One, Two, Three

1.) Something is odd about my blog. My hit counter reached 200,000 hits and then went back to ONE. Has this happened to any other blogging Mamas out there? Strange but true. Please let me know what to do, if anything. Thanks.

2.) My husband leaves for his month long Montessori 6 to 9 training this weekend. Happy Fourth of July (she says while gritting her teeth!). It's going to be tough.
Sure he's that much closer to having a Masters degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Montessori BUT...four weeks without him is a long time. Here I go...grumble, grumble..

3.) POSITIVE NOTE: 'Taller Than Me' is having a BLAST in the BIG city! And he remembered to call me! I LOVE that.

Thanks for reading...
PEACE
Jennifer

Happy Mother's Day

Motherhood defined me.

Because of him, I became someone I never thought I'd be. Because of him just being I did things I never knew I would do. And I found in myself a courage I never knew was there. I am grateful to him. And I am proud of us both. I continue to learn from him each and every day, new things about myself and this big, big world, because of him growing up in it.



Now there are three of them, three sons, each special and his own person. Each gifting me with something unique.

My second son, Middle Man, has taught me great patience and the power of will. Without him I would lack my deep understanding and compassion for parents of challenging children, life would be far less exciting around here and to him I will always be grateful ~ it was due to HIS interest in art that I remembered how much I enjoyed drawing. He makes me laugh every day and inspires me. Without him in my life I fear I would be a more judging person, more fearful and unsure of myself. One of his greatest gifts is his ability to absorb the emotions of others around him. This is both a gift and a burden for this young boy, but for me, through comforting him I have gained an awareness I most certainly never would have had.



And Little One, my smallest and sweetest boy. Through him I have come to realize that life is all about sacrifices and sometimes we have to go through it, give it up and just let it be. Little One has reminded me that life is a sensorial experience not to be ignored! He has forced me to slow down and to appreciate quiet moments, from slugs to blades of grass and most importantly that sometimes you need to hold a hand bigger than yours, "Just P-cause".



Happy mother's Day to all of you too! My hat is off to you for the many. many diapers you've changed, tears you have wiped away, the 100s of not very funny five year old jokes you've listened to and laughed about, the 100,000,000,000...... loads of laundry you've done, the boo-boos you have mended, the questions you have answered, the photos you have taken, the doctor visits you have gone through, the number of times you've been thrown up on & peed on, the sleepless nights, for reading Goodnight Moon "just one more time", for the gentle reminders you have given, for helping with math home work....the list is endless as you well know....
Happy Mother's Day to ALL!!! I pray today you will get a break, if only for a moment.
In loving PEACE,
Jennifer

What's Happening In the Nest?

Sorting key tags
After removing the metal key ring, I colored a different image on two groups of ten. One group: a blue star, the other: a pink flower. This nifty blue dish was a yard sale find, but I've seen them since at the Family Dollar Store. I think it's actually a condiment server.

This little girl has taken to doing works on her lap. She is very fond of the classroom's little blue couch and doesn't want anyone else to get her spot. The light was great so I took the photo. However, I am working with her to share the blue couch as well as giving gentle reminders about how/where we use the materials and why. But sometimes the best lesson is in the experience; right after I took this photo, another child sat next to this little girl, accidentally knocking her 'lap' tray to the floor. All her hard sorting work fell to the floor. As I helped her clean up the key tags, I asked some wondering questions aloud:

"I wonder why your work fell?" "I wonder, if the tray had been on the floor on a work rug, would the tags have fallen?" "I wonder if your friend meant to knock your work or were they just sitting down?"

I have found through asking & answering these types of open ended wonder questions both the teacher and child care grow and learn together.




Two Little Black Birds (felt story)
I made these quick rhyming story props from felt, but you could just as easily use paper or objects if you had them. The toddlers LOVE this work.
"Fly away Jack." "Fly away Jill"....



Continent Bean Bag Map (with color matching dots added) and a basket with top (found by Paula~thank you Paula) for the animals to be stored in. This work is used EVERY day. I'm so happy they like it.



I get by with a little help from my friends.
Zipper Expert and "big girl" at three years old, helps out her younger friend with his coat zipper.
I like to call this one, "Watch and Learn".
;) Accidentally caught on film, this photo makes me smile!

PEACE to all,
Happy Wednesday everybody.
Only, one more day until Mother's Day Tea Toddler Style!
PEACE
Jennifer

Photos from this week....

