Montessori
Montessori Mondays - set the example
When I took my Montessori training, there was a strong emphasis on the way the teacher moved about in the classroom. I was taught to walk and to sit and to present lessons in a calm and serene manner. It was so cool. It changed me. And then as...July 7, 2008 - 3:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays - Who was Maria Montessori?
Adapted from the introduction to my book Mommy, Teach Me! My study of children began with my own . . . In 1969 my first daughter Samantha was born. I was madly in love with my baby and anxious to do everything I could to be a good mom....June 23, 2008 - 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
The power of stories in children's lives
I've been promising to do something on the value of fantasy in early childhood. I've taken this from my book, The Mommy Manual: Start early to help your child make the distinction between reality and fantasy. There are three kinds of books: • stories that really happened (history, biography) •...May 22, 2008 - 9:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays - teaching kids to be careful
Most of us grew up with the idea that breakables should be kept away from kids. In my Montessori training I learned to think outside the box on this one; Maria Montessori believed the child should not be denied the privilege of caring for beautiful things -- otherwise, how could...May 19, 2008 - 9:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Student/teacher ratio and how to choose a Montessori school
From my Inbox: My daughter's public school will probably have to increase class size next year due to state budget cuts. I'm looking at enrolling her into a montessori school in my city. I've visited the school a few times and observed. I'm very intrigued. I like the idea of...May 16, 2008 - 1:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Montessori principles working at home
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then 76 of your pictures are worth 76,000 of mine. Enjoy! Following is the introduction to the above album. For comments on each picture, go here. Children love to work! The secret to having a happy, contented child is simple: an environment...May 13, 2008 - 9:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays - oops! but now it's fixed
For those reading Montessori Mondays - and linking: While I was using Mr. Linky to provide links for other moms, I didn't realize that there was another step I needed to take when you all linked to your own Montessori ideas. Now I know and have taken care of the...May 13, 2008 - 8:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays - sensitive periods
I know a lot of you are applying the Montessori exercises we share here and at other blogs to help your child reap the educational benefits. Far beyond the immediate results though - improved pincer grasp, eye-hand coordination, concentration skills - is the greater gift your understanding of Montessori...May 12, 2008 - 9:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
How to choose a Montessori school
Barbara, My family will be moving to the San Antonio area within the next year so I have begun looking at my options for schooling. I have been looking at several Montessori preschools in the area, and one question keeps popping into my head. What should I be looking for...April 26, 2008 - 4:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays - mixing colors
Every academic subject has its roots in early childhood. By drawing your child's attention to the order of things in the natural world, you introduce him to the study of science. Structuring even simple activities has larger ramifications for later work when the child will learn how to test hypotheses...April 21, 2008 - 10:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays - children's puzzles
Here's how any mom can make the most of teaching moments by using Montessori techniques: Take puzzles, for instance. Choose the kind with knobs, as they encourage the child's pincer grasp - which will strengthen and refine his thumb and finger control so that when the time comes to pick...April 14, 2008 - 6:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Montessori Monday - doing things quietly
This is just a simple thing that - quite honestly - can revolutionize your home and jumpstart your child's future. But that's the truth about anything you do with your children. Small beginnings eventually yield life-changing results. Try this: "Let's see how quietly we can put down the toilet seat."...March 31, 2008 - 7:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Praising children's efforts - the Montessori approach
I was wondering what Montessori has to say about praising the child? I've just been reading some Alfie Kohn articles and am a bit confused, as what he says does make sense.. and I am one parent who has been brought up with 'good girl!' and all that, and...March 25, 2008 - 8:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays: teaching kids to sweep
Maria Montessori was the first person to truly key in on the importance of the preschool years for developing skills - but most importantly building a love of learning. When a three-year-old picks up a broom to sweep the floor, instead of responding with, "No, you're too little - I'll...March 24, 2008 - 12:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - reviews of Mommy, Teach Me!
I know the feeling of wondering whether or not to invest in another book - will this be just another book to add to the pile I try but can't get into? And when it comes to parenting books, there's a whole other dynamic: if I do get into it,...March 2, 2008 - 10:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays - new and improved!
