serving others, and learning tables manners (i.e. please and thank you). As is the goal with developing the foundation for their futures, our classroom philosophies are streamlined with Maria Montessori’s belief that children are primarily a peaceful people. Therefore we exercise teaching respect, love and empathy in all that we do.
And most importantly, our entire curriculum is centered on a fun, warm and inclusive environment—allowing the children to develop a camaraderie and friendship with one another. Circle time is our favorite time of the day where we sing songs with rhythm sticks, learn manners and polite behaviors with others, and most importantly, develop patience as we wait for turns and develop self awareness through body and emotional control activities.
As always, we thank you for your continued support and look forward to keeping you updated on the great progress we are making in and out of the classroom!
With love,
Ms. Tayyaba, Ms. Rena, and Ms. Shameme
Toddler Team
News from Lower Elementary(1st-3rd Grade)
Dear Parents:
We had a great time at Fullersburg Woods in Oakbrook last month. The children enjoyed the sessions on: insects, trees and team building. We look forward to our next field trip to Naperville Settlement this month. Students are working hard and many presentations are ongoing. They have adapted very well to the Montessori environment. Sequence, organization and clear expectations have made our classroom a peaceful learning environment.
The first year students are working on World Map, Solar System, Golden Beads Addition and Golden Beads Subtraction.
The second year students are working on the continent of South America, Stamp Game Multiplication, Golden Beads Division, Mercury, Protozoa and Porifera and Times Tables 2 and 3
The third year students are working on Checkerboard, Stamp Game Division, Characteristics of Vertebrates, Timeline of Life and the continent of Europe.
Our classroom is designed to help each child develop academic and social skills. We spend a good amount of time every day to discuss rules, moral values and character building. We are emphasizing grace and courtesy in our classroom. We are reminding the children to use “please”, “thank you” and “sorry” in their everyday conversation. Our children are working hard to take turns during the discussions and listen to the person presenting the information. Respecting individuals is promoted at all times. Please continue these skills at home. Studies show that if there is parental reinforcement and affirmation of the activities and practices done in school, the child is far more likely to embrace these skills.
Thank you for your cooperation and support to help your child succeed every day in our 6-9 classroom. As always, your child’s well-being is our priority. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us.
Sincerely,
Ms. Mariya, Ms. Samiah, Ms. Kala Ms. Madiha and Ms. Ayat
We had a great time at Fullersburg Woods in Oakbrook last month. The children enjoyed the sessions on: insects, trees and team building. We look forward to our next field trip to Naperville Settlement this month. Students are working hard and many presentations are ongoing. They have adapted very well to the Montessori environment. Sequence, organization and clear expectations have made our classroom a peaceful learning environment.
The first year students are working on World Map, Solar System, Golden Beads Addition and Golden Beads Subtraction.
The second year students are working on the continent of South America, Stamp Game Multiplication, Golden Beads Division, Mercury, Protozoa and Porifera and Times Tables 2 and 3
The third year students are working on Checkerboard, Stamp Game Division, Characteristics of Vertebrates, Timeline of Life and the continent of Europe.
Our classroom is designed to help each child develop academic and social skills. We spend a good amount of time every day to discuss rules, moral values and character building. We are emphasizing grace and courtesy in our classroom. We are reminding the children to use “please”, “thank you” and “sorry” in their everyday conversation. Our children are working hard to take turns during the discussions and listen to the person presenting the information. Respecting individuals is promoted at all times. Please continue these skills at home. Studies show that if there is parental reinforcement and affirmation of the activities and practices done in school, the child is far more likely to embrace these skills.
Thank you for your cooperation and support to help your child succeed every day in our 6-9 classroom. As always, your child’s well-being is our priority. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us.
Sincerely,
Ms. Mariya, Ms. Samiah, Ms. Kala Ms. Madiha and Ms. Ayat
News From 4th-5th Grade
September has been a great month for our Upper Elementary (4-5th grade) class. Students were amazed at the natural wonders Starved Rock State Park has to offer. We observed natural landforms, erosion, deposition, and many more concepts that we are currently studying in Geography.
