Our Community Montessori Classroom, Part 2
I’ve been so eager to show you the rest of our home-based classroom, but with a toddling, almost-ten-months-old in the house, I’m not able to leave it set up outside of class time. I’m usually putting Elliot in the sling and getting trays on shelves just before the first preschoolers arrive, and by the time I’ve finished, I’m greeting them and getting on with the day – no time for photos! By the end of class, my two are very ready for lunch, and so photos have not been taken. Fortunately, however, I had a productive late night preparing for our school week, and also learned a thing or two about my camera. The shelves were set up early (or late, rather), and I managed to take pictures that aren’t dark and awful, even with no natural light. They are a bit too bright, but I’m pretty proud of myself all the same ;) Continue reading
Themed Work in the Montessori Classroom
I had wanted to share a post here showing the work we had on our shelves for St. Patrick’s Day, but never got around to it, and I sort of missed the boat on getting a Spring Practical Life and Art post up as I had planned, though I’m going to put the pictures in the end of this post anyway, in case it helps you get in the mood.
At the same time, I wanted to touch on this whole idea of themed work in the Montessori classroom. I have heard and read mixed opinions on the practice of putting themed work out for various holidays. The arguments against that I have heard say that children don’t need cute themes, that they’re inspired to work regardless, and that work should be simple and uncluttered. I agree with all three of these statements, but I still love to change the work on our classroom shelves to reflect current holidays and seasons. I don’t go too crazy, because beauty and simplicity are what make a work appealing without distracting from the direct aim, but I do make a number of small changes with each seasonal change, and for many holidays in between. Here’s why: Continue reading
Practical Life and Art for Valentine’s Day
When Annabelle’s beloved babysitter came over last week, I used the time to head over to our classroom and change the work out for Valentine’s Day. It was so much fun for me, and the children seemed inspired by the new work. Changing out a large amount of work at once to welcome a seasonal change will forever be one of my most favorite things to do. I always feel giddy watching the eager hands reaching for new activities, and standing back to watch and see who will engage with what, and what will bring who to have a moment of concentration. I even enjoy seeing the occasional flop. My observations don’t always lead me to the perfect work ideas the first time, after all.
It’s nothing spectacular, and all of our work is tailored to the 2.5-3 year old, new to Montessori set right now, but I wanted to share.
Whole hand transfer, using pom poms.
Giveaway: Box of Eco Friendly Art Supplies from Stubby Pencil Studio – $60 ARV {11.25, WW}
This is a joint giveaway between Natural Parents Network and many other natural parenting sites. You may enter for all of the giveaways at one site only. Please find the section marked “Win it!” for the mandatory entry and optional bonus entries.
Welcome to the Natural Parents Network Holiday Gift Guide!
Natural Parents Network, Vibrant Wanderings, and 24 other natural parenting bloggers are giving away 89 items perfect for gifting for the holidays as part of the Natural Parents Network Holiday Gift Guide. The combined total value of all of the items is $2,550.
Have you finished your holiday shopping? The NPN Holiday Gift Guide is a great opportunity to complete your gift-giving purchases for family and friends, while supporting many naturally-minded small businesses. The companies who have provided items for giveaway are almost exclusively made up of small businesses or work-at-home families.
Please stop back to enter the giveaway. The Rafflecopter entry system will be live November 1 on this post (and on every post participating in the Gift Guide). Please visit some of the other review posts listed below and read about the fabulous companies offering giveaways in the Natural Parents Network Holiday Gift Guide.
About Stubby Pencil Studio
Stubby Pencil Studio is an online shop specializing in quality, earth friendly art materials, school supplies, and unique gifts for children. The company was founded by Kate who, inspired by her twin girls, continues to run it today. Literally everything in my daughter’s collection of art supplies comes from Stubby Pencil Studio and it’s a company I have remained loyal to for a number of reasons. Not only are the items Kate sells high quality and mindfully sourced, but they’re truly non toxic and safe. I love knowing that if Annabelle sticks her paint brush in her mouth during the creative process, what she’s swallowing is plant based – even gluten free and vegan!
Another thing that keeps me coming back is the incredible customer service. I’ll tell you a little story: my friend Nicole and I placed orders for art materials together a few times, so that we could share shipping. Because we were both ordering, our orders were rather large, and I received an email from Kate shortly after I placed one. She had a coupon code available that I hadn’t heard about and therefore hadn’t used. I had already paid for my order, but without my even asking, she refunded 15% of my money anyway. I was already hooked because of the great products, but that interaction sealed the deal. It’s abundantly clear that Kate is among those rare business owners who truly love what they do, care about their customers, and always remain true to their own business ethics. When it comes to items Kate carries I won’t buy anywhere else! Continue reading
What’s New Wednesday: Unique Selves
Annabelle showing her uniqueness with a creative self-chosen ensemble.
I wrote last week about how, thanks to my pregnancy affirmations, Annabelle talks about our, “new baby, unique unto itself” or rather our, “new baby ‘nique self.” This week, I have really been struck by how much Annabelle has come into her own unique self. The idea of nine months in and nine months out really rang true in our case as, despite Annabelle’s eagerness to explore from a very early age, she maintained a strong need to be near me most of the time. Suddenly, she is showing her ability to pass many happy hours without me.
Many weekends, I take a morning to work in the library or my favorite coffee shop while the daddy takes Annabelle to the park or the aquarium, or just hangs around with her at home. I used to hate leaving. He would stand at the door waving goodbye, with her in his arms, face all wrinkled, crying and reaching in my general direction as I drove away. Sometimes I would get the call, “Are you almost done? She’s been asking for you.” She has always loved her daddy, but having me around as well was important. As for leaving her with someone other than the daddy, that was always a rarity. Continue reading
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