This week’s cold weather has had us exercising all different kinds of skills! One of our Kindergarteners volunteered to teach the class how (and in what order) to get dressed for the snow. First snow pants, then boots, jacket, hat, and gloves! We discussed the importance of snow pants first and gloves last. How can we put our shoes on if we put our gloves on first?! Asking questions like these can help a child’s mind make sense of seemingly arbitrary systems we adults put into place!

In Early Childhood, “care of self” can often be the center of our days. Changing shoes and unpacking belongings from backpacks, finding snacks and water bottles and putting them in designated places, getting ready for the playground, packing up at the end of the day – even organizing and keeping track of work during the day are all skills children are learning! All of these things can set the mood for what is to come for a young child. In the Montessori Classroom, we try to provide scaffolding in a way where we, as adults, fade into the background, and the items with which the child must interact – are appropriately fitting/sized and in a place they can easily access in order to set them up for success. This is called “The Prepared Environment.” This is our work behind the scenes so that our children can thrive without us. It is such an important part of life!

Ways you can “prepare the environment” at home:

Have a designated spot for outdoor shoes and jackets that are at your child’s height,

Have a stool so children can have access to the toilet or sink so that they can be independent in bathrooming,

Have a floor bed or a bed that is low to the ground so children can start simple chores like making their own bed,

Have healthy snacks in a low drawer or cabinet that are always a “yes” snack that your child can get on their own,

“Help with your words” when you know your child is capable of doing something but needs a little outside support from a grownup.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Marissa & Sue

Children display a universal love of mathematics, which is par excellence the science of precision, order, and intelligence.”~ Dr. Maria Montessori

The Montessori math materials are visual and hands-on manipulatives, aiding in the ability of a child to understand mathematical concepts concretely. After many repetitions and when the child is ready, we introduce the more complex and abstract concepts. We teach the process first because the goal is to develop a true understanding of mathematical concepts and not simply memorization. The materials are sequenced in a way that each success a child experiences is a building block for the next concept to be introduced.

Maria Montessori believed that all children have a mathematical mind and an internal drive to understand the environment around them. We know that the Montessori math materials are exact and precise and allow the child to have positive experiences in math right from the beginning. We also know that the Practical Life activities have helped the child to develop order, concentration, coordination, and independence. Likewise, the Sensorial materials have allowed the children to recognize and extend patterns. Here’s the real secret behind the success of the Montessori math materials: the children truly enjoy them.

The Kindergarteners have started their daily Work Plans. We make a plan of all the work they need to practice for the week and word towards a goal each day. It is a great way (and a great time of year) to give our oldest students a guided checklist and a visual and tangible way of accomplishing goals! The younger students always watch our Kindergarteners with such admiration! It will be their turn one day.

Hope your week adds up to one filled with peace and love.

Warmly,

Marissa & Sue