Montessori Grammar Part One

The preschool grammar lessons precede the elementary grammar boxes and cards. Usually the first preschool grammar lesson is The Article with the words "the" and "a" using strips of paper, and can be given to five and six-year-olds.

It's important to remember the preschool grammar lessons are a direct preparation for reading! Let me repeat that, the preschool grammar lessons are a direct preparation for reading: "Direct Aim: Reading. Indirect Aim: Grammar." To continue reading click here >>>

Montessori and Early Readers: a review

Reading begins after writing in a Montessori primary classroom (with children ages three to six). Therefore you will always find "early readers" on Montessori preschool and Montessori homeschool language shelves for ages five and up. I had the privilege of reading and reviewing some early readers from Montessori Services.

The Sense of Wonder Series was written and illustrated by Joan Gilbert and published by Parent Child Press, an independent publishing press founded by Montessori author Aline D. Wolf. There are six books in the series, averaging ten pages each. There are simple artistic drawings and most all of them have some aspect of nature in order to be "appealing to children's innate sense of wonder":  seeds, ants, the woods, wind, sun, and sand. The paper is high quality card stock and should last quite some time in a Montessori or homeschool classroom.

Can You Begin to Teach Geography Without Buying all the Montessori Materials?

Can you begin to teach 3 to 6 Geography without buying all the Montessori materials? Here's what the book Montessori on a Limited Budget has to say!

"Geography activities should begin close to home so the child has a concept of the structure of his immediate environment before he tries to comprehend an abstract representation of a more remote area (e.g., maps and globes). The concept of a map can be learned through making a map of the child's yard, or neighborhood or town, or having treasure hunts utilizing maps. For Ithaca, N.Y. children [in the U.S.], terms like lake, gorge, woods, waterfall, creek, hill, inlet, etc., will be more valuable at first than ocean, bay, peninsula, etc., (which might come first for a Floridian)." From Montessori on a Limited Budget on page 181.

When I taught in Sausalito, on clear days I used to take the 5-year-olds and a walk up the hill by our school. When we reached the top we'd look down to see the bay and an island (Angel Island). They really enjoyed it!

So begin by exploring and discovering your own neighborhood and town!

Then begin making a list of what materials you want to make (or dare I say buy). But hopefully, before you do, I can help you save some cash! Continue reading here.

Infants and Late or Not Crawling

Photo by Yvonne Goodrich

Infants and late crawling: I get asked this question more than a few times! What to do about late crawlers?

It is good to encourage at least ten minutes of  tummy time several sessions a day by placing your infant on her tummy.

Many infants are sleeping on their backs because of SIDS, and as a result, are more likely, over time, to get fussy or not like being placed on their tummies when they are out of the bassinet, crib, or off their mattress.

While your infant is on his tummy, try to entice movement with various baby-safe objects placed in his line of vision. Perhaps add some musical objects because you might not be aware of any visual issues with your infant, and may want to get his eyes checked out.

Why Does Montessori Frown Upon Pretend Play?

Photo by Lisa Nolan

I read that Montessori frowns upon pretend play, why is that? My daughter LOVES pretend play, and I see nothing wrong with that. I think all children do, am I wrong?

No, you are not wrong! From my experience (of being in a classroom) the conflict lies in the pretend play materials themselves: there is no beginning, middle, or end. It is up to the child to start and end the activity (the activity is open-ended); or it is up to the adult to say when the activity starts and stops. Throw other children into the mix and it can get chaotic.

Young Gardener & Kid's Garden: a children's book and 40 card activities review

Photo courtesy of Montessori Services

The Young Gardener by Stephan and Beverly Buczacki is a fabulous gardening and activity book for families, homeschoolers, and educators. Together the authors have over 75 years of experience! How they were able to condense that knowledge into a 116 page book suitable for children is amazing. And what shows throughout the book is a love and passion for gardening, backyard animals, crafts, and children.

Should Your Child Continue on in Montessori?

I receive email from time-to-time from parents who question whether or not they should keep their child in Montessori school, especially if the child is five, because the question becomes whether the child should stay in Montessori for their Kindergarten year, or enroll in a public school or non-Montessori private school, enter a Waldorf school, or stay home and be homeschooled. It is a big decision! The following is an email from such a mom:

Montessori Spring Blog Hop!

Spring into Montessori! It's the Montessori Spring Blog Hop! Gardening, baby animals, springtime, Easter, Passover, the weather, arts and crafts, cooking, and much, much more! Now through April 21st!