Young Toddler Peek at the Week 11.09.26

Hello Young Toddler Families!

This week we sent out a request for rain suits and boots for outdoor play. I wanted to take

some time to explain why it is so important for children to experience the great outdoors in

varying temperatures and weather conditions.

In the Montessori environment, nature and outdoors are viewed as an extension of the

classroom. So much of a young child’s learning happens through hands on experiences,

exploration, and opportunities to engage with the world around them. Being outside allows

children to experience nature in ways that cannot always be recreated indoors. They get to feel

the difference between warm and cold air, listen to the sound of rain, watch leaves change and

fall, explore puddles, observe how mud changes with water, and experience the changing seasons

firsthand. These experiences spark curiosity, support sensory development, and help children

begin to understand the natural world around them.

Outdoor play also provides wonderful opportunities for developing gross motor skills,

coordination, balance, and confidence as children navigate different surfaces and environments.

Experiencing different weather conditions helps children build adaptability and an appreciation

for nature in all of its forms. We want our children to learn that a little rain or mud doesn’t

have to keep us indoors! With the proper clothing, they can feel warm and comfortable while

having freedom to explore, discover, and enjoy the outdoors, no matter what the weather is

like. We believe that learning doesn’t stop when the weather changes, and we want to give them

the opportunity to experience all that each season has to offer.

-Morah Kenzie and Morah Aitana

Young Toddler Peek at the Week 10.19.26

Happy Monday!

During our curriculum night on October 13th, we discussed an important aspect of the Montessori approach: fostering independence by recognizing when our help is helpful and when our help may actually be hindering our children.

Our young toddlers are eager to do things for themselves, even when they haven’t quite mastered the skills yet. As parents and caregivers, our instinct is to step in when we see them struggling. We want to help, protect them from frustration, and make things easier. But before we jump in, it is worth asking ourselves: Am I helping my child learn, or am I taking away an opportunity for them to learn on their own?

At this age, frustration is a natural part of learning. A toddler might struggle to fit a puzzle piece, take off a sock, maneuver a push toy around an obstacle, or get a piece of pasta onto their fork. It can be tempting to do it for them, especially when we know we can do it faster. But when we step in too soon, we take away more than the opportunity to practice a skill. We take away the opportunity to experience the pride and satisfaction of accomplishing something for themselves. That moment when a child finally figures something out after trying and trying is meaningful. They get to discover, “I did it!” When we do it for them, even with the best intentions, we take that experience away from them.

In Montessori, we believe in “helping the child to help themselves.” This means learning to pause, observe, and give our children time to work through challenges before stepping in. We may see frustration and assume our child is distressed, when sometimes they are simply saying, “This is hard, and I’m still figuring it out!” We can stay close, acknowledge their efforts, and offer encouragement without taking over. If they become overwhelmed or need assistance, we can help just enough for them to continue. Stepping back does not mean leaving our children to struggle alone; it means trusting them enough to give them a chance.

This week, I encourage you to look for small opportunities at home to let your toddler take the lead. Allow them to try feeding themselves, put their toys away, help carry a small item, or participate in getting dressed. These everyday moments may take a little longer, and they may be a little messy, but they are meaningful opportunities for growth. Our children do not need us to make everything easy for them; they need us to provide a safe environment, loving support, and the time to discover what they are capable of. Each time we pause, observe, and allow them to try, we communicate something powerful: I trust you. You are capable. You can do hard things. And there is nothing more rewarding than watching a child look up with that proud little smile after accomplishing something they worked so hard to do themselves!

-Morah Kenzie and Morah Aitana

Young Toddler Peek at the Week 09.28.26

Happy Monday!

This week in the Young Toddler class we will be focusing on the holiday of Sukkot! We will change our sensory table to reflect a fall theme for the children to explore. The children will spend time painting with sticks and exploring different fall textures and also have the opportunity to eat snack in the sukkah in the school parking lot. We will explore the pop-up sukkah in the Big Room, and read books about sukkot together. We will use these experiences to explore the sights, sounds, textures, and traditions connected to the holiday in a way that is meaningful and age-appropriate for our young toddlers.

We will also continue our practical life lessons with table and chair scrubbing! The children will practice using soap and a bristle brush to scrub, wipe, and dry the chairs. As they become more familiar with the process, they will work on following a sequence of multi-step directions and remembering to return their supplies when they are finished. These activities will give the children opportunities to practice independence, concentration, coordination, and caring for their classroom environment.

We hope you have a beautiful week,

Morah Kenzie and Morah Aitana

Young Toddler Peek at the Week 08.24.26

Dear Parents,

Welcome back to another year at Chai Tots - and welcome to a new year in the Young Toddler Classroom! It is amazing to see how quickly your sweet babies have blossomed into curious young toddlers and we are so excited to watch and guide them through a wonderful year of learning and exploration in this new chapter of their lives. 

We are thrilled to introduce the Morahs in the Young Toddler Room!
Morah Kenzie will be in the Young Toddler room this year. What a unique privilege it is to have the opportunity to transition to a new classroom alongside your children and spend another year with them in this new classroom as well!

Morah Aitana is joining Chai Tots and the Young Toddler classroom this year. She brings valuable knowledge and experience, as well as a passion for children and teaching, making her a wonderful addition to our Chai Tots community.

The Young Toddler class offers a beautiful opportunity for your children to grow in their independence and develop their sense of self outside of their caregivers, while continuing to build a love of learning and curiosity that they will carry with them always. It has been so fun watching them explore the new classroom and we are so excited to see what this year will bring!

-Morah Kenzie and Morah Aitana