Infants Peek at the Week 01.26.26

Dear Chai Tots Parents,

Happy Monday! We will be busy this week, continuing working on art for our art show and continuing to work on moments of independence in the classroom! We are noticing so many moments of growing independence in our infant class! The babies are beginning to explore more confidently, make choices about where they want to be, and try things on their own. These small moments are such an important part of their development.

We’re offering time and space for the babies to move, explore, and practice new skills without rushing or interruption. Whether it’s reaching for a toy, holding a bottle, or attempting a new movement, we’re encouraging their efforts and giving them the support they need to try again. At home, you can encourage your baby to hold their own bottle or practice feeding themselves with a spoon during meal time as well!

It’s so rewarding to watch their confidence grow as they discover what their bodies can do. We love supporting these early steps toward independence and celebrating each child’s unique journey.

- Morah Kenzie and Morah Leslie

Infants Peek at the Week 01.19.26

Dear Chai Tots Parents,

This week in our infant class, we’re spending time slowing down and closely following each baby’s cues. We’re watching their movements, facial expressions, and sounds to understand what they’re communicating throughout the day. Responding to these cues helps the babies feel seen, heard, and supported as they explore their environment and build trust with their morahs.

By honoring each baby’s individual rhythm, we’re able to support their needs in a way that feels calm and respectful. Whether a baby needs more time to observe, more movement, or extra comfort, we’re meeting them where they are. This responsive care helps lay the foundation for emotional security and confidence- an essential foundational piece to building the love of learning.

A quick reminder to please keep all shoes and strollers outside of the classroom before entering. Our mobile and curious babies spend the majority of their day exploring on the floor and we want to ensure the environment is as clean as possible!

We love watching the babies grow more comfortable, expressing themselves and trusting that their needs will be met. These moments of connection are so meaningful, and we’re grateful to share them with your little ones each day.

- Morah Kenzie and Morah Leslie

Infants Peek at the Week 01.12.26

Dear Chai Tots Parents,

This week, we are settling into our flow as we adjust to the sweet new  faces in the classroom. We are enjoying watching relationships grow between the children and seeing their bonds deepen with one another and with us. It has been so special to witness their growing sense of comfort, trust, and connection as we move through our days together.

We will continue supporting development through purposeful work and play. We will focus on fine motor skills by using our pincer grasp to remove rhythm scarves from an oball and by picking up small snacks like cheerios and peas during lunch. We will also work on gross motor skills as we practice sitting independently and climbing on the nugget couch.

We are excited to enjoy our new individual music class on thursdays at 9:00 am. As a reminder, all bottles need to be labeled with your child’s name and the date each day, and bottle lids should also be labeled with your child’s name. 

Thank you for your continued support as we find our rhythm together!

-Morah Kenzie and Morah Leslie 

Infants Peek at the Week 01.05.26

Dear Chai Tots Parents,

We are so happy to welcome everyone back to school and into the New Year! We can’t wait to spend time reconnecting with familiar faces and gently settling back into our classroom routines after our break. We are so excited to also welcome two new little faces into our Alef class, Moshe and Levi! 

Beginning this week, we will slowly start transitioning our older babies into a loose group schedule that supports their developing needs while also gently preparing them for the more structured schedule they will eventually following in the next classroom. Through close observation and documentation of their natural rhythms, we’ll start introducing a loose group flow that mirrors what’s ahead, helping the eventual transition feel familiar and smooth. This will include our morning nap beginning at 10:00am, group lunch at the table around 11:15, and our afternoon nap at 1:00. This schedule will start out flexible and responsive, allowing us to honor individual cues while gently introducing predictability of a shared classroom rhythm. Our goal is to support independence, confidence, and ease as the children move toward the next stage.

For the whole class, we will continue to spend time working on sign language, with a special focus on the signs for “all done” and “more.” These early communication tools will help the babies express their needs and feel understood, even before they have words. It will be so exciting to watch them begin to connect meaning with movement and communication.

We’re so grateful to have each of your babies with us and are looking forward to starting the year off strong together. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your child’s learning and growth.

