How do you know when your child is ready for something more? This has been the topic of observational interest for Lauren and I. Our children are all embarking on something new everyday and as they change, we parents/educators must adapt to their shift of needs, awareness and direction of interest.
Independence during these informative years is a key component in a child's exploration and understanding of the world.
- A fun recommended experience is to sit and quietly observe your child for 15-20 minutes. This can be seated or moving about to allow your child space to explore his/her activity without adult interruption. During this observation look for how your child processes and problem-solves situations as well as the method from which he/she uses materials/toys and environment. As a parent, my greatest moments of connectedness to my boys are when I sit and watch them play or work. I feel there is great loved shared when I am present with their work/play process yet not engaging or interrupting unless asked by them (Kai shows this through crawling to me or clapping this hands).
However we parents and educators can continue to respectfully offer as many daily routine experiences for our children that nurture independence, the more grounded/self assured people they will become. Cheers to you all!
April Topics
As the garden grows and the sun begins to show more and more, so do your children! In honor of Earth Day (celebrated on Friday April 22) we will sing our earth songs, act out our animal/plant finger plays and yoga stories and continue to explore the garden world.
This month and all spring/summer long we will talk more about insects (bees, butterflies) and birds. Work on the shelves will reflect this topic as well as loads of outside play and "I spy" games to seek out our important animal/insect life that help our earth so much.
Important Klahanie Nursery School News:
- We have new students and families to welcome in our school community! I will email everyone an updated contact sheet with all the student's ages so parents can contact one another for carpools, playdates or just fun family time. Welcome all and we feel deeply honored to have such amazing children and parents in our school community!
- Please review the updated snack calendar the end of this week to review changes.
- Please email or call me if your family is interested in a Parent Education Night which would be on a Thursday entitled "Montessori In Your Home." This would be a parent only hour/hour-half offering practical home ideas to nurture your child's independent spirit. Refreshments would be included here in the classroom.