In language, students are becoming grammar “detectives.” We are practicing analyzing skills as we look at each word in a sentence to determine its part of speech. Close examination of writing gives students the opportunity to think about words and their function in the sentence carefully. In writing, students have begun work on a personal narrative. We can’t wait to hear everyone’s exciting stories.
As always, our goal in the Montessori classroom is to promote independence and responsibility. Students have enjoyed preparing snack for others and taking care of our class pet, Oreo. And, of course, taking many pictures of her!
Thank you
Ms. Cortney and Ms. Yang
In language, students are becoming grammar “detectives.” We are practicing analyzing skills as we look at each word in a sentence to determine its part of speech. Close examination of writing gives students the opportunity to think about words and their function in the sentence carefully. In writing, students have begun work on a personal narrative. We can’t wait to hear everyone’s exciting stories.
As always, our goal in the Montessori classroom is to promote independence and responsibility. Students have enjoyed preparing snack for others and taking care of our class pet, Oreo. And, of course, taking many pictures of her!
Thank you
Ms. Cortney and Ms. Yang
News From Middle School (6th - 8th)
Hello All,
Social Studies: All classes have worked hard on a geography unit. Everyone researched a country as well as designed their own country. Each student each gave a presentation on their country.
6th Graders have also completed their study of the Civil War. We made triptychs on various aspects of the war. The students are becoming experts with technology
7/8th Graders have completed their study of the Renaissance and Reformation. Each student was able to experience what is was like for Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel;. Students painted a picture while laying on their backs for a class period. They did a fantastic job!
English: Middle school students have read numerous short stories to start the school year. We have been working on the various elements of a short story. They also read and then wrote their own fairytales. They are now in the middle of their first novel study and are doing great at class discussions. We have also begun writing our first personal narrative essay. We will be going through the entire writing process as we work on this.
Thank you
Ms. Amy and Ms. Kathleen
Social Studies: All classes have worked hard on a geography unit. Everyone researched a country as well as designed their own country. Each student each gave a presentation on their country.
6th Graders have also completed their study of the Civil War. We made triptychs on various aspects of the war. The students are becoming experts with technology
7/8th Graders have completed their study of the Renaissance and Reformation. Each student was able to experience what is was like for Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel;. Students painted a picture while laying on their backs for a class period. They did a fantastic job!
English: Middle school students have read numerous short stories to start the school year. We have been working on the various elements of a short story. They also read and then wrote their own fairytales. They are now in the middle of their first novel study and are doing great at class discussions. We have also begun writing our first personal narrative essay. We will be going through the entire writing process as we work on this.
Thank you
Ms. Amy and Ms. Kathleen
News from our Art DepartmentPreschool: personalized place mats made by Yasmeen.
Preschool : Learning to cut straight lines and curvy lines using scissors. Preschool: My very own fall tree made with tempera paints and foam stamps. Kindergarten: Free hand drawing.My house in watercolor by Omar Elagha. Grade 2 Color theory, Warm colors and cool colors Grade 3:3D paper pumpkins . My Dream Home. Multimedia art Grade4/5: Poppies, Medium:Oil Pastels Grade 4/5: LINE: An element in art:Students tried to use different kinds of lines To crest an image. Medium: Sharpie Grade 6/7/8 Medium:Tempera paint Theme :Good bye summer Thank you Ms. Ruxana |
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News from Religion (Elective)
Islamic Studies:
It was an over whelming period in our Islamic Studies classes. We studied about Hajj the 5th pillar of Islam. Mocked the steps of Hajj at school and celebrated the Eid. Every student worked hard and enjoyed learning about our religion.
Lately last week in acknowledging the start of our New Hijjrah Year, we talked about the migration of our beloved Prophet from Makkah to Madinah and about the difficulty he faced in this trip and shared that experience together visiting a mock-up mountain to bring the picture a little bit clearer for our beautiful little Kids.