Yes, I know it's Tuesday, but I need to update you on my original announcement for Montessori Mondays. Thanks to TechnoWhiz/Geek/All-Knowledgeable Blogger Mommy Michelle - who blogs at usr-bin-mom.com, Montessori Mondays is going to be even better. Michelle suggested we do a meme and was kind enough to guide me...February 26, 2008 - 11:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
When a child balks at work
Dear Barbara - What do you suggest for a preschooler (disabled or not, mine isn't) who balks at suggestions to work? Should I just wait for those times when she shows interest and make the most of that, or can I hold her to the expectation of regular (small, age-appropriate)...February 23, 2008 - 9:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Preschool worksheets, projects, forms
Hi, again, Barbara: Today I found a GOLDMINE of printables online that I wondered if you knew about: Free printable worksheets, projects and printable forms You have to dig a little to see how many are really there. For instance, I've been using the "Alphabet Coloring Books" under the heading...February 22, 2008 - 6:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - the best foundation is love
[This is the final installment in a four-part series: Why Your Preschooler Can Thrive at Home taken from a chapter in my book, Mommy, Teach Me! Read the first, The Best Teacher is Forever, the second, The Best Classroom Has No Walls, and the third The Best Lessons Don't...February 16, 2008 - 8:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - the best lessons don't end at noon!
[This is third in a four-part series: Why Your Preschooler Can Thrive at Home taken from a chapter in my book, Mommy, Teach Me! Read the first, The Best Teacher is Foreverand second, The Best Classroom Has No Walls.] The Best Lessons Don’t End at Noon Some of my...February 15, 2008 - 3:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - the best classroom has no walls
[This is the second in a four-part series: Why Your Preschooler Can Thrive at Home taken from a chapter from my book, Mommy, Teach Me! Read the first The Best Teacher is Forever.] The Best Classroom Has No Walls I mentioned how the modern approach to education – compartmentalization...February 14, 2008 - 1:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - the best teacher is forever
It's that time of year when some of you may be wondering about preschool. There's so much cultural hype and social pressure - with many states actually considering mandatory preschool - that even moms who love having their kids at home wonder if they're doing the right thing. Mothers...February 13, 2008 - 5:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - building a science foundation
I wrote Mommy, Teach Me! to encourage moms in developing the teacher aspect of their role. Reading it will help you understand the process and show you how easy it is to build the foundation for your child's future learning success. Here is an excerpt: Science As I mentioned before,...February 8, 2008 - 6:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - growing carrot tops
From Mommy, Teach Me! , one of the simple science projects for preschoolers. A simple project is enriched when mom or teacher understand the purpose and use language to guide the learning experience: Growing carrot tops Purpose: To model the scientific approach – asking questions and using observation to...February 8, 2008 - 6:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Montessori at home: best coloring supplies
I've written before on the benefits of coloring books for developing concentration and fine motor coordination. While in a Montessori classroom this is done with Metal Insets, at home you can accomplish the same results with coloring books. There are many gorgeous and educational coloring books available - browse Amazon...February 6, 2008 - 11:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Montessori at home: encouraging a work ethic in children with Down syndrome - or any children, for that matter
Another rerun from 2/14/07. Sometimes we can get complacent - I am constantly humbled by own need to maintain vigilance in calling myself to a higher standard, especially knowing how much the future of my kids with disabilities depends on it. Let's all consider today - myself included - what...February 6, 2008 - 8:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - create a book nook
It always makes me feel wonderful to know that the ideas in my books have helped families. In Mommy, Teach Me to Read! I encourage moms to create a book nook for their children: Make your child’s solo reading extra special by creating a reading nook. It doesn’t require much...January 30, 2008 - 3:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - second-hand finds
This is Daniel, by the way! Justin is doing the honors with the teapot. I was looking for a picture of Daniel to add to my last post, but when I saw this one it reminded me to share a few things about bringing Montessori ideas and principles into...January 29, 2008 - 10:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Montessori at Home - purposeful activity
This question came into my Mommy, Teach Me! site: Hi Barbara! Here's a question for you: How much time per day should I expect (or encourage) my 34-month old to spend on her "work"? She was pretty enthusiastic about it when I started introducing it, but now her interest has...January 24, 2008 - 4:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Montessori at Home - a child-friendly environment
