Dear Toddler Two Parents;
It was so nice to meet with you at parent-teacher conferences. Thank you for taking the time to come in and talk. It has always been an enjoyable time for me, and always given me insight and deepened my understanding of each child.
The better we as teachers know your child, the better we know what their needs are, and what to put in our classroom environment to meet their needs. This happens at home too, but probably in a more organic process. Your child gives you signs that they are ready for the next stage, and if you are paying attention, you prepare for that. If you miss the sign, your child moves on anyway!
“When dealing with children there is greater need for observing than of probing”
Maria Montessori
As teachers, we know that if we actively observe the children, we can stay one step ahead of their developmental needs. At home, you will need to change some things in order to give the children more of what they need and are ready for. I had many parents ask what they can do at home, how they can help adapt their home environment to meet the needs of their child at home. Here are some thoughts on that matter.
“These words reveal the child’s inner needs; ‘Help me to do it alone’.”
Maria Montessori
A child between 2 and 3 is ready for more independence. They should have a home environment where they can accomplish things on their own. This will give them a sense of accomplishment, and in turn help their self-esteem. If the house is set up so the child can assist in meeting his/her own needs, there are less power struggles, now, and in the future.
In the child's bedroom, they can have a big kids bed, or a mattress on the floor. You can teach them how to make it, so soon they can do it on their own. If your child has shelves or bins for toys, just put a few toys on/in them. And, of course, a few books for your child to look at. I encourage you to have small drawers to put clothing in so your child can pick out his/her own clothes.
In the living room, you can have a basket or shelf with a few toys on it, and a few books too. You child does not need toys all over the house, this can be over stimulating.
In the bathroom, a small potty and a step stool will encourage children to go potty and wash their hands all by themselves.
In the kitchen, have a step stool for your child so they can stand up and help you make meals and wash dishes. You can get some small kitchen tools like peelers, slicers, and spreaders, so they can help. Place some children's cups, bowls and plates in a place where they can reach, so they can help set the table. If you have room, you can put a small table and chair for them to sit at and eat. Your child should have a chair so that they can sit at the table with the family.
“Only through freedom and environmental experience is it practically possible for human development to occur.”
Maria Montessori
Have you ever wondered what Sensorial materials are for?
Sensorial Materials allow the child to gain an increasingly more accurate idea of his or her environment. The materials in the Sensorial curriculum have as their direct aim the refinement of the child’s ability to observe, compare, differentiate, reason, make decisions, solve problems, and appreciate the world. The Sensorial curriculum is very orderly and assists the child in ordering and classifying information while helping the child develop a sense of inner order.
Children ages 0-6 are driven by their senses. There are 8 areas of sensorial material Montessori found to be important of developing children; Taste, smell, hearing, touch, size/form, weight, temperature, and color gradations. The sensorial materials that Montessori developed were developed for directly stimulating and enhancing these senses. Sensorial materials help children develop an understanding for subtle differences in their environment.
Happy Birthday to Addison Rice Oct. 26
Important Dates to remember;
October 17
Classroom Materials Fair
7:00-9:00 a.m. & 12:30-5:30 p.m.
Admin. Lobby
Class Portraits
October 18
Classroom Materials Fair
7:00-9:00 a.m. & 2:30-5:30 p.m.
Admin. Lobby
October 19
PR/LE/UE/MS Open House
7:30–9:00 a.m.
Annual Fall Picnic
5:30-7:30 p.m. Granny White Park
After School Care Closes at 4:30 p.m.
October 23
Ident-A-Kid
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