When I arrive at school, my teachers greet me with a big smile as they say, "Good morning, Alice."

The first thing I do in the hallway is place my lunch bag in its assigned spot, then I take my shoes off at my cubby.

We wear slippers in our classroom so that we have quieter walking feet and do not get distracted by fun shoes.

Next, I have to wash my hands, but when I get near the sink I notice two friends are already there, so I stand in line and wait my turn.

As I move to the sink, my teacher stops next to me and says, "Alice, thank you for your patience waiting for your turn at the sink."

I smile back. Hearing my teacher compliment me makes me feel good.

After I wash my hands, I can start my work cycle. 

At my Montessori school I get to choose trays off of the shelves that are my height, with various materials. I am told that each work is to help my natural growth.

I pick a water work to start my work cycle. I like to play in water. 

After I finish my water work I switch between the different avenues, such as practical life, sensorial, language, and math. There are many fun works to keep me busy in the mornings.

I see a work that I want to do but it is a new work, so I take the work to my table, sit down, and raise my hand.

My arm starts to feel tired from holding it up for so long while I wait for one of my teachers who is helping my friends.

Finally,a teacher comes over. "Thank you for your patience, Alice. Do you have a question?"

"I need a lesson, please." 

"I will give you a lesson." I stand up so that the teacher may sit in my chair to present the lesson. 

"This work is called sound cylinders. Can you say sound cylinders?"

I repeat the words, "Sound cylinders."

My teacher presents the lesson, then I try the work copying my teacher's actions.

When I complete the lesson, I reset my work and look for the next one.

A little later, I realize I am hungry, so I walk to the snack area but see two friends eating. I have to wait, so I pick out a book to read.

Once I notice my friends cleaning up, I replace my book and get my snack picture.

As I am placing my picture at the snack table, the teacher walks over.

"Alice, I saw how patiently you waited for your friends to finish snack before coming back over. I thank you for your patience."

I smile, "You're welcome," as I prepare my snack plate.

When I finish eating, I clean up my snack tray, then walk around the room looking for my next work. Nothing is catching my eye when I hear soft instrumental music playing.

I know it is time for everyone to reset for circle time.

I walk to the circle time rug and sit near the front with crisscrossed legs and a bubble in my mouth. I wait patiently for all my friends to join.

When most of the class arrives, the teacher sings a little song while patting her thighs to the beat of the tune. She says each friend's name sitting on the rug when she finally gets to me.

"Thank you Alice, for being ready." 

Once all my friends join the circle time rug, the teacher begins. 

Some days circle time seems to last longer and I find it hard to not be antsy. It is hard to sit still with a bubble for what feels like forever, but I try because I like hearing my teachers thank me for my patience.