Montessori Plus of Olathe

03/16/2026

It is with great sadness that we announce that Montessori Plus of Olathe has closed. Our last school day was March 13, 2026. Our owner/director has had a diagnosis of cancer and needs to focus her energies on her aggressive treatments. We wish all our students well. If you would like to assist Mrs. Mary, here is the link to a gofundme page set-up by one of our amazing parents.

Dear friends, family, and our beloved community, We are reaching out with heavy hearts t… seolhee In needs your support for Stand With Mary In Her Fight

02/21/2026

Theme of the Week: Argentina 🌎

This week, we explored Argentina! We learned that it is a country in South America and that people there speak Spanish.

Activities & Learning Experiences

Language & Culture:

Read books about Argentina.
Explored three-part cards on Argentina and its national symbols.
Count-and-clip cards with the Argentine flag: the children matched the correct number of clips to each picture.
Watched a short fact video about Argentina.

Art & Culture:

The children made the Argentina flag. They used a white rectangular sheet, glued pre-cut blue strips on both sides, and added a sun in the middle. The teacher used hot glue to attach the flags to medium-sized sticks so the children could hold and enjoy them.
They also created colorful houses using shapes, inspired by the bright and vibrant homes in Argentina.
Music & Rhythm:

Learned the folk song “Mi Chacra” (Argentinian Folk Song) and practiced rhythms, moving to the music and exploring body coordination.
Practiced rhythms using their hands, exploring different sounds and noticing how each surface produces a unique sound.

Practical Life / Science:

Explored empanadas, a traditional Argentine snack.
Observed the colors and shapes of the empanadas and the texture of the dough.
From a safe distance, watched the empanadas bake, noticing the cheese melting, the bread turning warm and slightly crispy, and the aroma.
Sampled small bites and used sensory words such as warm, soft, cheesy, crunchy, and smoky.
Language & Literacy:

Focused on the letter X and words such as xylophone and x-ray.
Traced the sandpaper letter X and explored picture cards with X words.
Younger children built words and wrote them with guidance, while older children created sentences using words starting with X.
Reading & Library:

Early reading with Beginning Bob Books and the Phonics Basic Reading Series (Levels A, B, F).
Lunch Time Reading: The teacher read Argentina-themed books, including Argentina Facts.
Montessori Work:

The children continued hands-on activities across all Montessori areas, including practical life, sensorial, math, and language work.

Birthday Celebration 🎉

On Friday, we celebrated Oliver’s birthday!

Oliver’s parents provided lunch (pizza, broccoli, peas, GoGo Squeez fruit & veggie pouches, juice, and oranges) and snacks (cookies and popcorn). The children received goody bags, and the teachers also received gifts, including a “Feeling Buddy” chart and book for MPO. Thank you so much for your generosity, kindness, and support!

We read the “Feeling Buddy” book with the children, discussed feelings, and practiced mindful breathing.

Next Week

Theme of the Week: Chile 🌎

We will continue our countries theme with a focus on Chile.
Letter of the Week: Y

Thank you for supporting your child’s learning and curiosity.

Have a warm and wonderful weekend!

02/14/2026

Theme of the Week: Brazil 🌎

This week, we explored Brazil! We learned that it is a country in South America and that people there speak Portuguese.

Activities & Learning Experiences

Language & Culture:

Read books about Brazil.
Explored three-part cards on Brazil and its national symbols.
Count-and-clip cards with the Brazilian flag: children matched the correct number of clips to each picture.
Watched a short fact video about Brazil.

Art & Culture:

The children made the Brazilian flag. They painted the background green, glued only the yellow shape in the center (the blue shape was already on top of the yellow), and then attached colored sticks so the flag could be held. The children were proud of their beautiful flags.

Music & Rhythm:

Learned the song “Sambalelê (Brazilian Folk Song)” and practiced Brazilian samba dance, moving to the rhythm and exploring body coordination.
Practiced rhythms using rhythm sticks and used chairs as percussion instruments to explore different sounds, noticing how each surface produces a unique sound.
The children were fully engaged and had a lot of fun during these music and rhythm activities.