~Yoga~ Stretching like starfish....















Chasing bubbles....












Exploring a new work...





It's been a long week and it's only Wednesday night. Yesterday my town experienced some flooding due to heavy rain. Our driveway was washed away and there was left a four foot drop from the pavement. It has been repaired since, thank Goodness! School was closed due to the flooding and many streets were also closed. I stayed home (obviously we couldn't GO anywhere) but I was sick, so I stayed in bed.

Today it was back to school, business as usual. Busy toddlers exploring their world.
The children are getting excited about Spring and flowers and MUDD! The playground has been a ton o' fun since the rain came....she types with a smile and a wink. These photos are from Monday and today. They LOVE Yoga! And I am so very happy they do. There have been some restless bodies lately, as you know, "Spring Fever" is most likely the cause. Although from this tired teacher's point of view there is nothing more exasperating than one toddler readying the troops with a call like, "Come on everybody, let's RUN!" INSIDE! Someone ALWAYS gets knocked down or falls and tears follow. Running inside is not okay. Today's response: "But Miss Jennifer, we can't run outside because of the MUD!" She has a point...a toddler needs to RUN.

In other news...
Taller Than Me shined during a recent school music concert and Middle Man got the part of the Tin Man in our local children's theater's production of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz! And Little One is still coughing but getting better each day.
His favorite phrase: "Will you play with me?"
PEACE to all of you~I've gotta go play.
Jennifer

Inspiring Mamas

We do not inherit the earth
from our ancestors,
we borrow it
from our children.

Visit these Amazing Mama's Blogs, they understand this quote, they live it, and they inspire the rest of us to also!

By the way, as we all know, there are MANY MORE AMAZING MAMAS than these out there, and I plan to share about them too, but this morning has given me only a small window of time to post.

When/if time allows you please comment and tell these folks that Montessori Mama sent you. Many thanks ~ J

The Magic Onions
5 Orange Potatoes
Periwinkles and Pine
Everyday Unitarian
Green Mama
Creative Kismet

Stop by and Visit

I need to share a few links. I am so in love with the photos found at these blogs! Wow!
I know, I miss my camera...but even when I could use it, I didn't take photos like these! So lovely. Yes, I have camera envy. I admit it.
But while I search AGAIN, for my charger cord, I recommend you stop by and visit these beauties!

Our Montessori Story
Salt and Chocolate
Soule Mama
The Write Start
Wise Craft
Good + Happy

Happy Valentine's Day
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Montessori Mama

The message said: Bold what you HAVE done.
So here goes...

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Well there you go, I have no idea what this really says about me. If I had made the list I would have added some other tid bits. But, I'm not one to pass on a list.
As a side note I would absolutely LOVE to do number: 4, 15, 28 and 56 one day!
I'm having trouble posting photos again! Sorry for the boring list post.
PEACE
~~MM

Mama Rant!

Okay so it's day 24. It's been 24 Days since Papa Montessori left for his Montessori training.
I'm nearing my breaking point. Can I just rant for a moment please?
Thank you.
Before I start, I hope it goes without saying that I love my children more than anything. That said,
The last two days have been very stressful! Little One is officially TWO, as you know, and he is turning into a wild man! I know his routine is upset and he misses his rough and tumble play Dad, but oh my goodness kid! Could you bring it down to a low roar? Could you stop moving for two minutes?! Yesterday he tried to eat a candle! He won't eat any vegetables all of a sudden, but he'll eat a candle?
What gives?
In a matter of moments he dumped four bathroom drawers on the floor, dumped his bucket of crayons (which he had to climb up on a chair to get it off the counter!)and some how, I'm still not sure how, got into his sleeping teenage brother's bedroom and took his IPOD hostage.
The result a screaming hissy fit when said IPOD was retrieved by his now awake and very grumpy teenage brother.
Everything always goes wrong while I am getting dressed or using the bathroom.
Does this happen to you too?

The past few weeks have been a pretty constant stream of:
driving to pick some one up
driving to drop someone off
making meals
buying food to make a meal
cleaning up after a meal
and doing laundry.

Middle Man had to have his teeth cleaned yesterday and he ended up refusing to open his mouth for the dental hygienist (that was fun)she had to come and get me in the waiting room. Little One saw this as his opportunity to take off down the hallway toward the Treasure Chest of children's goodies usually given to a child who WILL cooperate with the dental hygienist, and he proceeded to, yep..you guessed it, DUMP the contents of the treasure box. EXCEPT for the things he wanted to have (a handful of pencil erasers shaped like teeth) which he promptly put into his mouth!!!!
(I am NOT making this up!)