-Morah Kenzie and Morah Leslie

Infants Peek at the Week 11.24.25

Dear Chai Tots Parents,

Thanksgiving week is here! This short week, we will be finishing up crafts to celebrate the holiday. Gratitude is a central theme in Judaism and one that we regularly encourage as Montessorians. All classrooms will be discussing gratitude. We will model expressing three things for which we are thankful, while helping our friends to find examples in their own lives and express it. 

In the Montessori environment, gratitude is a key component of peace education, and grace and courtesy exercises. Beginning in our infant room, children are encouraged to use sign language for please and thank you, and encouraged to tidy up and put away materials. In the toddler and 3-6 environment, we model saying “excuse me,” as well as how to walk around others’ works. Grace and Courtesy lessons are offered naturally throughout our work periods so that children have the tools to gracefully move about their environments and are equipped with the phrasing to use when life inevitably bumps into them! 

Our 3-6 students will be cooking together in the classroom this week. One item on the menu is corn. The cultivation of corn was an important agricultural contribution made by Native peoples. It is almost universally liked by all kids too! 

As adults, we reflect on the meaning of the Thanksgiving holiday with warmth, remembering that, historically, this day brought peace and cooperation to Wampanoag and the English. We wish all of our Chai Tots families a peaceful Thanksgiving holiday, and want you all to know that we are grateful for you and your precious children!

Warm and cozy Thanksgiving wishes,

Chai Tots Morahs

Infants Peek at the Week 11.17.25

Dear Families,

This week in our infant class, we’re focusing on supporting all the exciting gross motor growth that’s happening right now. As the babies’ needs change and their bodies get stronger, we’re giving them lots of time and space to practice new movements. Some are working on rolling with more intention, others are beginning to crawl or pull up, and some are perfecting their sitting balance. These moments of practice help them build confidence, body awareness, and the coordination they need as they move toward their next milestones.

We’re watching closely to see what each child is ready for and offering materials and environments that meet them right where they are. Low shelves, soft mats, and open spaces allow them to explore safely and independently. We talk them through their movements, cheer on their efforts, and give them the time they need to try again. As each baby strengthens their muscles and discovers what their body can do, they’re also building focus, problem-solving skills, and a sense of accomplishment.

It’s been so sweet seeing their determination, excitement, and pride as they master new skills. We love supporting each little one through these important stages and feel so grateful to be part of their growth. Watching them move, explore, and push themselves a little further each week is such a gift.

-Morah Kenzie and Morah Leslie 

Infants Peek at the Week 11.03.25

Happy November!

This week in our infant class, we’re beginning to see the sweetest signs of friendship. Leslie and I have been delighted to watch as the babies have started to notice and enjoy each other’s company — reaching out to touch a friend’s hand, watching one another play, and smiling or babbling in response. Even at this young age, these early connections are so important. Social interaction helps babies learn empathy, communication, and awareness of others. It also gives them a sense of belonging and comfort as they begin to understand that they’re part of a little community.

We’re spending time bonding not only with the babies individually, but also as a group. Consistency with caregivers, routines, and familiar faces helps each child feel secure and confident to explore and engage. We’re practicing working together in small ways — waiting for a turn, watching a friend’s movement, or listening during a song — learning what it means to share space and connect with others.

We’ve also been practicing name recognition by pointing to each friend and saying their names, as well as pointing to the babies’ reflections in the mirror and identifying them. It’s such a joy watching them light up as they begin to recognize familiar faces, both their own and their friends’.

We love these little ones so much and feel so lucky to watch them grow, change, and discover new things each week.

-Morah Kenzie and Morah Leslie

Infants Peek at the Week 10.20.25

Happy Monday!

This week in Alef, we’ll be exploring the textures of fall! The babies will get to use their senses to explore crunchy leaves within our classroom. They will have the chance to use their hands (and hopefully not mouths!) to explore the different ways the leaves feel, look, and sound. We’ll roll, crinkle, and tap the leaves to listen to all the sounds they make. It’s such a simple but beautiful way for the babies to use their senses and connect with the world around them.

We will enjoy nature walks in the stroller to observe nature and find the perfect leaves to add to our basket for class. Once back at school, we can use our leaves to create beautiful process art, focusing on the experience rather than the product. 