No mother has to experience the Terrible Twos (or Threes or Fours or Fives). All it takes is understanding and practicing a few Montessori principles to help your child sail gracefully through what can really be a thoroughly delightful and productive stage. My Montessori training took nine months of 9-5....January 23, 2008 - 3:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Christmas, clementines, independence and pincer grasp
'Tis the season - for clementines! Which are not only delicious, but a great opportunity to encourage your little ones' independence and pincer grasp. From my archives: Montessori at home #11 This morning I was reminded how important it is for us moms to always be looking for ways to...December 15, 2007 - 10:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Montessori at Home #13
I have emails in my Inbox from moms who are frustrated with their lives and who can't get a handle on settling their children down. I am so sorry that while I promise to answer every email, it sometimes takes me a while to get to them. I am working...December 3, 2007 - 9:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Montessori at home #12
I talk a lot about the importance of seeing the world through children's eyes in order to provide for their needs. That was one of the first principles I learned as a Montessori teacher. When you make this a practice, it will change the way you choose items for your...November 26, 2007 - 6:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Organizing toys
Hi Barbara... I thought of you for advice in this issue! I'm trying to determine a good balance with toys in our house. I have 3 boys so far- 4.5,2.5 and 6 months. It seems we are constantly picking up toys and it is a source of stress for them...October 13, 2007 - 11:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Tantrum-proofing your child - Part 2
I know I promised a series on Tantrum-Proofing Your Child. But life got in the way :) I also felt a little deflated by various comments which made me feel like I had to start the series like a cigarette pack full of disclaimers. Let me just say that there...October 11, 2007 - 4:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Tantrum-proofing your child - Part 1
Yesterday at the Leesburg Ross all the shoppers were looking at each other helplessly as we witnessed one of the worst cases of mothering I've ever seen. Actually, maybe it was a bad day for kids everywhere as it seemed like every store I went in had a toddler screaming...October 4, 2007 - 9:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack
Homeschooling Today reviews of Mommy, Teach Me!
I was so surprised and extremely grateful for these reviews of my books. I couldn't have written a clearer summary myself - and so for those of you who may wonder exactly what's in the two most recent, I am printing them here: Mommy, Teach Me! Preparing Your Preschool Child...August 31, 2007 - 8:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Releasing your child's learning potential
I have an article posted at Crosswalk.com today - Releasing your child's learning potential. Check out the wonderful pictures - all supplied by my readers. Except the handsome fellow with the red sweater vest carrying the bell - that's my youngest, Justin. Please feel free to rate and comment on...August 24, 2007 - 9:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Mommy, Teach Me! - one reader's thoughts and a few of my own
I just received your books (Mommy Teach Me and Mommy Teach Me to Read). I started with Mommy Teach Me and I am so excited to get started on some of the exercises. You’ve really given me the confidence boost to take the initiative to teach my daughter so many...August 14, 2007 - 1:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Teaching kids concentration
This is my granddaughter Trinity at my house doing one of my Small Beginnings exercises - the same kind her mother Samantha did 30some years ago in Montessori school and the ones I describe in Mommy, Teach Me! Like all the Small Beginnings exercises, this is something you can...July 12, 2007 - 10:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Mommy, Teach Me! - Using Montessori methods to preschool at home
Officially announcing the launch of my new website: Mommy, Teach Me! Jam-packed with resources to help moms make the most of the preschool years! For those of you who sent me pictures to use in the book, I have placed them all in a Mommy, Teach Me! photo album. If...July 10, 2007 - 9:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Kids at work
If you're looking for something for your kids to do on a nice day, don't forget the appeal of working outside with water - and there's no mess to clean up. Today my kids washed the van. Last Saturday the Downzers (our family's affectionate name for our four sons with...July 7, 2007 - 3:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Call for photos of learning areas at home
Dear Mrs. Curtis, Some time ago, I saw some pictures of how different home schooling families had set up their learning areas. A few of these were in the Montessori style. I can't seem to find them again, and I thought perhaps they might have been at your site. Do...July 2, 2007 - 5:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
The Cheerios Play Book - perfect for toddlers!
