Everything we do to care for the environment, ourselves, and others make up what can be called "practical life" activities. In a Montessori home or school environment, practical life activities help children learn about cultural norms, while also helping them develop internal motivation, intellect, and body coordination.
Mistakes are a part of life. We all make them. Hopefully, we even learn from them! Intellectually, we probably understand that mistakes are part of our children’s process of learning and growing. Yet as parents and caregivers, it can be hard to know how to handle situations when our children don’t do the right thing.
In the past, people believed that children's development was like a tree growing bigger and stronger over time. However, the study of psychology changed our understanding. Psychologists discovered that children go through different stages as they grow up, just like how a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly.
As caregivers and parents, we have a bit of a bittersweet role. While we want to keep our children close, we ultimately need to support their path toward independence. Indeed, one of the most important things we can do is to help them learn and support them in growing to become functionally independent.
The summer months can sometimes feel like a long stretch, especially when we are trying to figure out how to keep our children engaged, or at least entertained. If we consider the big picture of what children really need, however, it can be easier to think about activities that will satisfy those needs and support natural development.
Even though they don’t have a written narrative, wordless picture books can be an essential part of young children’s language development. They are a great way to promote literacy. Here is a list of books we love, and tips for how to use these books with children of all ages.
There is one aspect of Montessori that sets it apart from other childcare settings and that is Practical Life activities. These purposeful and engaging activities not only captivate young minds but also lay the foundation for lifelong skills and independence.
Memory is a vital component of learning. For children to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life, they must be able to remember and apply what they have learned.
We recognize that each child comes from a unique cultural background and has a unique set of experiences and perspectives. With our help through Montessori, they can develop a deep appreciation for different cultures and ways of life, and grow to become responsible and compassionate global citizens.
Expecting a new baby is a wonderful and exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming for new parents. With so many choices to make about your child's education and development, it's never too early to start thinking about the best approach for your family. In this article, we explore the Montessori approach to education and how it can benefit your child from infancy through early childhood.
