Pigeon Plum Families,
Happy New Year! I can’t believe another year has gone by and that it is 2020. I hope that everyone had the happiest of holidays and enjoyed the winter break from school. I am excited to see how much the Pigeon Plums have grown over these past two weeks.
The month of December went by so very fast. It was lovely to have the opportunity to chat and share with everyone during parent-teacher conferences. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to come and meet with me. I also want to thank everyone who helped to make the Conch Train Holiday Lights Tour such a successful event this year; the toddler team greatly appreciates all of your efforts!
Within the classroom, the Pigeon Plums have enjoyed working on learning about different items they would see during the holidays: a menorah, ornaments, a stocking, a model of snowman, and a wreath. They also worked on:
Wrapping a gift box with wrapping paper, tape, and a ribbon
Placing star-shaped ornaments on a tree
Grating a cinnamon stick (they really liked the scent of the grated cinnamon!)
We offer toddlers activities that promote the use of the pincer grasp (the ability to use the thumb and index finger to grasp an object) to strengthen the hand and fingers and to develop coordination. The pincer grasp prepares the hand for writing, and it supports other activities such as using scissors, dressing and feeding oneself, and many other fine motor skills one will use throughout their life.
“Those children who have been able to work with their hands make headway in their development, and reach a strength of character which is conspicuous.”
—Maria Montessori
This month, with “winter” weather just around the corner, the toddlers will have the opportunity to work with cold-weather gear. They will be able to put on a winter hat, earmuffs, a scarf, and snow boots. I am searching for a toddler-sized snowsuit and a winter coat to add to our collection, so if you happen to have either item or would like to purchase them for the classroom, the Pigeon Plums would be most grateful! The Pigeon Plums will also have the opportunity to work with winter-themed language cards depicting photographs of winter weather and winter activities.
The Children’s School’s annual gala is quickly approaching. Each classroom puts together a themed basket to be auctioned off for the silent auction. The monies raised from the evening go toward the school’s scholarship fund. Our basket theme for this year is a child’s art basket. There will be a sign-up sheet for items above the Pigeon Plum sign-in/out binder. As always, thank you for your support.
Here’s to a great new year!
Ms. Dori and Ms. Megan
