When we pick up our children from school, it can be so tempting to ask, “How was your day?” Often the responses we get are lackluster. The reality is it can be hard for children to talk about their experiences at school. If we shift our approach, however, we can often start meaningful conversations and get more insight into our children’s day.
The abundance of toys often leads to clutter, overstimulation, and decreased interest in each individual plaything. This is where the magic of toy rotation comes in. The idea is to curate a carefully selected set of toys and activities for your child to explore during a specific period. By offering a limited number of options, you enhance your child's focus, encourage deeper engagement, and even foster a sense of gratitude for the toys they have.
We place a lot of emphasis in Montessori on independence because we want to help children become highly capable young people! For our youngest children, this means supporting them in the mastery of basic functions such as eating, toileting, and sleeping. Supporting growth in independent skills is significant because these are areas of life where children have control over what does and does not happen.
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.
The first moments after giving birth are some of the most precious. Newborn and mother come together for the first time as separate beings. This relationship is so intimate and incredibly unique because of the symbiotic link between the birth mother and her newborn child.
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.
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.
