So, Kai attends Sunny Hollow Montessori School, just about 5 minutes away from our house in St. Paul. He also attended a toddler Montessori program last year, so he is well versed in the ways of Montessori.
His teachers ("guides") informed us at conferences last week that he is doing wonderful and they can see how prepared he was for school this year (he is in the "children's house" with 3-6 year olds...although he is not quite 3 yet). His guide said that she has never had to ask him to clean up his "work" or push in his chair etc. He flows perfectly from activity to activity.
Yesterday, at home, Kai decided to throw every single toy he owns in the middle of the family room. He wasn't upset, just thrilled to be doing some throwing. I took a deep breath and just said, calmly, "Well, it looks like you will have some cleaning up to do after you are done," and continued cooking dinner.
Well, let's just say that one hour later, there were no toys picked up and I kept asking and asking and asking....and he kept saying no over and over again. So, finally, I said, very exasperated, "Kai-- you need to pick up your toys now. I feel very sad that you haven't done so and we need to get ready to eat."
He came over to me and very gently stroked my hair and patted my cheek and gave me a hug and said, "Mama, I am sorry you are sad. Let me love you a little to make you feel better." I smiled thinking that he finally got it. But, then, after more kisses he said in a whisper quietly in my ear, "But, you are going to have to still pick up all of MY toys!!"
Truly. Now, what would Maria Montessori think about that?
Seriously....
(By the way, at conferences she also said that Kai has a very "well developed" sense of humor. She said she hasn't seen an almost three year old "get" humor in the way that Kai does....then, the guides laughed saying, "You better watch out in a couple of years...")
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