Sidewalk's End Montessori School

Not only great commentary about saying less amd watching more when children are engaged and focused...but great pair of waterproof overalls. Have you heard the saying "there's no bad weather just bad clothing"? Keeping children's clothing dry allows for extended outdoor play, can't go wrong there!

One of the biggest things I’ve stopped doing during play is constant commentary. Not every moment needs a “good job,” “wow,” or “what are you making?” I’ve noticed that when I step back and talk less, my child often stays focused for longer. The play becomes theirs instead of ours. I’m still present. I’m still watching. I’m still connecting. I’ve just learned that sometimes the most supportive thing I can do is not interrupt what they’re already deeply engaged in. Have you ever noticed how quickly a child looks up when we start talking during play?

Sidewalk's End sticker spotted at the COS airport!!! Have you seen one? 🔍 Post it here.

Transitioning to a Montessori school is an exciting milestone that fosters independence, self-regulation, and a love for learning. Key strategies to ease this shift include encouraging autonomy at home, establishing predictable routines, and practicing confident goodbyes.

Find other resources on our website to support this transition: https://www.sidewalksendmontessori.com/getting-your-child-ready-for-preschool

Why do we have a mud kitchen on our playground? It's healthier with mud and dirt. But really, it's so fun!! 😄

Finnish researchers ran a study where they replaced rubber playgrounds with mud and dirt and the kids got healthier 🙌

The children take pride in cleaning the classroom at the end of each day...look close, and you will see the children scrubbing the easel, sweeping the floor and washing tables. Activities like these have been part of Practical Life area of the Montessori curriculum for over 100 years.

Today's research shows a strong connection between childhood "chores" and later success and happiness. Instead of using the burdensome name "chores", we talk about taking care of our classroom and helping to keep it beautiful.

What does your child do at home?

Learning how to communicate is a vital piece of human development. A very special guest, Ms Aly's cousin, taught us how people who are deaf and hard of hearing communicate using their hands with Sign Language.

If your child is in the summer program this year, ask them to show you the days of the week song...using Sign Language.

“To understand the child as a creative power, to realize that he is psychologically different from us, to perceive that his need is different from ours is a step forward for all human aspirations and prepares a loftier level for social life.” Maria Montessori