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 supporting my daughter in 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 choice of two activities she hasn't chose 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...]
Practical Life Activity: Making Pomegranate Juice
Looking for idea for a Practical Life activity? How about making pomegranate juice. One of the oldest known fruits, found in writings and artifacts of many cultures and religions, the pomegranate (punica granatum) is an original native of Persia. This nutrient dense, antioxidant rich fruit has been revered as a symbol of health, fertility and eternal life. Making Pomegranate juice can be a very exciting activity for kids. There are a few ways you can make the juice: using bowl, pestle and … [Read more...]