Unlike other species that are born with a predetermined set of behaviors, human babies are born with a set of potentials. When a child is born, we have no idea if they will be a master musician or a creative chef. It’s pretty amazing when we think about it! Children are constantly creating the skills they need to become contributing adults.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
