Establishing our new routine
I went to preschool this past Tuesday and observed class from behind the one way mirror. I must have scribbled at least 2-3 pages of notes so I could describe Katherine’s busy morning to Steve. In a nutshell…I arrived at 9:40AM to find Katherine at the snack table eating pasta on a plate. Her activities were primarily “life sciences” after that since those were among the simplest work projects in the room.
- She transferring blue water from one receptacle to another using a variety of instruments.
- Katherine used different spoons to move small and big marbles around.
- She dropped soap into a big bowl of water to create suds.
When I left she was again at the snack table eating more pasta – not just eating one but two helpings!
I really was impressed with several aspects of her Montessori education: putting work projects away on her own after finishing them, observing the teacher quietly with her hands behind her back, helping herself to water, snacks by herself and cleaning up, navigating other children politely to work on projects. I can see a real difference now in how she puts things away at home and tries to be more self-sufficient than ever.
Now, all that said, I also saw her attention span get shorter and her listening skills deteriorate during the hour I observed class. Her teachers are super patient. They gave her extra attention, working with her to follow the classroom rules even though she seemed utterly exhausted by 11AM. Katherine’s teacher validated this at pickup, noting that she seems really tired by 10:30AM each morning.
Tuesday evening we started our new bedtime routine. Regardless of parental schedules, Katherine eats dinner by 6PM, bathes by 6:45 and is in bed by 7:30 on school nights. I also drop her off at 9:15, rather than 9AM, at preschool. Initial reports are that Katherine is less tired at school. I’ll learn more this Monday after I formally meet with the teacher.
Teething
Allison is starting to assert her will on her environment. Today at lunch, she took Steve’s thumb, stuck it in her mouth and began to chew on it. I guess its time to buy more teethers!
