Ms. Mollie’s Class Peek of the Week

Posted on by lizettegeudes

It’s hard to believe we are already in the third week! Most of our children have really started to settle in and grow fond of their new environment and teachers. We’re seeing fewer tears and more smiles each day, and outdoor play continues to be a big favorite among our toddlers.

We are also continuing to introduce and reinforce our expectations with the children, such as practicing grace and courtesy, cleaning up after themselves, putting away their work, and sitting at the table during meals. We’re also encouraging them to use the toilet, even if it’s just for a quick sitting.

As Maria Montessori wrote, “Toilet training is not only about learning to use the toilet, it is a preparation for independence, freedom, and self-respect.”

These are important steps in their development, and one of our main goals in the toddler class this year is to help all of our little ones reach the milestone of independent toileting.

Thank you once again for your trust and support. We truly appreciate you all.

Mrs. Wilson: A September Full of Apples and Little Stars

Posted on by Cynthia Wilson

In our Montessori Toddler classroom, we focus on themes connected to the seasons and the children’s everyday experiences. This approach helps them make meaningful connections to the world around them. For September, our exploration centered around apples and farm animals.

Apples appeared in many areas of our environment:

  • Movement area – children sorted large apple models into color-matching baskets.
  • Art area – they used a variety of apple-themed materials to create their own artwork.
  • Refinement of the Hands – children practiced fine motor skills by transferring felt apples, pouring small apples from one vessel to another, posting sliced apples into a container, and using a magnet wand to “remove worms” from an apple.

One highlight was our first food-tasting activity, which was a great success! The children explored red, green, and yellow apples. Together, we talked about the parts of an apple: stem, skin, flesh, and seeds. When we cut the apples horizontally, the children were delighted to discover the little star hidden inside made by the seeds. We also noticed that while the skin looks different on each apple, the inside is the same. Each child then had the opportunity to taste the different varieties of apples.

Later in the week, the children used an apple peeler and corer to prepare apples for applesauce. They worked together to turn the apples into something new, and we are all excited to taste the finished applesauce on Tuesday.

To carry our apple theme into music, we’ve been singing “Way Up High in the Tree.” This song is a class favorite, filled with movement, expression, and anticipation as each child eagerly waits for their turn to “pick” an apple at the end.

September has been full of curiosity, exploration, and joy. From discovering the hidden star inside an apple to working together to make applesauce, the children are learning that the world is full of little surprises waiting to be explored.

Love and Light,

Cynthia and Sara

Ms. Vicki: Weekly Update

Posted on by Vicki Downs

We had such a fun and busy week!  The children explored new ways to create art, from apple stamping to painting using forks.  We’re also settling in nicely into our daily routines with lunch and nap times flowing more smoothly each day.  This week, we practiced important grace and courtesy lessons, like putting work away on the shelf when finished, rolling up our work mats, and pushing in chairs.  Great steps toward independence!  For food tasting, we tried apples, and the children were amazed to discover the little “star” hidden inside, where the seeds are in each apple.

Can’t wait for another wonderful week ahead!

Ms. Vicki and Ms. Patty

Ms. Mollie’s Toddler Class Highlights!

Posted on by lizettegeudes

As we begin the second week of school, the initial anticipation has settled, and the careful preparation of our Montessori environment is supporting the children as they ease into their new routines. It is a joy to watch our returning students confidently re-engage with their activities and serve as positive role models for the younger children. We are so proud of them.

We are equally grateful to see our new students adjusting, exploring, and beginning to develop a love for their new environment. The children especially enjoy their time outdoors, which offers the perfect opportunity to build trust and connection with our toddlers.

As Maria Montessori beautifully expressed, “The child who has felt a strong sense of trust from the adult will develop a trust in the world around him.” This trust lies at the heart of our work and helps each child feel secure, confident, and ready to learn.

We are deeply thankful to the parents for entrusting us with their little treasures. It is truly an honor to be part of their journey of growth and discovery.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Ms. Vicki’s Phase-In and First Week

Posted on by Vicki Downs

We have had so much fun in class so far! We have been exploring our classroom and new materials, getting to know each other, and learning new routines. We have been learning about apples and farm animals. We have also been singing a lot of Old MacDonald Had a Farm!

