I just wanted to reach out and talk about independence. As we continue during the Winter Season, children start to wear thicker jackets, sweaters, etc. One of the things that we work on as a class is having children learn how to hang their jackets up on a hanger, as well as put it on themselves.

Many of you are interested in finding ways to occupy your child's time in a Montessori way to give your child an environment that fosters calmness and focus.  

The children are at a transitional age during which they learn more about their abilities and how to apply them to their lives and the world around them. Montessori education places great importance on the role of adults as facilitators of a child’s development.

Breakfast is a very important meal in the day, and we ask that your child get some form of protein during breakfast as they are expending a lot of energy during our 3-hour work period. Fruit is also important as it is a complex carbohydrate and will last longer than the quick fix of pop-tarts or other like items. We suggest eggs, whole grain bread or muffins, fruits, hot cereals, and yogurt as a good start to the day.

Parents can guide children towards mastery by developing a ‘practice makes perfect’ mantra. Building persistence overcomes resistance…when you focus on these tools to build your child’s motivation. 

The Value of Giving Children Choices 

When children are given choices, they will ‘buy into’ tasks more easily. 
Here’s why:

One tool Montessori teachers use to develop students' social skills is 'noticing.' By using verbal cues, teachers can use their skill of noticing to encourage students to make intelligent choices due to noting a behavior they want to repeat.

"This skill is part of the foundation to the successful implementation of conscious discipline," writes Jenny Spencer, Author and Certified Instructor of Conscious Discipline®. "It helps us…build relationships as we encourage helpfulness in our students." 

Montessori said that the sensitive period for order begins at birth, peaks during early toddlerhood, and generally lasts until around age five. Characterized by an inner need for consistency and repetition, the child in this sensitive period craves routines and predictability. Included in this is the child's physical environment where everything has its place.

There is a brilliant film entitled, 'Mother Nature's Child'.  It spoke about the relationship of the child with nature and its importance in the development of human beings.  The term "biophilia" literally means "love of life or living systems." It was first used by Erich Fromm to describe a psychological orientation of being attracted to all that is alive and vital.  Edward O.