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School Handbook and Rules

2018

Preshanie Zia Maharaj – Principal / Owner

Table of ContentsIntroduction..............................................................................4Consent, Indemnity and Emergency Contact Details....................5Term Dates & Calendar of Events ..............................................5Fee Information.........................................................................5

Fee Schedule .................................................................................5Fee Payments.................................................................................6Account Queries..............................................................................6

School Lunch………………………………………………………………………………… 6

Aftercare........................................................................................7Holiday Club...................................................................................8MySchool Cards...............................................................................8

Extra-Curricular Activities .........................................................9Daily Schedule of Extra–Curricular Activities.....................................9Information about the Extra-Curricular Activities............................10Da Carpo Music School –Antje ………………………………………………………… 9Buzzi Bodies – ...........................................Error! Bookmark not defined.Buzzi Brains - Preshanie / Onica ………………………………………………………….. 11

Growing Resilience with Self Esteem & Yoga......................................12Day-To-Day School Routines and Requirements.........................12

What to bring to school:................................................................12Daily.............................................................................................................12Weekly..........................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.Per Term.......................................................................................................13Per Year........................................................................................................13

Arrival and Departure....................................................................13Parking.........................................................................................13Communication.............................................................................13

Monthly newsletter......................................................................................14Noticeboards.................................................................................................14Use of Email..................................................................................................14

D6 Communicator for SchoolDress Guidelines...........................................................................14

Character Costumes Guidelines....................................................................14Change of Clothes.........................................................................................14Teddy Bears Montessori Spare Clothes.........................................................15Lost and Found.............................................................................................15Shoes............................................................................................................15School Hat....................................................................................................15

Toys from home............................................................................15Birthdays......................................................................................15

Birthday Book Club.......................................................................................15Montessori Birthday Circle and Timeline.......................................................16Birthday Invitations.......................................................................................16

Non-Attendance............................................................................16Health, sickness and medication....................................................16

Sickness........................................................................................................16Infectious Disease.........................................................................................16Allergies........................................................................................................17Medications...................................................................................................17Medical Emergencies....................................................................................17First Aid........................................................................................................17

Security........................................................................................17Excursions / Special Visitors / Visiting Performances.......................18....................................................................................................18

The Path to Your Child’s Progress at School..............................19Independence...............................................................................19How to realise when to leave.........................................................19Competition..................................................................................19Parent–Teacher Working Relationship and Parent Conduct..............19Reports and Formal Feedback Sessions..........................................20Observing in Class.........................................................................20Parental Involvement....................................................................20The Classroom Environment...........................................................20Daily Routines for Classes..............................................................21

Bear Cubs ( Purple Group) & Panda Bears ( orange Group)Error! Bookmark not defined.Mountain Bears ( Red, Green, Blue & Yellow)..............Error! Bookmark not defined.Polar Bears ( Pre- schoolers).........................Error! Bookmark not defined.

Value added daily activities for the 3 to 6 year olds............................Hints for Happy Children – A Letter to My Parents...........................25Our Class and Playground Rules.....................................................26

Our Class Rules.............................................................................................26

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Our Playground Rules...................................................................................26Confidence and Self-Esteem...........................................................26

Helping a Child Grow in Confidence and Self-Esteem...................................27MONTESSORI – More Than an Education....................................27

Introduction to the Montessori Approach to Learning......................27Parent Education on Montessori.....................................................28Frequently Asked Questions...........................................................28

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Dear Parents,

Welcome to Teddy Bears Montessori Preschool in Emmarentia.

This document serves as a guide to the school in general (e.g. meals, fees, term dates etc.) and to the school’s policies and rules. Please take note of the key information contained in this document and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further queries.

I ntroduction

In the middle of year, in 2003, Teddy Bears Montessori Preschool was started by a Preshanie Bhagaloo ( nee Maharaj) to take care of children in a safe, secure and nurturing environment, a home away from home. We started with one little boy on the first day and through word of mouth we grew from strength to strength doing what we were born to do.

We have become convinced that a Montessori education offers enormous advantages to all children. It is based on the principle that each child is an individual and develops at his or her own pace. We have seen our own children benefit from this approach and we are confident that your children will also enjoy growing and learning in this special environment.

For us, it is essential that children are educated in a caring and supportive environment where they are encouraged to work and play. We apply Montessori principles to instil in each child the love of learning that is at the heart of the Montessori education.

Our staff members have many years of experience in preschool teaching. I trained at The College of Modern Montessori Linbro Park, I have also trained and qualified as a self esteem facilitator, I am currently completing my Degree in Educational Psychology & Kids Life Coaching. I have worked in both the Montessori and the state educational sector. I work alongside Montessori-trained teachers*, assistants and classroom helpers to ensure that every child is able to develop at his or her own pace. We have the most dedicated staff and when you meet them you will see how friendly and caring they are.

Children generally start with us when they are walking (and between the ages of 12 months and two years old), however many parents have grown to love our philosophy and environment that we take in one or max 2 babies from 4 months old. Most parents live in close proximity to the school premises and because of the wonderful area we live in, we generally have children from diverse backgrounds. For us, different languages, cultures, nationalities and religions serve to enrich the learning environment. By keeping our school small, a wonderful sense of community among the school’s parents and school team is developed.

This handbook aims to answer the most common questions and to provide a ready reference for contact details and other information. It cannot replace face-to-face communication, so please feel free to ask us about anything regarding our handbook and school policies.

We look forward to both your and your child’s participation in our school.

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Preshanie Zia MaharajSchool Owner and Principal of Teddy Bears Montessori

The Montessori teacher is called a ‘Directress’.

Consent, Indemnity and Emergency Contact Details

All parents must complete the following documents:(i) Application Form (includes the consent and indemnity forms)(ii) Fee Structure Form (included in the application form)(iii) Copies of ID/Passports of parents/guardians (iv) Copy of child’s ID/Passport

It is your responsibility to ensure all changes in information regarding the emergency contact details for your child (e.g. changes in telephone numbers, email addresses etc.) is communicated to Preshanie / Zia straight away.

It is also your responsibility to read the entire school handbook carefully and familiarise yourself with the school’s policies and practices.

Term Dates & Calendar of Events 2018

The term dates are communicated annually.

The calendar of events will be provided at the start of the year and at the beginning of each term. We typically have the following events each year: Family Social, School Concert, School Sports Day, Fundraisers, Special Person Day and Special Visitors and excursions.

All other key dates will be communicated termly.

Please note: Dates are subject to change.

Public Holidays and Additional School Holidays are also communicated annually.

Please Note: Teddy Bears Montessori will close on all public and state school holidays.

School terms are according to the annual calendar of the Gauteng Government Schools yearly calendar.

