Ms. Vicki’s Weekly Update

Posted on by Vicki Downs

This week, we introduced several new fall-themed materials to explore, including activities with warm colors, leaves, and seasonal objects.  The children were naturally drawn to the new trays and loved exploring what each one could do.  One of our most popular new choices was water transferring using a dropper.  The children practiced squeezing, releasing, and carefully moving water from one container to another.  We also introduced clothespin color matching.  The toddlers worked hard to open and close the pins using their fingers and match each pin to the correct colored space.  These activities support concentration, hand strength, and early pre-writing skills.  We also set up a dishwashing station.  They practiced scrubbing dishes with soap and water and a sponge.  This real, practical work helps build independence and focus.  There were lots of bubbles, messes, and smiles!

Reminders:

  • Tuesday, November 25th, is an early dismissal (11:30), and then we are off for Thanksgiving break.

Enjoy the pictures!

Mrs. Wilson: Bear, Squirrel, Moose Oh My!

Posted on by Cynthia Wilson

What a lovely and peaceful week we had in our classroom. After the excitement of last week’s activities, it felt refreshing to return to a familiar rhythm. Our only major event was the celebration of a special friend who turned three, which brought great joy to our community.

Throughout the week, we observed the children showing increasing independence as they selected work that captured their interest. Many were drawn to our woodland animal materials and enjoyed identifying animals such as the bear, moose, fox, beaver, and owl through our figure-to-picture matching work. The change in seasons also inspired the children to explore the falling leaves outdoors, taking time to notice and name their many vibrant autumn colors.

During our circle gatherings, the children continued to enjoy singing “Grey Squirrel, Grey Squirrel.” They took turns holding our classroom squirrel and offering it a gentle hug while participating in the song:

Grey squirrel, grey squirrel, swish your bushy tail.
Grey squirrel, grey squirrel, swish your bushy tail.
Crinkle up your little nose,
Hold an acorn between your toes.
Grey squirrel, grey squirrel, swish your bushy tail.

Our food-tasting experience this week introduced the children to cranberries. They listened closely as Mrs. Wilson bit into a raw cranberry so they could hear the distinct pop it makes. Each child was invited to taste the raw berry—crisp and tart—followed by a sample of sweet whole-berry cranberry sauce. To deepen their learning, the children discovered that cranberries grow in water called a bog. We then created our own cranberry bog in the sensory bin, where the children used scoops to collect the floating berries, combining sensory exploration with practical life skills.

Love and light,
Cynthia and Sara

Ms. Mollie: Being Present

Posted on by Mollie Smith

This week in our Montessori Toddler community, we focused on slowing down and finding calm in the simple routines of our day. Toddlers thrive when life moves at a peaceful, predictable pace, and we saw so many beautiful moments where children were truly present—whether carrying their work slowly across the room, pausing to observe a friend, or taking the time to complete a task with intention.

One of our highlights was introducing new Grace and Courtesy lessons centered around table manners. During snack and lunch, we practiced our “tummy to table, feet on the floor” posture—an important part of helping children feel grounded and ready to enjoy their meal. We modeled how to sit safely, use quiet hands, wait for a turn, and gently say “all done” and “may I please be excused” before leaving the table.

The children also practiced:

  • Wiping their spots when finished
  • Using polite language such as “please” and “thank you”
  • Waiting patiently while a friend finishes a turn.

These moments are small, but they are the building blocks of independence, confidence, and respect for self and others.

As we slow down together, we’re reminded that toddlers learn best when life is unhurried—and that even everyday routines can be opportunities for connection, care, and mindful presence.

With Full Hearts,

Ms. Mollie and Ms. Lizette

Ms. Vicki’s Weekly Update

Posted on by Vicki Downs

What a busy and exciting week we’ve had together!  Our toddlers explored so many new sights, sounds, textures, and tastes as we continued learning about fall and the world around us.

We spent some time experimenting with colors.  Using red and yellow paint, we mixed them together to see what would happen and discovered the beautiful fall color orange!  They loved watching the colors swirl and change right before their eyes.

We took a closer look at the inside of a pumpkin as well. The children used their hands to feel the squishy insides and find the seeds hiding inside. It was a great sensory experience to connect with the season.

This week’s food tasting included pomegranate seeds as well as raw and cooked broccoli. The children explored the textures and tastes and loved the pomegranate seeds!  Most of the children preferred the cooked broccoli over the raw.

We also had the opportunity to learn a little about Diwali, the Festival of Lights.  We watched a traditional dance, looked at bright and colorful decorations, and even tried a special rice dish.

To end the week, we had a special visit from the fire department! The children got to see a fire truck up close, go inside, and even take home their own firefighter hats.  It was such an exciting morning!

Reminders:

  • Check backpacks for notes letting you know if your children need more diapers or extra clothes.
  • The classroom door opens at 8:30, unless you have an older sibling (8:20) or have paid for early drop-off. Please adhere to that time, as we need time to prepare the classroom and for the children. We had a lot of children dropping off before 8:30 this week.

