Mrs. Sargeant: Friday Folder Fun Facts

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

As adults, we must remember that we want things done as quickly as possible so they are finished and out of the way. In contrast, the child is interested and content in the doing, not the done.” –Margaret Stephenson, The Art of Montessori in the Home.

Every Friday we send home the blue folders that contain the work the children have completed over the past week. We often receive emails asking why there was so little work inside and what exactly the children are doing.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to accept the idea of focusing on the process, not the product. What exactly does that mean? Many works in the Montessori classroom do not end with a physical product the children will bring home to share with everyone. There is often no way to visually assess what a child is learning. Overall, as a society, we are product-driven and often base our success on this factor. The experience a child has when working with the materials is truly what is most important. However, it can often be unsettling when you hear they did “nothing” day after day.

Research shows children ages three to six learn best through their hands. To truly understand a concept, they need to explore it through touch. This is why so many lessons in the Montessori environment are not based on memorization alone. Most concepts we teach involve tracing, manipulating, and exploring with their hands. Perhaps most importantly, focusing on the process protects the child’s intrinsic motivation to learn and understand. External factors such as recognition, praise, or reward do not influence it. We truly value and encourage the time and experience with the materials.

So, if your child’s folder comes home with little to no work, know that their accomplishments can’t always ‘fit’ in that folder. Maybe after weeks and weeks of trying, they learned how to zipper their coat, or perhaps they can finally carry a work without it dropping. Maybe after observing a lesson day after day, your child tried it independently for the first time. The list of skills each child can accomplish will never be fully represented in the Weekly Folder. So please enjoy the work in there, but know it will never be an accurate portrayal of all the children are learning and accomplishing.

Wishing you all a wonderful week,

Christine & Fatima

We look forward to seeing you at Parent-Teacher Conferences on October 25. Please sign up for your conference here.

Mrs. Sargeant: One Step at a Time

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

 

We know it takes time for the new rhythm of school days to become familiar. So, while taking one step at a time, we are slowly building the foundations for a smooth, exciting school year.

In just a few short days, we as a class are learning:

  • how to navigate our way around the environment
  • how to wait for a lesson
  • the routines of our school day
  • how to prepare for snack and lunch independently
  • about being part of a large group meeting by listening and sharing
  • care of self and care of the environment

Our older friends have been role models for our younger friends. It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to be leaders. Despite being new to the classroom themselves, they have accepted this new responsibility with excitement and confidence.

A question we frequently hear from parents is, “What can I do at home to help my child be successful at school?” One way to do so is to guide your child to become as independent as possible. Your child’s age and ability guide this independence so there are no hard and fast rules to follow. A few important areas to focus on are setting up and cleaning up their lunch, putting on and taking off clothing and shoes, toileting themselves, packing and unpacking their backpacks, and carefully putting their toys away when they are done. This process is also one step at a time.

Here’s to new beginnings and a peaceful, fun school year for everyone!

Wishing you all a week filled with peace and love!

Christine & Fatima

Mrs. Sargeant: Swinging Into a New Year!

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

Welcome to a new school year!  We know that the phase-in schedule can be challenging to manage, but it does allow us to set the tone for the year. We are grateful for your patience and understanding. While it was a busy week, it was a very successful one!

In just a few short days, the children are beginning to learn how to navigate the environment and the routines of our day. This is a work in progress and constantly evolving over the year. We had a very smooth start, and we are so excited to be part of this journey with all of the children and all of you!

The adage “a picture speaks a thousand words” comes to mind when you see all the smiles on each child’s face.

Thursday, September 26th, from 5:30-7:00, is Curriculum Night. This is a great time to spend some time in our classroom and get a sneak peek into how our days are spent. We will discuss each area of the classroom, the structure of our days and have some time to answer all of your questions.

We look forward to seeing everyone!

As a gentle reminder, to streamline our dismissal process, please stay in your car while a teacher brings your child over. The teacher will assist the child in the car. Please pull forward to the gravel area at the front of the building before exiting the car and buckling your child in. Thank you for your help!