Fee Information

Fee Schedule

Placement Fee (Non-refundable enrolment fee): equivalent to one month school fees

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Monthly School Fee:Half day: 6:30 – 13:00 for 12 months from R2200/month R26 400 p.a.3/4 day: 6:30 – 15:00for 12 monthsFrom R2550/month R30 600 p.a. Full day: 6:30 – 17:30 for 12 monthsFrom R2800/month R33 600 p.a.Plus R400 p.a for mattress to have a nap on for all children staying after 1pm.

Extra’s per month 3 to 6 yr olds ( Intra Murals)Da Carpo Music R220 pm +reg feeBuzzi Bodies R120 pm + reg fee

Optionsl extra’s ( Extra Murals)Lunch : R400 pm x 12 monthsYoga R100 pm + reg feeStimuzone R100pm + reg feeGrowing resilience R80 pmLittle Professors : Science, Maths, Engineering, robotics etc

Fees are calculated on an annual basis and are payable monthly from January to December (12 payments by the 1st of each month). Monthly fees can only be paid by EFT or direct deposit.

We are not able to offer annual, termly or sibling discounts.

Daily Casual Aftercare: R25 per hour. Casual aftercare is invoiced on a monthly basis.

School Hat: R120 Summer Golf Shirts R160 Winter Track suit R400 Long Sleeve Shirt R160 Beanies R100 & warm Windbreaker R400.

Holiday Club: R150 per day from 7:00 to 17:00

Fee Payments Fees are payable monthly. This is to be paid by Internet transfer or by direct bank deposit.

Our Bank Account details are:

Account Name: Teddy Bears Montessori Education CCBank: FNBAccount Type: Business ChequeAccount Number: 62 133 470 427Branch Code: 256 505Branch: Melville Note: Always reference your CHILD’S NAME.& unique number

Account QueriesFor any accounts or financial queries please contact our school accounting firm:KidslcloudSune/ PreshanieCell: +2782 928 4411Email: [email protected]

School Lunch & extra R400 p/m x 12 months

All food served by the school is Halaal.

We prepare a nutritious, cooked meal daily in our school kitchen.

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Child size portions are served at lunch with a small spoonful of vegetables. Children may request more food if they are still hungry.

Please discuss special dietary needs and concerns with the Preshanie/ Zia (Principal). If necessary, we will work with you and your health care professional to encourage your child’s healthy eating habits. Toddlers are assisted with self-feeding and meals are monitored. If any child is unwilling to eat at school we will monitor the situation for a few days and then communicate with you to establish a home-school approach to a solution.

As the school is registered with the South African Montessori Association we have implemented the Montessori approach to morning snack in the Mountain Bears & Polar Bears class (3 – 6 year old class) which allows the children to participate in food preparation and to eat when they are hungry.  Please be assured that the children are monitored and where necessary reminded to eat.  The staff use a tick list to record and monitor who has eaten morning snack.  Should we notice any problems we will liaise with families directly. 

The Bear Cubs and Koala Bears class children (Babies & toddler class) have a set time to eat snack together as a group.

In a group setting it is inappropriate for staff to force feed or insist children eat, we can however monitor the situation, encourage them to eat and provide parents with left overs in the child’s lunch box so they are also aware of what is being consumed while the child is at school. This approach is for snack times, school lunch or packed snack boxes and lunch boxes from home.

The lunch menu runs on a summer and winter cycle as described in the table below:

Lunch Menu

Cycle Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday FridaySummer

Fish fingers and rice with peas

Macaroni & Cheese

With carrots

Fish fingers and rice with

peas

Hot Dog with lettuce

Chicken “ Sushi”

sandwiches

WinterPenne, tomato

sauce with basil and feta, boiled

carrots

Dhall & Rice with

carrots

Chicken à la king with

peas

Fish bake and pasta with boiled

carrots

Butternut soup with

seed bread

Aftercare

We offer an aftercare facility that closes at 17:30. The fee schedule for this is also communicated annually. Should you book the 13:00 pick-up slot/ 15:00 pick up slot and your child is collected after 13:00/ 15:00 a register is taken and the fees are charged monthly and retrospectively.

Parents who collect their children after the official closing time, i.e. 17:30, will incur late penalties of R25 per every 5 minutes thereafter. The total amount of the late collection fee must be paid directly to the staff member who has needed to stay late.

Aftercare Programme

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12:00 – 14:30 Bear Cubs ( babies) and Koala Bears ( Toddlers walkers ) Nap Time

13:00 –14:30 Panda Bears Mountain Bears & Polar Bears Nap Time (for children that require it)

14:30–15:00 Indoor Free Play

15:00–15:30 Snack Time

15:30–17:30 Outdoor Playtime (weather permitting)

Holiday Club

A full holiday programme, of purposeful activities and entertainment, runs during the school holidays from 7:30 to 16:30. Toddler and preschool children have separate morning programmes during holiday care. In the afternoons, all the children follow the same programme. Please bring along a packed lunch as the school will not provide a cooked meal in the holiday (even for full-day children).

Holiday care is available at a daily charge. The daily charge for holiday care is R150 per day. Prebooking is essential. Please sign-up, on the waitlist sheets put up each term, to secure a slot for your child. Please note your child’s space for holiday club is subject to availability.

Please note: Holiday care is NOT available on public holidays.

There will be holiday care all year round, apart from the December–January holiday (when the school is closed for approximately four weeks). We follow the Gauteng Government school holidays and South African public holidays.

MySchool Cards – in process off application for Teddy Bears Montessori

We ask you to please apply for a MySchool card linked to Teddy Bears Montessori Preschool and swipe it at every opportunity. Every swipe will help raise funds for our school at absolutely no cost to you!

It’s so easy….1. APPLY for a MySchool card (form is attached) or ask Preshanie/ Zia for a form2. SWIPE your card at MySchool partners (over 2500 partner locations nationwide)3. The partner will DONATE a percentage of your purchases to the charity of your

choice. And you will qualify for REWARD Discounts at Woolworths.

Thank you for making every swipe count. For my information go to myschool.co.za

Extra-C urricular Activities

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We offer a range of facilities for convenience and to support child development.

Please note: The extra-curricular activities are only suitable for children who are used to spending a longer day at school and used to the daily routine. I would suggest that only children in the Casa Class sign up for extra-curricular activities. The Bear Cubs ( Babbies up to 18 months) and Panada Bears Class (toddler class) children often join these activities later in the year, once they are used to spending the morning at school.The cost of extra-curricular activities is not included in the regular fees. The enquiries and payment for all these activities is to be done directly with the teachers running the activity (service providers) and confirmed with the school booking form.

We are looking at offering further extra-curricular activities and will keep you up-to-date.

Extra-Curricular Activity Booking Form .

A timetable and details of each activity is listed below.