Enjoy all the pictures!

Mrs. Wilson: Hello November!

Posted on by Cynthia Wilson

What an eventful week we’ve had!

Our classroom has been transformed into a cozy, fall-inspired environment. The children have been busy exploring woodland animals and discovering items that symbolize the autumn season, such as colorful leaves, pinecones, and acorns.

In the Language area, the children are learning the names of common kitchen tools, such as a stockpot, frying pan, and various cooking utensils. They’ve even begun sorting utensils—just in time to help with Thanksgiving preparations!

We also had two special events this week. On Thursday, we enjoyed a Diwali presentation. The children listened to a story about Diwali read by some of the older students and watched a beautiful dance performed by Miss Paromita and several children. Afterward, they had the opportunity to taste delicious homemade rice and sweets prepared by families. Back in the classroom, the children used dot markers to decorate their own diyas.

On Friday, excitement filled the air as the Botsford Fire Department visited! Firefighter Ellway and Fire Chief Bill showed the children the firetruck, and everyone had a chance to sit inside. The children were fascinated watching the firefighter put on all of his gear.

For our Food Tasting this week, the children explored and compared red and green pears. The red pear was a new experience for Mrs. Wilson—and it was absolutely delicious!

Love and Light,
Cynthia and Sara

Ms. Mollie: Hello November!

Posted on by Mollie Smith

This week, our toddlers enjoyed learning about two very special themes — Diwali, the Festival of Lights, and Fire Prevention Week!

To celebrate Diwali, we explored light and color in true Montessori fashion. The children loved decorating paper diyas, using bright paints to make them shine. We read a simple story about Diwali and talked about how people celebrate with lights, family, and sweets. The children were fascinated by the idea of lighting lamps to bring happiness and kindness into our homes.

As part of Fire Prevention Week, we discussed ways to stay safe around fire in an age-appropriate way. We practiced how to “stop, drop, and roll” in our classroom, and we learned that firefighters help keep everyone safe. The highlight of the week was exploring pictures of fire trucks and using red and yellow paint to create our own “flames” art project.

Our classroom was full of light, color, and learning — a wonderful reminder of how curiosity and care can brighten our world. We also celebrated a friend’s birthday in the classroom, which was a hit!

With Full Hearts,

Ms. Mollie and Ms. Lizette

Ms. Vicki’s Weekly Update

Posted on by Vicki Downs

This week has been pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins!

It was so sweet to watch the older kids pull the toddlers around in the wagon, talking to them, as they made their journeys to the pumpkin patch! Once there, each child chose a pumpkin, and we even got to decorate them with finger paint.

New work in the room included pumpkin drawing and washing. We used markers to draw on the pumpkins and wet cloths to wash them clean. We also worked on pounding golf tees into a pumpkin to work on fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination.

Everyone enjoyed the special pumpkin doughnut and apple cider snack that we shared as a snack.

Reminders:

  • Please remember weather appropriate outerwear each day (sweatshirt, light jacket, heavy jacket).
  • Please keep children home when they are not feeling well. The germs spread very quickly in a toddler classroom.

Enjoy all the pictures!

Mrs. Wilson: Pumpkin Pumpkin Part Two

Posted on by Cynthia Wilson

This week, we continued our pumpkin exploration in so many delightful ways! From our very own pumpkin patch to tasting pumpkin treats, the children had the opportunity to experience pumpkins with all of their senses — touching, smelling, tasting, seeing, and even listening as we carved and scooped.

We began the week by transforming a tiny pumpkin into a jack-o’-lantern, which is named Pumpkin Jack. Pumpkin Jack will live in our classroom all year long — well, at least until he begins to sprout! When that happens, we’ll plant him outside to see if we can grow new little pumpkins from his seeds.

On Wednesday, we had our much-anticipated pumpkin patch adventure! The middle school students joined us to help pull the wagons and take the toddlers on a joyful ride around campus. We ended our journey at Fraser Farms, where each child explored and selected their own perfect pumpkin to take home. After a photo with their special pumpkin, the children climbed back aboard for another fun wagon ride before returning to the classroom.

Back in class, we carved a larger jack-o’-lantern, affectionately named Bucket by the children. To celebrate our pumpkin fun, we enjoyed a sweet treat and warm apple cider together — a cozy ending to a beautiful autumn day.

Our food tasting this week was all about pumpkin, too! With Ms. Sara’s help, the children prepared pumpkin bread and pumpkin soup. Both were absolutely scrumptious, and the children took great pride in helping make them.

We wrapped up our pumpkin season by attending the Halloween Parade hosted by the Lower Elementary through Middle School students. The children’s eyes lit up as they watched all the creative costumes and cheered with colorful scarves as the parade passed by. It was such a joyful way to end our month of pumpkin festivities!

A heartfelt thank you to all the families who contributed decorations, treats, and supplies — your support helped make this season so special for our toddlers.

With love and light,
Cynthia and Sara