The beauty of Grace and Courtesy

Part of the Montessori "curriculum" is Grace and Courtesy. These lessons are provided to the young child to give them the vocabulary, actions, and steps to build self awareness and respond to situation inside or out of the classroom.  In essence, it is to help the child with his social structure. Examples of these lessons include: How to introduce yourself, How to open a door for others, How to Introduce a friend, How to express feelings, etc.

At Trulove we practice these lessons often. The children eagerly participate, and it is always so much fun. Today, however, I had the joy of experiencing the true beauty of these little lessons..

A little boy went up to another child and pushed him. From my observation, he wasn't pushing to be mean, but really just trying to connect with the other child. The second child immediately turned around and was clearly surprised and upset. Inside of pushing back, as normal 3 year olds do, he simply said " ( Child's Name), I didn't like that. It hurt my body. This is a peaceful classroom, please use your words next time." The child walked away and continued on with his work.

It made my heart so happy!

I lovvveee Montessori Math!

The math materials are probably my favorite part of the classroom. It's interesting, because Math was always my worst subject!

Recently, my older's have started diving into the more abstract materials. It's awesome to watch a 5 year old being able to independently do the his multiplication table of 9's and actually see the quantity he is making! Or three friends ( ages 4 and 5)form 4 digit numbers and physically "make " the quantity with the golden beads.

Golden beads with numbers

Multiplication table of 9's

Why no Extra Curriculars??

This is a question I receive a lot during school tours. Many schools, I know, offer dance, gymnastics, spanish, etc. While those are so much fun, I believe children have plenty of time for that. Dr. Montessori believed children agies 3-6 didn't need all those add ins. I love that at Trulove the children have plenty of time to take something out and know they have time to finish it. They are never hurried or asked to clean up so we can move along to the next thing.

We do incorporate music into our day. We have a wonderful musician that comes in with a guitar. If the children would like to join her, then fantastic. If not they may continue their work. I absolutely know they are absorbing the music because often I hear them singing or humming a tune while working.

I enjoy that in our children's house, the children set the pace. Some days it is bustling with excitement and other days you can hear a pin drop in the classroom. Never a dull moment

Acts of kindness!

What amazing things young children can do. Our month of December was our " acts of kindness month." The children collected items for Austin Pets Alive and delivered them to the site. They also went to the Village retirement home on Great Hills trail and sang songs to the residents there.

At the animal shelter, the children were able to tour the facility to see exactly where the donations were going. Singing at the retirement home had to be one of my favorite activities I have done with the kiddos. They practiced the 5 songs for months and months and were SO proud to share them with the residents. They did an outstanding job! Afterwards the kids passed out holiday cards to everyone there.

What an awesome group I have!

What this weather brings us

I strongly believe children's bodies react strongly to weather changes, global changes,etc. Lately this Texas weather has been so unpredictable! With that brings many emotional changes amongst the children. This week we have seen much group work, much need for big movements and physical activity.

The cooperation and collaboration of the classroom especially watching the olders joining in with the youngers has been very inspiring...

Today during outside time 3 children found two worms, one an earthworm and one a grub. Two children were eager to pick them up not hesitating one bit. One older boy so wanted to hold the worms but jumped each time to worm moved in his hand. Sweetly, the other two showed him how to hold the worm with special care so both he and the worm were comfortable.

The children examined the worms a few minutes more and then set them free in our garden and ran off to play.

Moved

Trulove Montessori moved locations over the summer. We are now located on North Loop Blvd. The move was quite unexpected and challenging. I guess it's never easy to move when you are 8 months pregnant. While I miss our old school tremendously I am excited to see what the new space brings us.

First Month

It has been one month since Trulove Montessori has opened. I must say it has been challenging and rewarding all at the same time. While things got off to a slow start they are slowly but surely picking up . It is wonderful watching the transformation in the children in just over a month. We have gone chaos to 7 wonderful children forming a bond between each other as well as with me. As a teacher some of my best days is hearing " your the best" or " i love you".

As new children come in I can't wait to share new experiences with them!