There’s this common misconception that gardening is an activity best suited for the elderly. However, that is not even remotely true. You see, studies have shown that there are many benefits of introducing gardening to kids at age toddlers to preschoolers. Through garden play, children acquire and improve crucial skills, have fun, and develop self-confidence all the while enjoying a nature-friendly childhood the Montessori way. But, how exactly does gardening help a child’s development? … [Read more...]
Indoor Garden Craft Ideas for Kids – Plants That Stimulate the Senses
Every parent wants their kids to enjoy the outdoors and to have a strong connection with Mother Nature. And while most grown-ups are grabbing every chance of escaping from closed environments, many kids tend to do quite the opposite and spend days without seeing the sunlight. Thankfully they have us, the parents, to help them out and guide them the Montessori way. There are plenty of indoor garden ideas and projects that will capture your kid’s attention while expanding their interactive … [Read more...]
Toddlers in the Kitchen – How to Set Them Up For Success
Toddler years are generally characterized by a child's untamed desire for independence. They observe us closely spending hours preparing food, entertaining and naturally that creates an infinite desire to imitate adults and gain autonomy in the kitchen. In this guest post, Eva of Mimia Montessori shares some practical and excellent tips on how to support toddler's independence in the kitchen and set them up for success. Typically, in a Montessori environment, you will see babies start … [Read more...]
How Cleaning and Sweeping Prepare Children for Academic Success
More often than not the sight of children scrubbing tables, washing dishes, cleaning floors in a classroom causes parents to raise their eyebrows. What does it have to do with a child's development and learning math and language? For those who implement Montessori at home or send their children to Montessori childcare or school, it is a norm to see children do everyday chores on a regular basis. Why did Maria Montessori place such importance on practical life experiences for young children? … [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...]
Cooking with Kids. Easy 2 Ingredient Pizza Dough.
Food preparation with young kids is a priceless learning experience that is just as valuable for little ones as it is for parents or teachers. In a Cycle one ( 3- 5-year-old) Montessori classroom you will find that Practical life activities, including food preparation, are one of the central aspects of children's environment. It is also true for homeschooling families. Kids learn from a very young age to cut, scoop, pour, mash, operate knives and other kitchen utensils. In the … [Read more...]
DIY Montessori Inspired Activities and Games for 3 – 5 year olds.
The Montessori method offers such a wide range of amazing experiences for children. Child's work is their play. Generally, children do not need stimulation or encouragement; they naturally gravitate to activities that reflect their interest and enrich passion for learning. Senses play such a huge role in their learning. All materials and activities that are presented below have a goal to make learning hands-on, connect hand and brain, provide an opportunity for discovery. Our Montessori … [Read more...]
15+ Montessori Inspired Explorations for Three Year Olds
Our Montessori days become more and more filled with learning and exploration. I aim to dedicate at least one hour each day to support my daughter is working with activities from our learning shelves. She recently turned three, and her inquisitive mind draws her naturally to it. I always try to respect her choices in activities, sometimes, I take her by the hand, we walk to the shelf, and I offer her a selection of two activities she hasn't chosen on her own. My goal is to work with her on each … [Read more...]
Healthy Snacks Toddlers Can Make || Montessori Style
Now our toddler is old enough to work on her practical life skills in the kitchen on regular basis. We set aside time every day to incorporate Montessori principals to create healthy snacks and build healthy habits from the start. Why do we need practical life exercises at home? Practical life activities in the kitchen are very important because they: - help to gain control over their little hands and movement - support their desire to be independent and do things on their own - … [Read more...]