Taller than Me (who's social life is way more important than just about anything else) has been needing me to drive him every where and just once I would love to here a "Thanks Mom" without me having to hint around for one.

Could I complain about the smelly lunch boxes or the mildew on the laundry no-one seems to know how to do except for me? Did I mention the WET library books, broken window screen and lost water shoes?
Perhaps it's better if I don't.

This is the most difficult job, isn't it? Some days I want to call in sick.

Well that's it, as you can all relate to I'm sure, I have a very long TO DO list and it's calling to me.
Little One is napping and sharing with all of you is a short lived luxury.
Thanks for reading this. I hope I didn't scare you with my honesty.
Like my mother always said,
"I try my best, that's all anybody can do."
In PEACE,
Montessori Mama
PS I just found some cheese to go with my whine, phew!
Only 15 more days till Montessori Papa comes home! YA HOO! But who's counting?

Some More Heroes

Aline Manna
Theodor Seuss Geisel
Alicia Nash
Single parents everywhere
Trina Schart Hyman
Shel Silverstein
My Mom

Supporting Toddler Play

Play is the central activity of childhood. For toddlers, play is the way they learn about themselves and their world. It is also the way they begin to master many fundamental physical, social, and intellectual skills and concepts.

Recently my nine year old pointed out to my two year old, that HE didn't even know what a 'play date' was. My two year old's retort (because he was clearly offended) was: blowing a raspberry.

No seriously, of course he knows what a play date is. It's his life's work after all. But this back seat conversation between brothers and a recent successful toddler play date for Little One and his best girl pal Miss S, inspired me to write about the importance of toddler play and how we as parents and caregivers can support it.

Being a supportive adult means responding to a toddler's initiations in play and by expanding the scope of play while still allowing the toddler to take the lead. It takes time to learn how to do this successfully. Caregivers who tailor their behavior to the toddler's activity and then respond thoughtfully and appropriately will help the child to move ahead in all areas of their development.

The following are a list of suggestions; ways we can be supportive caregivers in a Montessori toddler classroom (OR home environment/playgroup):

*Prepare the environment and have a plan. (more about that later)
*Observe children’s play (this can not be said enough: Observe, Observe, Observe! You will learn so much. Toddler’s are valuable teachers of teachers.)
*Allow the children to be as independent as they are able.
*Avoid interrupting children’s play unless absolutely necessary for a scheduled routine such as lunch or nap (in which case warning should be given ie. the turn of the rain stick sounded, a musical chime is struck, etc)
*Let the children know that you are interested in what they do by encouraging them to talk about their play.
*Be available to assist children when your help is needed.
*Encourage the children to explore and experiment with open ended materials in their own ways with the least amount of direction.
*Reserve the word “No” for messages about safety; instead encourage your toddler(s) to use the materials in a different way. Model the behavior you desire.
*Avoid needless conversation with other adults.

When caring for a group of toddlers it will only benefit you and the children you care for, if you prepare the environment ahead. Have many of the items you foresee being popular (ex: balls, blocks, shovels in the sand box). And now,
about that plan…

Like Mary Poppins with her carpet bag, you’ve got to come prepared.
Any Barney fans out there? Remember “Looking in my Barney Bag, to see what I can see…” Every seasoned teacher knows to bring a bag of tricks along when caring for a group of toddlers.
Here are a few of my personal favorites:
Puppets
Bubbles
Musical instruments
Paint
Water
Balls
and card board boxes

Despite all the convincing evidence out there that toddlers learn best through play, many caregivers still enforce large group lessons (in my opinion this can be similar to herding cats). And the result is a lot of adult directed time and squirmy toddlers. A group of toddlers cannot be expected to learn the same thing, the same way, at the same time. It is better if groups form spontaneously and if you’ve ever worked with a group of two year olds, you know they will! Your game plan should be:
"Go with the flow" Of course, have your ‘bag of tricks’ ready and waiting and pull from it what you see the children need as they need it. Follow their lead.

