Ms. Mollie: Listening, Observation and being Present.

Posted on by Mollie Smith

This week in our toddler community was a gentle one. While there may not be many photos to share, there were countless meaningful moments spent fully present with the children.

We noticed early on that the children were seeking more movement and fresh air, so we listened. By heading outside earlier in the day, we gave everyone the opportunity to ground, center, and reset. The cool air, open space, and natural rhythm of being outdoors helped regulate bodies and emotions, allowing the children to return inside feeling calmer and more connected.

Our days were guided by careful observation, watching how the children moved, how they communicated their needs, and how they responded to small adjustments in our routine. In Montessori, we follow the child, and this week was a beautiful reminder of how important it is to remain flexible and responsive.

These quiet days, filled with presence rather than documentation, are often the most meaningful. We are grateful for the time spent listening, observing, and supporting each child exactly where they are.

With Full Hearts,

Ms. Mollie and Ms. Lizette

Ms. Mollie: Hello January!

Posted on by Mollie Smith

Welcome Back After Winter Break

It has been such a joy to welcome the children back after our winter break. The classroom is once again filled with familiar faces, soft greetings, and the calm rhythm that comes from being together again. We’ve spent time reconnecting, reestablishing routines, and offering extra support as the children settle back into our days.

Winter Explorations

Our winter work has been centered around curiosity and sensory exploration. The children have been experimenting with watercolor paints, carefully brushing color onto paper and watching shades blend and flow. This work encourages creativity, concentration, and a sense of calm as children explore at their own pace.

We’ve also been learning about Arctic animals and talking about snow and winter weather. Through books, conversations, and simple activities, the children are building vocabulary and understanding while connecting the changes they see outdoors to what we discuss inside the classroom.

Movement and Regulation

Whenever possible, we’ve been taking long walks together. These walks give the children time to move their bodies, observe nature, and help regulate their nervous systems after the excitement of the holidays. Walking together offers moments of connection, conversation, and quiet observation.

Baking Together

Practical life continues to be a favorite part of our week. This week, we baked our forever favorite chocolate chip banana bread, allowing the children to participate in measuring, pouring, mixing, and waiting. Baking supports independence, coordination, and patience, and of course, it’s always rewarding to enjoy something we made together.

As we begin this new season, we are grateful to be back in community with your children. Thank you for your continued partnership and trust as we move gently through winter together.

With Full Hearts,

Ms. Mollie and Ms.Lizette

This Week in Ms. Vicki’s Class

Posted on by Vicki Downs

This week, we began learning about arctic animals and explored what snow is and what happens when it melts. The children were curious and engaged as we talked about winter weather in simple, hands-on ways. We even brought snow in from outside and watched it melt!

We introduced several new puzzles and color-matching activities. These works encouraged problem-solving, focus, and visual discrimination, and it was wonderful to see the children concentrating and celebrating their successes.

A new practical life activity this week focused on putting on and taking off mittens and gloves. This work supports independence and builds the fine motor skills needed for winter dressing. We are also practicing independently getting dressed in snow pants, jackets, and boots each time we go outside. The children are working so hard and growing more confident every day.

We’ve also been enjoying cooperative play using soft wool “snowballs.” The children worked together to roll them back and forth with friends, practicing turn-taking, coordination, and social skills, all while having lots of fun.

It’s been a wonderful week of winter learning, independence-building, and teamwork. We love seeing the children take pride in what they can do and support one another as they grow!

Mrs. Wilson: Welcoming Winter!

Posted on by Cynthia Wilson

Happy New Year to you all! The children returned from break beautifully—settled, ready to work, and happy to be back with their peers. They warmly welcomed our new friend, Miss Alex, and have been proudly teaching her about our classroom routines and expectations. We also celebrated our first birthday of the new year—Happy Birthday to our friend! The children enjoyed honoring this special day together with joy and a special sweet treat!

This week, we began a gentle transition to winter-themed lessons in the classroom. Throughout the room, the children can find materials that reflect the winter season, such as snowflakes, snowmen, and cooler colors like blues and silvers. Materials that reflect light—such as metal, mirrors, and silver—help bring the symbolism of winter into our environment. The children are also learning about animals that live in the Arctic. While they may not see these animals in the wild, many recognize them from visits to the zoo or aquarium.

Food Tasting:
 This week, we continued exploring fruits from the citrus family with grapefruit. This tasting was not a big hit with the children—in fact, it may have been the first food tasting where no one seemed to enjoy it! Usually, one or two children may dislike a new food, but this was a first for our group. Even so, the children showed curiosity and were willing to try, which is always something to celebrate.

Love and Light,
Cynthia and Sara

Ms. Mollie’s Class: A Year of Joy!

