As we head into mid-March, Spring Break is approaching. The idea of modified schedules, more time with children, and trying to “enjoy the moment” can feel both confusing and impossible! It’s important to try to adopt a positive mindset about what changes we can make, what progress we are making, when we are putting effort towards reconnecting with ourselves and our families. We can look to the Montessori approach to help us find goodness and peace in our days over the next few weeks.
Embrace the Work Cycle
In our classrooms, students have 2 or 3 hours of uninterrupted work time to complete any choices they’d like to make. This allows for autonomy, making choices, and deep concentration, which leads to a sense of accomplishment and joy! At home, try:
● Blocking out a 2 or 3 hour section on your calendar for time at home.
● Encourage creative play (no or limited screens), reading, resting, building, and practical life, like making a snack or doing dishes.
● Adults can be “unavailable” during this time, unless there’s an emergency. Unavailable to a toddler or young child may mean being on the same floor or same room, but engrossed in a book or answering emails. Unavailable to older children can involve more physical separation.
● Work cycles also include cleaning up! We wouldn’t let a child take out one activity and leave it on the floor for the rest of the day. Use phrases like “we take out one work at a time,” or “please leave it beautiful for the next person,” or ask, “what needs to happen before we move on?” to mirror what the children hear at school.
Use the Power of Observation
Did you know that all of the adults at MCMS take time each day to observe the students in their care? This can be “formal” observation (sitting down with a notebook) or “informal” observation, which is a quick scan from any place in the classroom. We spend time with our children all day, but taking time to pointedly observe them gives us insight into what they need, are ready to learn, should review, and behavior patterns. At home, you can use observation to:
● See the good in your household. Don’t use observation to fume over messes or unkind sibling behavior. Use it to notice how gently your child speaks to their younger sibling or pet, how they can zip their own coat, or wash their hands; maybe they couldn’t do that last year!
● Look at which areas of your house are getting the most use, and think about why! It might be time to rotate out some toys or books on the shelves, which children can help with starting at age 3 or 4. Perhaps your child’s sleeping space no longer suits their needs; they could be ready for a different bed, a dresser, or moving clothes to hangers to promote independence.
● See if there are patterns that you’d like to address as a family. Do you need to discuss bathroom etiquette, or review how much food and water your pet needs? Is it time to review your family contract, or update the chore list?
Go Outside
At MCMS, all students play outside for at least 45 minutes a day. Toddlers go out unless it is 20 degrees, Children’s House plays until it’s 0 degrees, and Elementary and above play until it’s negative 10 degrees (with windchill!). So bundle up, like true Midwesterners, and schedule a daily recess. Here’s what we know:
● Going outside in the cold, fresh air stimulates the vagus nerve, which allows us to regulate our bodies and reset emotions.
● As they say, there is no bad weather, only improper clothing. Use this break as an opportunity to see all of the cool stuff your child can do outside, if properly dressed. At recess, we see students build forts out of sticks and tires, create pizza parlors out of sand and mud, create tag games, and ride on trikes (with helmets). If you create an opportunity for outdoor play, everyone wins.
Be Easy on Yourself
Last but not least, remember that you are a person, with your own list of things to do, your own passions, and your own spirit. You are not supposed to be Wonder Woman, Santa Claus, or an octopus with eight appendages that entertains your household. Model wonder, creativity, and rest for your family by, well, wondering, creating, and resting! MCMS staff model this in the classroom by asking curious questions, making themselves unavailable “on purpose,” engaging in conversation during lunch, and dancing and singing during group time. We are all worthy of whatever it is we need this break, so please, be easy on yourself.
