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How to Encourage Skills Practice
The school year is coming to a close. Some of us have children who are not quite on par with society's academic standards, and this can be a cause for concern. On the one hand, we want them to relax during the summer. On the other hand, we know the value of consistent practice to master skills that don't come naturally.
I live this struggle with my son, so I decided to set an expectation of summer writing practice to ensure he continues making progress. I had a conversation with him, and it…
Cursive Cards
For the past few weeks, Zach has shown a strong interest in sounds and letters. He's constantly pointing out letters and asking what sound they make, and then thinking of words that start with that sound. However, he's not keen on tracing the sandpaper letters. I can't say I blame him; ours are pretty rough (because they're new) and his index and middle fingers are very sensitive because he sucks them!
It irritates me that he doesn't see cursive letters anywhere except in school (most signs th…
It irritates me that he doesn't see cursive letters anywhere except in school (most signs th…
To Follow the Child
Now that Zachary is three years old, I'm constantly surprised by how differently Montessori happens at home and in school.
In a classroom, you plan your lessons in part around the child's interests and abilities, but also based on the sequence in your album. The children are (for the most part) happy and willing to receive the presentations. Not so at home when it's your own child. I've learned that nine times out of ten, we'll only do anything productive if Zachary initiates it. If I invite h…
In a classroom, you plan your lessons in part around the child's interests and abilities, but also based on the sequence in your album. The children are (for the most part) happy and willing to receive the presentations. Not so at home when it's your own child. I've learned that nine times out of ten, we'll only do anything productive if Zachary initiates it. If I invite h…
The Moveable Alphabet
A trainer once asked my classmates and me the following: "If you were on a deserted island and could only take two Montessori materials with you to support a child's intellectual development, what would they be?" We pondered, debated, and finally concluded that for math it would have to be the Golden Beads that represent the decimal system and for language it would be the Moveable Alphabet.
The Moveable Alphabet was developed by Dr. Montessori when she realized that children had the mental capac…
The Moveable Alphabet was developed by Dr. Montessori when she realized that children had the mental capac…
Get More Montessori
The Full Montessori is now on Facebook (see the handy little box on the right margin, just waiting for your FB picture). "Like" us to get Montessori quotes and links to child development articles and blog posts from around the web. Because your News Feed can always use more Montessori, right?
Picture from themontessoricottage.typepad.com
Want even more Montessori? I finally put together my Montessori Blogroll (also on the right margin, just scroll down a bit). Some of these bloggers you might …
Picture from themontessoricottage.typepad.comWant even more Montessori? I finally put together my Montessori Blogroll (also on the right margin, just scroll down a bit). Some of these bloggers you might …
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