• Our Foundation
    • About
    • Ways to Give
    • Events Calendar
    • Volunteer
  • Current Parents
    • Bio-Book
    • Parent Information
      • Standards of Ethical Conduct
    • Parent Resource Library
    • Calendar & Events
    • Video Library
    • Snack Guideline
  • View Past Blogs
    • Primary Program
    • Toddler Program
    • Elementary Program
    • MTS News
    • MTCF
  • School Newsletter

Montessori Tides School

  • Home
  • About
    • Montessori Approach
    • School Philosophy
      • Discipline Approach
    • Guides
    • Meet our Teachers
    • Observation Guidelines
  • Programs
    • The Toddler Community (18-36 months)
    • Primary Environment (3-6 years)
    • Early Elementary Years (ages 6-9)
    • After School Programs
      • Fitness and Character Education
      • Celestial Kingdoms of Sounds
    • Nature Study Program
    • Summer Programs
  • Enrollment
    • Tuition and Fees
    • Application
    • Extended Care Program
  • Resources
    • Blog
      • Toddler Program
      • Primary Program
      • Elementary Program
    • Parent Education Series
    • Assistant Training Course
    • Tides Shining Stars
    • Open Forum
    • Video Library
  • Contact
    • Online Map & Directions
You are here: Home / Toddler Newsletters / Toddlers begin year on the farm

October 6, 2020

Toddlers begin year on the farm

An instrument matching work has been available in the classroom for the toddlers.

We’re several weeks into the school year, and, even though we’ve had a couple of new students start recently, the days have been running smoothly! From the first day, returning students quickly got back into the daily rhythms of school. The new students soon were anticipating all of the routines, such as snack time, work time, group time and outside time.

I love how quickly toddlers pick up on routines and rituals! Even the youngest already remember to put some activities away and where things go.

During September, we’ve been mostly focused on a farm theme.

We have small animals and cards to match; all the farm animals; open and close farm “eggs;” and puzzles of pets and other domestic animals. We also have explored tools, with small representations and cards to match, and a puzzle with tools.

Matching is a sensorial work for toddlers. They have to visually discriminate and then match items. Sometimes, they may have to turn the object a certain way, such as with the instrument cutouts, to place the item on the printed card below.

When children match, we can see what they’re seeing and not (yet) seeing. A younger toddler may put all of the colored wooden circles on the colored pegs, and this is great fine-motor work.

Then, one day, as the child gets older, he’ll begin to match all of the colors, as well! Something similar happens with the ring stacker, which has rings of different sizes. It is fun to witness the day the toddler spontaneously stacks the rings graded by size!

The open-ended materials allow children to practice and develop dexterity, while creating structures, moving parts, building and stacking. Many open-ended materials are available at all times, and they are changed out regularly to spark interest, ideas and experimentation.

Art activities are popular in the toddler classrooms. The available activities range in difficulty.

Art activities usually are open-ended, but sometimes we like to offer a challenge, such as gluing square pieces of paper into squares. Many toddlers really seem to like this work, probably because it calls upon their sense of order.

The outdoor class space has water-scooping activities. They can scoop small objects; scoop water for a water wheel; and scoop water to fill a watering can (and water plants). They also can use a paintbrush in a bucket with water to “paint the fence.”

Thanks to Ms. Jackie in Room 4, we also have enjoyed big sensory bins with rice, corn, water beads and a sand table. The children love to transfer such media to wagons, big trucks, baskets and buckets. It is amazing to see and realize that the children are learning when they are exploring and playing along the way!

Be sure that you’ve been reading Ms. Nancy’s Monday Minutes emails. They are meant to keep you up-to-date about school happenings. If you are not receiving them, please let the office know.

Some songs your children have been loving:

Five little ducks went out one day,
Over the hills and far away.
Mother duck said: “Quack, quack, quack,”
but only four little ducks came back

Old McDonald Had a Farm
E-I-E-I-O (I’m sure you know the rest 🙂 )

I am a fine musician.
I am a fine musician.
I practice every day,
And people come from near and far,
Just to hear me play
My tuba, my tuba.
This is how I play my tuba.
(making tuba sounds)
(We repeat the song for each instrument.)

Some of the books that your toddlers LOVE:
“That’s Not My Kitten!”
“Peek-a-Pet”
“Today Is Monday” (with the book, simplified)
“From Head to Toe” (Eric Carle)
“Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” (Eric Carle)

Nursery Rhymes:
“Humpty Dumpty” (with the finger puppets, and the felt board)
“Hey, Diddle Diddle” (with the felt board)
“Humpty Dumpty and Other Rhymes” (slide book by: Maureen Roffey) A much-loved book by
toddlers for years!

“The child has a mind able to absorb knowledge. He has the power to teach himself.” – Dr. Maria Montessori

By Johanna Porter / Filed Under: Toddler Newsletters, Toddler Program Leave a Comment

Keep up with the latest news from Montessori Tides with our newsletter. Sign up with your email address to receive updates about our school.

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search Our Website

Join Our Mailing List

Calendar & Events

Parent Testimonials

Parent Testimonials

Location

Montessori Tides School
1550 Penman Road
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Phone: 904-241-1139
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Accreditations

Private School Reviews

Tides Foundation

Recent Posts

  • Lower Elementary Community – December News
  • Last Great Lesson Closes Out Year
  • The Value of Montessori

Montessori Links

  • American Montessori Society
  • Michael Olaf
  • Montessori Foundation
  • Nienhuis Montessori
  • North America Montessori Teachers Association

© 2023 Montessori Tides School | All rights reserved.
Standards of Ethical Conduct