Goodbye and Hello

It's been thirteen years since I created this space and started sharing all things Montessori.  And not just Montessori but small bits about being a mom. A working mom,  and a small business owner, who in the early days made the food at Maple Tree and cleaned the toilets.   I use to go into work so early every day and work long into the evenings and on my weekends.  I always wanted things to feel like home and be just a little extra special.  At some point over the last few years my writing here slowed down.  I was struggling with creativity and I was feeling like I was writing about the same things over and over again.   I am amazed when I look at the stats for this blog at how many people still check it and read regularly.  

The last number of blog posts have not been by me but by one of our teachers.  I have been operating my Montessori Preschool for twenty two years and my job and role has changed a lot in this time.  The last few years has been about mentoring teachers and encouraging them in their reflective teaching practice. I wanted us to come back to this space of writing authentically about our time in the classroom.  I want our teachers to really dig into the reflective part of their teaching practice and I think this space is ideal for that pause for thought and reflection.  

Later this week the this blog will shift into a new format which will be part of our new website.  We will still be blogging, just not here anymore and this old space will still be here for inspiration and for anyone wanting to look back. But,we won't be posting anymore here.  I am excited for our new website and also our new blog space. You can see our new blog space here by going to www.mapletreemontessori.ca Thanks for being here and thanks for reading over the years. ~Michelle

 

Northern Lights: Winter at the Art Table

As winter's frosty breath lingers in the air, the children return from their winter break, eager to immerse themselves in the world of art. In our Front Room, we've embarked on a mesmerizing journey with watercolours, a dance with hues that we affectionately call "The Northern Lights."

Guiding the children's hands to craft a snowy tableau, we set the stage for this visual symphony. With each brushstroke, the canvas comes alive as they delicately paint the scene with water, a gentle precursor to the vibrant display of red, orange, and purple watercolours that mirror the celestial dance of the Northern Lights.

In the delicate canvas of a child's development, the choice of artistic medium becomes more than just an expression; it transforms into a nurturing force that gently molds their minds and bodies. Watercolors, with their fluidity and enchanting hues, play a vital role in this creative symphony, impacting a child's emotional and physical well-being on a profound level.

As the tiny fingers clutch brushes and navigate the aqueous realm of watercolors, a dance of fine motor skill development ensues. The precision required to control the flow of water and pigment fosters hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and the refinement of spatial awareness. These subtle movements lay the foundation for intricate skills that extend beyond the art studio into the broader spectrum of a child's daily activities.

Engaging with watercolors stimulates cognitive functions in the developing brain. The exploration of colors, shapes, and textures fosters creative thinking and problem-solving skills. As children experiment with blending and layering, they embark on a journey of imagination, enhancing their cognitive flexibility and opening doors to innovative thought processes. This cognitive exercise extends its tendrils into academic pursuits, bolstering critical thinking and the ability to approach challenges with a creative mindset.

The meditative quality of watercolor painting invites children to immerse themselves in the present moment. The gentle ebb and flow of the creative process create a sanctuary for mindfulness, reducing stress and promoting a sense of calm. This artistic mindfulness becomes a tool that children can carry with them beyond the art studio, aiding them in navigating the demands of daily life with a centered and composed demeanor.

As an early educator, there is an unparalleled joy that blossoms when spending one-on-one time with the children during their watercolor explorations. In these intimate moments, I become a witness to the magical unfolding of their creativity. The sheer delight in their eyes as they dip brushes into water and choose vibrant pigments speaks volumes about the profound connection between mentor and learner. It's in these shared moments that trust deepens, fostering a secure space for them to express, question, and discover. Guiding their artistic journey is not merely an educational task; it's a heartwarming dance of encouragement and support, where I observe the unique fingerprints of their budding personalities materialize on the canvas. In these shared artistic endeavours, the role of an early educator transcends instruction, transforming into a conduit for inspiration and a facilitator of the limitless potential nestled within each child.

-Ms Katie