Montessori Radmoor

“Imitation is the first instinct of the awakening mind.”  Maria Montessori.

When Dr. Montessori spoke these words, she must have been talking about our wonderful toddlers. Each and every year I am amazed by how observant our toddlers are in the room. Whether it is the toddler who repeats EVERYTHING I say, or it’s the toddler who upon hearing the classroom doorbell ring, runs to the stool and sits down prepared to answer the door. Toddlers notice and imitate all that we do and say. This is why it is so important for us to think about the way we speak to children and move when around them. From the way we sit down in a chair, to the way we greet each other in the morning, we are the models for the toddler class.

Most children spend their earliest years in a home designed for adults. Many times I am asked about home environments and how to set them up for your toddler. To start, you may want to sit on the floor in each room and decide what you can put at this level that is safe, interesting and inviting for a young child.  Suggestions might include lovely pictures (laminated instead of in glass frames), age appropriate toys, beautiful music, or access to small dishes. Is there a low window where she can look outside? Perhaps you could place a table and chair or just a chair, at the window, to enjoy the view. Is there a space in each room for your child?  This is just a starting point, I am happy to talk more with you and I recommend a great little book by Patricia Oriti, “At Home with Montessori.” I have a copy of it to lend to anyone who is interested.

We have been enjoying the cooler fall weather and noticing all the changes going on around us. We have seen the leaves changing; the giant sunflowers in our garden are coming to an end and bending over. The toddlers have enjoyed looking closely at the seeds and flower heads. We are also trying on hats and mittens in preparation for winter.

Thank you to everyone for all of your help so far this year.   Whether it’s bringing in our yummy snacks, helping us get to our field trips, or signing up on “I volunteer” to bring extra supplies, as needed, we appreciate every effort! Also, thanks to Erika Bridge (Juliet and Henry’s mom) for spending a morning with us and taking our pictures.

Erin

 

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