This month, we have revisited our Montessori focus on self care and independence to further strengthen these important skills, particularly for children preparing for school and those transitioning between rooms.
All classrooms now prepare their own snack whether that be peeling a banana or spreading cream cheese on crackers! Even Peter Rabbit, although we keep all snack preparation activities age and ability appropriate.
In Peter Rabbit, babies have been encouraged to wipe their own faces using flannels placed in front of them during mealtimes, allowing them to observe and imitate adults and their peers. They have also shown great enthusiasm for helping to clean tables!
In Tom Kitten, children have been independently washing their hands (with supervision), wiping their faces and taking part in practical life invitations that encourage them to help care for their classroom environment.
In Jemima Puddle Duck, circle times have been used to demonstrate practical life activities, helping children understand how to use resources and why these skills are important. Older children have also been practicing standing nappy changes to promote independence and support readiness for toilet training.
Upstairs in Mr Jeremy Fisher and Squirrel Nutkin, children have been serving their own food, washing their hands, cleaning their faces and taking responsibility for changing their own clothes after messy play or outdoor adventures. These opportunities help to build confidence, independence, and school readiness skills.
Next month, our Montessori focus will be on creative expression through process-led art. Rather than creating crafts with a predetermined outcome, children will be encouraged to explore materials freely and make their own creative choices. In true Montessori fashion, the value lies in the process of creating rather than the finished product, helping to build confidence, independence and creativity.