May : A Month of Insects, Discoveries… and Independence!
🪳Insects
We continued our exploration of the fascinating world of insects, culminating in a wonderful workshop on bees led by Laurianne. The children learned about insect life cycles, their role in nature, and their unique characteristics. Observation and insect drawing were a major focus throughout the month!
We also completed our insect hotels and used salt dough to create insect impressions, just like fossils.
📜 Paper Crafts and Recycling
Our paper-themed activities continued this month. The children created insects using cut-out coloured paper shapes, which they carefully assembled and glued together. The Middle and Kindergarten groups also designed 3D insects using a variety of recycled materials.
Nous avons aussi percé les secrets de la fabrication du papier recyclé ! Merci pour toutes les boîtes d’œufs apportées qui nous ont permis de fabriquer nos propres feuilles de papier ! (déchiquetage, trempage, mixage, tamisage, pressage et séchage, plein d’étapes intéressantes ! )
🦸♀️ Mother’s Day
The children took part in a botanical cyanotype workshop and created unique handmade cards to offer their mothers for Mother’s Day. The activity was such a success that we plan to do it again in June 😊
We were delighted to welcome all our wonderful mothers for a surprise breakfast in the classroom. It is always a special moment to see everyone gathered together. The children were particularly proud to prepare small homemade cakes for the occasion.
🦀 Degemer mat e Breizh
A huge thank you to Marie, Kévin, and Robin for introducing us to the beautiful region of Brittany, its wildlife, plant life, and culinary traditions. The samphire tasting was certainly a memorable experience! « Trugarez ! »
🏫 School Life
This month, we are delighted to welcome Leo, who will finish the school year with us in the Mésanges classroom. We are all looking forward to getting to know him.
In June, we will explore the seas and oceans and discover the rich living world they shelter. We will also learn about the work of the artist Henri Matisse.
The school will have a stand at the Jean Jaurès Flea Market on Saturday, June 13th. Feel free to stop by, whether for a chat or a treasure hunt!
Several outings are planned in June, including water games, a picnic, and a visit to the Lyon Aquarium.
👤 Staff Training: Body Awareness, Privacy and Consent
Our teaching team recently completed an enriching and thought-provoking training programme focused on body awareness, privacy, and consent. This training will help us further develop workshops with the children and better support families when discussing these important topics.
Key themes included :
- Understanding physical violence and children’s rights.
- Children’s Rights from the earliest years :
- Encouraging independence from an early age through self-care activities such as dressing, washing, and toileting.
- Providing children with accurate, age-appropriate information about their bodies, using correct anatomical vocabulary.
- Respecting privacy and consent in everyday interactions.
- Creating environments that support children’s autonomy and dignity.
- Always use the correct anatomical terms.
- Avoid jokes or teasing about private body parts.
- The training reinforced the important role that all adults play in preventing physical and emotional violence.
We will take time to integrate everything we learned and look forward to offering a new series of family workshops on these topics next school year. Before each workshop, families will receive information about the content so that conversations can continue at home.
- Understanding children’s image rights and responsible digital practices.
The training reinforced the important role that all adults play in preventing physical and emotional violence.
We will take time to integrate everything we learned and look forward to offering a new series of family workshops on these topics next school year. Before each workshop, families will receive information about the content so that conversations can continue at home.
🌉 May : A Month of Disrupted Routines… and Meaningful Lessons
May is often filled with public holidays and long weekends. Routines become less predictable, schedules feel compressed, and yet these moments can offer valuable opportunities to focus on what truly matters.
A few weeks ago, a friend shared a story with me that stayed with me throughout the winter. It is a simple story, almost childlike, yet full of wisdom. It feels especially relevant during those moments when we may be tempted to do things for our children because it seems quicker or easier.
Today, I would like to share it with you.
The Foal and the River
Once upon a time, a young foal was asked by his mother to cross a river while carrying a sack of grain. Standing at the riverbank, he hesitated.
An old ox, already on the other side, called out:
“The river? It’s hardly more than a puddle!”
Just then, a squirrel appeared and warned him:
“Don’t go in! One of my friends drowned there yesterday!”
Confused, the foal returned home. His mother listened carefully before replying:
“Listening to others is important. But listening alone is not enough. The ox is large and sees the river as a puddle. The squirrel is small and sees it as an ocean. You are you. Go and discover for yourself.”
The foal returned to the river. The water was neither as shallow as the ox claimed nor as dangerous as the squirrel feared. It reached his chest—challenging, but manageable. Calmly and confidently, he crossed.
What This Story Teaches Us as Parents and Educators
This traditional fable reminds us of a universal truth :
Independence grows when children are given opportunities to try things for themselves—even, and especially, when they are difficult.
- Our role as adults is neither to decide everything for them nor to dismiss their fears.
It is to encourage them:
“You are you. Try, and discover for yourself.”
- Confidence is built through action, not words. Like the foal, children need to experience the river themselves.
- This balance between guidance and experimentation lies at the heart of Montessori education. As Confucius said:
“Learning without reflection is useless. Reflection without learning is dangerous.”
The foal did both.
And what about us?
Where might your child still be waiting for your permission before trying something independently?
Over the coming days, take a moment to observe:
- Where do they hesitate because they fear making mistakes?
Where have they become accustomed to an adult doing things for them? - What small challenge could you offer them this month so they can experience the pride of crossing their own river ?
🪢 Stronger Together: Parents as School Ambassadors
Enrollment for next year is still ongoing, and we need your support.
If you are satisfied with your child’s experience at school, please share it with those around you. A recommendation, a conversation, or sharing your experience can truly make a difference.
Every family plays an important role in bringing our school to life—thank you for your valuable support.
🎊 Enrollments 2026/2027 – Places available from age 2.5
There are still places available for September 2026.Please feel free to come and meet us and/or spread the word!
We wish you all a wonderful end of spring.
Les Petits Plus Teaching Team