Daily Schedule of Extra–Curricular Activities

Activity Day Time Teacher Contact number

Email Address

Da Carpo Music School

Monday 08:30-09:30 Antje 0829284411 [email protected]

Yoga for Kids Thursday 11:00– 12:00 Zia 0829284411 [email protected]

Buzzi Bodies Friday 10:30 – 11:30 Brett 0829284411 [email protected]

Growing Resilience

Wednesday 11:00 – 11:30 Zia 011 486 4779 [email protected]

Stimuzone Tuesdays 10:30 to 12h00

Martie 0837071855 [email protected]

Information about the Extra-Curricular ActivitiesThis research is done in the areas of language, reading, speech, concentration and brain development, by educationalists, musicians, child psychologists and neurologists.  Music has broken the barriers:  they unlock your child’s delicate imaginary world and makes life an adventure of discovery through the medium of music. 

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 Research has shown that early music and movement activities positively impact whole child development including areas such as cognitive, emotional, physical, spatial, literacy and social skills. As a result of new research on the development of the child, we recognise that:Music shapes the attitude toward a lifetime appreciation of the artsMusic is so much funMusic is a precursor to future formal music instruction by providing experiences in    singing, playing instruments, movement and listeningMusic is crucial to language developmentMusic fosters emotional bonding and self-esteemMusic stimulates creative thought and learningMusic helps prepare children for maths, science and language. Each lesson consists of songs, movement to music, instrument play, music games, story time, imagination and just having fun …. all through the medium of music.  All lessons are age and developmentally appropriate.  Through music, developmental skills such as fine motor co-ordination, gross motor co-ordination, crossing the mid line, listening skills, uni and bi lateral movements and attention skills are developed, as well as learning the recorder, keyboard, reading of notation and rhythmic patterns. A GOOD BEGINNING NEVER ENDS Growing Resilience through Self Esteem & Yoga Growing Resilience through self esteem & yoga is program with a holistic approach to children’s wellbeing. The curriculum has been designed to allow children to explore themselves on an emotional, mental and physical level through creative Yoga, comprising of Yoga, Art, Colour Therapy, Storytelling and Life Skills. The benefits filter through the lessons into their everyday lives. The process engages with each individual child as well as the group.

Yoga Kids lessons are specifically tailored to cater to the developmental needs of each age group so that the children are engaged and stimulated throughout their time with us.

What is Kids Yoga? Children are natural creators and inventors. Creative Yoga takes inspiration from what children do naturally and uses it to their benefit. In a Creative Yoga class we use our imagination; and with the combination of Art, Colour Therapy, Storytelling and Life Skills it is more than just a Yoga class - it is a creative, fun and interactive class that nourishes and inspires the children.

Our EthosCreative Yoga, creating a better tomorrow “You must be the change you wish to see in the world” - Mahatma Gandhi

We have all the tools right in front of us. We all have the power and the ability to make a small change. It is through those small changes that we will see the big changes. And

can create the future we strive for. At Growing Resilience we strive to teach children this ethos from a young age so that they grow into strong, respectable and humble adults.

How do children do Yoga? It’s all about the process. From the beginning to the end of the class children are lead on a creative and educational journey which ranges from exploring colour and how it affects us, positive and negative emotions and life skills all in a fun and unique way.

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Strategically we use books, cards and props to bring in an element of creativity and this also supports learning and reading skills.

When we teach children how to respect and love their bodies, how to use their minds as a positive tool and how to connect with their emotions, we are teaching them the fundamentals of being a peaceful and happy person. Self-love grows self-care and respect, which in turn creates care of others and the planet.

Why should you choose Growing Resilience through Self Esteem & Yoga for your child?There is an underlying desire today to create peace and harmony within our society, within our schools, within our homes and within ourselves. We are bombarded by a busy and stressful outside environment and all we are really looking for is that peaceful place. Research shows yoga can provide that peaceful place, by bringing about a sense of wellbeing for students as they are given the tools and means to express their true selves emotionally and physically in a nurturing and safe non-competitive environment.

The sense of community that is found in the structure of a Creative Yoga class is reflected in the children who participate. They are open, relaxed, welcoming and understanding. Blissful Kids guides children to focus on their own capabilities rather than being competitive with another.

Benefits of Yoga: - Improve low muscle tone, increase flexibility, strength and co-ordination- Improve low self-esteem, increase self-worth and build confidence- Improve focus and concentration- Alleviate aches and pains- Assist in sleep difficulties- Help with depression and anxiety- Balance energy levels- Assist with ADD and ADHD- Encourage love for oneself and acceptance of others- Develop personal responsibility and self-discipline- Helps find inner peace- Enhances creativity and imagination

Help create positive permanent change by making happier healthier Human Beings.

All Intra Mural fees are paid into Teddy Bears Montessori Education Bank accountOur Bank Account details are:

Account Name: Teddy Bears Montessori Education CCBank: FNBAccount Type: Business ChequeAccount Number: 62 133 470 427Branch Code: 256 505

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Branch: Melville Note: Always reference your CHILD’S NAME.

Day-To-Day School Routines and Requirements A more detailed list of items will be provided before the start of the school year and/or term.

What to bring to school:

Daily1. A school bag for your child’s belongings.

2. The school-purchased sun hat and a warm winter hat. Please take the hat home every Friday to be washed.

3. Sunblock with the highest factor should be applied before arriving at school ALL YEAR ROUND. Children will not be allowed in the play area without a sun hat or sunblock.

4. A change of clothes (for weather changes or accidents etc.) and a plastic packet for clothing that gets wet. Bear Cubs and Panda Bear class members should bring 4 of everything, including: pairs of socks, underwear and items of clothing.

5. If your child is sleeping at school, please bring the following items (if needed): *stackable bed, blanket, small baby pillow, comforter, bottle and dummy.

*Stackable beds can be purchases from school R400.

Please Note: Please clearly LABEL all your child’s belongings with his/her name, as our staff will not be held liable for any lost items. Please label everything, including: clothing, shoes, snack boxes, tissues, wipes, bottles, dummies, cuddly blankets, creams, Tupperware lids and boxes, and yogurts.

6. A fruit each day that is added to class fruit bowl and shared at snack time

7. Bottle of water. We would prefer the children to have water in a labelled water bottles rather than fruit juice that fills them up too quickly and offers too much sugar (fructose) as opposed to whole fruits that offer roughage and take longer to digest. 

8. If you child goes to aftercare, please bring an afternoon snack. Please do not bring unhealthy snacks like sweets, chips or cakes. We will gladly provide suggestions of healthy snacks should you wish additional ideas. Some options include: a yoghurt, slices of cucumber, pieces of cheese and rice crackers.

Daily9. Nappies for the week every week if required PLUS wipes, cream (tube only) and

nappy sacks. Please ensure you mark the packet of your child’s wipes and cream.

