Toddler Class Newsletter – February 2013

We are continuing to have a great year – though we can’t believe it’s already going to be March!  The kids are enjoying the new works, and the classrooms are feeling very ‘normalized’ – a Montessori term/goal!  Normalization occurs when the development of the children is proceeding normally.  It is also characterized by the work cycle going through these three steps:

(1) Preparation for an activity which involves gathering together the material necessary to do the activity. The movement and the thought involved in the preparation serves to call the attention of the mind to begin to focus on the activity.

(2) An activity which so engrosses the child that he reaches a deep level of concentration. This step is what all educator and parents recognize as important for education.

(3) Rest, which is characterized by a general feeling of satisfaction and well-being. It is thought that at this point some inner formation or integration of the person takes place.

In our Montessori groups, we see this third step as the time a child is putting away the materials, perhaps talking with friends, and is exhibiting a aura of satisfaction with himself and the world. We recognize this cycle as the normal work cycle in a Montessori environment.

(THE SECRET OF CHILDHOOD:Normalization and Deviations Lecture given by Dr. Rita Shaefer Zener, on the AMI 3-6 course Nakhon Pathon, Thailand, April 2006)

 

We see this happening in both our classes as the children are so engaged and focused on their works, following the steps of the works, and engaging in many conversations with friends.

 

 

When things don’t feel so normalized at home…

The second stage of Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, which happens between 2 and 4, is Will: Autonomy versus Shame & Doubt.  This is when kids are asking themselves “is it OK to be me?”  As caregivers, instead of demanding too much too soon, and/or not allowing children to perform tasks which they are capable of doing, we should be encouraging self-sufficient behavior.  The will allow toddlers to develop a sense of autonomy—a sense of being able to handle many problems on their own.  This is one of many goals in the toddler program.

THANK YOU!!!  Andy Boian – spoons.  Emily McGee – making pizza with the children and wet wipes.  Rebecca Vandiver – reading to the class.  Mechems – underwear.  Rutkowskis – clothes.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to…

Tatum – February 1

Benjamin – February 2

Julian – February 16

Phoebe – February 21

Dax – February 25

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