February 2024:

Hellos and Goodbyes

Since the new year, we’ve had some enrollment changes. Some we knew about well in advance and others were a surprise. As staff, we know that these changes come with the territory of having a preschool. Families often have life changes that necessitate moving or changing schedules that require more time in childcare. We are happy to have children be a part of our class family as long as they can. And yet it can be hard on both staff and students to have such abrupt changes in the class make-up. 

Some children adapt easily to our classroom procedures. Other times, especially when a child comes to us mid-year, it is harder for them to learn individual procedures because their classmates already know them and the concepts aren’t being addressed as directly at circle time.  Of course, the children do teach each other and teachers give gentle reminders to all students. We say things like: “please put away your work if you are finished,” “No, you don’t have to share if you would like to work alone,”  or “please walk around the work rug on the floor.”  These procedures help children grow their concepts of independence and responsibility; both Montessori core philosophies.

When a friend moves away their friends left behind feel their absence keenly, especially if we have been in school together for a while. One such friend, a three year old, left in mid February for an international move. We talked about it a few times before he left. On his last day we planned a special snack of his choosing, and wore red, his favorite color, in honor of him. Before he left us he received several hugs and impromptu “I love you’s” from friends. That gave teachers misty eyes.  Now, we discuss his absence at circle time, point on the big map to where he has moved, and discuss sending him some mail in the future.  

At lunch I notice the extra empty chair. I miss leaning down to catch what he has said in his low quiet voice, his shy smile, and his reliable willingness to spray and wipe up a messy table. We love our students whether they are near or far.