With the arrival of snow and winter, comes outdoor, winter gear. The cubbies are bursting with heavy coats, snow pants, boots, hats and mittens. The children are having another lesson on organizing, sequencing and independence while the teachers are getting a workout before and after each recess. Twenty-four children getting themselves dressed with the end goal of getting outside to play truly is an amazing sight as it epitomizes how capable and autonomous they all can be!

At first circle the children gather to sing songs and see a presentation. Recently we have been singing songs about winter and snow. This morning we showed a work using play dough to build a snowman. The children watch quietly as the teacher shows how to build a snow man out of white playdough, pipe cleaners, buttons and a tiny hat. During this lesson the teacher presents series of the following skills; how to open a playdough container, how to ask for help, how to roll a bal

“Snow pants, boots, coat and hat, coat and hat. Snow pants, boots, coat and hat, coat and hat. The last things we put on are our mittens and our scarves. Snow pants, boots, coat and hat, coat and hat.” The children have been practicing this song to help them remember the order in which to put on their outdoor clothing. The song is sung to the tune of “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” and we encourage you to sing it with your child at home. For preschool age children, getting

Recently, the Kindergarten class participated in a class meeting on a Tuesday morning. The purpose of the class gathering together was to make our little community stronger and to discuss things that are happening in our classroom. This past week’s meeting focused on how we can all be helpers to one another. We talked about what being a helper means and what actions are helpful ones. The kids volunteered ideas such as helping a classmate roll up a work mat, teaching someone h

Raising a Thankful Child By Julie A. Reiss From NAEYC for Families As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, we may find ourselves reflecting more often on how to raise a thankful child. At first glance, parents might think about how to teach the social scripts of thank you. Should a 2-year old be forced to say thank you to Grandma for a gift? Should a 4-year old sign a thank you note for a birthday present? Should a 6-year old show appreciation for a large helping of spina

In the Practical Life area there are activities arranged to allow children to make independent work choices. On each tray is a complete activity. All items needed are neatly arranged on the tray for the child’s exploration. Some activities may need a lesson but most do not. A child can carry the pouring rice tray to a table and work independently. This prepared environment in which a child can freely choose their work was something that Montessori knew was essential in t

“Turkey, turkey, where’s your egg? Somebody took it from your nest. Guess who?” the children sang with delight on a Thursday afternoon during games day enrichment. The game is a Thanksgiving twist on the classic children’s game “Doggie, Doggie, Where’s Your Bone?” which the children have practiced playing earlier in the school year. Smiles and giggles filled the room as each child had a turn to take the egg (our ovoid geometric solid from the sensorial area) from the nest and

The globes came out on the geography shelf; they are intriguing as a part of our birthday circles, a representation of our earth and of course because they are shaped like the geometric solid, the sphere. The most common question around the globe (not including asking for help to get the globe back on the stand) is “where are we?” The children understand that we can find the area we live in on our globe. They have the language that we live in Maine and perhaps know the cit

A favorite Montessori blog, Trillium Montessori, recently posted a helpful list of ideas to encourage children to help around the home. Having your child do chores is an important expectation to have as a parent. Children who have basic chores that they are responsible for feel more connected to their family unit and to the home. They feel valued, empowered, and needed. Learning to do chores also teaches basic life skills, independence, and self-care. Even young toddlers can