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Sargeant & Ms. Tima

Dismissal Reminder
Thank you for adhering to your assigned arrival and dismissal times to help arrival and dismissal run smoothly and to reduce your time waiting in line. 

  • Toddler: arrival-8:30, dismissal-2:45
  • Primary: arrival-8:20, dismissal-3:00
  • Elementary: arrival-8:10, dismissal-3:10
  • Middle School: arrival-8:00, dismissal-3:10

Families with children at multiple levels can arrive at the oldest child’s arrival time and dismissal time.

Please form only one line in the morning when dropping off, leaving the left lane open for toddler families to pull through.

In the afternoon, please form only one line on the left before 3:00, leaving the right lane open for toddler families to pull through. Starting at 3:00, form two lines. 

Mrs. Sargeant: Summer is here!

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

I guess it’s true what they say, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” What an incredible school year we have had with your children. Thank you! We feel so lucky to have spent our days with such an incredible bunch of kids. They have kept us on our toes, made us laugh, and reminded us how fortunate we are to be a part of their first school experience. The transformation in toddlers is so amazing to witness during the course of the school year. 

It has been a busy week. The squirrels continue to eat from our birdfeeder. We witnessed what appeared to be a squirrel squabble over which squirrel was going to eat their lunch first. It is fun to watch the children’s reactions. Some children were concerned that the squirrels would take all the food from the birds. Others watched in awe, observing the squirrels’ every move. And others belly-laughed in delight as they observed. We really have so much fun!

We celebrated our friend Emma’s upcoming big move to Germany. The children learned that her family will take an airplane to their new home. We looked at photographs of Germany, and we ate pretzel bites (cupcakes, too). We told the children that when they miss their friends this summer, that they could draw pictures for them and ask their parents to send them, either by text, email, or mail. 

We also celebrated the last week of school by enjoying some orange cake pops that our friend Oscar so thoughtfully shared with all of us!

Another huge highlight of our week was that Margot became a big sister! We were all so thrilled to hear her news! Congratulations, and welcome to the world, sweet baby!

This is it, the last weekly update for this school year. Have a wonderful summer. Enjoy it because time really does fly! See you soon.

Peace & love, Christine & Lizette

Mrs. Sargeant: A Peek at the Week

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

As we conclude the school year with our toddlers, we reflect on the joy and liveliness they have brought to every moment. Observing the emergence of four painted lady butterflies from their chrysalises, we were reminded of the incredible process of metamorphosis. This transformation beautifully mirrors the growth of our young students. Just as a butterfly spreads its wings for the first time, our toddlers are beginning to explore their world with newfound confidence and curiosity.

A visit from a squirrel to our bird feeder delighted our young students, who expressed their excitement with joyful squeals. Additionally, we enjoyed a food-tasting experience featuring sweet, juicy watermelon, which was a delightful treat for everyone.

Wishing your families an enjoyable week,

Christine & Lizette

Mrs. Sargeant: A Peek at the Week

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

This week has been delightful. From our window, we spotted two pileated woodpeckers in the woods. We’ve been patiently waiting and quietly watching for birds to visit our new window bird feeder. We’ve seen a few cardinals, sparrows, and other beautiful birds waiting in the nearby bush, observing us as we observe them. One day, the children were absolutely convinced they had heard an owl. Their sheer excitement and awe were contagious!

This week, the children tasted rhubarb, and most seemed to enjoy its tartness. They also had a lot of fun simply saying the word “rhubarb.” We danced around the room as we listened to Laurie Berkner’s catchy song about rhubarb pie. 

We also tasted seedless mandarins, which every child enjoyed. The children were then free to choose the mandarin peeling activity. In addition to mandarin peeling, we had a cucumber-cutting activity available to the children this week since they were all so keen on the cucumbers we tried a few weeks ago. In our Montessori toddler classroom, the excitement around food preparation activities is palpable. With eager anticipation, children embrace the opportunity to take charge of creating their own snacks. This newfound independence not only fills them with pride but also nurtures their self-confidence. Engaging in these multi-step activities they not only satisfy their hunger but also strengthen fine motor skills.