There will be lots of movement, too. The children will crawl, reach, and scoot from one work to the next, strengthening their bodies as they follow what interests them most. Some will stop to study one texture for a while, while others will move quickly from one to another, taking it all in.

It’s going to be such a cozy, calm week — full of exploration, movement, and those small moments of wonder that make this season feel so special.

-Morah Kenzie and Morah Leslie

Infants Peek at the Week 10.13.25

Hello Alef parents,

This week in our infant class we will continue exploring Sukkot through hands-on, sensory-rich experiences. The babies will visit the sukkah and enjoy outdoor time exploring nature. Back inside, we will spend time exploring leaves, twigs and small branches—feeling the rough and smooth textures, watching how the branches moved when tapped on the floor, and noticing the different colors of the leaves.

We will offer trays of leaves, sticks, and branches for the babies to push, roll, bang together, and move around. We will listen to the crunching sounds the leaves make in our hands and compare it to the sound the sticks and twigs make in our hands and on the floor. Books about Sukkot give us another way to experience the holiday, with the infants gazing at the colorful pictures and listening to the rhythm of the words.

Alongside our holiday play, we continue practicing important milestones—crawling, sitting independently, and strengthening muscles through movement. It is a week full of discovery, texture, and cozy fall fun as we celebrate Sukkot together.

Chag Sameach! 

-Morah Kenzie and Morah Leslie

Infants Peek at the Week 10.06.25

Happy October! 

In Alef, we will be celebrating Sukkot with lots of hands-on exploration! We’ll start with a nature walk to gather leaves, sticks, and branches. The babies will have the chance to feel the textures, watch how they move, and help us collect materials to build our own little sukkah in the classroom.

Our art and sensory experiences will also tie into the holiday. We’ll be painting with leaves and branches, letting the children notice the different shapes and marks they make. The natural items will also be used for sensory play, giving the babies time to explore with their hands and see how these pieces of nature can be used in different ways.

Throughout the week we’ll read simple books about Sukkot to introduce the holiday in a gentle and engaging way. Alongside our holiday fun, we’ll also be practicing important developmental skills—working on sitting independently, crawling, and building strength through lots of movement and play.

It will be a special week filled with new experiences, creativity, and milestones as we celebrate Sukkot together.

-Morah Leslie and Morah Kenzie

Infants Peek at the Week 09.29.25

Hello Alef Families,

This week, the infants have been captivated by the rolling rattle. As they bat at or push the rattle, it rolls just slightly out of reach, encouraging them to reach, pivot, and eventually crawl.

The soft sound of the rattle provides instant feedback, building both curiosity and concentration. For our some, this work is a chance to practice grasping and tracking with their eyes, while others are beginning to chase after it with determination. It’s a wonderful material for building persistence and joy in movement.

It has been such a joy to watch each child engage in their own way. Every day brings new milestones and discoveries, and we’re so proud of all the growth we see!

Gmar Chasima Tova, May we be sealed for a good sweet year!

– Morahs Kenzie and Leslie

Infants Peek at the Week 09.15.25

Hello Alef Families,

This week in our infant class we’ve been preparing for Rosh Hashanah with lots of apple and bee fun! The babies explored red and yellow in so many different ways. We stamped apples wrapped in bubble wrap to make bright prints, and they loved watching the colors show up on the paper. We also used ziplock bags filled with paint so the little ones could squish, pat, and push the colors around with their hands without getting messy.

The apples themselves were a big hit, too. We rolled them across the floor and on trays of water, which made them spin, splash, and wobble around. Some babies were all about the splashing, while others preferred just holding and feeling the apples. We even painted by dipping the apples into paint and stamping them to see the fun shapes they made.

Our apple and bee theme carried into music time, too! We sang silly songs, buzzed like bees, and bounced along together. The babies loved hearing the familiar words and rhythms while moving their bodies to the music.

As always, it is a joy to watch each child engage in their own way. Every day brings new milestones and discoveries, and we’re so proud of all the growth we see!

– Morahs Kenzie and Leslie

Infants Peek at the Week 09.08.25

Hello Alef Families,

This week, we’ve been spending time exploring a staple Montessori material in the infant room —the interlocking discs. These beautiful, smooth wooden discs are passed from one hand to the other, helping babies strengthen their grasp, improve coordination, and begin to cross the midline of their body. For many infants, this is also one of the first steps toward intentional rolling! As the discs roll slightly out of reach, babies are motivated to move after them. Younger friends enjoy holding and mouthing the discs, while older babies are beginning to chase after them with determination!

