Sensorial Simplicity

This little guy is marching around his brown or broad stair creation.  Every morning he comes in, and makes some new creation with the brown stair or the pink tower and then moves on to other things.  We all have our routines.  He knows geography better than most adults, can read and do basic equations yet is drawn to the sensorial materials.  I am amazed at how basic these materials are, yet they have such intricacy just below the surface.  I'm sure that is why so many children are drawn to them, to some unconscious complexity in the world that finds order in these materials.  I know that the materials make geometry easier when it is later introduced in the more conventional way.  My own son asked me, "Have I taken geometry before, because it seems like I understand it before it is explained?"  The simplicity of the genius of Dr. Montessori.  

Simple Things

This week I was reminded of appreciating the simple things in life.  We had so many lovely moments in the environment, from baking to reading to writing and simply enjoying each others company.  I was happy watching one child break four eggs, finally able to do it without crushing the shell in his hand.  I was happy watching an older child perfect her manuscript, and happy watching another make a terrific backward "J."  I was happy when I found the perfect pencil cup.  There is much in life that is complicated, and difficult,  but when we work together, young and old, there is beauty.

Testing the Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe

We decided to do a test run on our Brazilian Bread recipe. The bread will be for snack and is typically an activity for an older child and younger child (reader and non-reader). As soon as the bread is getting low, or just because, the children can replenish the supply. We worked on this in the afternoon in week two of our school year. The activity was generally a success, although a few more weeks of grace and courtesy would make the activity less chaotic. You see my assistant guiding the children and hear me behind the camera.
click http://www.youtube.com/my_videos for the video!

Sandpaper letters

I wanted to show you how the language area looks this year. The sandpaper letters are showing increased use with the new display. Children often walk up and trace them as they are standing there, just as Maria Montessori said they would. I also wanted to show you the completed word study linen pockets. I'm giving them a C.

Bookclub

I will be hosting and guiding a book club at our school for parents and staff based on Jane Nelsen's book Positive Discipline. Parents always seem to be looking for help with "discipline" and setting limits. I like Nelsen's book because it is so resoundingly Montessori in how mutual respect and problem-solving is at its core. I love how it empowers children to solve their own issues. I will be posting the most relevant topics we discuss. The first assignment is to read the preface, introduction and Chapter 1. Our first meeting will be on October 8 and I will post in the next few days following. I hope you will join us!

Legislation and early childhood

I've been writing letters to my legislators to advocate for early childhood funding from age three. All the research points to the tremendous benefit of preschool for all children, not just those who can afford it. There is research that shows the huge cost savings that preschool funding would bring down the line for taxpayers. Art Rolnick of the Minneapolis Federal Reserve has done research and spends time speaking on behalf of funding preschool programs from an economic point of view. Visit: www.earlychildhoodrc.org/partners.cfm to learn more.

The benefits of early childhood education are also substantiated in brain research. Visit www.goodatdoingthings.com from Dr. Steven Hughes, a pediatric neuropsychologist at the University of Minnesota Medical School. He is a huge advocate of Montessori education and an engaging speaker.

Beautifying the environment

I am working on sewing some linen bags for word study. They are embellished with antique pins I found on e-bay. However, I decided they should also have a drawstring--aaaahhh!!!! I wanted a finished edge for the casing, then thought they should probably be lined, and so on and so on. They are now in a pile on my dining room table, casting their evil eye at me, begging to be finished. Here are a few of my more successful projects. Maybe you'll find some new ideas as you ready and beautify your environment.