Practical Life / Science:

Baked Brazilian cheese bread (Pão de Queijo, pronounced “Pah-ung jeh KAY-zhoo”), a traditional Brazilian snack.
Used tongs to transfer the bread onto baking trays, observed it puffing and turning golden in the preheated oven (400°F / 200°C), and tasted the warm, chewy, and cheesy bread.
This activity allowed children to combine practical life skills, observation, and hands-on science exploration.
Language & Literacy:

Focused on the letter W and words such as wall, whale, window, and wagon.
Traced the sandpaper letter W and explored picture cards with W words.
Younger children built words and wrote them with guidance, while older children created sentences using words starting with W.
Montessori Work: The children continued hands-on activities across all Montessori areas, including math, practical life, and sensorial work.

Valentine’s Day (Friday, February 13, 2026):

Children decorated Valentine boxes with heart stickers and exchanged cards and small treats with classmates.
Created a handprint flower for Mom and Dad; most children wrote their names independently, while younger children wrote their names with guidance.
It was a joyful day filled with sharing, gratitude, and community.

Simple Facts about Brazil (for children):

Brazil is a country in South America.
People speak Portuguese.
The Amazon Rainforest is in Brazil and is the largest rainforest in the world.
People enjoy music, dance, and festivals.
Brazilian cheese bread (Pão de Queijo, pronounced “Pah-ung jeh KAY-zhoo”) is a traditional snack.

Next Week:

We will continue our countries unit with a focus on Argentina.
Letter of the week: X.

02/08/2026

On Tuesday, we celebrated Hannah’s birthday. Hannah’s parents kindly provided lunch and snacks for our children and teachers: pizzas, assorted fruit, salad, veggie straws, apple juice, cupcakes, and goodie bags. Thank you so much! All the children enjoyed it and had a wonderful time.
Next Week:

We will continue our exploration of countries unit with a focus on Brazil.
Letter of the week: Ww.

Thank you for your attention and support!

02/08/2026

This week, we explored Mexico! We learned about its location in North America, just below the United States, and discovered that people there speak Spanish.

Activities & Learning Experiences

Language & Culture:

Read books about Mexico.
Explored three-part cards on Mexico and its national symbols.
Count and clip cards with the Mexican flag: the children matched the correct number of clips to each picture.
Watched a short fact video about Mexico.

Children wrote ‘Mexico’ and painted a picture of a child in traditional Mexican clothing with watercolors.
Each child chose their favorite colors to paint their maraca, and after it dried, they decorated it with stickers in the shapes they wanted. The children really enjoyed it, especially because it was their very own maraca instrument.

Learned the song “Los Pollitos” in both Spanish and English—a song about chicks.

Practical Life / Science:

The children made quesadillas, a traditional Mexican food.
They used Guerrero Caseras Tortillas and added Colby & Monterey Jack cheese, then cooked safely on a small grill/panini.
This activity allowed the children to observe changes in food while combining practical life skills with science exploration.
Language & Literacy:

Focused on the letter V and words like volcano, vest, van, and vet.
Traced sandpaper letter V and explored picture cards with V words.
Younger children built words starting with V and practiced writing.
Older children created sentences using words starting with V.
Reading & Library:

Early reading with Beginning Bob Books and the Phonics Basic Reading Series (Levels A, B, F).
Lunch Time Reading: The teacher read Mexico-themed books, including Mexico Fact Books.
Library Borrowing: Steven borrowed books about Mexico from the library and shared them with the class.
Other Montessori Work:

Continued hands-on activities across all Montessori areas, including science.
Simple Facts about Mexico (for children)

01/31/2026

This week in our Montessori classroom, the children explored the United States. Our activities integrated geography, history, national symbols, arts, music, language, math, and practical life skills.

Continents & Geography

We began the week by reviewing the seven continents using a world map and the “Seven Continents” song. The children located North America and focused on exploring the United States.

U.S. Facts & Educational Videos

In the mornings the children learned about the U.S. location, map, flag, and key national symbols. We watched short educational videos highlighting maps, flags, and iconic symbols such as the bald eagle, bison, oak tree, and rose.

