YOUNG INFANTS:
Dear Parents,
Our babies are experiencing tremendous growth! Each day we see them moving more, climbing, talking, interacting and dancing. We are looking forward to Purim, starting Thursday night, March 13 through Friday, March 14, which will be “dress-up day.” Costumes are optional for babies. It is also wise to include a “regular” outfit for later.
We will use our outdoor time to notice signs of spring. There will be lots of changes in nearby trees: buds, blooms and leaves. Many of our nearby trees have birds’ nests, too. The children have an inborn love of nature and their surroundings. Experiencing the change of seasons provides opportunities for growth of language, creativity and exercise.
As we get closer to Purim, we will be crafting (and shaking!!!!) groggers and singing Purim songs to get in a festive mood. Children will be exposed to the characters of the Megilla at a developmentally appropriate level.
Reminder: Please expect your children to go outside any day the temperature is above freezing. If it’s cold, we’ll only be out for a short time. Fresh air is very good for children (and adults). Making sure your child has a warm coat, hat and socks (warm slippers for stroller rides, too).
Warmly,
Morahs Marla, Leslie, and Sarah
OLDER INFANTS:
Dear Parents,
Do you know about your child’s absorbent mind? Dr. Montessori observed the innate ability of young children (birth to age 6) to readily absorb information from the environment, effortlessly learning language by simply being immersed in the surroundings. The brain is acting as a sponge—soaking up words and concepts without conscious effort!
To facilitate and guide the brain to soak up every bit of information, Montessori developed the “three-part lesson." This teaching method introduces new vocabulary words or concepts in three distinct stages: "Naming" (introduction), "Recognition" (identification), and "Recall" (cognition), allowing children to gradually learn and internalize the new information through repetition and active engagement. We utilize this for language lessons in our classroom.
This month on our shelves, our new language works are: North American Animals: moose, eagle, bullfrog, Farm Animals: rabbit, cat, dog, hen, and Kitchen Utensils: whisk, pastry brush, measuring spoons, spatula, and Dinner Table Place Setting items: placemat, plate, bowl, and cup.
Lessons are informal and led by the child. As the child shows interest in a material and removes it from the shelf, a Morah will then sit next to the child and present the three-part lesson in the following manner: Naming: The Morah presents the object or picture and clearly states its name, saying "This is an eagle." Recognition: The Morah asks the child to identify the object from a selection, saying "Show me the eagle." Recall: The Morah asks the child to independently name the object, saying "What is this?"
Key points about the three-part lesson: It is a gradual progression. Each stage builds upon the previous one, allowing children to slowly develop understanding and mastery. It is active learning: The child is actively involved in the process by identifying and naming objects, not just passively listening. We move from concrete to abstract: Real objects are used first before introducing pictures or abstract concepts.
Our classroom is alive and rich with language! We are observing more and more first words, phrases, and sentences being uttered— to each other and to us, the Morahs. It’s a beautiful experience and we thank you for sharing your most precious gifts with us! We treasure them as we guide and celebrate all the soaking up of their absorbent minds.
Happy 1st birthday to Enzo this coming weekend! You have been a welcome addition to our older infant community, and we love to watch you grow!
Have a great week!
Morahs Kathy, Pallavi, Rachael