This is such a cute book - and a fabulous way to encourage even the youngest child to develop pincer grasp and hand control - which both lead to better writing skills later on. The pages have recessed circles where the child can oh-so-carefully place Cheerios one by one....June 23, 2007 - 8:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Montessori for every mom
I have to confess that I don't know much about Montessori. Is there a book that is "Montessori for Dummies?" :) I'd like a book that explains the basics of Montessori. Thanks. I read your blog every day and appreciate it so much. I've read your Lord, Please Meet Me...June 16, 2007 - 11:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Kid-friendly art - at home
Kid Friendly Art One simple way to enrich the lives of your children is to bring art into your home. You don't have to know much to get started - I didn't! - but the key for moms is to see things through a child's eyes. Kids are so responsive...June 5, 2007 - 3:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Montessori at home: teaching kids to fasten
Hi Barbara~ If you have time, could you recommend a good book or product to help teach toddlers to use buttons, snaps, zippers, et al? Thanks! Kristina Montessori classrooms have dressing frames to enable kids to learn more easily how to cope with fasteners from buttons to zippers to buckles....June 1, 2007 - 7:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Mommy, Teach Me! Montessori in the home review
Spotted this review by Danielle Hanley of Mommy, Teach Me! and Mommy, Teach Me to Read!: I think the biggest difference between Barbara's books and other Montessori books is the fact that Barbara is a writer who happens to be a Montessori teacher, not a Montessori teacher who wants to...June 1, 2007 - 2:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Montessori at Home - Encouraging independence
“No, lemme doowit myseff!” Sound familiar? It’s the rallying cry of toddlers everywhere. At this very moment, throughout the world – in thousands of languages – children are telling their parents they want to do it themselves. Every child is born with a God-given potential (Maria Montessori called these...May 29, 2007 - 11:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Montessori and preschool language enrichment at home
Little children absorb language the way a sponge absorbs water. Would you be surprised to know they can learn the names of birds and fish and reptiles easily at three and four years old? They can, as any Montessori teacher could tell you: it's part of the everyday curriculum in...May 6, 2007 - 5:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Just say no to preschool! Mommy, Teach Me! is here!
Hooray! My new books are here! In my very own garage! Waiting to be sent to mommies everywhere! You can read more about them - including the recommendations from Dr. and Martha Sears at Mommy, Teach Me! If you would like to order them direct from me, I will...May 4, 2007 - 11:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (19) | TrackBack
Montessori at Home - Developing Concentration
"The first essential for the child's development is concentration," noted Maria Montessori nearly a century ago. When she observed Italian slum children absorbed in manipulating bread crumbs, she concluded that the drive to learn was so intrinsic - and so strong - that children would learn to focus on anything...May 1, 2007 - 4:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Mealtime for baby
Came across this on YouTube: Now, this is a mom with good instincts. Some of us who grew up without younger siblings or poor parenting have to start from scratch to rethink how to do things with our own. Here is what is great about this lunch scenario: 1) Lincoln...April 28, 2007 - 10:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - A prepared environment
No mother has to experience the Terrible Twos. All it takes is understanding and practicing a few Montessori principles to help your child sail gracefully through what can really be a thoroughly delightful and productive stage. My Montessori training took nine months of 9-5. I've written a book called The...April 28, 2007 - 7:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Montessori at home
One of my long time readers - and I mean long time because she read my first book ten years ago - just started her own blog Day by Day. There you'll find pictures of her daughters engaged in a few of the Montessori home activities I began suggesting...April 19, 2007 - 6:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Teaching kids to be careful
In my post on creating a kid-friendly home environment, I mentioned the wisdom of exposing your children to breakable objects. Some of you wanted to know exactly how moms can teach their kids to be more careful. It is not something that comes naturally, believe me. In fact, the only...April 17, 2007 - 7:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Kid-friendly home decor
I ran this way back when. If you've been reading here less than a couple years, you might like it: One of the things I've enjoyed as a mother is considering my children when it comes to furnishing our house. I thought I'd share some examples of choices I've made...April 12, 2007 - 10:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (17) | TrackBack
Teaching a toddler to put on a jacket
Heading into spring seems like a good time to rerun this. As you're putting away those heavy winter coats, think how much easier it would be for your child to learn to put on a lightweight jacket. Remember, parenting is all about leading your child to responsible independence, starting in...March 22, 2007 - 1:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
What about Preschool?
I have a question regarding homeschooling. My oldest (4yrs) is to start PreK this August and the closer it gets, the more I am just so unsure on what to do. I have read several of your books (I think all of them except the Dirty Dancing one :-)) We...February 22, 2007 - 10:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (12) | TrackBack
Encouraging a work ethic in children with Down syndrome - or any children, for that matter
Daniel is #11 of our 12. I've told the story before of how we came to adopt him. For those new to this site, we have four boys with Down syndrome - one by birth and three by adoption. The cool thing about having four is that we truly understand...February 14, 2007 - 8:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Teaching toddlers
A reader writes: I was the excited recipient of Small Beginnings this Christmas! I have a 2 1/2 year old daughter and I loved the concepts in your book. I have a couple questions for you. We tried the spooning beans exercise and went through all the steps you laid...January 14, 2007 - 4:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack