Don't fall for gorgeous looks! Beauty is within. The modern world portrays Montessori as a fancy method of education for privileged children. In its essence, the Montessori method is not about the status or gorgeous classroom interiorioir. It is about meaningful connection, respect and authenticity. However, Montessori is also about hands-on experiences and thoroughly designed materials. So how do we go about creating a Montessori environment at home with hands-on materials when the budget is … [Read more...]
Kids in the Kitchen – Scrumptious Toddler Friendly Chocolate Bliss Balls
Children should always be a part of family cooking and food preparation process. It teaches them concepts that are literally life-saving and essential for survival. It also allows children to absorb and pick up skills in the most natural and relaxed environment. They learn science and math when mixing ingredients and measuring portions, they form healthy habits, develop their imagination and patience, get accustomed to making and fixing mistakes. They also feel proud and their … [Read more...]
How to Make a Vegetable Garden for Kids
Children love dirt! Gardening is a perfect excuse to get dirty! Ann Sanders of A Green Hand shared her easy to implement step-by-step guide to creating a nourishing vegetable garden with your children. Gardening is one of the major part of Practical Life activities children learn to master in Montessori environment. In addition to presenting amazing health benefits, gardening allows children to be engaged in the process that does not produce immediate result. This teaches children to be patient … [Read more...]
Practical Life Activities to Help Survive the Cold and Flu Season
A change of seasons brings a whole kaleidoscope of new emotions, feelings, colours, excitement and anticipation. Changes in nature create a unique atmosphere in classrooms and call for new adventures and learning opportunities. However, it also means that our bodies have to adjust as well. In autumn and winter there is less sun exposure, less time spent outdoors, the immune system is not as strong. All these factors bring on challenges of the cold and flu season. Challenge is especially real in … [Read more...]
The Life Changing Montessori Magic of Tidying Up: The Children’s Version!
I am honoured to have Jae of Bella's Casa share her ideas and inspiration for parents of young children in this post. She explains how to create open and clutter-free environment, how to empower children to be successful in keeping their toys and space tidy without constant power struggles and battles over cleaning up routine. Children…! They might be little, but their stuff is EVERYWHERE! In my home, I have used 5 Montessori magic steps to organize all my children’s stuff – outgrown … [Read more...]
Book Review: Montessori Inspiration At Home Language – Toddler Series
I have something exciting to share with those of you who have busy little people in your life - young children from the age of one to three. I am very honoured to be mum to one little guy. Not one day is the same or dull with this curious and super energetic person. At times it feels like chaos it taking over my life, but looking in those big brown eyes I understand that there is nothing in this entire world I would like to be doing but be here in this very moment for him, guide him and support … [Read more...]
Raising Multilingual Montessori Kids
For many countries where majority speaks English teaching children to speak other languages from very early age is a foreign concept, while in many other parts of the world for millions of people speaking the native language at home and learning at school in English or French, for example, is a norm. Now, the world is becoming one big village with nationalities, races, cultures intertwined. It creates new forms of society where we have to adapt, compromise, seek mutual benefits and opens our … [Read more...]
Our Favourite Books for Montessori Toddlers
Montessori toddler classroom is always filled with fantastic learning opportunities. Book corner is a fascinating place for little ones where they can spend a great deal of time looking through illustrations and making meaning of the pictures connecting them with their personal experience. Children need books as sensory and information resource to build vocabulary, understand concepts that are part of their world. However, most importantly books provide valuable opportunities for adults to spend … [Read more...]
Doing Montessori At Home With Your Toddler 12- 18 months.
The pitter patter of their tiny feet, the shape of their little bellies, arms tightly wrapped around your neck, curious facial expressions, giggles and tickles, sloppy kisses, cheeky glance, one day you will miss them all, oh, so much. Just remember that next time he pulls your favourite vase off the table or after another exhausting day has passed. I found that toddler years can be quite challenging because it's the time when they are on the verge of shifting from total dependence to gaining … [Read more...]
Most Valuable and Practical Montessori Lessons Learnt in 2016
I believe that one of the most fundamental and necessary aspects of survival for Montessori parents and teachers is a strong and connected community. Whether it's a virtual or physical space - we all need it, place and people that make you feel understood, accepted, where your voice is valid. We sharpen each other's knowledge and inspiration to do usual tasks differently, but most importantly, we help each other create stronger connections with our children. One of my favourite things in the … [Read more...]
How To Create Gorgeous Montessori Home From The Start.
Choosing to raise children the Montessori way is one of the wisest decisions parents can make. And it is best to begin from the very start. Here is why: Montessori environment evolves and changes together with the child. As the child grows and develops, so does his or her environment. It slowly adapts to meet child's needs for independence and to provide sensory stimulation. Montessori environment set up has a distinct difference - it is very orderly and structured. It is easier to progress … [Read more...]
How to Avoid Potential Montessori Classroom and Home Health Hazards
You are probably familiar with saying "A worried mother does better research than the FBI". The truth is that we worry a lot. Sometimes excessively, but more often for a good reason. Every mother knows to trust her instincts better than any other source of information. However, it is also essential to be informed and take precaution when it comes to health and safety of our children. Montessori parents are usually very conscious of adverse effects oversupply of toys brings a child. We know … [Read more...]
Hands – On Montessori Homeschool Activities For A 4 Year Old
The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child's own natural desire to learn. Maria Montessori I decided that it is time for us to share activities that our Montessori preschool home classroom is buzzing with. Talking homeschooling journey has been an exciting and strange adventure for me. I had to adapt and change my approach from what I used to do teaching in a classroom. Creating and running homeschooling routine with a baby on board is more of a challenge than a … [Read more...]