Setting aside a specific part of your toddler’s day for “lesson giving” is an idea full of good intentions but it is also often unrealistic. The reason being that every moment of a toddler’s day lessons are being given, valuable information received, learning is always taking place and just because you may be ready and willing the children you are caring for may not be. You've gotta be flexible and patient. That’s why your role is so important. You are your child’s guide. They take their cues from you and you have the power to peek their interest and to nurture their discoveries and exploration.

My suggested guidelines for planned activities:

1.) Allow the children to do for themselves as much as possible, avoid the temptation to make the activity easier for the adult by doing it for the children.
2.) Introduce activities and materials with enthusiasm, model how you want the materials to be used.
3.) Allow children to make mistakes and trust in them to problem solve (Don't jump in to save the day!)
4.) Be prepared to drop your plans and instead follow the children's lead, by expanding on the play they are already involved in.
5.) Prepare the materials you may need ahead of time.
6.) To prevent frustration,learn the developmentally appropriate expectations of your children.
*Source: Young Children Mag. March 1985

Most of all enjoy your time together,toddlers are ever learning at this age and at the same time they are so wise beyond their years! Pay attention, close attention, they have so much knowledge to impart. And if you haven't in a while, get down on the floor and PLAY.
Build a castle, a puzzle, a pile of pillows!
Smoosh some playdough, some berries, a wet sponge!
Have fun!
PEACE
~MM

Happy Solstice!

"I told the Sun that I was glad, I'm sure I don't know why; Somehow the pleasant way he had Of shining in the sky, Just put a notion in my head That wouldn't it be fun If, walking on the hill, I said "I'm happy" to the Sun."
~John Drinkwater, "The Sun"

Last night's Solstice Celebration didn't go exactly as I had planned...it was raining. Oh well. We need rain, and without it we would not appreciate the Sun!:)
So how do you celebrate Summer Solstice?
The following is a list of ideas of ways to celebrate Summer Solstice with your families:
(I collected these ideas from various sources over the years, forgive me for not giving credit where credit is due!)

• Have a Summer Solstice potluck dinner or lunch that features seasonal fruits and veggies and dishes that are the color or shape of the sun.
• Sing: "This Little Light of Mine"
• Watch the sun set with your family in silence, invite your children to paint or draw the sunset with you.
• Sleep outside!
• Eat outside (but of course)
• Take a Nature Walk~stop to study the plants and flowers in bloom. Notice the shapes, colors, and textures.
• Do the yoga "Salute to the Sun"
• Shoot off fireworks (or light sparklers which is tamer :)
• Make sun catchers with colored cellophane.
• Fill a jar with yellow and orange marbles and water, ask your children to pick wild flowers to put in the jar; this vase will grace your table.
• Fill your bird feeders
• If possible: take a walk along the beach.
• Build a bonfire at sunset and dance all around it!
• Use sidewalk chalk.
• Create paper plate mandalas.
• Use only candles to light your evening activities
• Make your own Sun symbols like wreaths, spheres, disks, medallions or mandalas, using readily available materials such as gold foil, yellow, orange, white, and gold ribbons, flowers, herbs, fabric, paper, and/or pipe cleaners.
• Research the sun-reverencing peoples of our world by joining in their prayer (this is a nice way to include a geography lesson).
• Mow the lawn for someone in your neighborhood who can't do it themselves
• Cook your best dish and give it to an overworked mother with young children....if this is YOU, ask your children to cook dinner for you tonight! (*with another adult's help).
  
• Play music or sing for someone in need of visitors
• Make a specific resolution for tomorrow...
• Make a salad sprinkled with edible flowers
• Are there any berries ripe where you are? Go berry picking!
• Hike a hill to be closer to the Sun!
• Lie in the sun. Close your eyes, relax your muscles one by one, and feel the healing rays of the Sun *USE SUNSCREEN!
• Play a game outside!
• Play They Might Be Giant's song: "Why Does the Sun Shine?"
• Teach your children the words to the Beatles' song: "Here Comes the Sun"
  
• Create a spiral using the Montessori red rods and walk it with bare feet!

So there you have my Summer Solstice Celebration List (a day late!)
Please share your ideas with me.
Blessed Be Our Glorious Sun!
PEACE
Montessori Mama

Another 7 Favorite Blogs

Here is another list of some my favorite blogs. I have so much admiration for people who share of themselves with the world. It's such a gift to connect with so many interesting and talented people simply by moving and clicking a computer mouse about.

