SHOW AND TELL
Bring a thing about Europe.
(Something from Europe, a picture of a European landmark, or art created by a European.)
Topic: Europe
Let’s explore the European continent.
The value is collaboration. which emphasizes the interdependence of all creatures. It this case it was the elves and the shoemaker.
For safety we’ll learn to say our names and address so a stranger can understand us.
Outside we’ll play burlap sack relay.
The songs we’ll be singing are Pop Goes the Weasel, London Bridge, Green Grass Grows All Around, It’s a Small World, and Are You Sleeping, Brother John?
Our art activities are leprechaun ladders, pasta sculpture, Michelangelo painting, and rainbow into the pot of gold.
Creative dramatics will be The Elves and the Shoemaker.
For motor development we’ll do strength in three different languages. For body development, we’ll work on bilaterality with ball bounces, Jack in the box, hopscotch, and parachute toss.
MONTESSORI IN THE HOME
“We must give the child an environment that he can utilize by himself; a little washstand of his own, a bureau with drawers he can open, objects of common use that he can operate, a small bed in which he can sleep at night under an attractive blanket he can fold and spread by himself. We must give him an environment in which he can live and play; then we will see him work all day with his hands and wait impatiently to undress himself and lay himself down on his own bed.”
Maria Montessori
A great deal of attention is being focused these days on teaching children responsibility, and yet when we come to prepare an environment for the child to live in, we tend to take all responsibility out of it. The child cannot reach the closet rod to hang his clothes, she cannot choose her own clothes, he can’t reach water when he is thirsty, and she can’t turn the light off in her room. We, in effect, tell our children to be incompetent. Here are some ways you can create an environment in your home that enables your child to act responsibly:
- The young child’s bed should be low to the floor. As soon as the child can come out of a crib, the bed should be easy to get into and out of. Bed covers should be easy for the child to spread up neatly, perhaps a comforter or even a sleeping bag.
- Coat racks should be low enough for the child to reach. Closet rods can be hung low enough for the child. Drawers should be easy to pull out so the child can put her clean clothes away and select her new clothes for the day. A hamper should be easy to toss into.
- Never use a toy box. Imagine the chaos of your desk or kitchen if all your tools were tossed in together. Instead, use low shelves to display books and toys. Encourage your child to display flowers from the field, and hang beautiful art prints at her eye level.
- Notice that in the Montessori class the teacher avoids clutter by placing like items together in a beautiful box, an interesting basket, or on a tray. Sturdy bags work well for unbreakables, and they’re easy to grab to take along for a doctor’s appointment or a long car trip.
- In the kitchen, set aside a low space in the refrigerator for milk, juices, cheese, fruits, and vegetables. On a low shelf in the cabinet, set dried fruits, dry cereals, and nuts for snacks. Your child will eat responsibly.
Probably the biggest detriment to responsible children is the adult in the environment. How have you prepared your home? How have you taught your child to handle the things in your home? They can do it, and do it well, when we teach them.
For Your Information
Coffee Klatches – These informal events will continue through the month of March every Thursday from 5:00 – 6:30. Our topic next week will be self-management. This week we had a wonderful eye-opening conversation about relationships as it relates to our children. We used Maslow’s Hierarchy as a blue print. You are encouraged to attend the coffee klatches. Other topics include self-awareness, social awareness and responsible decision making. Please let us know you will be attending.
Safety Training – We’ll be working on saying our names and addresses loudly and clearly so a stranger could understand us. Our children should be able to say their parent’s names (not ‘mommy’ or ‘daddy’), the name of the street where they live, and our older ones can learn a phone number. Please practice these important skills at home, too.
Art Continued – For our theme on Europe, we’ll be continuing the idea of creativity with painting like Michelangelo’s painting lying on his back, pasta sculptures, and the rascally leprechauns who get into our milk every St. Patrick’s day. Find fun ways to enjoy the world around us. It’s one of the delights of children.
Missing Coats – Parents have told us that they are missing their child’s coat/ sweater; we are thinking it was taken by mistake. Please check your child’s items
Recent Comments