Core facts were reinforced:

The USA is in North America, bordered by Canada to the north and Mexico to the south.
The colors of the U.S. flag are red, white, and blue; the stars represent the 50 states, and the stripes represent the 13 original colonies.
The bald eagle is the national bird, the bison is the national mammal, the oak tree represents strength, and the rose is the national flower.

Arts & Crafts

- Flag Craft: Children assembled U.S. flags using pre-cut red and white stripes and a blue rectangle with pre-printed white stars, gluing the pieces onto paper to complete the flag.

- Bison Art: Children tore brown paper (with teacher assistance) and glued it onto the bison’s body, then colored the remaining parts with pencils to complete the American bison.

Music

- Children listened to and sang “Yankee Doodle,” exploring rhythm and beat.

Montessori Materials

The children used three-part cards to identify and match the United States and its national symbols. They also practiced number recognition and counting skills using count-and-clip cards with the U.S. flag.

Language Development

- Letter Focus: Uu and its /u/ sound

Children practiced:

Tracing sandpaper letters while saying the sound aloud
Identifying vocabulary such as umbrella, umpire, and underwear
Building simple words with the Moveable Alphabet
Matching picture cards with corresponding vocabulary
Math & Montessori Table Work

- Counting beads, addition and subtraction, skip counting, exploring shapes, and early multiplication.

- Practical life, sensorial, and language activities supported independence and concentration.

Science & Culinary Activity: Making Traditional American Cornbread

Children explored American culture through a hands-on cooking activity.

Educational Benefits of cooking:

Measuring reinforced early math concepts.
Mixing ingredients demonstrated scientific changes.
Preparing traditional American food fostered cultural appreciation.
Student Feedback: “We want to make it again!”

Reading & Library

- Early reading with Beginning Bob Books and the Phonics Basic Reading Series (Levels A, B, F).

- Lunch Time Reading: The teacher read U.S.-themed books, including USA Fact Books and stories about the American flag.

- Steven borrowed a book about the bison from the library and shared it with the class.

Physical Activity & Free Play

- Daily indoor movement, free play, stretching, and ballet.

- Movement was also integrated into music lessons.

Highlights of the Week

Fine motor skills strengthened through art and flag activities.
Math skills reinforced through hands-on materials.
Children built cultural awareness through experiential learning.
High engagement and enthusiasm throughout the week.
We encourage you to talk with your child about what they learned regarding the United States, its flag, bison, bald eagle, oak tree, rose, and their art and cooking experiences.

Next Week:

We will learn about Mexico and the letter Vv.

Thank you for your continued support of your child’s learning journey.

We hope you and your family stay warm and healthy during these chilly winter days.

01/25/2026

This week, our children explored Canada, learning about its location, culture, and national symbols. We discovered that Canada is in North America, located to the north, and that people there speak English and French. The children practiced saying hello in French: “Bonjour!”

🌎 Geography and Culture

We read books and watched videos about Canada to learn interesting facts.
Children worked with three-part cards on Canada and its national symbols and practiced count-and-clip cards using the Canadian flag.
Locating Canada on the Map

• We began the week by locating Canada on a world map and watched a short fact video. Through the video and discussion, the children learned interesting facts about Canada, such as its geography, culture, and national symbols.

🍁 Montessori Three-Part Cards: Canadian Symbols

Using Montessori three-part cards, children explored and learned about Canada’s national symbols:

National Flag: Red maple leaf with red rectangles
Coat of Arms
National Tree: Maple tree
National Sport: Lacrosse
Popular Sport: Hockey
National Animal: Beaver
These activities helped children practice matching, reinforced vocabulary, developed reading readiness, and honed visual discrimination skills.

🎨 Art and Hands-On Activities

Canadian Flag Assembly

Children created a Canadian flag on paper, gluing the word “CANADA” at the top and coloring it. A red maple leaf was placed in the center, with red rectangles added on both sides to complete the flag.
Clay Maple Leaf Activity

Children molded a maple leaf using air-dry clay, allowed it to dry, and then painted it red, creating a three-dimensional version of Canada’s national symbol.

