Getting Creative with Coat-Hangers

W is really into "reduce, reuse, recycle" and wants to know what can be done with every type of trash.  He often wants to turn it into something else; for example, a Cheerio's box might become a "garage" for his cars.  Anyway. we bought a little outfit for a friend's new baby, and I took it off the hanger to wrap it.  W wanted to know what we could do with the hanger.  Honestly, I had no idea.  After a minute or two, he said, "Mommy, it looks like a man."  So a man it was.

Back to School

Teachers returned to our school on Tuesday.  It's been a busy week so far, to be sure.  Lots of work to be done, getting the classroom in order and ready for students.  I organized 11 Stamp Game sets yesterday, sorting the Stamps according to shade of color, size of font, "feel" of Stamp...  All the Stamps had gotten jumbled up over the summer, and it just bothered me that they weren't properly sorted.  Perhaps the sense of order for that type of thing isn't really present for 6-9-year-olds, but it is definitely present for this 30-year-old!

Dividing, with the Stamp Game

Today, I had First Aid/CPR training all day.  While it was long and intense, I found it extremely informative.  While I (obviously) hope I never have to use the skills I learned today, I feel fairly confident that I could put them into action, should the need arise.

Montessori Wisdom of the Day

From Montessori's The Absorbent Mind-- "Supposing I said there was a planet without schools or teachers, where study was unknown, and yet the inhabitants -- doing nothing but live and walk about -- came to know all things, to carry in their minds the whole of learning; would you not think I was romancing? Well, just this, which seems so fanciful as to be nothing but the invention of a fertile imagination, is a reality. It is the child's way of learning."

"Line up, friends!"

"Free swim time!"

W just finished our school's summer program.  Each Monday and Friday, the children loaded up on a school bus and rode to the local YMCA for swim lessons.  At first, he didn't seem to enjoy himself.  Over the course of the summer, however, he really came to look forward to it.  He has recently started having "swim class" with his cars.  They load up on Mack the Truck, ride to the Y, unload, and go through the motions of getting ready to swim.  They take off their tires (shoes, of course), shower off, line up, and have the lesson with the teachers (usually Mr. The King or Doc Hudson).  It's a hoot to watch.  You really sense the wheels turning, as well as the enjoyment he got from that experience.

More Stuff We Like

Eating right hasn't been a priority of mine for quite some time.  Over the past several months, I have been working to improve my eating habits.  I've cut out sugary drinks (Dr. Pepper, anyone?) and am trying to avoid other yucky things.  I'm incorporating more fruits, veggies, whole grains and protein into my diet, as well as my family's.  Sometimes it's just using whole wheat pasta for mac and cheese instead of the regular, but I figure every little bit helps.I enjoyed this delish salad tonight, along with a whole grain flatbread with turkey pepperoni, low-fat cheese, and fresh sauce.  It was divine.

I am also trying to be more environmentally-conscious.  We recycle, and avoid using the A/C whenever possible, but I am also seeking other ways to help Mama Earth.  In our lunchboxes this school year, W and I will take our own cloth napkins.  I whipped these up tonight--

W's Cars napkins

 

 

My lovely floral napkins

I used some lightweight, but super-soft flannel that I found at Jo-Ann's.  I got a half yard of each design, and got 5 napkins made for him, and four for myself.  With the 40% off one item coupon, the total cost was $6!

Coast Trip Pics

As promised, here are some pictures from our MS Gulf Coast trip.

DDH and W at the Pass Christian Park

Grandpa Bob, DDH and W looking at the beach

Pears from Grammy Lynn's front yard

Being Julia Child at the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center

Working the register at the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center

Having tons of fun at the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center

Back in Jersey

I have been out-of-pocket for the past week, visiting my in-laws on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.  Here are some observations from my trip...

• watching the BP crew sift through sand in 100-degree heat isn't a pretty thing,
• Gulf shrimp is safe, and delicious,
• my healthy-eating plan was COMPLETELY derailed, but I am getting back on track TODAY,
• Katrina left an unbelievable path of destruction, which is evident 5 years later,
• I am not, nor will ever be, used to heat an humidity, despite being a native Mississippian.

Pictures to come.

Terrariums

I am really a fan of terrariums.  I think they are beautiful.  And so low-maintenance.  For his teachers' thank-you gifts at the end of this past academic year, W and I created some nice terrariums.  We got the jars at Walmart.  I put in a layer of black river rocks, about an inch of potting soil, and a nice bed of moss (gotten from Miss Mossy, on Etsy).  To complete the look, we made little mushrooms out of Fimo clay.  I think they turned out great; and as far as I know, all three of them are still alive!

We have one similar to this sitting on a table between two chairs in our living room.  It's made out of a glass cookie jar.  It's such a wonderful little self-contained ecosystem!