Alongside this work, we’ve continued to enjoy tummy time, songs, and plenty of one-on-one bonding moments.

Each child is showing more of their personality each day, and it’s been so much fun watching them explore!

-Morahs Kenzie and Leslie

Infants Peek at the Week 09.02.25

Hello Alef Families,

It has been such a joy to see the babies grow more comfortable in our classroom each day. Our room is beginning to feel like a little community, with each child finding their rhythm and making exciting discoveries in their own way.

This week, our younger infants have been exploring the Montessori bell cylinder. This simple wooden cylinder has a bell inside that jingles as the babies push or roll it. At this age, it encourages reaching, grasping, and eventually crawling after the toy as it rolls just out of reach. It also introduces the idea of cause and effect—when they move it, it makes a sound! The babies are delighted by the gentle jingling, and it keeps them engaged while strengthening their coordination and curiosity.

Alongside this work, we’ve continued to support motor development through tummy time and rolling. Our older babies are also practicing feeding themselves with utensils, while our younger friends enjoy watching and listening to their peers. Each day we get to see more smiles, hear more babbles, and notice more of those wonderful little milestones. It has been such a pleasure getting to know each child’s personality and to share these moments of growth with them.

– Morahs Kenzie and Leslie

Infants Peek at the Week 08.25.25

Hello Alef  Families,

We’re off to a wonderful start in our classroom! Montessori at this age focuses on nurturing independence, curiosity, and sensory exploration, which lays the foundation for lifelong learning. As we begin our school year, we’ve been taking the time to get to know each child, while they get to know us, and to find the rhythm and flow of our classroom together.

The babies have been enjoying process art, sensory play, and gross motor activities, as well as interacting socially with their peers. Some examples of our Montessori works we have been enjoying include exploring textured fabrics, practicing grasping and reaching for objects, and strengthening our muscles through independent and guided tummy time. Our returning classmates are also working on increasing their concentration and fine motor skills through activities like stacking blocks, opening and closing containers, and practicing simple self-care tasks.

A favorite work with our returning infants has been the object permanence box. This work helps develop hand-eye coordination, cause-and-effect understanding, and focus. Our younger friends enjoy observing this work in action and listening to the sounds, which supports their attention and curiosity as well.

We are enjoying every moment of snuggling, caring for, and bonding with your little ones, and it’s been so much fun discovering their unique personalities as we learn and grow together.

-Morahs Kenzie and Leslie

Infants Peek at the Week 08.18.25

Hello Alef Families,

Welcome to a brand-new school year! We hope everyone had a wonderful summer and are as excited as we are to start this year of exploration, learning, and growth in our infant classroom. We are looking forward to getting to know each child and celebrating the unique ways they explore and develop.

In a Montessori infant classroom, you’ll see babies exploring materials designed to develop their senses, motor skills, and independence. Activities might look simple, but each one has a purpose: reaching for and grasping objects, exploring textures, practicing movements, or observing cause and effect. Introducing Montessori at this early stage encourages confidence, concentration, and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. 

Using the Montessori approach, we aim to nurture each child’s development while respecting their individuality. Through observation, gentle guidance, thoughtful materials, and supportive and intentional interactions, we strive to guide each baby as they grow in their own way and at their own pace.

We’re so excited for a school year full of discovery and growth with your little ones!

-Morahs Kenzie and Leslie

Infants Peek at the Week 05/19/25

YOUNG INFANTS:

It’s hard to believe this is the last week of the school year! 

This year, our little ones have been busy! Exploring sensory textures from soft fabrics to smooth wood, they've delighted in discovering the world through touch. They have refined their motor skills– reaching, grasping, rolling to crawling, and first steps– their bodies have grown stronger and more coordinated. Their communication has blossomed from babbles and coos to first words and phrases. Through it all, with smiles, giggles, and playtime, they've formed friendships that will continue to grow! 

Your children have made tremendous developmental progress during the school year. We have enjoyed watching them grow and learn.

