Hello, Toddler Families!
As Chanukah begins this Sunday night, our children have been steadfast in a variety of crafts and art projects to decorate the classroom for the Chai Tots Chanukah walk-through!
We have observed the toddlers in Dr. Montessori’s sensitive period of movement (https://www.dailymontessori.com/sensitive-periods/montessori-sensitive-periods/) so we have been incredibly intentional in incorporating both fine and gross motor skill work in both the art projects and our increasing time spent in the classroom based on the shift in weather outside!
The toddlers are exploring materials including paint, clay, wood, paper, markers, string, stickers, and glue. Each material offers a sensory experience while they continue to fine tune those motor skills and coordination. They are singing Chanukah songs daily (both during Judaics circle time and on their own around the room!), reading books about the season, spinning dreidels, manipulating a wooden menorah with candles and flames, as well as flipping wooden latkes and working on puzzles. These works throughout the classroom allow for each toddler to respond to their need for movement while also reinforcing their sense of order and language.
We encourage you to ask your children to sing for you their new songs or share details about their current favorite Chanukah book. That engagement and dialogue at home is so helpful for the transition to and from school and your bonding experience with your toddler!
Thank you for continuing to focus on punctuality and routines as we create a united community and expectation for our toddlers. We are also so grateful you are all sending layers and gloves and hats for your children as we plan to go outside daily as long as the temperature allows.
We can't wait to see you next week for the Chanukah walk through and to share in the magic of this season of light together.
Warmly,
Morahs Megan, Sarah, and K