Mrs. Hood: Band time!

Posted on by Andrea Hood

Maria Montessori used the scientific method to study children’s natural learning processes. She found that the child absorbs the culture they are in effortlessly and without fatigue between the ages of birth – six. Whatever the child is exposed to is internalized by the child and accepted into the child’s own being, imprinted on their soul. If a child is surrounded by music, the child will be a musical person. If a child hears their parents singing, the child will sing. If a child sees their parents dancing, the child will dance.

She called this the child’s “Absorbent Mind.”

In our environment, children are exposed to meaningful music experiences every day. Whole-body movement songs, singing, finger-plays, and instrument times are always part of our morning routine. There is a shelf exclusively for musical instruments, and these get rotated during the year so children learn the names of the instruments they are playing, and they learn how to play them properly. One main part of our group music lessons includes grace and courtesy. Through this, the children learn to recognize the importance of being polite and waiting until everybody gets their instrument before selecting a song and grabbing their instrument to play! This is a great exercise, especially for toddlers who tend to be so impulsive, but we are happy to report they all are so capable at this!  Children are directed to recognize hand gestures for tempo, dynamics, and their favorite: the closing of the song. They all love to hold their fists up and watch how everybody’s instrument stops at the same time! Their smiles say it all! We call this our “band time.”

As always, we had fun exploring food, and this week, we enjoyed some delicious avocados! We also spent meaningful time outdoors enjoying this beautiful spring weather, from feeling the soft breeze and warmth of sunny days to having a blast and getting soaked while jumping in puddles under the soft rain!

Lastly, children explored the color orange this week by mixing yellow and red paint in the easel, playing games around the classroom to look for orange objects, and talking about the different orange objects they chose to bring for Sharing Time! We had great fun!

Enjoy the  weekend,

Mrs. Andrea and Ms. Mollie

Mrs. Wilson: Here, Birdy Birdy! Oh Hello, Muddy Puddles!

Posted on by Cynthia Wilson

Our week was full of fun experiences. We kicked off the week by taking advantage of the beautiful weather and spent some quality time outside, enjoying the warmth of the sun and soaking up some vitamin D. I introduced the children to the Pikler Triangle, and they had a blast climbing it as far as they felt comfortable. Some climbed only a few rungs or up the ramp while others were ready to climb up and over. I must say, they were all quite impressive!

On Thursday, we had a super fun activity where the children painted white cardboard tubes to make binoculars. We headed outside to see if we could spot any birds, but unfortunately, we only saw a couple of birds that flew away quickly to avoid getting wet from the rain. But you know what? The children didn’t mind at all because they found lots of muddy puddles in our driveway! We put the binoculars away and jumped and splashed in the puddles until our clothes were completely soaked. What a great time we had!

Food Tasting: This week, the children had the opportunity to taste garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas, in three different ways. First, they tried the garbanzo beans as they are, then they all tasted it as hummus, and finally, they tried them toasted. The children seemed to enjoy the different varieties.

As we head into the warmer weather, I just want to remind you that even in the rain, we’ll still be going outside, so please send your child in with rain boots and a raincoat on rainy days. Can’t wait to see what next week brings!

Mrs. Sargeant: A Peek at the Week

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

 

This week, many of our discussions revolved around instilling a deep respect for books. We have placed a few regular books onto the bookshelf, (as opposed to board books) and have discussed the importance of caring for them tenderly. As always, we’d love it if this could be reinforced at home. 

In addition to books, your children love music! As soon as we finish singing one song, their symphony of “more, more, more” begins. I will attach one of their recent favorites, called These Are My Glasses, by Laurie Berkner. The children love to open and close their imaginary book.

Additionally, we’ve delved into the world of yoga, exploring various poses together, fostering mindfulness and relaxation.

The children explored the versatility of chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans. They eagerly embraced the experience, delighting in the chance to spread hummus onto pita bread. 

We all enjoyed the rejuvenating spring weather this week on the playground. We took a walk and found buds growing on trees, as we discussed the change of seasons. 

We are looking forward to the week ahead! Christine & Lizette

Mrs. Wilson: Toileting in the Montessori Classroom

Posted on by Cynthia Wilson

Maria Montessori discovered that children have sensitive periods during their development. These are specific time frames when children are particularly open to learning certain skills or concepts. During these periods, children become highly focused, repeat activities, and show a strong inclination toward specific tasks. For toddlers, the most prominent sensitive periods are related to order, movement, language, independence, and socialization. 

During the sensitive period for independence, toddlers tend to crave autonomy. They feel the need to do things by themselves and assert their budding sense of agency. This is an excellent opportunity to encourage self-help skills, such as feeding, dressing, and toileting independently. 

In our classroom, we have children at different stages of toilet training. While some have almost mastered it, others are showing only slight interest. As a prepared environment, we have set up child-sized toilets and sinks that encourage most toddlers to take control of their own needs. 

Toilet training is not just about learning how to use the toilet; it also involves developing self-care skills and building confidence. Our role is to guide and support children, encouraging them to take the lead in their toileting journey. During a child’s early years, they can control three things: eating, sleeping, and toileting. 