Looking forward to a fun-filled summer together!

Morahs Marla, Leslie and Sarah F.

OLDER INFANTS:

Dear Parents,

The last week of school… the closing of one door and the opening of another. We want to thank each child for all the warmth, the memories, and the learning that we have shared this school year. To the parents, thank you for allowing us to be your children's Morahs. It has been a wonderful and rewarding year, full of growth.

We are excited, exhausted, and nostalgic all at the same time. All the feels today!

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you make them feel" - Maya Angelou

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We are looking forward to a fun-filled summer together! More learning and growing to come! 

Morahs Pallavi, Rachael, and Kathy

Infants Peek at the Week 05/12/25

YOUNG INFANTS:

We all hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day. The children had a great time getting messy and making beautiful keepsake Mother’s Day crafts.

We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you for the thoughtful gifts and treats during Teacher Appreciation Week. Your generosity and kind gestures made us feel so appreciated and valued. It means the world to us to know we have such supportive and caring families in our community.

Friday, May 16 is Lag BaOmer, the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer. Chai Tots will have a Field Day for the older classes, but the infants will also have fun with games and outdoor activities. It is a commemoration of the passing of Reb Shimon Bar Yochai, the author of the Zohar. It is also a celebration of the end of a plague on Rabbi Akiva’s student's.

Also Sunday is our End of the Year Trike-A-Thon! Strollers are welcome! We hope to see you there.

Please remember to send sunscreen for your child. There are also kid-friendly insect repellents available. We will be spending time outside! Buzz Away (sold at Whole Foods) is a possibility.

Have a wonderful week!

Morahs Marla, Leslie and Sarah F.

OLDER INFANTS:Dear Parents,

Dear Parents,

As we approach our final weeks of the school year, we want to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude.

First, thank you so much for taking the time to visit our annual Art Show last week. It was such a joy to see you admire your little one's beautiful creations and celebrate their budding artistry. Your presence truly made the event special for both the children and us.

We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you for the thoughtful gifts and treats during Teacher Appreciation Week. Your generosity and kind gestures made us feel so appreciated and valued. It means the world to us to know we have such supportive and caring families in our community.

We are so grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of your child's journey this year and cherish the growth and discoveries we've shared together.

Lag B’Omer, a celebration of unity, will be held this Friday with a super fun field day program. We will have a exciting and active day!

Also Sunday is our End of the Year Trike-A-Thon! Strollers, Trikes and Bikes welcome! We hope to see you there.

Warmly,

Morahs Pallavi, Rachael, and Kathy

Infants Peek at the Week 05/05/25

YOUNG INFANTS:

Greetings from the Infants’ Room. Happy first birthday to our Ezra R. We are winding down our school year with lots of fun. The weather has been lovely on most days, so we are enjoying the outdoors.

Children are getting ready for Mothers Day, May 11, by creating crafts and cards for our beloved Moms.

It has been a year of tremendous growth. Your children have been developing fine motor (e.g., self-feeding, coloring) and gross motor (e.g. crawling, standing and walking) skills at a fast pace.

From one day to the next the children have new abilities. They have been gaining vocabulary as well. Their attention spans are longer, so they can listen to short books.

Thank you for sharing your lovely children with us.

Morahs Sara, Marla and Leslie

OLDER INFANTS:

Dear Parents,

Thank you for celebrating our creative endeavors last week at the Art Show. We really enjoyed watching families view and admire all the beautiful pieces.

Back in the classroom, we are sticking to routine as much as possible, as well as getting out to enjoy the outdoors. Whether we are inside or out, we employ the Montessori philosophy of "follow the child.” This means we follow each child’s development, interests, needs, and abilities. Though we follow the child in many regards, we are ultimately their guide and not the other way around. Rather than give young children free rein, we give them freedom within limits.

Offering freedom within limits provides a comfortable balance between an overly structured environment and a chaotic one. What does freedom within limits mean? It means setting clear expectations and ground rules ahead of time, and following through. It means making and sticking to (flexible) routines. It means a secure, loving, and trusting relationship between child and adult. It also means providing age-appropriate choices and opportunities for self-mastery and independence. 

