Before my young friend arrived, I had prepared our art cart hoping there would be something that would catch her eye. Sure enough, the paint set was the the visual invitation that sparked her interest. While holding a paint set in one hand and a paint brush in the other, she turned and looked up at
“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.” Fred Rogers Outdoor play time is an important part of our day. Here in the South Carolina Lowcountry, the weather in April typically means we spend more of our day outside playing and learning. Lucky for us, there is no better classroom for children
“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 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 child is most sensitive to
In his first six years of life, the child will pass through stages of development called “sensitive periods”. During these stages of development, supported by his absorbent mind, the child is ready to master specific skills effortlessly. Dr. Montessori’s observations revealed the sensitive periods involve movement, mathematics, refinement of the senses, social skills, attention to
It’s hard to imagine a day without including a little fresh air time here in our southern climate. It happened to be a beautiful day and so we were heading out on a long walk. I made sure to bring a few sensorial toys for her to hold and taste along the way. Although nature
“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
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,
“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, his primary goal or “work” is
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
Young children are naturally attracted to things that open and close. This is especially true when it comes to doors. The young child may suddenly show a profound interest in a doorknob and door. When this happens, the interest will likely continue until his need is satisfied. The knob in his hand is yet another
