The garden is blooming and the children are too! Now that all the children have been introduced to the new classmates and environment, sincere and loving relationships are growing. Both Lauren and I are warmed to the core witnessing the tender interactions between the Babies and the Elders beginning to teach the Toddlers new ways of using tools and inviting them to snack. There is a lot of laughter going on these days and it truly is beautiful to be a part of.
Just like a three-to-six year old class, our young group has the same dynamics of: the Babies (the observers), the Toddlers (the creative problem solvers and engagers) and Elders (the inviters/ the teachers). Every one of the children has a vital role in the environment and I am thankful to offer the space for him/her to practice what it means to be a learner and teacher of this earth.
Birth-to-3 ages are when sensory exploration means everything to the developing individual!
Our inside classroom is a where we have focused on the process of learning how to practice inside movement, inside voice (slow and purposeful) so those close to us have space to concentrate and find continued comfort in one another and the environment. Our outside class is where we have larger-than-life movement and play! The outside class during our spring and summer months are where we absorb the senses of the earth. This means, we let them get messy!
Circle time songs and poems have continued to be a great way to end the day. ALL the children are very fatigued by the end of the school day and find great joy in listening (or participating in the case of some!). Here is a poem about squirrels and introduction to female/male (we do both versions for our girls & our boys) that brings the most joy from all the children (might be because we ham-it-up with body gestures):
Whiskey frisky hippity-hop
Up she climbs to the treetop.
Furly-curly, what a tail
Tall as a feather
Broad as a sail.
Where’s her (his) supper?
In a shell.
Snap-ity crack-ity, out it fell.
For fun, when you are feeling like being silly and free with your beloved wee one, turn the music up and sing/dance! Some of our most wonderful family moments have been introducing the boys to our favorite music and dancing and singing with them.
June Topics
The beginning of summer will mean lots of water pouring, plant care, and sea animal/sea life introduction and summer music. Please make sure to dress your child (footwear included) for the elements because we will continue to spend an hour or more outside each class day.
We will also continue our work with Left/Right, scavenger hunts for class materials, eye spy games for animals in our garden and parts of flowers and insects.
Reminders
Thursday June 16 5:30pm-7pm Montessori In Your Home: Practical Tips On Peaceful Living In Your Home.
Please get childcare for this time and come on your own or with partner to learn about how you can create a more functioning environment for greater family harmony as well as space to check-in and ask questions/ feel support from our school community. Light refreshments will be offered.