Here are some ways to assist your child with toilet training at home: 

  1. Stand up diapering and allow the child to be a part of the process. 
  2. Offer the toilet at every diaper change. Use opportunities for natural motivation (e.g., we are going to use the toilet before going outside).
  3. Dress your child in loose clothing, especially elastic waistband pants without buttons that allow the child to push down and pull up successfully. 
  4. Avoid using negative connotations (e.g., stinky, dirty, accidents, etc.).
  5. Become familiar with your child’s elimination patterns.
  6. Follow the child.

Food Tasting: While creating the food-tasting schedule, I included new foods we don’t usually have. Typically, we only stick to fruits and vegetables, which we show both whole and cooked. We will taste black beans, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), and green and black olives for the next three weeks.

This week, the children tasted cooked black beans. Most of the children liked black beans.

And one last message……

With the Gala just around the corner on April 27th, we can’t wait to see our families there, adding to the warmth and love of the evening. Sara and I will be there, shining bright and ready to hit the dance floor. But what would truly make the evening complete is having you there with us.

If you haven’t already secured your ticket, consider this a friendly reminder to do so by April 22nd. Trust us, you won’t want to miss out on this extraordinary event. It’s not just a Gala; it’s a celebration of community, togetherness, and the bonds that unite us.

So, mark your calendar, dust off your shiniest attire, and get ready to join us for a night to remember. Let’s make memories together at the Gala!

http://fraserwoods.com/auction

A message from Middle School: Order your 8th-grade-designed 2024 FWM sweatshirt ASAP! Orders close on April 27! Click here to order.

Love and Light,

Cynthia and Sara

Mrs. Hood: Sharing Time!

Posted on by Andrea Hood

In recent weeks, we’ve witnessed a blossoming of language in our classroom that’s been truly remarkable. Children are eagerly sharing stories, crafting narratives, posing thoughtful questions, and engaging in conversations with their peers like never before.

In response to this wonderful surge in vocabulary and communication skills, we introduced a cherished activity this week: Sharing Time! Personally, I adore this activity as it offers your child a platform to nurture their expressive language abilities. Through Sharing Time, they’re learning to organize their thoughts coherently, select appropriate words, and articulate their ideas clearly—an invaluable skill set they’re already mastering with such enthusiasm!

But the benefits extend far beyond language development. Sharing Time is also a powerful confidence booster. As children share snippets of their world with each other, they bask in the attention of their peers, realizing that their stories matter and that others are genuinely interested in what they have to say. Witnessing their beaming faces as they take their turn to share and seeing how proud they are is truly priceless. And let’s not forget the coveted teacher’s chair—the ultimate symbol of importance in their eyes!

Moreover, Sharing Time serves as an early foray into public speaking, fostering confidence in a nurturing and familiar setting. It’s a joy to watch as children hone their receptive language skills, attentively listening to and comprehending their friends’ words.

As Guides, we treasure Sharing Time as a window into your child’s world—a chance for us to observe and assess their speech and language skills, social interactions, emotional needs, independence levels, and self-esteem while also gaining insights into their interests and passions.

We’re grateful for your continued support and for the thoughtful notes you send along in your child’s bag. They provide invaluable prompts for meaningful conversations.

And speaking of community support, the much-anticipated FWM Gala is just around the corner! We’re eagerly anticipating the opportunity to connect with all of you, indulge in delicious food, and hit the dance floor for some fun-filled moments. If you haven’t secured your tickets yet, there’s still time—let’s make this event one to remember!

A message from Middle School: Order your 8th-grade-designed 2024 FWM sweatshirt ASAP! Orders close on April 27! Click here to order.

In the meantime, enjoy a glimpse of our week through some pics.

Warm regards,

Mrs. Hood and Ms. Mollie

Mrs. Sargeant: A Peek at the Week

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

We made the most of the rainy days this week. We played in the gym, in addition to a few rainy walks outdoors. We were inspired by one of our favorite books, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, to sing our song as we walked and were delighted to stumble upon the bear on the front lawn! How exciting! On the warm days, we were all thrilled to be outside on the playground without any coats!

We tried black beans this week, and almost all the children loved them. We looked at pictures of them in pods and sprouting. 

Grace and courtesy are fundamental parts of the Montessori curriculum. In short, this means teaching children to be respectful, kind, and empathetic; it is all about helping them understand how to be polite. Table manners are a grace and courtesy lesson that we have the opportunity to work on daily. 

Modeling appropriate table manners is key. We only eat food at the table. We model how to use utensils, chew with mouths closed, and how to ask for more food. We use placemats at lunchtime, set the table with either flowers or candles (flameless at school!), and play peaceful music. Mealtime is also a wonderful time for vocabulary enrichment. There are many adjectives to use in describing their food and beverages! 

Here are some ideas to keep in mind to encourage proper table manners at home:

-Prepare the environment: Set up a child-sized table and chair where your toddler can comfortably sit and reach their plate and utensils. Ensure that everything they need, such as napkins and water, is accessible to them.