Per Term10. Two boxes of tissues per term (2 ply with 180 or 200 sheets)11. One x pack of 4 Toilet Rolls single ply but good quality.12. Two boxes of wet wipes per term (80 sheets) (Bear Cubs, Panda Bears, and

Mountain & Polar Bear Classes)13. Two boxes of nappy sacks per term (Bear Cubs & Panda Bear Classes)14. Two packets of Provita (big packets)15. One jar of peanut butter / Jam16. Coloured cardboard (1 Packet – 50 sheets – of A4 cardboard)

Per Year 17. 2 x Coloured cardboard ( 2 packets – 25 sheets of A4 cardboard)

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Arrival and Departure It is required that children be brought to school and collected by a responsible adult of at least 18 years of age.

Please bring your child in to the school building in the morning and help him/her to take off and hang up his/her coat and bag. Please ensure that your child is handed over into the care of either the directress or the assistant of your child’s class. This helps us in ensuring the security of your child as a register is kept daily.

If someone else is going to be dropping off or picking up your child, please let us know especially if this is unexpected.

Children will not be sent home with anyone other than their regular carers, unless a school staff member has been notified in advance.

Please respect classrooms in session and wait outside for your child. Please do not walk in and disturb the children

The school gate opens at 6:30 (not earlier) The drop off must be before 8:00 Lunch is served at 11:30 for the Bear Cubs and Koala class and 12:00 for the

Mountain & Polar Bear class School day ends between 11:30 and 12:45 (depending on the class your child is

in) Aftercare is available until 17:30 during school term time

Parking

Parents are requested not to park in front of the school property but in the parking bays. This is to prevent any accidents of the children running near unseen behind cars.

Communication

We have various communication tools: D6. CommunicatorWith trying to represent the interests of the parents. We created the D6. Communicator for you to encourage communication between the parent the school. WE primarily use it to remind you of any special events or requests or posting special event pictures from the school, but you can also use it to raise any suggestions you have for the school. Call Centre contact number if you require assistance with the app 0860 22 11 36

Monthly newsletterThe newsletter is sent out on Fridays to inform parents about updates, themes and general information regarding the school. This is sent via email, so please be sure to keep your contact details up to date. Emails are also sent out on an ad hoc basis.

NoticeboardsPlease regularly check our general noticeboards for on-going updates. Please obtain permission from Megan prior to affixing a notice to the noticeboard.

Use of EmailFor the sending out of statements & newsletters

Dress Guidelines

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For ease of identification, please clearly label your child’s clothing, as well as shoes, hats, school bag, bottle, nappies, sleeping bag, etc. Children should come to school in sensible washable clothing that permits full movement and outdoor play and is easy to slip on and off. We do not recommend belts, dungarees or other restrictive items of clothing. Clothes that have elastic waistbands are excellent. We recommend that all children wear school uniforms to school daily to eliminate unnecessary stressful mornings. Which are any denium bottoms with the School Golf shirt or long sleeve shirts, or wind breaker alternatively for the cold days we have a school tracksuit that is warm and comfortable. Summer Golfers R160 each Track suits R400 each

Summer hat R100 eachWinter Tops R170 each Windbreaker ( Lined) R350 each

Winter Beanie R80 each

In order to avoid colds and flu during autumn and winter, children need to be dressed appropriately. We will check the children to ensure jackets and shoes are taken off or put on as required. Some children may be more difficult to persuade. If they cannot be persuaded, we will not force the children to change what they are wearing and we will respect their wishes. Please could you help us by dressing your children in layers, for example; dress them in a vest under a T-shirt with a tracksuit top over both layers. This allows for easy adjustment throughout the day with the least amount of persuasion!

Character Costumes Guidelines

For more peaceful play, we ask that you do not send your child to school in clothing that encourages aggressive behaviour. The school’s policy is that children should not wear ‘fantasy character’ clothing to school as it can upset other children and it affects behaviour in class.

The character is not allowed if it performs any action that you would not want your child to emulate, e.g. flying off buildings (Spiderman, Batman), turning into an alien and shooting people (Ben 10), wearing provocative clothing (Bratz), tackling someone by the hair (WWE Raw), etc.

Friendly characters such as Pooh Bear, Mickey Mouse, Dora the Explorer, Barney, Bob the Builder, Thomas the Train are acceptable.

Change of Clothes

We do a lot of painting and pasting at school and, although the children do wear aprons, occasional accidents are inevitable. Please provide a weather appropriate change of clothes in your child’s school bag. In autumn and spring, when temperatures fluctuate unexpectedly, please provide both a warm and a cool set of clothes. For children who are potty training, please provide more than one change of clothes as will be discussed with your class directress.

Teddy Bears Montessori’s Spare Clothes

In the event that your child has more than one spill during the day and requires an extra change of clothes, we will provide clothes from our Teddy Bears Montessori spare-clothing box. These clothes are clearly marked Teddy Bears Montessori with permanent marker. Please wash and return the clothes to the school so that they can be available for the next multi-spill day. Donations to the Teddy Bears Montessori spare clothing box are much appreciated. Please bear us in mind when you clear out your child’s cupboards.

Lost and Found

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Please regularly check the lost and found box for any items belonging to your child. Unclaimed items will be donated to our school spare-clothing box at the end of each year.

Shoes

We have found that ‘slip-slops’ and other ‘slip-on shoes’ are not safe for children to run in and are therefore not appropriate for school. The school recognises the benefits of barefooted play for children’s safety and for the development of their sensory awareness. Shoes can also be a hazard in outdoor play areas. Bare feet can grip climbing equipment and this promotes more effective balance and control.

School Hat

Each child is required to have a school-purchased hat that will be used for outside playtime.

Toys from home We discourage the bringing of toys from home to school as they can be lost or broken. It disrupts the class programmes and upsets children whose parents abide by the guideline. Please do not send children to school with toys! Please settle any problems regarding this with your child before coming to school.

Birthdays Birthdays are a special event for a Montessori child. Please confirm arrangements in advance with your class directress. We encourage parents to attend your child’s birthday celebration!

Your child may bring a birthday cake OR cupcakes OR vanilla ice-cream and cones to share with the class. Please ensure that cakes or cupcakes do not contain any nuts or alcohol.

Please Note: Party packs are not allowed at school, instead your child can give their whole class the gift of a new book via our Birthday Book Club.

Birthday Book Club

We invite you to donate a book to the school in honour of your child’s birthday. A bookplate will be placed in the front cover of the book thanking your family for the gift. Directresses read birthday books on birthdays as well as at other times in the year.

Montessori Birthday Circle and Timeline

In the preschool classes, we celebrate the child's birthday with a special birthday circle where we walk through the timeline of the child’s life. Please could you bring photographs depicting special events or milestones; for example, the day they were born, a birthday party, etc. Up to 3 photographs per year of your child’s life will be sufficient to illustrate their timeline.

Birthday Invitations

If you are planning a private birthday party at home and do not wish to invite the whole class, please distribute birthday invitations via email. Birthday parties and invitations are a sensitive topic for most children and they become very upset if they feel left out. The school will not hand out invites on behalf of parents and the onus is on the parent to do so.