🔬 Science and Food Exploration

We learned that maple syrup comes from maple trees.
The children tasted Canadian maple cream cookies, which they greatly enjoyed!

🎯 Outcome

Throughout the week, children explored Canadian culture, practiced greetings in a new language, strengthened their geography knowledge, and developed fine motor skills and creativity through hands-on activities.

📚 Lunchtime Storytime

Our kindergarten student Steven borrowed Canada fact books from the Olathe Library this week. The children enjoyed reading about Canada’s geography and history together. We are so proud of him!

🎵 Music

During this term, we are learning the following songs:

We continued practicing the Seven Continents Song, matching countries with their continents.
We learned the song “Hello Around the World.”

🔤 Language Focus: Letter Tt

Children practiced:

Tracing sandpaper letters while saying the sound aloud
Identifying words such as tent, tap, toy, and ten
Building simple Tt words with the Moveable Alphabet (tiger, telescope, turtle, tent)
Matching picture cards with vocabulary
📖 Reading Practice

Children continued early reading practice using Beginning Bob Books and selections from our Phonics Basic Reading Series (Levels A, B, and F).

- Montessori work in all areas, including mathematics, continued throughout the week.

🤸 Movement

This week, the children participated in a Montessori indoor movement activity designed to support whole-body development and balance. Children took turns participating, building self-control, focus, and coordination. Through these activities, children developed gross motor skills, balance and coordination, social skills, and a sense of accomplishment. The children participated with great joy, and the classroom was filled with smiles and laughter. We will continue to provide creative and joyful Montessori activities that support each child’s developmental stage.

🔎 Looking Ahead

Next week, we will continue our Countries Unit, focusing on the United States and the letter Uu.

Please stay warm, take care in the cold weather, and enjoy a cozy weekend with your family.

01/18/2026

This week in our classroom, the children explored Antarctica. We asked, “Where is Antarctica?” The children answered confidently, “Antarctica is at the bottom of the Earth!” Our children really know it well. They learned that it is a continent located in the south of the globe and discovered that penguins live there. We read books about Antarctica, completed three-part cards on Antarctic animals, counted and clipped penguin cards, and worked on tracing and coloring worksheets. The children also watched an educational video to learn more facts about Antarctica.

Art Craft: Penguin

The children learned about Antarctic penguins and the parts of a penguin. They glued pre-cut pieces and anatomy labels to make their penguins, adding googly eyes to complete them. They discovered that penguin wings are called flappers, the beak is called a bill, and that penguins have wings but cannot fly. The children carefully observed colors, shapes, and sizes, practiced fine motor skills, and explored their creativity while decorating their penguins. They were very happy to see their penguins completed, looking so pretty and cute. This hands-on activity was fun, engaging, and educational.

Science Experiment: Penguins in Ice

On Friday, the children participated in a science experiment with small penguins frozen in ice. They sprinkled salt on the ice and observed it melting. In the afternoon, they continued exploring by playing with ice and penguins, imagining Antarctica. The children pretended penguins were sliding and swimming while feeling how cold the ice was. It was a fun and engaging activity that encouraged observation, exploration, and scientific thinking.

Songs and Language

We continued learning the Seven Continents Song, matching countries with their continents. The words are:

Tell me the continents, tell me the continents, tell me if you can.
North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa
Don't forget Australia! Don't forget Antarctica!
Tell me the continents, tell me the continents, tell me if you can.

We also focused on the letter S, learning words like soup, sun, sock, and sack. Children traced the sandpaper letter S, practiced tracing words, and used picture cards to explore S words. Younger children built words starting with S, while older children created sentences and wrote them down.

Reading Practice

Children practiced early reading using Beginning Bob Books and selections from our Phonics Basic Reading Series (Level A, B, and F).

Movement Activity: Kicking the Balloon

Two balloons were placed in a long plastic tube, held at both ends by two children or the teacher. The children took turns lying on two rugs and kicking the balloons. This fun and active activity helped develop coordination, balance, and gross motor skills. The children were excited and had a lot of fun throughout the activity.

Montessori Work

We continued our work in all Montessori areas, including math, focusing on hands-on learning, observation, and practical life skills.

