The first day of winter is almost here, and with it comes the magic of the holiday season! The long, dark days of winter provide the perfect backdrop for the bright and joyful traditions we embrace in our Montessori environment. These holidays don’t just bring twinkling lights and cheerful songs; they also serve as wonderful tools to engage our children, nurture a love of learning, and explore the passage of time and seasons. And let’s face it – who doesn’t need a little extra sparkle this time of year?
The joy begins with the holiday works that fill our shelves. One favorite activity has been placing tiny ornaments on our classroom Christmas tree. Watching the children carefully balance a sparkling ornament on the branches brings such delight, and it’s a fantastic way to build fine motor skills and concentration. Nearby, our Menorah work has inspired children to carefully place candles one by one, counting them as they go and learning a little bit about the festival of lights.
In the practical life area, holiday cheer has taken the form of spooning and transferring shiny jingle bells, colorful ornaments, and special Hannukah objects. The focus and pride the children exhibit as they master these tasks are heartwarming. Another crowd-pleaser? Flipping pretend latkes in a tiny pan! They love it!
Over at the playdough area, the creativity has been bubbling over as children “bake” their own Christmas cookies. Tiny hands press out shapes, sprinkle pretend toppings, and serve them with pride. This playful preparation complements our holiday card-making work, where the toddlers pour their hearts into crafting special greetings for loved ones. And, shh! The little ones are also working on a very special holiday gift – a keepsake we know you’ll treasure for years to come.
But what’s a holiday season without music? The classroom has been alive with the sounds of children playing instruments and dancing to their favorite tunes. Laurie Berkner’s “Candle Chase” and “Jingle Bells” have been in high demand (within others), inspiring both giggles and groovy moves. It’s hard not to join in the fun when the jingle bells come out, and the little ones start shaking them with all their might!
In the midst of all this festivity, one quiet yet captivating work has emerged as a favorite: water transferring with a dropper. This seemingly simple activity is a powerhouse for developing coordination and patience. We’ve overheard children coaching themselves, “squeeze, open,” as they master the delicate task of moving water drop by drop. The “woosh” of water filling the dropper and the gentle drip into the silver bowl never fails to bring smiles – and sometimes even fits of laughter! It’s a beautiful reminder that joy can be found in the simplest of moments.
And speaking of simple joys, our food-tasting activity this week featured cucumbers. From “Mmm, crunchy!” to “It’s cold and funny!” their reactions were as delightful as the exploration of this vegetable.
These experiences are about more than just fun (though there’s plenty of that!). They build skills, nurture independence, and foster a sense of community and wonder. As we navigate these long winter months, these joyful activities remind us to slow down, savor the moment, and find magic in the everyday.
Thank you for sharing your children with us this season. Their laughter and curiosity light up our days. We can’t wait for our holiday pajama celebration next week! Please feel free to send your child in pajamas on Thursday, December 19th, and thank you in advance for all your support in making this happen!
Here’s to a season filled with love, learning, and a little extra sparkle!
Mrs. Hood and Ms. Patty
For our food-tasting activity, we tried a lime this week. We were surprised by how much more sour it was than a lemon! Check out these priceless faces!