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Non-Attendance Please contact the school if your child will not be attending school due to sickness, holidays or any other reasons. In accordance with legislation, we keep a daily class register.

The school can be contacted by: Telephone (or leaving a message on the answering ) School cellphone (call or SMS)

The school mobile number is: 011 486 4779In an emergency, call Preshanie / Zia on 0829284411

Health, sickness and medication

Sickness

If your child is sick, they should recover in a caring home environment and return to school only once they are well enough to cope with a busy school day. Children on medication may feel drowsy, nauseous or hyperactive so we encourage you to keep them at home until the course of medication is completed. Do not leave medication in your child’s school bag under any circumstances.

If your child seems unwell, a staff member will contact you on the phone number you have provided in order to arrange for your child to be collected. Sick children cannot participate fully in school activities so they will not be allowed to stay at school. Please ensure that there is an open telephone line at all times and immediately inform Megan if your details change. Keep your child at home if he/she seems unwell or if he/she have been unwell overnight and has missed sleep. Even if the problem is solved by the morning, your child will be tired and is unlikely to benefit from the day at school.

Infectious Disease

A child with any kind of infectious disease should stay at home even if they seem well ‘in themselves’ This is in their own interest and that of other children and staff. This includes skin conditions, conjunctivitis, chicken pox, scarlet fever, coughs, colds and bad runny noses. Parents must contact the school to report contagious illness. Children who are not appropriately immunised may need to be withdrawn from the school for a safe period. This is for your child’s safety. We do however recommend all immunisations in accordance with your paediatrician’s recommendations.

The school reserves the right to require that any child who appears to be unwell be taken home.

Please notify Preshanie/ Zia if your child has contracted an infectious disease. For highly contagious diseases, we will need to notify the other parents so that they can be on the lookout for symptoms. In some cases, we are required to notify the Department of Health.

Allergies

If your child has any known allergies, please let Megan know in advance. If your child requires any medication or emergency treatment Megan must be informed and must have written instructions provided for the child’s file. If your child suffers from specific allergies or food sensitivities, it is your responsibility to bring this to the attention of the staff.

Please ensure that the school is informed in writing of any and all allergies your child 16

may have. This information should be completed on your application form and updated as required. Please discuss any allergies with Preshanie / Zia.

Medications

School staff is not permitted to keep or administer medication or homeopathic medication of any sort. If your child is sick enough to require medicine, please keep him/her at home where medications can be administered and monitored safely. Medications will only be administered for chronic health problems or serious allergies. In this event please speak to Preshanie/ Zia, as both you and your doctor will need to complete a medication consent form provided by the school.

Medical Emergencies

In case of injury or illness during school hours, parents will be notified by phone to collect their child. If a parent cannot be reached, Megan will call the alternate contact persons listed on the application form. Parents are responsible for keeping all emergency information current by informing Preshanie/Zia of any changes in addresses, telephone numbers, or emergency contact information.

If we are unable to contact a parent, guardian or alternate contact person in the case of an emergency, we will take the appropriate action to ensure your child has the necessary medical care. All medical costs are for the parents’ account, including the services of an ambulance or the call-out of a doctor.

If your child needs emergency treatment, we will call an ambulance as well as phone you. Our nearest hospital is the Netcare Garden City Hospital and that is where your child will be taken in an emergency. We will not delay seeking emergency medical treatment for your child while waiting for your approval and the cost of ambulance transfer and treatment will be your responsibility.

Please let us know if there is any special medical, religious or social information we would need should your child require emergency medical attention.

First Aid

All staff members have completed first-aid and CPR courses. They are also trained in HIV awareness and universal precautions.

Security

The school has an armed response and security guard with a set of procedures for emergency situations. Included in this is a fire evacuation procedure we practice with the children. Should you be collecting your child early, please make arrangements with the school ahead of time so that the gate can be opened upon your arrival as the gate is kept locked at all times to ensure the safety of the children. We also make use of a maglock gate system that you need to provide the school with a 4 digit code in order to access the school premises eg 1234#. This code is to be used by you to pick enter the premises and collect your child. Should a driver/ maid or au pair be picking up your child instead of yourself, please ensure that you introduce us to him/her before hand as well as provide them with the security gate code and send us a detail text message informing us of who is picking up your child from school.

Excursions / Special Visitors / Visiting Performances

Excursions are a wonderful way of experiencing the term’s themes and they stimulate class discussions.

You will be informed of planned excursion in advance via consent and permission slips that will be emailed to you. Children who do not return a signed permission slip will not

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be allowed to attend. The, Mountain Bears and Polar bears classes will take separate excursions to ensure safety and security.

We always need parents to provide transportation and help for these excursions, so please try to take part occasionally. The Bear Cubs and Panda Bear children especially often require their parents to come along and share in their adventure. Children always travel in the cars of parents. Each child must wear a seat belt. Special arrangements will have to be made if your child needs to travel in a particular car seat or with a specific parent.

Teachers are not permitted to transport children. The teacher will assign a parent or driver to a group of children (usually their own child and friends known to the parent). The parent will then be responsible for these children throughout the entire trip, as well as attending to their needs (toilet, snack, clothing etc.). On returning to school, parents or drivers are to see each child safely into the classroom where their teacher is to ensure everyone has returned. If your child will not be returning to school after the excursion, please inform the school prior to the date.

On excursion days please ensure that your child arrives early, as we cannot wait for latecomers. Children who are ill are not allowed on excursions. Please advise the school if your child is going to be absent on an excursion day.

If you do not wish your child to take part in a specific excursion you may want to keep him/her at home on that day. We do not have the resources to provide additional staff at the school during excursions.

For all excursions you will be asked to pack a snack in disposable packaging. Please pack a healthy and balanced snack and a small juice or bottle of water. Please ensure your child’s name is clearly written on the bag that has their snack in it. Please do not send containers that cannot be thrown away, as they will get lost on an excursion. At least one school staff member will carry a cellphone and a first-aid kit when accompanying children on activities outside the school. An excursion consent form will need to be completed for each trip and it can be handed in when payment is made.

The Path to Your Child’s Progress at School

Independence

This is one of the primary objectives set for the children. The children should be encouraged to put away their own things and to pack up in the afternoon. Please do not succumb to doing these chores for convenience. You should also help by giving thought to clothes, equipment and food that children can manage unaided. This is a source of pride and satisfaction for children.

How to realise when to leave

We realise it can be just as difficult for some parents to leave their children as it is for children to say good-bye; however, please remember that we are professionals and this is an annual occurrence. There may be tears for a while, as it is hard to say good-bye, but generally they do not continue for long and your child has a happy and active day. Once you have said good-bye please leave, as it is more upsetting and confusing for your child if your words and actions are inconsistent. By staying after you have said good-bye your child will learn that he/she can prolong the departure by becoming distressed.

