This Week (1/17 - 1/20)

So this is what we did last week, actually, and some of the new tray activities we used.

Toddler-sized magnifying glass and rocks to inspect (this was a huge hit!)

 Lately the kids have been really into pouring, scooping, transferring and watching things spill. I have been struggling with them with a lot at mealtimes lately because they keep wanting to experiment with their water - dumping it, mixing it in their food, etc. - so I realized they really need more pouring work/play. Stuff like this plus extra time at the sandpit have helped a lot. Follow the child!

Scooping

Scooping and Examining!

Put the beans in the hole - fine motor work too!

Our kitchen work shelves are still in transition, but I put out this one tray of transferring pom poms with miniature tongs, and Mimi really enjoyed it. She has weak hand muscles so learning to squeeze the tongs was a good exercise for her.

Transferring pom poms

We only did one language activity this week for Arabic. I set up their letters and some objects in a box for them to match the object with its matching letter sound. We did this as a circle time activity and they never really took out the letters to try the activity on their own after that, so I have to work on the presentation a bit more I think.

Matching objects to Arabic letter sounds

Well that's our (last) weekly highlights!

A lesson in following the child

Some times it is very hard for me to let go and follow the child. This is the core of the Mintrssori teaching philosophy but it's not always so easy for me. Going at a toddler's pace or restraining myself from letting a mess happen is something I struggle with everyday. I think I'm getting a little better at it though.....

Over the past few days Mimi has not wanted to wear her trainer or a pull up ( we are still transitioning out of disposables). I put it on and she takes it off. Some times she has to use the potty, some times she has already released in her pants, and some times she just wants to be naked! Today she didn't want her pull up to sleep at nap time. I let it go - even though it was hard - knowing she would likely pee all over herself while she was sleeping. She did and she didn't like it. She immediately wanted to go to the bathroom to wash up and clean her bed, which we did together. Tonight she wet herself just as she got into bed, in a pull up this time, and she started to take off her pants, and I helped her. We cleaned up and I asked her "Do you want a new pull up?" I was surprised when she said, "Yes!"

This experience was a lesson for both of us. I think she is starting to connect the dots with the toilet awareness process, and I am starting to find it easier to let go and follow the child.