Letters to Teachers

The school year begins next week. It's time - the kids have had a fun summer with educational activities mixed in to their daily routine. They are bickering more than usual but there are still moments of the day filled with their sweet laughter and giggles. I don't care for the work and daily grind of the school year but it will be nice to have more routine back in our lives. I write letters to the teachers each year to give to them at the Open House. I want the teachers to know who is walking in their door on the first day. Even Lane has a letter to deliver to her teacher at Open House tonight. Her letter is the least complicated this year because she has the same Montessori preschool teacher and she is the youngest with the least special needs. A far bigger challenge is presenting itself with the boys and how I should introduce them to their future teachers. I want to start the school year conveying how important and appreciated all of the teachers are to us. They work hard and they deserve my respect and support. The following is the letter I am handing to Lane's teacher tonight:

Lane Elizabeth Mai We discovered that education is not something which the teacher does, but that it is a natural process which develops spontaneously in the human being. Maria Montessori Thank you for being a part of Lane’s first formal educational year. We greatly appreciate the time and effort you put into each day to educate our child. We know it isn’t an easy job and want you to know that we are here to support you in any way possible. Lane turned three on June 25th. She asked us daily when she is going back to school to see her teachers and friends. She has a true love of learning and exploration. Her interest in numbers and letters has developed over the summer. It has been fun to watch her create many works of art this summer. Lane also enjoys dancing, reading books, playing outside, and playing with babies. We moved from Celebration to Harmony in mid-July. I believe continuing her Montessori experience in Celebration will help with her transition to a new home and neighborhood because she will have the continued familiarity of her friends and teachers. It will also help her with the transition of her brothers going back to school all day. Lane has no medical issues or limitations. She will have surgery scheduled this year to correct a visual muscular problem. I will let you know when that is scheduled. Lane has a strong desire to please the adults in her life. Though she has a few strong opinions (she likes the color purple a lot), she can be redirected easily. If you have any questions about Lane, please don’t hesitate to ask. I can be reached at _ or _ . We look forward to discussing any way we can help Lane with her formal education. Sincerely,