Happy Ohio Spring, Toddler Families!
As we are certainly in the unpredictable season here, we are finding a toddler friendly balance of being outside in every condition possible. We can see by as early as 10:30 somedays that our children desperately need the fresh air in their lungs, the sun (or raindrops) above their heads, and the earth below them. If we could bottle up the way being outside soothes and heals them (us all, really), we would send it home in backpacks! Alas, it's fleeting and we must always continue to seek that kind of peace, as Dr. Montessori so often taught.
Our classroom has been busy preparing for the upcoming Chai Tots Art Show on May 5th and our children are so invested in each of their pieces and the ways in which they have created their own art. Dr. Montessori taught that art should be the process over the product and includes a sensorial experience for the learners. We have watched the children this year engage with scissors, paint at an easel and a table, glue, different drawing materials including chalk, tempera sticks, colored pencils, crayons, and markers. They have used hole punchers, clay, stamps, stickers, and dobbers. While it can sometimes feel like basic play, these are all pre-writing skills and work for the toddler hand and brain. The strengthening of the whole hand comes first with then focused work on the pincer grip.
With so many of our class moving up to the Gimmel room, we are treasuring these days with your children and so grateful for the time we have with them. We can't wait to see you all on Tuesday for the art show as we celebrate the magic that's been created this year. As your children start to feel the excitement and restlessness that always happens this time of year, remember to ask yourself "what are they trying to learn" and remember to observe before intervening. You'll forever be amazed at how different they are each day!
With Love,
Morahs Megan, Sarah, and K