Dear Families,
The following workbook is a coordinated effort between the Khalsa Toddler and Khalsa Primary communities. It is intended to offer your children a safe space in which to express their feelings during periods of separation from friends and family due to COVID-19.
During this challenging and unprecedented time, perhaps we can look to Montessori philosophy concerning the positive impact of work and routine on children’s overall development. When your child participates in work at home – whatever the job may be, he or she is participating in a normal activity of daily living. In highly uncertain times, normal routines – like work, become even more necessary to mental, physical, spiritual, and cognitive health.
As an important member of our Montessori community, your child has become familiar with the concept of practicing patience, or “patiently waiting”. However, sometimes, waiting can feel really hard to do. In the following workbook, we explore waiting as a job that your child, (and all people right now), are practicing. Participating in the task of patiently waiting, is a familiar and empowering act for young children. It is an explicit reminder of what they are capable of doing. The follow up question to ask your child is: what work will you do while you wait? This question is an invitation to your child to find a meaningful activity. In the workbook, you may list some ideas of specific work to be done. It is intended to be “customized” with your child’s art and any words they may ask you to write.
For a young toddler, it may present just enough information. For an older child, it may be a catalyst for them to ask you further questions. Ultimately, we hope that it provides a creative outlet and small source of comfort for you all.
Sincerely,
Your Toddler and Primary Teachers