Olive Tree Child Care

So proud of herself. Montessori number matching cards. The little one's taking it all in. The beauty of mixed age learning.

One of the rules to be followed in a Montessori classroom is “Never interrupt the work of a fellow“. When we interrupt the work of a child or an adult, we are sending the message that what they are doing is not valuable, or at least not as valuable as the reason that leads us to interrupt. After modeling an activity or concept, I try my best not to help or interrupt unless I'm asked for help. Then, even after asking for help, I ask questions and sort of nudge them into the direction of figuring out the answer themselves. (It is quite common, especially with babies, to assume that whatever they are doing is not important enough to not be interrupted. An example we’ve all experienced: A baby is lying watching a mobile, or her hands, or the reflection of light on the wall, or anything that is currently attracting her attention, and is interrupted by an adult (with the best will in the world) who starts to move a rattle or call her by her name to get her attention. This disruption is preventing the baby from developing their attention span, and has distracted her from something that was much more important than many people imagine, something that she was “working” on. Yes, it may sound weird, but babies and children work constantly, and therefore Maria Montessori preferred to call “work” instead of “play” what babies and children do, to give it the importance it deserves). #montessoriinspired#preschoollearning#earlychildhoodeducation#learningathome#montessori#Montessori#olivetreechildcare#olivetreechildcare

Most toddlers are naturally picky eaters, as it is their very first time experiencing new tastes and textures. Does your toddler just want those nuggets or mac & cheese every time, and you want them to try something else? Do you want them to adapt healthy eating habits for life? Well, these are tried and tested tips from a mom of three(petriatician approved): 1. Routine: An overtired toddler may overeat or not eat at all. When the body is adjusted to set sleep and meal times, they are able to follow their bodie's natural hunger cues. 2. Omit, junk and around the clock snacking: They have tiny stomaches. Let them fill up with the nutrition vital for their healthy mental, emotional, and physical growth. Keep chips and cookies out of the house to refrain from giving in, and try giving a choice from healthy snacks(fruits, whole grains, etc..) to avoid power struggles. 3. Avoid snacking close to and at meal times, as it will curb their hunger. 4. Refrain from labeling...."He never eats." Or "She just doesn't like vegetables." Your voice becomes their inner voice. .....or bargaining: "If you eat this, you will get candy." This creates an unhealthy association with food. Eating should be a natural part of their lives, not something you do to gain a feeling, approval, or material. 5. Introduce...(appropriate portion sizes of a variety of yummy whole foods at meal times. If we keep giving in to the same fries or nuggets, we are taking away the opportunity to try new foods from them) ...and reintroduce at their next meal time, if they don't accept at the time. Trust me. It may seem hard to see them cry or see them hungry, but they will not stay hungry. Eventually, with consistency, they will start eating from the variety of healthy foods in front of them. 6. Let them eat on their own(even with fingers): they will learn to listen to their bodies and stop when full. Refrain from making them eat more when they have stopped, as it will hinder their natural ability to stop when their body tells them, and will lead to overeating. 7. Model eating a variety of healthy whole foods. Actions do speak louder than words. It can all happen with no words at all😉. #toddlers

I haven't met many a grown-up that didn't know their ABC's or counting upto 10, but many, especially in this time and Era, that haven't aquired basic social emotional skills and manners. Practicing these skills now as they are developing their personalities will help them be able to move obstacles, which naturally take course in life, and succeed in their goals in their adolescence.

Given the time and the right environment, it surprises me what beauty their minds can come create.

I told her she had created a beautiful mosaic when she was all done😊.

Forest Animal Theme at Olive Tree Child Care Lorton!
https://instagram.com/aunasult?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM=

Cow theme this week! You can include literature, crafts, movement of the day, and fine and gross motor activities to go with the theme of the week.