“Education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment.” – Dr. Maria Montessori
What is happening in our Prepared Environment?
The Banyans have been taking time to slowly settle in their prepared classroom environment. We have been focusing on grace and courtesy lessons and classroom daily rhythm. In a Montessori classroom, we as teachers follow each child and help/support their needs accordingly. As every child is unique in his/her way, every child takes their own time to normalize in the classroom. But in general, the classroom will take approximately three months to normalize; the period children take to become a contributing member of the classroom. In the classroom, we sing songs to direct the children; children like to follow the directions through songs than direct words.
How are we are helping the child go through the normalization process in the classroom?
- Prepared environment: I firmly believe in Dr. Montessori’s prepared environment, every morning and after school, we spend quality time to prepare the classroom according to every child’s need.
- Montessori materials: The lessons in the classroom are specifically designed to satisfy every child’s need at every stage of their development.
- Be consistent with the daily rhythm
- Provide enough healthy snack in the classroom. Water is available throughout the day in the classroom and on the playground.
- Follow Dr. Montessori’s three-hour work cycle that helps a child settle down in the classroom environment.
- Be a role model in the classroom and making sure that we are here to keep them safe and help them and direct them as they need it.
How can parents help our little friends with normalization process?
- Talk about going to school the previous night/evening.
- Discuss with the child about how they would like the morning separation to go; one hug and two kisses, etc.
- Ask about your child’s day at the school (be creative with your question/give them some clues), this will help the child to build the connection between school and home.
- Prepare a healthy breakfast
- Stay consistent with the daily routine: For example, if you are picking up your child for half day, please pick up at the same time every day, not before or after the regular pick up time. By doing this, we are giving the child a secure feeling. Little minds need some time to process the procedure.
- Send them to school with comfortable clothing and shoes that they can be successful with doing themselves.
Our September Unit Study:
This month, we will be learning about living and non-living. We will learn this concept by hands on Montessori materials, reading books, exploringthe classroom and experimenting outside the classroom.
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be a part of your child’s life.
Ms. Karthi & Ms. Nikki
