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

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

This week was full of joyful seasonal learning in our toddler community! Autumn offers so many natural opportunities for hands-on exploration, and the children embraced every moment.

We kicked things off with a pumpkin-picking adventure right here at school. Toddlers were invited to walk through our mini pumpkin patch, choosing a pumpkin of their own. It was wonderful to see the independence and pride as each child carefully selected one — big, small, bumpy, smooth — all perfect in their eyes.

We also enjoyed a special treat as the older students led a Halloween parade. Our toddlers watched with wide eyes and big smiles as costumes and music filled the air. Experiences like this gently introduce our younger learners to community traditions and help them feel connected to the larger school environment.

Back in the classroom, we moved from observing to creating! Each child had the opportunity to paint their pumpkin, exploring color, texture, and process at their own pace. True to Montessori principles, we focused on independence and creativity — little hands worked hard, and the results were both beautiful and joyfully unique.

This week reminded us how magical the world is through a toddler’s eyes. Thank you for sharing these moments with us and for supporting your children as they explore, discover, and grow!

With Full Hearts,

Ms. Mollie and Ms. Lizette

As we move closer to Halloween, the excitement is in the air! The children are enjoying festive crafts, songs, and stories that celebrate imagination and creativity in a gentle, joyful way.

I also want to take a moment to thank all of our wonderful parents for taking the time to meet with me during parent-teacher conferences. These conversations are so valuable—they allow us to work together to support each child’s growth and celebrate their individual progress. Your partnership truly enriches our Montessori community here at Fraser Woods!

Here’s to a season of discovery, gratitude, and joyful learning! 🍂🎃

With Full Hearts,

Ms. Mollie and Ms. Lizette

Fall has arrived on our Fraser Woods campus, and our toddlers are soaking up every bit of it! The crisp air, the colorful leaves, and the soft sunlight make this such a magical time to explore. Each day, the children head outside ready for discovery—collecting acorns, crunching through piles of leaves, and noticing how the wind makes everything dance around them.

In Montessori, we often say that “play is the work of the child,” and it’s something we see so clearly this time of year. What may look like simple play—carrying a basket of leaves, sweeping the deck, or pouring water for a friend—is actually deeply purposeful work. Through these small tasks, the children are strengthening their coordination, independence, and concentration.

Inside our classroom, the fall theme continues! The shelves are filled with warm colors and natural materials that invite hands-on exploration. The toddlers have especially loved washing pumpkins, sorting tiny wooden pumpkins, and arranging leaves they’ve collected during outdoor time. These activities help them practice fine motor skills while also connecting them to the beauty of the season.

What I love most is watching how the children enjoy these moments together—sharing their discoveries and helping one another with a task. Their joy and curiosity remind us that learning doesn’t just happen at a table; it happens through movement, exploration, and connection with the world.

As we continue through this beautiful season, we’re so grateful for the opportunity to slow down, notice nature’s changes, and see fall through the eyes of our toddlers—full of wonder, work, and play!

With Full Hearts,

Ms. Mollie and Ms. Lizette

Hello Fall!

This week, our classroom welcomed the cozy season of fall! The children have been observing the changing colors outside and exploring nature through all their senses — crunching leaves, smelling cinnamon, and noticing how the air feels cooler.

We also celebrated a class birthday! In true Montessori tradition, we gathered for a simple celebration. The birthday child walked around the “sun,” holding the globe to represent another trip around the sun. The children loved singing and enjoying a birthday treat.

To continue our fall theme, we baked pumpkin bread together! The children practiced practical life skills — scooping flour, stirring the batter, and carefully pouring ingredients. The classroom and school smelled amazing, and everyone was so proud to taste their work.

Fall is such a wonderful time for hands-on learning and connection. We can’t wait for more cozy, joyful moments ahead!

With Full Hearts,

Ms. Mollie and Ms. Lizette

 

This week has been a great week of getting back to what we love to do in our classroom! Montessori encourages purposeful movement, and walking together — noticing the colors of the trees, the shapes of the clouds, and the tiny ants carrying crumbs — became an unplanned nature lesson. The world is always offering something to learn if we slow down enough to see it.

The calm, focused energy that filled the room reminded me of the deep work children are capable of when they’re trusted and given the space to choose.

We got back to baking, our favorite thing to do together. We shared slices of the banana bread we made that morning. Still warm, a little crumbly, and perfectly imperfect. We didn’t need a special occasion — the joy was in the doing. The process was the celebration.

In Montessori, we talk a lot about following the child, but today I was reminded how often the child leads us back to what matters most: presence, purpose, and peace in the everyday moments.

With Full Hearts,

Ms. Mollie and Ms.Lizette

We are very excited to share that Miss Mollie is back with us this week! She has seamlessly blended into the classroom as if she’s been here since the start of the year. Her presence has brought so much joy to our space, and it’s been wonderful to see how naturally she connects with the children.

This has truly been one of our best weeks yet — filled with smiles and very few tears. We continue to model kindness and respect within our classroom community, and we’re so proud of the children’s growth in these areas.

As Dr. Maria Montessori said, “Respect all the reasonable forms of activity in which the child engages and try to understand them.” We hold this belief at the heart of our approach — recognizing and honoring each child’s unique pace and way of engaging with the world.

A heartfelt thank you to all the parents for continuing to support our efforts — especially when it comes to encouraging respect for the environment. Simple habits like cleaning up after themselves and eating while seated at the table go a long way in creating a safe and respectful space for everyone. As we like to say, “Tummy to table — we sit while we eat!”

Thank you for your continued support!