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.

Mrs. Wilson: Jingle All The Way!

Posted on by Cynthia Wilson

This week, our classroom has been filled with movement, laughter, and lots of big energy. With the winter temperatures dipping so low, it has been tricky to spend as much time outside as we normally do. When we aren’t able to get outdoors—or stay out long enough to release all of that wonderful toddler energy—we find creative ways to bring movement indoors.

One of the children’s favorite activities this week has been using our bell instruments while “rocking out” to Jingle Bell Rock and other jingle bell songs. The joy on their faces is priceless as they shake the bells, dance, and move their bodies to the rhythm. This activity has quickly become a top request throughout the morning, and it’s a beautiful way for them to engage their whole bodies while exploring sound and music.

We also added a fun new twist to our movement needs: a gingerbread hide-and-seek game. One of us hides gingerbread people around the school, and the children search for them during our walks around campus. Their excitement builds as they scan the hallways, and the moment a child spots a gingerbread person is pure magic. Each child takes a turn, gently removing one from the wall, practicing patience, turn-taking, and observational skills along the way.

Even when the weather keeps us inside, we still find meaningful and joyful ways to move.

Food Tasting: This week in our ongoing exploration of citrus fruits, the children tasted lime. We will continue this citrus study into the new year. The lime was a refreshing surprise—many children found it even more sour than last week’s lemon! It sparked wonderful facial expressions, curious reactions, and lots of eager chatter. Lime is one of my personal favorite citrus flavors, and it was delightful to see the children approach it with such curiosity and courage.

Love and Light,

Cynthia and Sara

Ms. Mollie: Joyful!

Posted on by Mollie Smith

As the days grow shorter and the classroom fills with giggles and familiar routines, we are slowing down and enjoying our time together. In our classroom, we are learning about Christmas and Hanukkah and the traditions they bring. These experiences help the children build awareness of the world around them while honoring the beauty of different traditions.

This time of year invites us to seek the little joys. A candle glowing softly, the sound of a song sung together, the comfort of a warm snack, or a friend’s smile during work time—these small moments are often the most meaningful to our toddlers. We are focusing on togetherness, kindness, and enjoying one another’s presence.

With the colder weather, it can be harder to spend long periods of time outdoors. We are still making time for short walks and fresh air when possible, while also supporting the children’s need to move their bodies indoors in safe, purposeful ways. This week, we introduced a Pikler climber to our classroom. The children have been exploring it with great concentration, building strength, confidence, and body awareness at their own pace.

As excitement grows, we also remain mindful of each child’s need for consistency. Toddlers thrive on routine, and this busy season can feel overwhelming. Respecting your child’s boundaries and honoring their schedule—especially sleep, meals, and quiet time—helps them feel safe and regulated. It is okay to say no to extra events, to leave early, or to keep things simple.

Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s emotional well-being during this joyful and busy season. Together, we can help the children experience the holidays with calm, connection, and a sense of peace.

Wishing your family warmth, rest, and many little joys. ❄️✨

With Full Hearts, Ms.Mollie and Ms.Lizette

Ps……Thursday is Pajama Day!!!