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If you are concerned, please phone later in the morning to check on his/her progress and to put your mind at rest. Too many adults crowd the class, so please leave as soon as your child is settled.

Competition

Children are encouraged to work at their own pace as each child has his/her own development pattern. It is a question of following this progress and guiding it rather than imposing it upon them, thus creating the opportunity to learn. We, therefore, discourage competition and comparisons with other children. In keeping with this, we also ask that school reports are treated as strictly confidential.

Parent–Teacher Working Relationship and Parent Conduct

The directress (teacher) of each class is always available to discuss concerns you may have about your child’s enjoyment of school. Pick-up and drop-off times tend to be very busy, so if you have specific questions it is often better to arrange to meet with her early in the morning or in the afternoon vi a our user friendly electronic app calendly.com/teddybears

We encourage positive parent–teacher relationships. We are of the opinion that optimum results can only be achieved if parents and teachers work together in the education of their children. Please also inform your child’s directress of any changes at home or in your child’s life that may have an effect at school so that we can better provide for the needs of the child. All information will be regarded as confidential. We encourage your input about the kinds of changes that may affect how your child behaves, their sense of security and their general wellbeing. Common causes of distress include: either or both parents being away from home for any reason for an extended time, a new person living at the home, a new sibling, illness or hospitalisation within the family, accident or death within the family or pets, new employment or moving.

It is very important that both parents and any other carers read all communications. Please notify Megan immediately should your contact information change. Please address all questions about your child’s well-being and progress at school or any other issues to the directress or Megan. Please do not discuss issues with teaching assistants, as they are available for housekeeping matters only.

Preshanie/ Zia can always make herself available to parents to discuss an issue via email or phone calls. Private discussion in person can also be arranged.

It is crucial that the parents and the school have a mutually respectful and harmonious relationship, communicating concerns constructively to one another.

Parents are expected to conduct themselves in a fair and reasonable manner in all school circumstances in order to uphold and preserve the reputation of the school.

While parents may not agree with every decision made by the school, in most cases, enough common ground can be found to continue a mutually respectful relationship. In an extreme case, however, if an impasse is reached, both the parent and the school should consider whether another school would be a better match for the family.

Reports and Formal Feedback Sessions

Towards the end of the Term 1 and Term 3, a timetable will be put up on calendly.com/teddybears for parents to make appointments to meet with their child’s directress. This should not prevent you from setting up additional meetings to check on your child’s progress should you want them. Children will receive a written report at the end of each school year (Term 4) outlining

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their progress over that year.

Observing in Class

We encourage parents to make an appointment to observe during Term 2 or Term 3.

We do have certain rules for observing as follows:

Please could you make arrangements to not bring your child to class on that specific day as being observed by a parent hampers their freedom

The purpose of the observation is to see what the children are doing independent of your presence, so please do not disturb the class

The observer needs to remain silent and as still as possible Please do not go to the aid of any of the children Simply observe and experience the Montessori environment

Parental Involvement

Parental involvement is an important aspect of Montessori education. We encourage parents to contribute and to participate in the school as much as possible. For example, you may wish to introduce a new school activity. Please talk to the school staff about your ideas.

We also need parental assistance with our annual fun(d)raising event and other special events. These events can only be successful if the whole school community participates. We strive to raise further funds in order to continue to improve our school for your child’s benefit. We would like to have fantastic events but can only do this with your help, support and engagement.

We encourage all parents to actively support our special events. Assistance can be offered in a variety of ways: help with fundraising, open days, help on a stand/stall at an event, take photos, and there are many other tasks where assistance is required.

Our events offer a host of opportunities to strengthen our school community and to have fun with fellow parents and friends.

The Classroom Environment

The child’s need to learn by exploring is supported by the following:

The classrooms contain fully prepared and sequenced teaching materials and equipment.

Everything in the classroom is child-sized and intended for the child’s use. The children ‘work’ because it is exciting to learn from the wide range of activities

presented. The children learn to appreciate and care for their classrooms and the beautifully

crafted Montessori materials. The directresses guide the child’s energy, interest and enthusiasm into self-

enriching channels over a three-year period. The directresses help each child individually by demonstrating the special

materials. Individual capabilities and the interests of each child are respected as each child

develops at their own rate.

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Daily Routines for ClassesBear Cubs & Panda Bears Class (age 6 months – 2.5yrs old)

Daily Routine

6:30 – 8:00 CHILDREN ARRIVE Put bag in locker; put fruit in fruit bowl, juice/water bottle in drinks tray and snack box in snack tray. (Please give the optional packed lunch to class directress)

7:00 – 8:00 BREAKFAST

8:00 – 9.00 WORK CYCLE Free choice of art activities, class materials and books

9:00 – 9:45 CIRCLE TIME DANCING / MOVEMENT & STORY TIMESinging, days of the week and weather chart, grace and courtesy

9:45 – 10:10 SNACK TIMEEating of shared fruit and brown bread and then own snack

TOILET ROUTINE Wash hands and face, nappy change / toilet

10:10 – 11:10 SUNCREAM / HATS / TOILET TIME / NAPPY CHANGEOUTSIDE TIMEPlay on playground equipment and in sandpit, participate in water play activities and socialise with friends

11:10 – 11:30 INSIDE TIME / WASH HANDS / LUNCH

Enjoy school cooked lunch or packed lunch with friends in the class

11:30 – 13:00 HOME TIME FOR HALF DAY CHILDREN

11H30 – 14H25 SLEEP TIME FOR AFTERCARE CHILDREN

14:30 – 17:30 AFTERCARE

17:30 SCHOOL CLOSES – PICK UP TIME

Panda Bear Class (age 2.5 Years – 3 year olds)Daily Routine

6:30 – 8:00 CHILDREN ARRIVE Put bag in locker; put fruit in fruit bowl, juice/water bottle in drinks tray and snack box in snack tray. (Please give the optional packed lunch to class directress)

7:00 – 8:00 BREAKFAST

8:00 – 9.30 WORK CYCLE Free choice of art activities, class materials and books

9:30 – 9:45 CIRCLE TIME DANCING / MOVEMENT & STORY TIME21

Singing, days of the week and weather chart, grace and courtesy

9:45 – 10:10 SNACK TIMEEating of shared fruit and brown bread and then own snack

TOILET ROUTINE Wash hands and face, nappy change / toilet

10:10 – 11:10 SUNCREAM / HATS / TOILET TIME / NAPPY CHANGEOUTSIDE TIMEPlay on playground equipment and in sandpit, participate in water play activities and socialise with friends

11:10 – 11:30 INSIDE TIME / WASH HANDS / LUNCH

Enjoy school cooked lunch or packed lunch with friends in the class

11:30 – 13:00 HOME TIME FOR HALF DAY CHILDREN11H30 – 14H25 SLEEP TIME FOR AFTERCARE CHILDREN/

14:30 – 17:30 AFTERCARE

17:30 SCHOOL CLOSES – PICK UP TIME

Mountain & Polar BearsClass (age 3 – 6 year olds)