Next Week

Next week, we will begin our Countries Unit, learning about Canada and the letter Tt.

It is cold outside, so please make sure your child stays warm and safe, and brings the proper outerwear for going outside at school.. Have a wonderful weekend!

01/11/2026

We are excited to start the new semester and share with you the activities and learning experiences your children have enjoyed this week, along with updates on our expanded STEM and Montessori learning environment.

Weekly Theme: New Year

The children shared stories about their holiday breaks and how they felt returning to school. We discussed the meaning of “New Year” and asked "What does New Year mean?" The children responded with their thoughts:

“A new start.”
“A new beginning.”
How do people celebrate the New Year?

“Fireworks”
“Party”
“Countdown”
The children understood that the New Year represents a fresh start.

Calendar & Time Concept

We learned that a year consists of 12 months.
We explored the current year, 2026, and the month of January.
Children traced and colored the January calendar.
A year consists of 12 months, approximately 52 weeks, and 365 days. The children understood that each New Year represents a fresh start.

We reviewed our grace and manners from first semester and practiced taking turns and listening to each other.

Art Activity: New Year’s Handprint Craft (2026)

The children created handprint art using gold paint and added their own photos. Everyone enjoyed the activity, and the artworks turned out beautifully

Science: New Year’s Fizzing Confetti Experiment

Baking soda (scooped by the children) and pieces of glitter were placed in cups by Mrs. Mary, then vinegar (poured by the children) was added.
The children observed the fizzing reaction and explored the cause-and-effect relationship.
Learning Goals for the children for this activity included:

Observing cause and effect
Making predictions and thinking critically
Describing their observations in words
Building concentration and fine motor skills
Connecting celebration and science in a meaningful way
Montessori Guiding Questions:

“What do you think will happen?”
“Which part moves first?”
“How is it changing?”
“Why do you think it bubbled?”
Language Focus: Letter Rr

The children explored the letter Rr through a variety of activities:

Sandpaper Rr tracing while saying the sound aloud
Sensory activities using objects that start with R
Tracing and writing words such as ring, rat, rug, and rose
Moveable alphabet activities and matching picture cards
Younger children created and wrote words starting with R
Older children created sentences using words starting with R
Reading Practice

Children practiced early reading using Beginning Bob Books and selections from our Phonics Basic Reading Series (Level A, B, and Level F).

Music & Classical Rhythm

The children learned about classical rhythm and listened to "Ballade Pour Adeline" by composer Richard Clayderman, a world-famous French pianist known for blending classical and pop music. They expressed how the music felt slow and soft. They clapped and tapped their thighs in rhythm, enjoying the beautiful piano melodies.

STEM Learning & Montessori Connection

Our children are amazing learners with endless creativity and curiosity. This semester, we added more STEM materials and activities to encourage thinking and problem-solving.

The children:

Observe and learn from what others create
Try it themselves
Create something in their own way
Sometimes invent completely new ideas based on what they learned
This process naturally develops creativity, logical thinking, and perseverance.

STEM Connections Across Montessori Areas

Practical Life: Using tools and following steps → foundational engineering skills
Sensorial: Sorting, comparing, and observing → scientific thinking
Science: Experiments and exploration → understanding cause and effect
Math: Number sense, patterns, measurement → logical thinking
Language: Expressing ideas verbally and in writing → connecting STEM experiences to language
Geography & Culture: Learning about the world and nature → inquiry-based thinking
Outdoor Play: Problem solving and cooperation during physical activity → real-world STEM learning
Language Area Expansion / Library

We added a variety of new books to our Language area. Children choose and read books independently, enhancing their imagination and language skills, and connecting their STEM experiences to literacy.

Weekly Reflection

This week, the children had a wonderful time exploring the New Year theme and engaging in hands-on activities across art, science, language, math, and music. Outdoors, they actively participated in soccer and group games. Overall, the week provided meaningful learning experiences that supported their creativity, critical thinking, independence, and physical development.

Looking Ahead

Next week we will begin learning about the Seven Continents Around the World:

First continent: Antarctica
Next alphabet focus: Letter S

01/01/2026

May 2026 be a year of new growth and new heights.
We wish peace and joy to all MPO families and their homes.

