Ms. Vicki’s Weekly Update

Posted on by Vicki Downs

This week, we wrapped up our arctic animals study, and the children had so much fun bringing what they learned into their movement and play. They loved sliding down the slides like penguins, laughing and pretending as they moved their bodies in new ways.

To continue our winter exploration indoors, we brought out soft play blocks and invited the children to walk and balance on “pretend ice blocks.” This was a wonderful way to practice balance, coordination, and confidence while keeping the theme playful and imaginative.

The cold temperatures and strong wind chills made outdoor play unsafe this week, so we focused on keeping our bodies moving inside. We’re hopeful that next week’s weather will allow us to get back outside and enjoy some fresh air together.

As we look ahead, we’re excited to transition into February, when our classroom will soon be filled with love, friendship, and kindness. We can’t wait to begin exploring these themes with the children next week!

Mrs. Wilson: Winter’s Peace

Posted on by Cynthia Wilson

There is something truly special about this time of year. Despite the colder temperatures and fewer opportunities to get outside, we are gifted the chance to slow down and witness the beauty of growth unfolding within the classroom. Staying in the classroom without the interruption of transitions brings a unique kind of calm and focus. While we certainly experience ebbs and flows of big energy that need an outlet, once those needs are met, the children become centered and ready to return to purposeful work with renewed focus.

When the temperatures allow for winter play, we cherish every moment outdoors. This weekend’s snowfall gave us the opportunity to build a snowman with the children and even become the targets of a few flying snowballs! These playful moments strengthen our bonds and bring so much joy, as the children delight in making us laugh and having snow much fun together. We are looking forward to more snowy days and hope to create winter masterpieces that get to stay awhile—without falling victim to an enthusiastic knockover.

This week, we were excited to welcome two new classmates to the classroom. The children were incredibly nurturing and welcoming, helping to care for them and making them feel right at home.

Food Tasting:
 This week’s food tasting featured the delicious and juicy kiwi. The children explored its fuzzy skin before tasting its sweet and tart flavor—and it was a big hit!

Love and Light,

Cynthia and Sara

Ms. Vicki’s Weekly Update

Posted on by Vicki Downs

This week, several children were absent. With a smaller class size, our days were filled with extra snuggles, reading, and lots of one-on-one time. It was a quieter week, but one that allowed for meaningful connections and calm moments together.

We continued our winter theme by rescuing penguins frozen inside ice blocks. The children were fascinated as they worked to free the penguins, observing the ice and talking about how it melts. We also built ice castles, experimenting with stacking large, slippery ice cubes and problem-solving when they slid or toppled over.

The children took great pride in helping care for our classroom. They eagerly participated in sweeping, mopping, and wiping tables, showing responsibility and independence while caring for their shared space.

Stay warm, stay safe, and try to enjoy the slower pace this snowstorm brings—sometimes being “stuck inside” gives us the gift of extra quality time with our families.

We’re looking forward to healthier days and seeing everyone back together soon! 💕

Ms. Mollie: Snow Play! ❄️☃️

Posted on by Mollie Smith

This week, we are filled with excitement as we welcome the snow and all that it brings. Rather than fighting the elements, we work with them, embracing the season as it is and allowing the children to experience its beauty firsthand. Snow offers a natural invitation to slow down, observe, and explore with all of our senses.

The children delight in the crunch beneath their boots, the cold air on their cheeks, and the quiet that settles over the world after snowfall. These moments outdoors help ground and regulate their bodies while fostering a deep respect for nature and its rhythms.

Indoors, we extend this seasonal work through art. The children explored snow painting, using cool colors and gentle brush strokes to reflect what they observed outside. This process-focused work allows them to express their experiences creatively while strengthening fine motor skills and independence. We value the experience over the final product, honoring each child’s unique expression.

By teaching children to find beauty in each season, we nurture resilience, curiosity, and gratitude for the natural world. Winter is not something to rush through; it is something to be experienced, appreciated, and enjoyed together.

With Full Hearts,

Ms.Mollie and Ms.Lizette

Ms. Vicki’s Class

Posted on by Vicki Downs

This week, we focused on patience, calmness, and classroom routines as we continued strengthening our Montessori practices together.

We spent time practicing important classroom routines, such as unrolling and rolling up our work mats to clearly define our workspaces. The children also worked on walking calmly in the classroom, helping to create a peaceful environment where everyone can focus and feel safe. These routines support independence, respect for materials, and awareness of others.

One of our favorite activities this week was transferring “arctic ice water” (blue-colored water). The children carefully poured and transferred the water, practicing control, concentration, and steady hands while connecting the work to our winter theme.

We painted snowflakes using cotton swabs, giving the children a new tool to explore. This activity encouraged creativity while strengthening fine motor skills and hand control.

We also practiced cutting paper with scissors, an important activity for building hand strength and pre-writing skills. The children worked with focus and determination, proudly snipping their paper and improving with each attempt. If you saw an envelope go home this week, those were their snips!

It was a peaceful and productive week filled with intentional work, growing independence, and calm moments. We’re so proud of the effort the children are putting into their routines and self-control each day.

Reminders:

  • No school Monday, January 19th.

Mrs. Wilson: Celebrations

Posted on by Cynthia Wilson

This week, the children surprised me with the sweetest half-birthday celebration. I received such thoughtful cards and beautiful flowers. Thank you all so very much! We also celebrated another friend’s second birthday, so there was a lot to celebrate in our classroom.

We are also celebrating the arrival of our new cubbies! Each child now has their own space to hang coats and backpacks, along with a designated spot for indoor shoes. The children adapted very well to this change and quickly learned the new location for their belongings.

The area where the cubbies were previously located has now been transformed into our library and quiet space. We added family photos and worked to make it feel cozy and welcoming. We are very excited about these new changes and how they support our classroom community.

This week, the children also had the opportunity to taste clementines, which we used as a great food-prep exercise. After exploring the clementines together and watching me demonstrate how to peel them, each child received their own to practice peeling before enjoying their snack.

Love and Light,

Cynthia and Sara

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