Happy Spring!!

I am so excited to tell you that one of our Primary Teachers from the East Campus will be ordering caterpillars for our classroom!! The children will be able to see the caterpillars grow, create their cocoons during the chrysalis phase, and then pop out as butterflies. Of course we will be reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar a lot!

Community

The children have grown into being stewards of their community. They are active in helping to keep the environment clean and orderly, as well as helping each other with tasks like fixing their masks or giving lessons. They are also socializing more and enjoying working together. Throughout the morning there are soft requests of, “Can I work with you?” The children, for the most part, happily oblige.

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Cutting with a Fork and a Knife

Your children have been practicing cutting playdoh with a fork and a knife. This work was originally kept on top of our radiator covers as I wanted to be sure each child received a lesson. After each child received a lesson, and I gave a group lesson, I added this work to the Art shelf. The knife itself is very dull, just to be safe. This is something that you can practice at home. I would suggest starting with soft foods, allowing your child to be successful in cutting.

Soft foods to cut:

• Bananas
• Tofu
• Mashed potatoes or soft potatoes
• Soft cooked carrots

You can allow your child to practice at home with a a child friendly dull knife, or with a spreader. When having meals, include the utensils next to their plate. This will allow them to explore with the utensils, and for a knife to lose its novelty. Once you notice your child is successful in cutting the softer foods, you can start to incorporate more firmer foods like cheese, but perhaps cut it thin for them at first. Baby pickles are great too.

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Bibliotherapy

Bibliotherapy is an expressive treatment that involves the reading of specific texts with the purpose of healing. It is a great tool for teaching children about emotions: identifying emotions, normalizing them, and outlets for expressing them. I compiled a list of books that fit a variety of topics. If you have any books at home that you use that you do not see on the list, please let me know and I can add them.

• When Sophie Gets Angry by Molly Bang
• Ahn’s Anger by Gail Silver
• Best Behavior Series by Martine Agassi
• Voices Are Not For Yelling by Elizabeth Verdick
• Calm Down Time by Elizabeth Veridick
• What to Do When You Feel Like Hitting: A No Hitting Book for Toddlers by Cara Goodwin
• My Many Colored Days by Dr. Suess
• Color Monster by Anna Llenas
• The Way I Feel by Janan Cain
• I’m a Big Sister/I’m a Big Brother by Joanna Cole
• No David books, by David Shannon
  • We do not read the words to the No David books, as they are not positive. Instead, we describe what is happening and ask what can David do. It is important that children see others make mistakes and push boundaries too, as this will help them to feel not alone.
  • “Hmmm, it looks like David drew on the table. Where do you draw?” (on paper) “Yes, next time David should draw on paper, and that way he can take his art work home with him! What does David need to do next?” (clean the table)

Impromptu Math

Maria Montessori tells us to, “Follow the child.” Staying true to her teachings, I followed the interests of two our toddlers who were counting with their fingers and then began adding them. “One finger and one finger. Two fingers!”

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At Home Activity: Independent Baking

At this time of year I am typically writing about an independent baking work that we have at school. We do not have a sanitizing machine in our temporary space, so unfortunately I am unable to have this work out. BUT! This is a wonderful activity that you can try at home! Take a look at what you will need for this: Independent Baking Work.

If you end up doing this at home and want to share photos, please do! I can incorporate them in our next blog.

Upcoming Dates

• May 14th: Gallery Walk of Auction paintings at Sister Cities Park from 9:30 am – 12:00 pm. Register here.
• May 20th: Annual Auction!! The Auction starts at 6 pm.
• May 27th: Dismissal for all students at 11:45 am. This is a Professional Development afternoon for Staff.
• May 30th: No School. We are closed for Memorial Day.

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