About Johanna Porter

Johanna learned about Montessori in 1997, in Seattle, while searching for a pre-school for her oldest daughter. Before the school year was over, she had enrolled in Montessori Teacher training. “I was in awe,” said Porter. “For me, it was a new approach to education.” Today, what fascinates her most is the peace, calm, and beauty that the Montessori environment provides for the children. The emphasis on the development of respect and understanding for other human beings is the foundation for the loving and peaceful atmosphere. She began working at Montessori Tides in the fall of 1999, enrolling all three of her children. In her spare time she likes to be home with her family, cooking, and keeping things organized. Her yoga practice keeps her flexible; singing, dancing, and sewing keep her smiling.

January 24, 2020

Winter themes abound in toddler room

January offers many themes: “Children of the World” (activities explained below), weather, snow and things that go with snow, such as mittens, polar animals, snowflakes, snowmen, and fake snow in the sensory bin. We have books about polar bears, and one that gives the Spanish verbs for what polar … [Read more...]

December 17, 2019

Toddlers learn about holiday traditions

We seem to be flying through December! Perhaps it's not only because December has just a few weeks of school, but perhaps also because the classroom has become well-established. Routines are almost effortless, and children are meeting the high expectations we have of each child at his or her … [Read more...]

November 6, 2019

Bracelets, handwashing are popular

November has arrived, and, finally, some cooler weather. Some Florida trees are finally shedding their leaves, creating a perfect fall theme of leaves, squirrels, and turkeys. With the national Thanksgiving holiday in mind, we will explore foods through cards and matching and stories. We also … [Read more...]

October 9, 2019

Fall sweeps into toddler classroom

October is here, and wild animals are about to be exchanged for pumpkins, bats, hats, cats, spiders, the color orange and the number 2. Every year when October comes around, and I see what's in the box, I get excited. The work is perfect for fall, and it sets a nice stage for things that are related … [Read more...]

September 25, 2019

Toddler room full of wild animals

Even though Hurricane Dorian caused a hiccup in our schedule, the toddlers quickly adjusted to being at school anyway! We've been seeing lots of smiles now throughout the day. We're witnessing sweet interactions with peers, friendly eye contact, offerings for help, peek-a-boo at the tunnel, and … [Read more...]

May 16, 2019

Transformations abound in toddler room

May is a perfect month to study insects and the butterfly life cycle. This time of year, insects can be observed in our outdoor space. For example, the children can find a roly-poly in the mulch or caterpillars on the milkweed and chrysalides (and butterflies) around Ms. Kate’s class on the … [Read more...]

April 15, 2019

Spring animal activities arriving soon

April started with a theme of snakes, turtles, frogs, and lizards. A frog finger puppet accommodates a song. It's fun to match small snakes, turtles, lizards and frogs. It's cute to put little lily pads on pegs and then place the frogs on top. Frogs, lizards, turtles and snakes slowly make way for … [Read more...]

March 6, 2019

Grandparents invited to school

This Thursday is Grandparents’ Night from 6-7 p.m. Your children can show them what they like to do in school and who their friends are. Feel free to tag along. Perhaps you missed Parents’ Night, or perhaps you'd like to see the current themes. We welcome you! Even though we let the ladybugs go, … [Read more...]

February 13, 2019

Hearts, ladybugs for February

February began with a theme of love and valentines. I love the heart activities that we have created for the toddlers over the years! Felt heart color matching, heart-shaped posting with golf tees, heart-shaped pegs (to put into small holes), a small wooden tree to hang wooden hearts that say … [Read more...]

January 16, 2019

Toddlers return to find winter activities

Happy New Year! We were amazed to see all of the children get right back into the groove of the school day on Monday! They were excited to see each other! We witnessed lots of hugs, and the children calling out their friends’ names. In the classroom, everyone went straight to explore the work. … [Read more...]