Hello Everyone,

How is October over already?!

The children have been so busy working with the new materials we’ve had out the last 2 weeks!  Ms. Dominique and I are even starting to notice children gaining more independence and building up their concentration. 

During the Montessori work time, in the morning and afternoon, we have been working on what it means to be respectful of others’ personal space: choosing work independently, using language, “This is my work. Please walk away,” asking for or to give a hug, sitting at Circle with hands in lap.

It has been such a pleasure to get to know their little personalities and to see them quickly adapt to the routines of the classroom. Please carefully read through all of the information below and we hope you enjoy the pictures!

October News:

Coffee Recap- 

Setting Limits, Redirection, Making Amends

As your children grow, they are experiencing the world around them and gathering information through their senses. “Toddlers want to feel significant, they want to feel like they belong, and they want to be accepted for who they are. If we understand this, we can move away from doing battle with them, and move toward being able to guide, support, and lead them.” (Davies, 2019) 

When setting limits, remember to name the behavior and the natural consequence. For example, ‘When you stand up at meal time, it tells me you are finished.’ In our classroom we use the simple phrase, ‘When we eat, we sit’ to redirect the child but if the behavior continues, the child is then directed to clean up. 

If you say it, mean it. If you mean it, do it. Consistency and teamwork from adults is important. If one adult makes a limit, but the other does not follow through, your child will be confused due to mixed messages. Make time with the adults in your child’s life to come up with rules and boundaries for your home. 

Allow all feelings but not all behavior. As Montessori guides we always observe first, only intervening when necessary to stop inappropriate behavior. They will probably be unhappy about a limit being set, so we acknowledge their feelings and see things from their perspective. “It looks like you…” “Are you telling me…?” “Are you feeling…?” “It seems like…” 

Lastly, once the child has calmed down, we can help them to make amends. This teaches them to take responsibility for their actions. Restorative justice (“How can we make this better?”) is preferable to punishment (taking something away). 

“When everyone has calmed down, any damage should be addressed. Thrown items can be picked up, torn papers gathered and discarded…Adults may offer to help a child with these tasks. It may also be appropriate to help your child repair additional damage, such as a broken toy…a very real way to learn about making things right.” (Nelsen, 1998) 

Book Recommendations:

• Positive Discipline: The First Three Years: From Infant to Toddler–Laying the Foundation for Raising a Capable, Confident Child by Jane Nelsen 

• The Whole Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel
• The Montessori Toddler: A Parent’s Guide to Raising a Curious and Responsible Human Being by Simone Davies (also available The Montessori Baby and coming soon The Montessori Child)

Conferences

Please make sure that you have signed up for your child’s conference either Friday, November 12 or 19. If you have not done so yet, you can access the sign-up on the myGTMS website. You will get a chance to talk with Ms. Dominique and myself for 25 minutes to discuss your child via Zoom or in person, please email us your preference. 

Songs and Books:

Let’s Go Trick or Treat

(to the tune of Let’s Go Fly A Kite)

Let’s go trick or treat

All up and down the street

Let’s go trick or treat and get some candy

I’ll be a big black bat

You’ll be a kitty cat

Oh let’s go, trick or treat

Five Little Pumpkins

Five little pumpkins sitting on the gate 

The first one said, “Oh, my it’s getting late!” 

The second one said, “There’s magic in the air.” 

The third one said, “Oh, I don’t care.” 

The fourth one said, “Let’s run, Let’s run.” 

The fifth one said, “It’s Halloween fun.”

W-o-o-o went the wind and out (clap) went the light 

Then the five little pumpkins rolled out of sight

Shhh! The Baby’s Asleep by Janay Brown-Wood

Sing by Joe Raposo 

We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt by Marcia Vaughn

Pictured below: Children fostering independence, building concentration, developing coordination, and establishing order. 

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