“Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul.” Plato The Benefits of Music 🎶 Maria Montessori observed that the child’s sensitive period for music takes place between the ages of two and six years. During this period, the
Continue Reading “Introducing Music Skills to the Child 👉🏼 Benefits for Life”
In their first six years of life, the child will pass through stages of development called “sensitive periods”. During these stages of development, and supported by their absorbent mind, the child is ready to master specific skills effortlessly. Dr. Montessori’s observations revealed these sensitive periods; they involve movement, mathematics, refinement of the senses, social skills,
Continue Reading “The Child’s Natural Need for Order—Exactly as It Should Be”
The Prepared Stroller Although nature always provides plenty of sights and sounds, to be fully prepared for a walk with a five-month-old, I also packed up and placed a few hands-on infant toys in our stroller. At this stage of development, visual and auditory skills are still refining and the ’absorbent mind’ has many sensory
Continue Reading “Strolling and Soaking Up “The Things They See … “”
“He who is served is limited in his independence.” Dr. Maria Montessori I recently added this ‘Practical Life’ shelf to our kitchen. Creating a home environment that serves the child is critical for his optimal development and independence. My children are grown, but I work privately with local children in my home each week. The
Always grateful for the sharing of ideas, an Instagram post @monti.day.by.day inspired our dog figurine washing activity. Each day, I’ve offered the children I work with opportunities to help care for our family dog. Meanwhile, they can feed her, fill her water bowl and help to walk her on her leash. But before long, they
Who would believe a simple stacking toy could provide so many benefits? It’s his consistent ‘go-to’ toy and it fully engages his senses as he plays. As soon as this exploration begins, I know it’s time for me to sit back and watch: “Praise, help, or even a look, may be enough to interrupt him,
Continue Reading “Benefits and Skills Stack Up In a Well-Prepared Environment”
After learning about a neighbor’s recent foot injury, we decided to make blueberry cookies for her. Knowing how he loves making (and eating) cookies, I suggested he could take some to his family too. After all, there would be plenty! “Yes!!” Indeed, his heart was all in! Now that he’s three years old, I felt
Continue Reading “When Best of “Caring” Intentions Teaches Real Life Lessons …”
“These lessons, exact and fascinating, given in an intimate way to each child separately, are the teacher’s offering to the depths of the child’s soul.” Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind Because the child is a natural observer and imitator, he strives to do exactly as we do. After all, he is innately working toward independence.
Continue Reading “Discovering the Depths of the Child’s Sea Life Learning 🐠”
Simple as it may seem, peeling a clementine is a rewarding activity for any child. As a matter of fact, I’d consider it to be a sensorial treasure packed with rich language learning, fine motor and cognitive skill building opportunities! After offering him the bowl filled with clementines, he chose the one he wanted to
Continue Reading “Sweet Sensorial Treasures Can Be Found Peeling a Clementine”
Young children are naturally attracted to things that open and close; and this is especially true when it comes to doors, doorknobs and handles. When this profound interest happens, it will likely continue until the child’s need is satisfied. A Doorknob Offers Hands-on Learning and Fosters Development The knob in his hand is yet another material
Continue Reading “When One Door Closes, Show the Child How to Open It”
