I define “hitting the material sweet spot” as choosing a material/activity that not only matches your child’s developmental needs, but also challenges him while ultimately leading to success. A material that hits the sweet spot will usually engage the child, encourage repetition and lead to concentration. “We know that development Read more…
I love the water bottle and its stand. All him. Live a Good Life!
We use an apron when we cook. Cues are important for the young child’s sense of order. Once the apron goes on, he knows it is time to wash his hands and that we are going to be making some food. I made this apron by modifying the Sewliberated child Read more…
I can’t stress how beneficial cooking is for children. Some of the benefits include: Independence Self esteem and confidence Fine motor skills Gross Motor skills Sequencing Practical life skills Math preparation- counting, measuring, fractions etc. Language Grace and Courtesy Concentration Sensorial- Taste, Color, Testure, Smell and even sounds We make Read more…
I mentioned in a previous post that I use my son’s age to help myself limit the activities on his shelf. We don’t have this 12 activities out on his shelf at once. I rotate them based on interest. EYE HAND COORDINATION/FINE MOTOR/SENSORIAL I hope this gives you some ideas Read more…
All the materials in the Montessori classroom should be developmentally appropriate. They should be materials to help the child in his development of coordinated movement, language and independence. Independence is developed by the acquisition of real and practical life skills. The Nido (Environment for the non-walking children from birth to about 15 Read more…
“The tiny child’s absorbent mind finds all its nutriment in its surrounding. Here it has to locate itself and build itself from what it takes in. Especially at the beginning of life must we therefore make the environment as interesting and attractive as we can. “ – Maria Montessori (The Absorbent Mind)
We set up Montessori spaces for our son from birth. He has also been given a lot of freedom of movement from birth and the result has been very good gross motor skills, body awareness, confidence and independence. He is very aware of his capabilities and doesn’t take uncalculated risks. I really believe these have been largely due to the environment. I have shown his spaces during the symbiotic period. Those spaces were temporary. Because we were not in our home for the first 7 weeks of his life, we created small but temporary spaces to meet his needs. Once home, he spent most of his time in his room, and because it was prepared for him, he had freedom to move. I just observed and made simple modifications to the room when needed but never really got in his way or tried to help him and he figured it out. So let me show you his room!
Welcome to our Montessori Infant room. I wanted to put a book shelf in the room but didnt want to take up space so I used this wall space behind the door. He is now able to reach the lowest shelf at 10 months.
Materials at about 4 months
“Children are the constructors of men whom they build, taking from the environment language, religions, customs, and the peculiarities not only of race, not only of nation, but even of a special district in which they develop.”
How do you decide on what toys/materials and activities to set up or make available to your child? Do you have a method? Here’s how I decide.
I consider three major things
Recently I have wondered why this item is not listed as a material to support gross motor development. It is also not on any lists of what to buy in preparation for baby. Yet, it has definitely been one of our top three most used and most important items in supporting his development of gross motor movement in the last 7 months. What am I talking about? Wait for it…