Mrs. Wilson: A Beautiful Start to a Beautiful Year

Posted on by Cynthia Wilson

The past two weeks have been nothing short of magical, one of the smoothest phase-ins I’ve experienced in my 15 years. The children have adjusted beautifully to their new environment, teachers, and peers.

During the first week, our focus was simply on helping them feel safe and building trust in all the newness. By the second week, we began introducing grace and courtesy lessons such as using a work mat, returning work to the shelf, sitting to eat, and tucking in chairs.

In just two short weeks, the amount of learning and growth has been inspiring. I can already tell this is going to be a truly beautiful year!

First Birthday Celebration of the school year.

Love and Light,

Cynthia and Sara

Mrs. Hood: Good bye, Little Ones- Hello Big Adventures!

Posted on by Andrea Hood

This week, something magical happened—our butterflies finally emerged from their chrysalises! We were lucky to observe them fluttering inside the butterfly house for a couple of days before we gently carried them to the butterfly garden. There, together, we opened the glass doors and watched in awe as they took flight—free, joyful, and fulfilling the very purpose they were created for.

In many ways, this moment mirrors what we’re witnessing in our classroom. As this school year comes to a close, our toddlers—once unsure and wobbly in their first steps—are now confidently spreading their wings. Just like our butterflies, they are ready for the next stage of life.

It’s been a year filled with laughter, wonder, and steady growth. From pouring water and finishing puzzles to making friends and mastering the rhythm of our days, your children have made remarkable progress. These seemingly small moments are powerful milestones that reflect growing independence, resilience, and confidence.

Our classroom has been more than just a place to learn. It’s been a safe, loving space where your children have explored with joy and felt deeply valued. We’ve celebrated the ordinary and the extraordinary, and every giggle, hug, and triumph has been cherished.

To each family, thank you. Thank you for trusting us, for supporting us, and for walking alongside Patty and me in this meaningful work. Your partnership has meant the world.

On a personal note, this farewell is especially tender for me. After eight beautiful years of supporting toddlers at this incredible school, it’s time for my own new adventure. As you know, my family and I will be moving to Oregon this summer, and while I am excited for what’s ahead, I will deeply miss this community, all the children and families I’ve been lucky enough to know, and the joyful rhythm of our days together. Thank you for the memories. I carry them with me.

Lastly, thank you for the thoughtful gifts on Friday—they meant so much to me. Please know that Patty feels the same way. We were both deeply touched by your kindness. I’m incredibly happy that Patty will be here next school year—her warmth, experience, and love for the children will continue to be a gift to the classroom and to the little ones returning for their second year in our toddler community.

Please enjoy the photos from our final Spirit Week and the three sweet birthday celebrations that closed out our year. Look closely—you’ll see the transformation, the growth, and the light that each child carries as they fly forward.

With deepest gratitude and a full heart,
Mrs. Hood

Mrs. Wilson: WOW! What a Week — and What a Way to End the School Year!

Posted on by Cynthia Wilson

Forget routines and all the hard work we’ve done throughout the year—this week was all about FUN! And fun is exactly what we had. The children reminded us just how resilient and adaptable they are, embracing every change in schedule with big smiles and boundless energy.

We kicked things off with Spirit Week, starting Monday with Field Day for our older students. Our class joined the dedication ceremony and participated in a school-wide photo to thank The McChord Foundation for their generous gift of our new turf field—what an incredible way to start the week!

Tuesday and Thursday were filled with excitement as the children rehearsed for our Moving Up Ceremony, and on Wednesday, we created a special Toddler Field Day just for our youngest students. We began on the field with a variety of activities for the children to explore: hoop hopping, mat rolling, tunnel crawling, a sponge-and-water relay, trampoline bouncing, and everyone’s favorite—the parachute! It was such a joy to see the children darting from one station to the next, laughter filling the air.

After all that movement, we headed to the playground for our very last food tasting of the school year: POPSICLES! A well-earned, refreshing treat after all their field day fun.

And just when they thought the excitement was over… we surprised them with a bubble-filled experience! The children whisked up bubbles with egg beaters, chased and popped clouds of bubbles blown by the teachers and middle school students, and watched in delight as bubble machines filled the air with thousands of tiny spheres. It was the perfect end to an unforgettable week.

Thank you for sharing your amazing children with us this year. We hope your summer is filled with sunshine, joy, and meaningful time together.

Here’s to making core memories that last a lifetime!

Cynthia and Sara