Ten days that swept away everything I thought I knew about love and respect for my child.. I always considered myself to be a caring and loving person, even more towards children. My main motivation when working with kids was to be able to connect with the most sincere, honest and authentic people. With the challenges it brought incredible satisfaction. However, every day I said good bye to them. I did not have to get up to them at night, take direct responsibility for their … [Read more...]
I do not trust education.
"I do not trust education" - wrote a principal of a school in his letter addressed to every new teacher he hired. "Dear Teacher, I survived a concentration camp, and my eyes saw what no living being should ever see in their lifetime. I saw scientists and engineers build the gas chambers. I saw qualified doctors poison children. I saw trained nurses kill babies. I saw university graduates shoot and burn women and children. So. I do not trust education. I beg you: help your students … [Read more...]
10 COMMANDMENTS FOR PARENTS OF A MAN WHO ACCOMPANIED CHILDREN TO THE GAS CHAMBER
I happen to stumble upon this incredibly humbling and heartwarming, heart-wracking author. This man valued human life and treasured child's heart during ones of the most horrific and tragic times in human history when life meant nothing... Janusz Korczak was a Polish-Jewish educator, children's author, and paediatrician. He also was a director of two orphanages. Mariola - the founder of the Janusz Korczak Association of the USA, brought to my attention that Korczak had a Montessori corner in … [Read more...]
Siberia. Forest. Space School. Project Based Learning.
When I was 9 years old my mum - an English Language Teacher was offered a position at the very extraordinary place - a school that was situated in the midst of Siberian forest, 11 km from our town, with scenery very similar to a fairy tale - wooden houses, a study/dining- room/ hotel/ astronomy observatory building, large lake and breathtaking views of untouched nature. Here are 8 facts about Siberia: 1. Siberia covers 77 percent of Russia. 2. The area of Siberia is more than 50 times … [Read more...]
A Prayer. By Antoine de Saint-Exupery.
This is incredibly insightful prayer I have printed out and placed above my desk.. I believe this is a great inspiration and encouragement for parents and teachers.. Lord, I ask not about miracles, and not the mirages, and the strength of each day. Teach me the art of small steps. Make me an observant and resourceful, that the diversity of everyday life in time to stop on discoveries and experiences that made me excited. Teach me how to properly dispose of time in my … [Read more...]
10 Commandments of Maria Montessori ( A Decalogue by Dr. M. Montessori ) – Free Word Art Printable.
Maria Montessori has been capturing hearts of parents and teachers around the world for such a long time. Her ideas and philosophy spark minds and inspire to raise generation of deeply motivated, successful and happy people. I would love to share with your word art printable with 10 Commandments of Maria Montessori. It is also known as A Decalogue by Dr. Maria Montessori listed in the magazine "Around the Child". You can read more on it in "Montessori for the New Millennium - Practical Guidance … [Read more...]
Nourishing Creativity in a Montessori Environment.
Ability to develop creative thinking is essential stepping stone towards success. According to 1.500 CEOs creativity is number one element for "leadership competency" in future. Source. However, currently our children are experiencing creativity crisis. You probably can agree that schools mostly place value and focus on standardized tests leaving almost no place for children to develop creativity. Why is developing creativity important for children? What does creativity need to … [Read more...]
Top 10 Inspirational Montessori Videos Online.
Whether you are looking for inspiration or would like to introduce someone to Montessori philosophy, or would like to learn more about the Montessori method this resource is for you. These 10 videos are a great way to open window into the Montessori world. Discovering Montessori with Tana Ramsay This is a fantastic video that covers all stages of child's development and introduces people to the foundations of the Montessori method. Work of the Hand in Montessori. "In this day … [Read more...]
Natural Parenting Resources
Majority of us know everything about parenting and how it's done up until the moment we become one. I never thought that I would be stuck on things like how often should I bath my baby or when to start solids, how to deal with fevers etc. The modern mainstream ways of dealing with baby's needs just did not agree with me, and I spent countless hours on the Internet trying to find alternative ways dealing with issues. I had no idea where to start except the fact that I need to start … [Read more...]
Meet a Homeschooling Mum!
I would like to introduce you to one of the most compassionate, loving, dedicated and awesome homeschooling mums I had a privilege to meet - Renae. Her dedication to her four beautiful children is simply inspiring. She generously shares her wisdom, passion and talent with readers on her Homeschooling Blog - Every Star Is Different and I am honoured to partner with her in this journey. Renae creates great and very professional resources - Montessori Printables which she shares on her site … [Read more...]
Behaviour Management Advice from a Montessori Mama.
I would like to share my thoughts and experience in behaviour management when working with preschool children. Sometimes terms like "positive discipline" and "peaceful parenting" can be interpreted in way that confuses many parents, leaving them believe that creating proper boundaries, rules and discipline is damaging for their child's development. I am a very strong believer that every child needs boundaries and discipline in their life. In fact, according to the studies "Children … [Read more...]
Why iPad is not recommended for children from 0 – 6. From perspective of the Montessori Method.
Why iPad is not recommended for children from 0 - 6. From the perspective of the Montessori Method. * These recommendations refer to Montessori 3 hour work cycle. 1. Often iPad provokes the passive perception of information (I'm sitting-entertain me). It is the opposite of what happens in the classroom where the child gains knowledge as a result of independent actions.2. Information obtained through iPad offers minimal sensory experience: parts of sensory perceptions are not involved (smell … [Read more...]
7 elements of an effective playroom!
The Montessori method offers a very reasonable way to organise your child's play area by rotating and replacing toys and activities on the regular basis. However, there are a lot of aspects that come into place when considering what is important for child's development and how to make their play time most effective. Here are some tips to help to boost your child's imagination and general development. * child's play area should HAVE A LOTS OF CHOICES FOCUS ON ARTISTIC PURSUITS 1 An … [Read more...]