Montessori Wisdom of the Day

"Respect all the reasonable forms of activity in which the child engages and try to understand them."  --Maria Montessori

W adores his cars.  He has dozens of them (I know, that's not very Montessori, but...) and they are his absolute favorite things to play with.  He is in love with the Disney film "Cars" and has lots of the characters.  I figure he would be obsessed with something else, like action figures, or Thomas, or whatever, if it wasn't Cars; at least "Cars" is mildly entertaining and non-violent.  So anyway, he comes up with stories about his cars, and has them "act" out various situations.  There are lots of races, of course, and the occasional disastrous accident (when the fire truck responds), but the best is when he has "circle time" with his cars.  He sets them up for circle just like they have at school, and invites the cars to choose "jobs" for the week.  Sometimes it's sharing day, sometimes they "sing" a song.  It's a wonderful activity to witness; he is so serious about it, and it really shows how much he enjoys the things he does at school.

 

Montessori Wisdom of the Day

“... education is a natural process carried out by the human individual, and is acquired not by listening to words, but by experiences in the environment.” -Maria Montessori

Planning Ahead

Curious about the work that I have to do within the next year, in addition to written exams, oral exams and albums?  Click here.**

**Warning:  Not for the faint of heart.

Montessori Wisdom of the Day

“Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.”  --Maria Montessori

Summer Session I is Done!

One week ago, I finished the first, and longest, stretch of training.  From 8:30 until 5 each day, for six weeks, I  was in class, learning about Montessori philosophy, child development, academic areas, lesson-giving and cosmic education.  While this stint was incredibly overwhelming, and at times exhausting, I feel that it really prepared me to jump in feet-first this September!  The work-load for the coming year is staggering--the volume and nature of the work eclipses the amount that I churned out for my master's degree.  I am taking it one step at a time, though, and trying not to be too overwhelmed at the "to-do" list tacked on the wall above my desk in the basement.

50 Other Montessori Blogs

50 Must-Read Montessori Blogs


Teachers
These blogs are either written by Montessori teachers or provide great resources and information for teachers.

1. My Montessori Journey. This blogger shares plenty of ideas based on what she is doing with her Montessori class.
2. Confessions of a Montessori Mom. An experienced Montessori teacher now staying at home with her young son, this mom shares great projects and ideas, many of which are geared to babies and toddlers.
3. montessori and t. With 9 years as a Montessori teacher, guide, and directress and three Montessori-educated children of her own, this blogger shares photos and descriptions of Montessori education in action.
4. Montessori for Everyone. Trained at the elementary level, this Montessori teacher now designs her own materials. Her blog shares ideas for use in both homeschool and classroom settings.
5. Montessori Mama. This Montessori teacher is also a mom of three and shares ideas and provides a place for conversation for those also incorporating the Montessori method in their lives.
6. Ms. Tracy. Ms. Tracy shares resources and ideas that prove useful in her Montessori classroom.
7. Montessori Mom. Find plenty of resources for using the Montessori method at home or school here.
8. Montessori World. This Montessori-trained educator shares tons of great educational resources and ideas on her blog.
9. Montessori Spanish. With two children at Montessori school, a new baby, going through Elementary Montessori Training, and teaching her children Spanish at home, this mom has plenty of experience to share.
10. P.S. Montessori. This teacher has been in a public Montessori school for four years and discusses activities, education, and the Montessori method on her blog.
11. Miss Patty’s Montessori Day. Discover what activities this Montessori teacher and her children are doing.
12. Kathy’s Montessori Life. Focusing mostly on younger learners, this veteran Montessori teacher and grandmother shares lots of great ideas and resources here.
13. The Learning Ark. Currently training to become a certified 6-9 year Montessori teacher, this mom shares inspirational activities for elementary-aged children.
14. Montessori 21st Century. This blog is a great resource for learning about Montessori materials.
15. Montessori in Mars. Mars is a Montessori teacher who shares her tools and techniques that have been successful for her class.

Training and Theory
Read these blogs to find out about Montessori training, theory, and philosophy.

16. Montessori Matters. A trained Montessori guide, this blogger shares ideas on Montessori theory and philosophy.
17. Montessori Teacher Training. From the North American Montessori Center, this blog features informative posts filled with information teachers will want to know.
18. The Moveable Alphabet. It appears this Montessori Primary Directress is gearing up for a book release based on her blog, so the posts are a little slow right now, but browse through her older posts to find her thoughts on Montessori theory and practice in schools.
19. Montessori for Infants and Toddlers. This blog features information for parents with topics such as whether or not to buy equipment for home and tips for using Montessori at home or school.
20. My Montessori House. This blog covers everything from Montessori methodology to specific activities and includes information for Montessori instruction from birth through college.
21. Teacher Training and Certification. From the United Montessori Association, this blog looks at both theory and practical ideas to use in the classroom.
22. Beautiful Sun Montessori. Both owner and teacher at a Montessori school in Aruba, Susanne posts about teaching with Montessori method as well as inspirational messages.
23. The Broad Stair. This Montessori teacher shares insight from her classroom as she explores the philosophy behind teaching.
24. A Montessori Musing Place. With 17 years of experience as a Montessori educator, Cynthia Dyer discusses the philosophy behind Montessori education.
25. Little Eyes on Nature. Written by a Montessori educator at a school in New Zealand, these posts feature ways to incorporate nature into the lessons as well as pondering such topics as modeling what you teach and the act of wondering.
26. Education by Design. John Long is the head of a Montessori school in Houston and posts comments on what he has learned about Montessori education as well as a few glimpses into the day-to-day activities at the school.