Each morning, many of the children’s first order of business is to check on our chrysalises. We are looking for any slight changes and eagerly awaiting the magical metamorphosis that will take place.

We are looking forward to sharing our symbolic “Bridge Crossing” event with all of you on Friday, June 7th from 10-10:30.

Here’s to a reflective Memorial Day weekend. Enjoy the extra day with your families.

Christine & Lizette

Mrs. Sargeant: A Peek at the Week

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

“Learning to use the toilet is a natural process that begins when your child’s desire to be grown up and his neurological development have reached the point where he can control his bladder and bowels. We don’t train children to use the toilet, we support them when they are ready.” (How to Raise an Amazing Child: The Montessori way to bring up caring confident children, by Tim Seldin)

With summer being just around the corner, we have received a few questions about toilet learning. Here are some Montessori tips:

-Once the child is showing interest in using the toilet, the bathroom can be set up to give the child as much independence as possible. Keeping a supply of dry clothes in the bathroom is convenient. Consider a stool so that the child can reach both the toilet and sink. Rags for cleaning up can be helpful.

When a child has involvement in the process, the child has ownership of the process too, not the adult.

-Incorporate using the toilet into the child’s routine. Invite them to sit on the toilet upon waking, before going out, after lunch, etc. 

-Choose clothing that supports independence.  Clothing needs to be easy to put on and take off. Bottoms need to be loose-fitting to make it easier to independently pull up and push down (i.e., no skinny jeans). Elastic waistbands are great.  Your toddler also needs to be able to remove clothes quickly to make it to the toilet in time. It can be difficult to push clothes down quickly if they are too small/tight or if there are buttons, snaps, or buckles to undo first. 

–Because children are in control of whether or not they use the toilet, the language you use with your child is very important. The goal is to empower them and their growing desire for independence without starting a power struggle or inadvertently causing feelings of shame or failure.

When they don’t make it in time…
If a child becomes wet, stay calm and reassuring. For example, you might say, “I see you are wet. Let’s go get some dry clothes.”  Your child can get them from the supply in the bathroom and even help wipe the floor and wash their hands. Let them change at their own pace and provide help if they ask or if they are overwhelmed.

It is important to create a supportive, respectful environment that encourages your child’s natural progression toward toilet independence. We are always happy to answer questions or offer guidance with toileting.

Highlights from our week:

The caterpillars have started to form chrysalises. The children have been very excited to observe the changes. We can’t wait to see what will happen next!

We explored kiwi this week as our Food Tasting experience. It was well-received!

We’ve been learning the names of birds and insects.

We celebrated a friend’s 2nd birthday and read one of his favorite books, Dragons Love Tacos. Then we shared a special birthday snack of Milano cookies. 

It was a great week! Enjoy the weekend with your families. 

-Christine & Lizette

Mrs. Sargeant: A Peek at the Week

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

It has been an exciting week as we have welcomed 5 painted lady caterpillars into the classroom. The children have been eager to check on their progress each day. Caterpillars are voracious eaters and have grown significantly since they arrived in their cup, complete with food. The caterpillars will molt several times before they’re fully grown and ready to form chrysalises. Painted lady caterpillars spin silk to help support and protect themselves. They will hang upside down in a “J” shape when they’re ready to pupate or form a chrysalis. Then, we will wait for the butterflies to emerge! We are so excited in anticipation of this incredible metamorphosis! 

We shared a familiar vegetable this week for our Food Tasting experience. It has dark green skin on the outside, it’s whitish green on the inside, and it has seeds that we can eat. We can peel this vegetable or eat it with its skin. It grows in a garden, and it’s crunchy. Did you guess cucumber? Nearly all the children enjoyed it and asked for more.

Heartfelt thanks to all of you and your children for the special drawings, cards, flowers, and treats this week. We are so grateful. Your thoughtfulness truly made us feel appreciated. Thank you!

Wishing all the moms a Happy Mother’s Day. We hope you all enjoy the weekend.