-Involve them in meal preparation: Encourage your toddler to participate in meal preparation activities appropriate for their age, like washing fruits and vegetables or setting the table. This instills a sense of ownership and respect for the mealtime process.

-Teach basic etiquette: Use simple language to explain basic table manners, such as saying “please” and “thank you” and using napkins.

-Encourage self-serving: Provide small pitchers or bowls of food and allow your toddler to serve themselves. This promotes independence and develops fine motor skills.

-Maintain a positive atmosphere: Mealtime should be a pleasant experience, so create a calm and inviting atmosphere free from distractions like electronic devices. Engage in conversation and enjoy the opportunity to connect with your toddler.

See you all next week! Christine & Lizette 

PS. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets to the gala! We hope everyone can make it. The last day to get your tickets is April 22nd. Purchase tickets here.

A message from Middle School: Order your 8th-grade-designed 2024 FWM sweatshirt ASAP! Orders close on April 27! Click here to order.

Mrs. Sargeant: A Peek at the Week

Posted on by Christine Sargeant

We celebrated another birthday this week! This time we shared a special snack of delicious chocolate chip cookies and read one of the birthday girl’s favorite books, Little Blue Truck’s Springtime,  which the children have continued to enjoy all week long. It was a lovely celebration for our sweet friend. 

Food tasting was a huge hit this week. We tried golden berries. Golden berries belong to the nightshade family and are native to Chile and Peru. They are closely related to the tomatillo with a sweet, tropical taste somewhat reminiscent of pineapple and mango. I was trying this fruit for the first time along with many of the children, which was exciting. Such an interesting fruit with an impressive nutrient profile!

We continue to encourage the children to “catch” their cough with their elbow. We’d love your help to encourage this at home as well. We also walk each child through the steps of washing their hands at the sink. First, they roll up their sleeves (most need help with this). Then, they place one hand under the soap pump, and the other hand pushes the pump. We tell them that their hands will share the soap, and we show them how to rub their palms together and look for the bubbles, then show them how to rub the tops of each hand. As we show them how to rinse, we mention that we are cleaning some of the germs off our hands. Then, we show them how to use a towel to dry each hand. 

Wishing you all a happy weekend! 

Christine & Lizette

Mrs. Hood: Los pollitos!

Posted on by Andrea Hood

Toddlers are curious about the world around them and eager to learn new things. One educational topic that captures their imagination is the life cycle of living things! Teaching toddlers about life cycles has numerous benefits, including building scientific knowledge, fostering curiosity and wonder, enhancing vocabulary and language skills, encouraging hands-on learning, and instilling empathy and respect for nature.

Spring is the perfect season to introduce these concepts (even though winter had a sneaky appearance, huh?)! So, this week, we started our studies on the life cycle of a chicken! From interesting eggs to fluffy chicks to clucking hens, the journey of a chicken from egg to adult is a fascinating process that toddlers always seem to enjoy!

So far, we have focused on two concepts: chickens come from eggs, and a baby chicken is called a chick. Children enjoyed some short educational videos where they could observe the hatching process. The smiles on the children’s faces were so priceless.

To bring a real-life experience to this topic, we explored an egg as part of our food-tasting lesson. We introduced vocabulary words like shell, egg white, and yolk. Children seemed surprised to find “a yellow ball” -as one of the children called it-  inside the egg. Children were able to take their time and strengthen their fine motor skills by learning how to peel their eggs.  They seemed to enjoy cracking the egg and carefully peeling the shell. I encourage you to allow your toddler to practice this skill at home. It’s truly a great exercise! Peeling an egg requires coordination between the fingers and thumb. This can improve dexterity and precision in hand movements, plus it helps their patience and persistence tremendously! 😀 The children seemed to feel proud of themselves.

Some of the children didn’t find the sliminess of the boiled egg very attractive and didn’t want to taste the egg, but other children kept asking to repeat the activity and taste another egg. It’s always fun to observe how the children react to these sensory experiences and how their brain seems to work hard on classifying the textures and flavors of the food items we introduce. To reinforce the Spanish language, the children were also introduced to a fun Spanish song called Los Pollitos. In Spanish, the chicks say, “pio, pio,” instead of “chirp, chirp.” Just an interesting cultural bonus sent your way :). I hope you enjoy the song at the bottom of this note and practice with your children at home if you would like.

Based on our color studies, we introduced the concept of color mixing to the children this week. We gathered the children to circle and showed them what happens when you mix yellow with blue color. It was a magical moment! The children’s expressions were amazing! They couldn’t believe that we had made a new color. Their faces seemed to be in awe! Immediately, they were ready to take a turn at the easel and make the magic happen by themselves!

Lastly, we celebrated another 3-year-old birthday in our class! It’s always such a special day for all!

We hope you all have a wonderful weekend. If you are planning to visit a farm as a fun spring activity, please take the time to observe the chickens and talk with your toddler about what you see.

Best,

Mrs. Hood and Ms. Mollie