12/24/2025

We sincerely thank everyone who has been with MPO throughout this year.
Wishing you a Christmas filled with love and happiness.

Merry Christmas 🎄

12/20/2025

🎄 Merry Christmas Celebration Week at Montessori Plus of Olathe

In honor of the winter holidays, we enjoyed a beautiful Christmas-themed celebration week, filled with faith, creativity, learning, and joy.

🎨 Art & Creative Activities

Water Painting on “Merry Christmas” Pictures

This week, the children carefully added color with water painting to pre-drawn “Merry Christmas” pictures. As they worked, they observed and praised each other’s efforts, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. Teachers also offered encouragement and positive feedback, helping the children build confidence. Through this activity, the children developed fine motor skills and control while experiencing pride, accomplishment, and the joy of showing kindness toward their peers.

Christmas Art Projects

Wooden Christmas Tree Ornament - The children painted wooden trees green, sprinkled sparkling glitter, and finished with a shining gold star on top. Everyone exclaimed, “Wow, it’s beautiful!” — showing pride and a strong sense of accomplishment.
Snowman Ornament - Each child created a snowman ornament by gluing their own photo onto the snowman’s face. These adorable keepsakes brought lots of smiles and laughter.

✝️ Christmas Bible Lesson (Montessori Style)

We shared a Christmas Story, presented gently and simply following Montessori Christian principles.

Lesson Focus

Learning the meaning of “Merry Christmas”
Understanding that Christmas is a time to share love, kindness, and joy
Listening quietly and reflecting with wonder
The Christmas Story

Mary and the angel’s message
Mary and Joseph looking for a place to stay
Baby Jesus born in the stable
The shepherds coming to worship
The wise men following the star
The children also practiced tracing activities, including: Mary, Joseph, the Bethlehem star, Baby Jesus, donkey, shepherds, and the three wise men.

Sequencing Activity

Children placed the Christmas story in order (1–6) using pictures, gluing carefully and working independently with focus.

🍪 Baking Cookies – Special Experience

Each child rolled out cookie dough and chose their favorite shapes to cut and bake. They were especially excited knowing they would gift the cookies to their beloved parents. These moments were filled with joy, love, and anticipation—a truly heartwarming experience.

🎉 Friday, December 19, 2025 – Christmas Party & Play Day

We enjoyed a fun-filled Christmas party and play day together!

Lunch favorite: Dinosaur chicken nuggets (everyone wanted more!)
Snack & lunch time were full of smiles and happy appetites
Lunchtime Storytime

We read many Christmas books, including native English Christmas stories.

📖 Reading Practice

We continued early reading using:

Beginning Bob Books
Phonics Basic Reading Series (Level A & F)
🎉 Romir and Amina successfully completed Level A and will begin Level B next.

The children are showing wonderful progress in blending sounds and early comprehension.

🎵 Music & Movement

Practiced the hymn “Away in a Manger” with motions
Reviewed songs learned this semester, including the USA 50 States Song
Children followed musical cues, developing listening skills, movement coordination, and geography knowledge.

Montessori Work Cycle

Children worked confidently across all Montessori areas:

Practical Life: pouring, spooning, cutting food, setting lunch
Sensorial: color tablets, sound cylinders, knobbed cylinders, pink tower, brown stair
Mathematics: number rods, bead work, 100 board
Geography: puzzle maps & globes
Grace & Courtesy: taking turns, polite greetings
✨ Our children are progressing beautifully in all areas.

Special Note for Parents:

Please continue practicing phonics sounds, reading books, and counting numbers at home—before bedtime or during the day.

Thank you for your continued support!

🎂 December Special Event

Thursday, December 18, 2025 – Vedansh’s Early Birthday Celebration

Thank you to all of our MPO families for being part of our Montessori community this semester. We truly appreciate each of you and the joy, curiosity, and love of learning that every child brings to school every day. We are so grateful for our families and we love you all!

❄️ Winter Break

December 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026
School resumes Monday, January 5, 2026

With gratitude and Christmas blessings,

Mary & Renee

Wishing you a joyful holiday season!