The Bottle

                                              Having multiages in the classroom is one of the best components of the montessori method. Being able to work with children in this way I have been able to witness the beautiful qualities that bring the method right out of the book into real life. The other day the children were coming outside from the hot weather and begin to get water from our water source.  I have stryrofoam cups to serve for this purpose. It works well for the quick drink without having to clean dishes again. So I placed "Happy" in the highchair to give her a drink from her bottle. I turned around to hear what the thump sound was and it was this.      
      

                                                        
                                               Happy tossed her bottle to the floor. She then using her hand gestured me for the cup I was holding. I decided to give Happy a cup with a small amount of water in it.

Look! Happy even gave me the cup back when she was finished.

The enviroment allowed Happy to say in her best ability that she wanted to do what she saw her older peers doing, drinking from a cup . This is another step for Happy toward being a independent individual. Now its' time to see who is the real owner of this bottle. (lol)

                                                                        

Early Practical Life

 The more I learn about the montessori method the more excited I become. Being a child care provider for eight years in my home my spark always came from preschoolers. They could talk in complete sentences, answer you back, etc. So my entire child care was set up just for preschoolers. I had the required equipment to serve younger children but my whole daily schedule addressed learning goals for preschoolers. Well, I am happy to say that has all changed, I am just excited to find more activities for the infants as I am for my toddlers, preschoolers, and schoolagers.  The montessori method  helped me to become more aware of the enviroment and I have learned so much about the  "prepared enviroment" that it has kept me focused and sane. My mind has been able to become free of gimmicks, promising your child will be able to do this and that  and back to what really counts.  For $2.00 I brought a comb and a brush . I prepared a early practical life lesson Combing and Brushing the hair.

Miss R presenting "Eli" the brush.

"Eli"  independently working with the comb and brush in front of the mirror.

                                                                            
                               The joy  on "Eli's" face was something I couldn't even photograph. I was so thrillled  for that very moment I couldn't remember the camera, I was so engrossed with pure happiness. Were on a beautiful journey here and its' just getting started!!

Appreciation

                                   Over the weekend  I went over this blog to look at the various things that I have post about, I then realized  I had never post about the lady that makes my day !! Meet "Miss R". Miss R is my assistant who brings a lot to the table. She arrives on time and ready to work with a smile everyday.  Miss R has been with us for a year now. She has in every way helped with the implementation of the montessori method with the children. Miss R is our infant and early toddler teacher. They love her and adore her personality, and her quick responses to their needs. Miss R also shares a passion for the montessori method she has even started homeschooling her son using the montessori method. She has promised  to allow me to take pictures of her sons' (Eli) learning space at home. During the childrens' naptime we discuss our observations and make the necessary steps to achieve success. We are totally on the same page.The parents respect her suggestions and always ask her about their childs' day, they enjoy her remarks and very descriptive details. I really appreciate her patience with the children and myself . I know I can take people on roller coaster rides from time to time with all of my new bright ideas(lol). She is one lovely and funny lady that I am grateful to be able to spend my day with.