Posted on by Mollie Smith

As we move through this special season, our classroom has been filled with moments of gratitude, connection, and joy. The holidays offer a beautiful opportunity to slow down and notice the small wonders our toddlers experience each day—whether it’s sharing a smile with a friend, carefully placing an ornament on a tree, or gathering together for songs and stories.

In a Montessori environment, we honor the importance of being present. Embracing these everyday moments with your child-listening, observing, and simply being together-helps build a deep sense of security and joy. The holidays can feel busy, but children benefit most from simple traditions, predictable routines, and time spent together.

We encourage families to continue practicing gratitude at home by naming small joys, offering thank-yous, and modeling kindness. These lessons, though quiet, leave a lasting impact.

As we look ahead to the New Year, we are excited for continued growth, independence, and discovery. Thank you for trusting us with your children and for being such a meaningful part of our classroom community.

We wish you and your families a season filled with love, peace, and joy—and a New Year full of wonder and beautiful moments together. 💛

Ms. Vicki’s Weekly Update

Posted on by Vicki Downs

This week brought cold temperatures and snowy weather, and we enjoyed every bit of it! We practiced putting on our snow gear and heading outside to move our bodies as much as possible. Getting bundled up was great practice in independence and patience, and once outside, we loved exploring and moving in the winter air. When it was too chilly, we headed to the gym to keep our bodies active and strong.

One of the highlights of the week was our pajama pancake breakfast, a cozy and delicious treat! The children enjoyed eating together and did an amazing job pouring their own syrup. We also tasted hot chocolate, and there were lots of happy faces (and very full bellies!).

We introduced a new practical life activity: wrapping and unwrapping a present using reusable wrapping paper. The children loved opening and closing the paper, practicing fine motor skills, and exploring this festive work again and again.

Maverick celebrated his 3rd birthday and made three trips around the sun. Then we got to share some yummy birthday cake.

We also had the chance to watch the school’s winter showcase. Our class was captivated and couldn’t help but dance along and mimic the children on stage. It was such a joyful moment to see them engage with music and movement together.

Mrs. Wilson: Pancake and Pajamas

Posted on by Cynthia Wilson

This week was filled with excitement and joyful celebrations. We began by celebrating our truly wonderful Ms. Sara. Ms. Sara is such a special part of our classroom community. She shows the children immense love and care every day, treating each child with patience, kindness, and respect. Her calm and nurturing presence helps create a warm, safe environment where the children feel valued and supported. The children were so proud to celebrate her birthday by showering her with beautiful handmade cards and a lovely bouquet of assorted flowers.

We were also able to venture outdoors a few days this week. Mornings were spent getting everyone into their snow gear and practicing important self-care skills, such as putting on snow pants and snowsuits. It certainly takes a lot of work and patience, but by the end of the week, we could already see how much easier it had become for the children—such wonderful progress!

To end the week, we celebrated the holidays in our cozy pajamas. The children enjoyed a special pancake breakfast featuring latkes, applesauce, and berries, accompanied by homemade whipped cream and warm hot chocolate. After breakfast, we gathered together to enjoy a few holiday stories, ending our time together with their favorite activity, dancing to jingle bells while playing the bell instruments. 

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who showered Ms. Sara with love on her birthday, as well as for the thoughtful holiday gifts we received. We are also incredibly grateful to the families who donated pancake and hot cocoa items and to our parent volunteers who helped make this celebration so special.

Wishing everyone a magical holiday break filled with love, warmth, and happiness.

With love and light,
 Cynthia and Sara

Ms. Vicki’s Weekly update

Posted on by Vicki Downs

This week, our classroom was full of energy, movement, and joy! We made it a priority to get outside as much as possible, and when the weather didn’t cooperate, we happily used the gym to help everyone get their wiggles out.

In the gym and outdoors, the children enjoyed riding cars, jumping, climbing, and practicing throwing and kicking balls. These activities help build balance, coordination, and confidence while giving everyone a chance to move their bodies in fun and healthy ways.

Inside the classroom, we spent time reading books about Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. The children loved listening to the stories, looking at the pictures, and learning that families celebrate in different ways.

We also enjoyed plenty of calm, focused activities throughout the week. The children painted, completed puzzles, built tall towers, and explored many other classroom materials. It was wonderful to see their creativity, concentration, and teamwork as they played and learned together.

It was a busy and exciting week filled with movement, learning, and creativity. Enjoy the pictures!

Reminders:

  • Thursday the 18th is pajamas and pancakes.
  • Friday the 19th is the Winter Showcase at 10:30. Toddlers do not participate in the show but we do attend. If you would like your child to sit with you please let me know. If you would like them to stay with the class, please stay out of sight so they aren’t upset during the concert. Dismissal is at 11:15.