Quran: We have been reviewing Surah's we know while we concentrate on how to pronounce the letters and recite it correctly.
Islamic studies: name of our chapter is Allah(swt) is one and loves us. we learned a song called; Allah is the creator.
2nd-3rd grade Islamic Studies: We talked and learned more about the story of the Prophet Ibrahim. We learned about Hajj and practiced it. then we started a new chapter about Wudu in detail and we also memorized dua we say after we perform Wudu. we are now learning about Salah, and memorizing the Dua we say in the opening of the Salah.
Ms. Hayat, Ms. Heim, Ms.Najah, Ms Lina and Ms.Nareman
It was an over whelming period in our Islamic Studies classes. We studied about Hajj the 5th pillar of Islam. Mocked the steps of Hajj at school and celebrated the Eid. Every student worked hard and enjoyed learning about our religion.
Lately last week in acknowledging the start of our New Hijjrah Year, we talked about the migration of our beloved Prophet from Makkah to Madinah and about the difficulty he faced in this trip and shared that experience together visiting a mock-up mountain to bring the picture a little bit clearer for our beautiful little Kids.
Quran: We have been reviewing Surah's we know while we concentrate on how to pronounce the letters and recite it correctly.
Islamic studies: name of our chapter is Allah(swt) is one and loves us. we learned a song called; Allah is the creator.
2nd-3rd grade Islamic Studies: We talked and learned more about the story of the Prophet Ibrahim. We learned about Hajj and practiced it. then we started a new chapter about Wudu in detail and we also memorized dua we say after we perform Wudu. we are now learning about Salah, and memorizing the Dua we say in the opening of the Salah.
Ms. Hayat, Ms. Heim, Ms.Najah, Ms Lina and Ms.Nareman
News from Arabic
We started this year classes with lots of excitements. In this period we were studying Greetings and Introductions. Our kids were amazing in introducing themselves and exchange greetings with each other. We are all so proud of our students.
Next period will be covering family and home vocabulary and terms, make sure to listen for kids while they name things around them at home in Arabic.
Preschool Level #2
We have been learning more about our Arabic letters. we now know different forms of our letters. We learned different words that start with these letters. we learned days of the week, song and a song about family. this month we will concentrate on learning different food and drink names.
Ms. Hayat, Ms. Heim, Ms.Najah, Ms Lina and Ms.Nareman
Next period will be covering family and home vocabulary and terms, make sure to listen for kids while they name things around them at home in Arabic.
Preschool Level #2
We have been learning more about our Arabic letters. we now know different forms of our letters. We learned different words that start with these letters. we learned days of the week, song and a song about family. this month we will concentrate on learning different food and drink names.
Ms. Hayat, Ms. Heim, Ms.Najah, Ms Lina and Ms.Nareman
Noticias del Español (Spanish 2 News)!"Para Empezar!" (Get started!)
We have started with the chapter "Para Empezar", it is an introduction to their language learning that will help students communicate right away! Content in this chapter include greeting people at different times of the day, introducing themselves and others, using numbers and telling time. The vocabulary and expressions they learn in "Para Empezar" will be constantly used throughout the book. |
Special Events In Our School
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Eid Celebration |
Oct 6th-4th-8th grade class visited Phillips Park and Air Classics Museum
Oct 14th: Author Visit: Nevien Shaabneh author or Under the Olive Tree came and talked to students in 4th-8th grades Oct 19th: Oreo Fundraiser for our Upper El's pet Oreo Oct 20th- 3-6 Field Trip to Johansen Farms for 3-6 class Oct 21st- Parent Teacher Conferences Oct 27th 6-9 visited Naper Settlement. |
Karate
This year our school has started Karate. Please help us Welcome Brother Mohammed Mostafa, who is the co-founder of Chicago Karate Champions in Chicago. Karate promotes focusing and listening, teamwork and positive social interaction, coordination and motor skills, self-confidence, respect, and discipline.