Homeschool Families
These homeschool families are using Montessori techniques and have a wealth of experience to share via their blogs.

27. Our Worldwide Classroom. Homeschooling her three young children using the Montessori method, this mom shares tons of great ideas.
28. Chasing Cheerios. Working very part time as a school psychologist, this mom is homeschooling her older daughter using the Montessori method.
29. Montessori Free Fall. This mom is learning to use the Montessori method with her preschool daughter.
30. The Wonder Years. Find out what activities this mom, trained in the Montessori method, is doing with her children.
31. Montessori Beginnings. Read along as this mom learns about the Montessori method and practices it with her two year-old.
32. Counting Coconuts. This mom is living and homeschooling her son in Bermuda, where she is also earning a Montessori teaching certification.
33. United Teaching. Get plenty of great ideas, downloads, and more to help supplement your Montessori homeschooling experience with this blog.
34. Montessori Candy. This homeschooling mom shares ideas and inspiration on her blog.
35. Three Plus Two. Homeschooling six children, this mom shares, among other things, lessons based on the Montessori method.
36. A Bit Of This and A Bit Of That. Living in Japan, this mom of Ebi-kun shares her passion for Montessori and family here.
37. Gray Family Circus. Homeschooler to five children from birth to age 10, this mom shares plenty of great Montessori-based activities.
38. Sunrise Learning Lab. This homeschool family focuses on Montessori education in the morning and living life in the Sunshine State in the afternoon.
39. Making of a Montessori Mum. Keep an eye as this blogging mom to a toddler will be coming out of her three-month sabbatical with even more awesome activities and reflections on Montessori.
40. LaPaz Home Learning. This family shares their unique style of homeschooling that is nature-based and incorporates aspects of Montessori education.
41. Momtessori. This certified Montessori teacher now stays at home with her two children and implements her training to educate her family.
42. What DID we do all day?. Using the Montessori method to homeschool her two boys, this mom lets readers know what they did all day.
43. Adventures in Montessori. Read along as this mom posts about her family’s adventures embracing both Montessori education at home and a sustainable lifestyle.
44. Homemade Homeschool. This mom and her three year-old are exploring Montessori at home.
45. Work and Play, Day By Day. With Dad being a Montessori-trained teacher and Mom staying home to implement Montessori homeschooling techniques, this family shares their work and play.
46. Walk Beside Me. This young Christian family is homeschooling their two children using Montessori techniques.

A Few More
These blogs touch on everything from community service to sewing set against a Montessori backdrop.

47. Montessori Wells of Love and Amman Imman. Montessori schools are working together to help bring safe water to the Azawak in West Africa.
48. Mommy Moment. This blog features all sorts of great resources for mom. Be sure to look out for the Monday’s Montessori Moment posts that feature Montessori activities from her Montessori home-based preschool.
49. St. Francis of Assisi Montessori Academy. Follow along as this Catholic Montessori school shares their activities and events.
50. Sew Liberated. While most of the content of this blog revolves around sewing, the blog is written by a Montessori teacher and often includes plenty of great resources and ideas for incorporating Montessori activities.

New Blog

So it's been a while since I wrote on my blog.  I've been turning the idea over in my head as to whether or not I should pick it up again.  Instead of continuing my Little Miss Sew and Sow blog, I have decided to create a new one.  Montessori Daily will chronicle my efforts to become an AMS-certified teacher for 6-to-9-year-olds.  It will also follow the efforts my husband and I take to make our home as "Montessori" as possible for our 4-year-old son.

On the outset, I'd like to state the purpose of this blog--

1. This blog is NOT the Holy Grail of Montessori.
2. This blog does NOT contain expert advice.  I am by no means an expert at child-rearing, teaching, or anything else about which I might blog...
3. This blog contains my PERSONAL opinions about child-rearing, teaching, etc.
4. This blog will not mention specific names, locations, etc. 
5. Exception to #4:  I will refer to my own son as "W" and to my husband as either "M" or "Dear Darling Husband/DDH".  When describing events concerning my own family, I will use specifics, unless doing so would give too much information about my own identity.
6. This blog will NOT reference politics, current events, etc., unless said topics directly relate to child-rearing and/or teaching.
7. Guidelines/purpose may change when warranted.