Choices for our children in our older infant community include: 

• Limited, and carefully selected materials on the shelf

• A low countertop so water bottles are within reach 

• A lunch plate with several foods, but no alternatives after the fact

• Option to choose which adult to help them with toileting or completing a task

• Option to clean up a mess independently or together

• At home, you could incorporate the option to choose a sequence of events rather than the event itself (e.g., brush teeth before or after bath, but both are happening either way

Setting clear expectations is a key component of “freedom within limits.” We focus on safety. We try to phrase things in the positive, and focus on what we can do rather than what we can’t. For example:

• - Water stays in the sink or the cup. We can splash in the water table (in the bathtub at home).

• - We work (or sit) at the table. The Pikler triangle is for climbing.

• - We keep our plate on the table when we are eating. We can carry our plate to the counter when we are done.

• - Books are handled with care. If we want to throw, we can throw bean bags or balls.

• - We are kind to our friends. We can give hugs.

What happens when expectations are not met? Natural consequences. Once a rule has been broken, we usually give one “try again” opportunity and then follow through with a natural consequence. For example, if someone dumps water on the floor, we remind, “Water stays in the sink.” If it happens for the second time, “All done at the sink,” and we remove the water source for the time being. If someone pushes another child, we first check on whoever was pushed, and invite the pusher to do the same. We remind, “Gentle hands” and provide an alternative, “If you want to push, you can push this cart.” If pushing continues, we create separation and help the child to move his/ her body away.

We often use the words “I can’t let you _______. I need to keep you safe. We can _______ instead.” For example, “I see you want to climb on the table. I can’t let you climb there. I need to keep you safe. Let’s climb on the Pikler triangle instead.” If the child doesn’t respond or change his/ her behavior, then we have to physically help. We acknowledge the child’s frustration and desire, but don’t budge on the rules. We don’t have a lot of rules to begin with, but the ones we have are set up for everyone’s safety, and we make sure we follow through on those. 

We hope this gives you a glimpse into our behavioral management philosophy of “freedom within limits,” and possible ways in which you can incorporate in your own home. 

“To let the child do as he likes when he has not yet developed any powers of control is to betray the idea of freedom.” — Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind

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Wishing you a melodic and peaceful week!

Morahs Rachael, Kathy, Pallavi

Infants Peek at the Week 04/28/25

YOUNG INFANTS:

Hello families!

This is going to be an action-packed week for your babies. Yom Haatzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day) starts the evening of April 30 – May 1. Children will do an Israeli Flag coloring page, listen to and sing along with songs in Hebrew and read a story called Shmulik Paints the Town.

The Art Show is on May 1. We are putting our finishing touches on various fun art works to display. There has been enormous growth in fine motor skills this year, and our exhibit will reflect your child’s ongoing development. We are looking forward to seeing you there.

Once again, expect your child to spend time outdoors. If you haven’t already, please send sunscreen for us to re-apply in the afternoon. They should come to school with sunscreen already applied. Please also send appropriate spare clothing for the spring weather. Messy kids are happy kids!

Have a great week!

Morahs Sarah, Marla and Leslie

OLDER INFANTS:

Dear Parents,

Our classroom is flowing so nicely this time of year, with routines established for all the parts of our day. Our days have many activities, which are linked together with transitions. During each transition— from the Big Room to the classroom or from morning work cycle to lunchtime, we often use music as a cue that a change is happening. 

Transitions can be difficult for young kids. When we're moving from activity to activity or from place to place, a child may be in the middle of something and may not have gotten quite enough advance notice that a transition or change is happening. A song can prepare children to go through that change successfully. Of course, we still want to give them as much advance notice as possible, but a song can also serve as that gentle reminder & “timer” before they transition to something else.

One song that has brought a lovely sense of calm to our classroom is "See the Bunnies Sleeping." The gentle beginning helps to create a peaceful atmosphere after lunch, signaling a shift towards rest. The "wake up" part then allows for a natural release of energy as we settle into toileting and nap time. It’s wonderful to see the children respond to the different tempos and movements of the song! 

At home, you may already incorporate music and singing as part of your daily routines, but if not, give it a try. Cick here to view an article about using music and songs to create a peaceful bedtime routine. 

Wishing you a melodic and peaceful week!

Morahs Rachael, Kathy, Pallavi