Daily Routine

6:30 – 08:00 CHILDREN ARRIVE

07:00 – 08:00 Breakfast8:00 – 11:00 WORK CYCLE

Choosing of class activities and materials, presentations, small group discussions, circle time, fruit preparation and snack time

11:10 – 12:00 SUNCREAM / HATS / TOILET TIME OUTSIDE PLAYPlay in park and/or sandpit, participate in water play activities, socialise with friends

12:00 – 12:30 DANCING, MOVEMENT & STORY TIME Listen to a story, ask and answer questions at the end

12:30 – 12:45 LUNCH TIME Enjoy school cooked lunch or own packed lunch with friends in the class (If your child isn’t eating lunch at school please can they be collected at 12h00)

12h00 to 13 h00 HOME TIME FOR HALF DAY CHILDREN

12:45 – 14:25 SLEEP TIME FOR CHILDREN WHO ATTEND AFTERCARE AND STILL NAP

14:30 – 17:30 AFTERCARE

17:30 SCHOOL CLOSES and PICK-UP TIME

Value added daily activities for the 3 to 6 year old childrenPanda Bears Mountain & Polar Bear Class –Baker’s Day Mondays R5 per week per child

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Your child’s name will be written on the white board a few days before it is his/her turn to be the baker. A list of all of our Bakers for the month is listed on our monthly Newsletter which posted onto D6 under Resources : NewslettersSee Parent handbook for details or see D6. Communicator.

As well as Music day & R250 pm with Teacher Antje ( pronounced similar to Unsure) who is aqualified, passionate & creative music teacher from Da Carpo Music School. Children learn various Music terminology and play various instruments and listen to various types of music not just the usual nursery rhymes that we do every other day. Fees are included in your monthly fees as it is part of our teaching. Understanding and listening to various classical music unlocks further potential of the human brain. Extra cost pm of R250

Every Tuesday is Show-and-Tell

Each Tuesday during class circle time, children are invited to show and tell their class about a special theme-related item they have brought to school. This activity helps the children to build their confidence and vocabulary. The children only participate if and when they feel comfortable to do so – so at first we may have some ‘showing’, but not much ‘telling’.

Please assist your child to find or make a theme-related item to bring to show-and-tell on Tuesdays. Please do not send valuables or sentimental items. We encourage you to discuss the weekly theme with your child. Please refer to the termly plan and weekly newsletter updates.

Every Tuesday is also ‘Letter of the Week’

You will be able to follow the letter of the week from the termly plan, newsletter and whiteboard. Please assist your child to look around the house and garden to bring in an object starting with the letter of the week (e.g. ‘b’ for ball). The children are also taught the phonetic sounds of the alphabet.

The Alphabet

Did you know that of some 500,000 words in the English dictionary, 85% are phonetic! The Montessori approach to learning the letters of the alphabet is to first learn their shape and phonetic sounds using the lower case sandpaper letters. The children trace the letters while saying their sound. This provides a multi-sensory approach to learning letter formation and phonics. A solid foundation of phonics gives the child the tools to master most words and the confidence to start reading.

Please use the phonic sounds rather than introducing the alphabet to your child:

Isolate and clip each sound, for example, say “j” almost as a puff of air, not “juuh”. Keep vowels crisp and clear, for example, say a short “a” not “aaaa”. Long vowels will be introduced later, e.g. the long a – as in able.

THE PHONETIC ALPHABET

a – as in apple j – as in jam s – as in sit

b – as in ball k – as in king (kicking king)

t – as in top

c – as in cat (curly cat)

l – as in lap u – as in up

d – as in dog m – as in mat v – as in van

e – as in egg n – as in nut w – as in wet23

f – as in fan o – as in orange x – as in box(xs)

g – as in gate p – as in pig y – as in yo-yo

h – as in hat q – as in queen (kw) z – as in zip

i – as in ink r – as in rabbit

Wednesday – Tuck shop R5 per week per child

We charge a monthly fee oppose to taking cash daily to avoid unhappy children and stressed out parents as we no longer carry cash with us on a daily basis. However to teach children about the value of money we recycle a 5 note between all of them discreetly as they choose what they would like to buy. Eg. A teaspoon od smarties/ a table spoon of chips etc.

Thursday is Yoga day ( R100 pm )Mind Moves & Hot Dog Thursday for R30 per child per weekThis is included included as part of our daily programme for children 3 & older.This is about breathing techniqyes, stretching and relaxing or energising the mind and body & helping children stimulate their icreative imagination as we explore a visit to the zoo/ a picnic while doing yogaThere is NO relogious association to yoga.Friday is Fun day, Buzzi Bodies ( extra R150 pm) as well as Bring a Book to school dayFun day in the sun where teachers arrange a game or obstacle course for the children to play, group games eg Musical chairs. Buzzi Bodies is designed and created by Professional & experienced teachers for many years. This programmes helps to teach children various age appropriate skills that they require to play various sports activities as they enter Primary school, not forgetting the huge amount of Gross Motor development and co –ordination that is very much required in young children for neural development.Bring a book to school day, is to encourage parents to support the local Libraries to develop a love for reading and understanding. Parents and children are encourage to read a book a week or a day. On a Friday your little does a verbal book review. This encourages visual memory, comprehension, imagination, auditory memory and vocabulary delopment

Hints for Happy Children – A Letter to My Parents Dear Mom/Dad/guardian/carer

Please bring me to school on time! I should be at school by the latest 15 minutes before class starts. When I am late I don’t get an opportunity to socialise with my friends before the work cycle. I also disrupt the morning programme and this makes me and my class feels unsettled.

Please be on time to fetch me as well! I feel anxious and don’t like to be the last one to go home when you are late.

It is SO important that I have a nutritious breakfast before I come to school. This helps me to concentrate and gives me enough energy to play with my friends.

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Please make sure that I have a set of clean clothes at school in case I spill or have an accident.

Please remember that I am NOT allowed to wear fantasy clothes to school (e.g. Ben Ten, WWE Raw, Batman, Superman, Spiderman, Bratz, etc.)

Please read the noticeboard daily so that I don’t miss special events and please check your emails and my school bag every day.

All my work is valuable, please admire it and keep it for me.

Please offer to help with excursions sometimes.

Please ask me about my theme and tell me something that you know so I can share it with my class.

Please help me to find or make something theme-related to bring to show-and-tell and for ‘Letter of the Week’ every Wednesday (for Honeybees Class).

Please come to all special events and functions and make friends with the parents of my friends.

Please invite my friends home to play sometimes and let me visit them.

If you support my school and teachers, it makes me feel secure and happy.

