Yesterday's walk

We went for a walk through the park and gathered some seasonal items.  There were several kinds of leaves, of course, including the ubiquitous gingko and some oak leaves.  We also found some large, dark brown, seedpods that I was finally able to identify as from a locust tree.  They make great shakers, and this morning we danced rattling our locust seeds.  The leaves became a matching work, finding the two leaves of the same type and color from the pile.

We've also been gathering acorns, and our collection has grown quite large.  We found some unusually long ones to add to our collection; the children were so excited!  We have been doing some small-motor skill practice with them, including picking them up with tongs.  This is a very popular activity.  You can probably expect some acorn themed artwork in the coming weeks.

First month

Class is settling in really nicely.  In a few short weeks it's amazing how much progress the children have made in acclimating to classroom procedures.  Learning to follow procedures is no small thing!  It is not just about logistics or helping the class run more smoothly, although of course that is important.  When the children learn to follow procedures they are learning to organize their thoughts and their time.  It starts at a simple, age appropriate level, but this is the foundation for so many aspects of competence in the future.  According to Dr. Montessori this is the sensitive period for organization.  One look at my desk will tell you that I did NOT go to a Montessori school when I was little!  I wish I had!