2/10/14 — Fruit Fun and Mealtime Manners

We had some rather busy days last week. We celebrated Victor’s 2nd birthday and what a party we had!  He brought in animal hats and a pinata filled with toys.  He also shared chocolate cupcakes and an assortment of berries.  The kids had great fun.  Thank you, Victor, and happy birthday to you!

We also did lots of work.  Ms. Casey led the children in fruit cutting!  The toddlers were able to cut their own strawberries and bananas using utensils that were safe for their little hands (see photos).   They enjoyed this so much that it will likely become a regular activity for the class.  They were also able to EAT the fruit.  I’m not sure these kids like anything better than snack!  Yum!

Since toddlers love snack and mealtime so much, it’s a great opportunity for us to practice grace and courtesy with them.  “Grace and Courtesy” is an important principle in the Montessori method as we are nurturing the child’s natural desire to be polite and helpful members of the community.  Manners are an important part of being courteous so at mealtime, we emphasize our “Please and Thank You.”  Typically, we only give the child one portion of his or her lunch at a time.  When he or she finishes that portion or loses interest in it, we can ask, “Emily, you finished your yogurt, would you like your cookie now?” If she says yes, we repeat, “Yes, please” back to her or if she says no, we say, “No, thank you” in the hopes that eventually she will respond that way without being prompted.  It’s also a good opportunity to practice signs.  Since toddlers are absorbing so much and repeating a lot of what we say, the best way for them to learn manners is by setting an example.  In the classroom, the teachers try to use “please and thank you” as much with each other as with the kids. Remember to practice at home!