Thank youYour Loving Child

Our Class and Playground Rules

Our Class Rules

1. We are gentle and kind with everyone in school. Pinching, pushing, biting, kicking and poking with pencils hurt us.

2. We are friendly to each other and we speak with kind words.3. We are responsible for what we do. We pack our work away when we are finished

and we keep our classroom and school clean and tidy.4. We use our ‘inside voices’ (talking softly) so that our friends can work in a quiet

space. We do not disturb our friends when they are working.5. We use our ‘walking feet’ inside so that we don’t bump into other people or fall

over. Running is fun to do outside.6. When we need to go to the toilet ask a staff member. The directress needs to

know where all the children are in the class or if they have gone to the toilet.7. Our work and materials are very special and belong to our school. If we find work

or toys in our pockets when we get home, we bring them back to school. (Parents if you find any foreign objects, small pieces of equipment, toys belonging to the school, please return it to your child’s directress. It might be a vital piece of equipment or a puzzle piece.)

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Our Playground Rules

The following are some of our playground rules. Please support us by abiding by these rules when you play with your child in our playground or at other parks. Children thrive on consistency and these rules will help your child to play more safely!

1. We wear a hat and sunscreen during outside time. 2. We do not leave shoes in the playground. We put them in the class shoe boxes. 3. We do not climb up the slide. We climb up the ladder and then go down the slide. 4. We do not slide head first down the slide. We sit or lie and slide feet first down the

slide. 5. We may climb up the tree if we are able to climb down on our own. 6. We do not stand on the swing. We sit on the swing. 7. We do not climb over the fence. 8. We do not climb on the balustrade. We walk up and down the stairs. 9. We do not throw anything over the fence or wall. We keep sandpit toys in the

playground and extra hats and shoes in the class boxes. 10. We do not throw stones over the fence or at each other. We play with stones on

the ground. 11. We do not play with sandpit toys on the paved or grass areas. We play with

sandpit toys in the sand. 12. We do not throw sand at our friends. We do not pour sand on our friends’ heads.

We dig in the sand. 13. We do not use spades for banging or hitting our friends. We use spades for

digging. 14. We do not hurt the plants or play in the plants area. We water and look after the

plants.

Confidence and Self-Esteem The following ideas may help parents who want to give their children the gift of self-esteem:

1. Make your relationship with your partner (husband / wife / other) most important. Child-centred homes do not produce healthy self-images. Parents who love each other first provide security for the child and those results in high self-esteem.

2. Evaluate your expectations for your children. Are you requiring too much, so that they feel as if they are constantly failing? Are you forcing them into roles they are not ready for? John Drescher says, “We have an awful problem letting children be children”.

3. Examine your own self-image. How you feel about yourself will affect how you treat your children. Recognise your strengths and build on them. Be realistic about your weaknesses and don’t belittle yourself. Don’t be afraid to admit your weaknesses and confess mistakes to your children.

4. Give your children responsibilities around the house. Compliment them when they do them well. Add more responsibilities as they grow older. This encourages a feeling of independence and accomplishment.

5. Spend plenty of time with your children. That alone communicates that they are important to you. Giving them only a few minutes and then rushing off communicates something else. Involve them in your activities. Take them to work with you sometimes.

6. Be interested in what your children accomplish. Give lots of recognition and praise.

7. Help them be realistic about their failings. Always look for areas where they can succeed. Experiences of success are important.

8. Show visible trust in them. Let them know you are counting on them to do certain things or take care of something.

9. Treat them with respect, especially when you are with people. Let them 26

speak for themselves and listen to them as you do others. Be sure that they do not dominate the discussion, however.

10. Prepare them for adolescence when their self-image will be put on the line. Let them know what will happen, physically and socially, when they become teenagers. Reassure them that it is a temporary phase.

11. Pray with your children. When you pray, thank God / Allah / Jesus / Buddha / the universe/ for them and for their special gifts and abilities

Paul Heidbrrecht

Helping a Child Grow in Confidence and Self-Esteem

A child grows in confidence and self-esteem Each time we show respect for his feelings Each time we give him a chance to make a choice Each time we give him an opportunity to solve a problem Each time we give him a new responsibility, appropriately Each time we acknowledge his unique assets Each time we acknowledge his efforts Each time we acknowledge his contribution to our family life Each time we respect his struggle to get this thing right on his own Each time we spend special time with him Each time we take an interest in his particular activities or interests. Hilary Rosenthal

MONTESSORI – More Than an Education

Introduction to the Montessori Approach to Learning The Montessori approach to learning is based on an individual approach to the child. It is not a teaching method, but a learning experience. The directress’s (teacher’s) task is that of a keen observer, a good motivator and an initiator. She treats the child with respect and courtesy. She is not authoritarian, nor disciplinarian: through respecting the child and his/her needs she helps the child to discipline him/herself.

Parent Education on Montessori During each year the school will run at least one parent evening to explain and discuss the Montessori education philosophy and methods. Please try to attend, as this will enhance your ability to support your child’s progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of the Montessori teacher?

The teacher is called the “Directress” because she facilitates the Montessori activity. She carefully plans the environment in the interest of the children and she helps the children progress from one activity to the next.

With all this freedom, isn’t there confusion?

The concept of freedom in the classroom is a freedom within limits. A child is allowed to work freely so long as he/she does not disrupt others. Children having the freedom to follow their interests are generally happy and busily involved in their work.

What is the best age to start preschool? Dr Montessori outlined various periods of sensitivity. During these times, a child is more

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capable of and interested in learning specific concepts. At age 2 to 3 a special sense of order, concentration, co-ordination and independence begin to emerge. This time is ideal to begin a child’s training in Montessori as he is at the perfect period to build a strong learning foundation.

How do Montessori children adjust to mainstream education?

Children from the Montessori system are flexible and adjust easily. They have learned self-direction and a positive attitude toward learning and are often excellent students.

Why is the Montessori experience for 5 days?

The Montessori classroom experience is for 5 consecutive days in order to allow spontaneous learning of the child to flow smoothly. A child taken in an out of school every other day does not have the same opportunity to pursue his unfolding interests.

Who is Montessori designed for? The Montessori philosophy is an approach in learning and as such has no distinction of class intelligence. It has been used successfully in all parts of the world and in all typed of programmes for those who want the very best for their children.

Does Montessori employ current research and theory?

Montessori was a scientist; she would never have approved of a static or closed system, but would be open to improvement. Programmes would vary too with the personal philosophy of the directress and the physical plant, programme and pupils. Certain materials, however, have proven themselves through the years and remain constant.

Is Montessori expensive? Tuition in Montessori nurseries appears to cost more than other preschools because of the expensive materials, encompassing environment and directress training. It is a matter of values. To give a child the finest possible experience in his most sensitive years is to give him a strong foundation for life. Many educators believe that it is wiser to invest in a child’s preschool education than his college education. The expense now is a profitable long-term investment

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