All Day Primary

The Wall Street Journal just posted an article announcing the return of cursive to the elementary language curriculum in several states across the US.

“More than a decade after many wrote the obituary for the handwriting style—because of widely adopted Common Core curriculum standards that made no mention of it—cursive is making a comeback.” Author Sara Randazzo

Montessori educators have long touted the benefits of learning cursive as a part of early childhood education. Cursive offers a natural transition between a young child’s artistic scribbles- which are made using looped and circular motions- and cursive letter formation. Writing with cursive letters also reduces the instances of letter confusion or reversals (such as /b/ and /d/) It also makes it easier to see which letters belong to the same word, because they are all connected.

There are many other benefits, and I am thrilled to see educators advocating for cursive once again! If you know of an adult who needs practice with their cursive, visit https://www.alldayprimary.com/language

Practical life is one of the most important aspects of the Montessori classroom. These lessons introduce children to the steps needed to accomplish day-to-day tasks that help them independently care for themselves and their community. The children find joy in learning how to snap their jackets or make their own sandwiches. They smile with pride as they arrange their first vase of flowers, sweep a big pile of leaves on the patio, or help to sew a button back into a class apron. Practicing and perfecting these activities have the added benefit of helping the child learn to complete a series of sequential steps, increasing their ability to concentrate for longer periods, and helping them to learn from any mistakes they make along the way. Through these activities, the children become self-directed, independent, and self-confident! It's amazing!

Luckily, the joys of practical life do not end in the primary classroom. This week, I have been engaging in a little adult practical life. I have watched seamstresses around me use a serger to magically create beautiful finishes on fabric and I have been a little intimidated to try it myself. But! This week I watched (and re-watched) a few great YouTube videos, and I spent hours in front of this machine attempting to surge the ends of my fabric. I did my best to follow the logical steps needed to thread the serger using four different spools and carefully fed my fabric through the machine. There was (and continues to be) a TON of learning from my mistakes. While I am still a long way from surging in a straight line, I am becoming more confident in my skills and even tried my hand at a rolled hem. Maybe some new polishing cloths are in my future? Is this how the children feel when they learn something new?

What practical life are you trying today?

I would like to wish all of the fathers in our lives a very Happy Father's Day. Thank you for all you do for your children. Over the years, I have heard countless stories about how your children love, admire, and appreciate you!

My father had always been there for me- whether combing my hair for picture day, supervising band field trips, helping me drive all of my belongings home from college, or walking me down the aisle on my wedding day. I am forever grateful for his wisdom and patience.

For many, today marks the final day of the school year. Congratulations on another successful and memorable year! This day is often bittersweet in the Montessori classroom as teachers say farewell to the eldest children who have been a part of their community for three or four years! I hope the day is filled with smiles, laughter, and joy as you reflect on the meaningful moments you have spent with these amazing little people and send them on to their next adventure.