From Isaac's teacher
Mike and I don't always get a chance to talk to Isaac's teachers in detail every day about what he does at "school", but the head teacher, Nicole, is great at responding to e-mail. Here's what she e-mailed me when I asked about what kinds of things Isaac does with she and the other teachers:
"On what Isaac does at school: Isaac does alot of what appears to be laying around! But it is so much work. Seriously, he is working on controlling his hand movements, getting things in eyesight, getting things into his mouth, rolling from side to side, etc. This is probably the bulk of what he does at school and it is the best thing for him to be doing (as long as he is ok with it). He really seems to enjoy "grabbing" things to his mouth, especially cloths (diaper cloths, cloth towels, etc.). I will often hold a cloth towel by the center and put it on the floor next to him so that it looks like a trippy pyramid. This is a great way to study the color and design of the towel and to see the lightness and darkness (ie in the folds, etc.). I put it on the further limit of his reaching ability, so that he can still reach it, but he has to work (and move) a bit to get it, and then he has the sweet reward of rolling around and mouthing it!! I know it may sound crazy, but watching this seemingly simple thing and knowing the complexity involved, offers a great perspective on the world!
Isaac also likes adult interaction, like making faces with him and/or singing. This usually makes him laugh! He also likes to sit in laps and watch what's going on. He does seem to like pictures/books, too. He is getting interested in rattles and what not at school, but still prefers soft things that are better for grasping.
In Montessori pedagogy there are "sensitive periods" or windows of opportunity, where a child will learn better and feels and innate need to learn certain things at a certain time. The sensitive periods for the infant/toddler are 1) Order 2)Language 3)Movement. Order can be that there is a place for things or a routine to how we do things at this age. Language at Isaac's age is talking to him, telling him what you are doing, singing, etc. And movement is providing lots of time where he has freedom of movement (floor time). These are the cornerstones of our room. So you don't need expensive toys or battery operated things, because it all exists within the child! OK, I notice I have stepped up on to a soap box, so I will stop here for now. If you have further questions, let me know. If you want to know more specifically about something, let me know!"
"On what Isaac does at school: Isaac does alot of what appears to be laying around! But it is so much work. Seriously, he is working on controlling his hand movements, getting things in eyesight, getting things into his mouth, rolling from side to side, etc. This is probably the bulk of what he does at school and it is the best thing for him to be doing (as long as he is ok with it). He really seems to enjoy "grabbing" things to his mouth, especially cloths (diaper cloths, cloth towels, etc.). I will often hold a cloth towel by the center and put it on the floor next to him so that it looks like a trippy pyramid. This is a great way to study the color and design of the towel and to see the lightness and darkness (ie in the folds, etc.). I put it on the further limit of his reaching ability, so that he can still reach it, but he has to work (and move) a bit to get it, and then he has the sweet reward of rolling around and mouthing it!! I know it may sound crazy, but watching this seemingly simple thing and knowing the complexity involved, offers a great perspective on the world!
Isaac also likes adult interaction, like making faces with him and/or singing. This usually makes him laugh! He also likes to sit in laps and watch what's going on. He does seem to like pictures/books, too. He is getting interested in rattles and what not at school, but still prefers soft things that are better for grasping.
In Montessori pedagogy there are "sensitive periods" or windows of opportunity, where a child will learn better and feels and innate need to learn certain things at a certain time. The sensitive periods for the infant/toddler are 1) Order 2)Language 3)Movement. Order can be that there is a place for things or a routine to how we do things at this age. Language at Isaac's age is talking to him, telling him what you are doing, singing, etc. And movement is providing lots of time where he has freedom of movement (floor time). These are the cornerstones of our room. So you don't need expensive toys or battery operated things, because it all exists within the child! OK, I notice I have stepped up on to a soap box, so I will stop here for now. If you have further questions, let me know. If you want to know more specifically about something, let me know!"
posted by Claire at 9:16 AM
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