At first I was feeling guilty that this post is long overdue - we started the series back in May after all. But now I'm thinking it might be just the time to re-visit the idea of natural outdoor play spaces. With summer coming to an end, so too is the time for running through the sprinklers and planting vegetable gardens. The return of cool, crisp fall weather is actually quite perfect for a more rustic approach to outdoor play. … [Read more...]
Playgrounds Gone Natural: Play Gardens
photos counter clockwise from top: The Imagination Tree, Pinterest, Paint on the Ceiling After first writing about playgrounds and backyards going natural, I was so excited to hear you all wanted to come along on my journey in building S and C their own natural play space. I've thought a lot about how best to approach this new series and I think the simplest route is to use each post to spotlight a different possible element. Today we're talking about play … [Read more...]
Make Like a Montessori Mama: Part 4 – Shape Activities
Part 4 of the "Make like a Montessori Mama" series is definitely my favorite, it's right up our alley. C loves creating pictures with his Magnetic Pattern Blocksand learning the names of the shapes (everything from quadrilaterals to trapezoids). Plus this shape sorter is currently S's toy of choice. I can't wait to try out these activities with the kids later this week... Take it away Kylie: Five great Montessori inspired activities about SHAPES! There are many Montessori … [Read more...]
Make Like a Montessori Mama: Part 3 – Animal Activities
So now that the kids are all hopped up on sugar, I thought it would be a good time for some more constructive playtime activities. To that end, Kylie is back with part three of our "Make Like a Montessori Mama" series: animal activities. Take it away Kylie... Five great Montessori inspired activities about ANIMALS! Animals, just like food and plants, give children an opportunity to explore nature. Once again these activities use materials that are widely available. There are a … [Read more...]
Make Like a Montessori Mama: Part 2 – Plant Activities
Kylie from how we montessori is back today with part two of the "Make Like a Montessori Mama" series. Her first post was a big hit and I have no doubt you'll love today's ideas just as much... Here's Kylie: Five great Montessori inspired activities about PLANTS! Five Montessori inspired activities that allow the child to explore plants using materials you can find around the home. 1. Taking care of a plant It would be wonderful if every child … [Read more...]
How to Make Like a Montessori Mama: Part 1 – Food Activities
I'm of the belief that there's no single teaching philosophy that's perfect for every child. While my husband and I ultimately decided on a more traditional play-based preschool for C, we certainly haven't ruled out alternative preschool environments for S in a few years (Waldorf, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, etc.). I'm also of the belief that children can benefit greatly from being exposed to several types of teaching. As such, I've been on the hunt lately for a few easy ways to incorporate … [Read more...]