Here is this month's list and the reasons why I think you should check them out also:

Everyday Unitarian: If only we lived closer! Some Sundays I don't actually pull it together and go to church but thanks to this spiritual Mama I can stop by her blog instead. I've always felt living the seven principles of the UU faith to be a tall order; this talented and prophetic writer challenges me to live the principles and to examine the way I take care of our earth, raise my family and voice my concerns and opinions. With grace and humor she informs and makes me aware. I am so thankful for her.

Doobleh-vay: This lady knows how to write! This mom of three, entertains and inspires me weekly. Check her out when you want to test your song lyric skills or learn how to make fabulous shadow puppets. She makes me smile every time.

The Write Start: Being that I am a visual learner this Mom's photos delight and impress me. She has such a gift and lucky for us she shares it with the world. Creative ideas and (did I mention) beautiful photos? (Honestly, I have dial up and I wait for them to load). She's clever AND crafty, such a wonderful combination!

A Bit of This and That: On the other side of the world there lives a Mama after my own heart. She is most certainly a kindred spirit and every week I learn something new when I stop by to visit. Her little boy is oh so photogenic and bright! She even has Montessori materials she has created for sale. A Must See!

Walk Beside Me: This artist and devoted Mama of one, shares about her adventures in homeschooling using the Montessori method. She creates most of the materials her son uses and motivates me to think creatively.

Mama's Village: Do you like pizza? Organic food recipes? This urban Mama loves to share her amazing food creations and stories, so it's time to pay her a visit. For some reason I am unable to leave her messages! I don't know why but it never works :(
I hope she reads this and knows how much I enjoy her blog.

The Artful Parent: Every time I read this amazing Mama's blog I feel like bowing and saying, "I'm not worthy" she is AMAZING! Did I say that already? You'll be so happy you paid her a visit. As a writer for many parenting magazines, the leader of a toddler art group and as an artist herself, how she has time for writing this blog is beyond me. But I'm so glad you do Jean, thank you!

Well, there you have it another list of favorites...I will post another set when time allows me in July because there ARE so many other great ones out there!
I had a lovely day today. I hope you all did too. I shared a celebratory end of the year lunch out with my fellow Cornerspring Montessori teachers and I spent some time with my two younger boys creating a father's day gift for Montessori Papa. (he sometimes reads this, so I will share after Sunday).
In PEACE
~MM

Heroes

Today's Heroes:

Jiang Xiaojuan and her baby
Maria Montessori
Little Warrior and her family
Julie Clapp's husband Jon
The people who thought this up:
www.freerice.com/index.php

I know this is a short list, but I am planning on posting this type of list weekly. I was inspired to do so by the ever inspiring and ecologically minded Shannon of 'Unmitigated Bliss' and my oldest son who sadly recently said, "All news is bad news, have you ever noticed that?"
and I look forward to your thoughts and comments.
Who are your heroes today?
In PEACE
MM

Teacher Appreciation/End of the Year Gift Ideas

As a teacher for over 15 years, I have received many lovely gifts from my students. I have treasured them all. Some can still be found in a shoe box in my closet and others have gone the way of many of my children's refrigerator art....
All have been greatly appreciated, especially the homemade ones. The time and thought put into choosing just the right image to color or type of treat to bake. I have enjoyed and appreciated being thought of in such a lovely way.

Here are some of the gifts I've received over the years:
flowers (always a good stand by, who doesn't love flowers?)
candy (very sweet)
hand soap/lotion (very nice for those of us who wash our hands 5billion times as day)
a bottle of wine
tickets to a movie (LOVED this!)
cash (this felt a bit impersonal, although the card was lovely, it felt a little like a tip, I ended up buying things for the classroom with the money)
Gift certificate to a local store I love (very thoughtful!)
a beautiful silver bracelet engraved (I wear it every year on the first day of school)
a hand knitted scarf (cozy for the playgrounds of the Northeast)
Hot Chocolate (equally cozy & yummy too)
candles (the scented kind)
home made ornaments and jewelry (very sweet, anything home made is adorable)

This second list is entitled: "Cost a Pretty Penny"
These are items I think your children's teacher would enjoy receiving but you may not be able to afford depending on how many kiddos you have and how many teachers you want to give something to. (I personally could not afford to pull any of these off but would love to).

• Have LUNCH delivered to school.
• Create note cards or note pads "From the desk of..." to give to your child's teacher. Use your child's art work to create sure to be used stationary.
• Ask your child to inquire about their teacher's interests and possible collections such as tennis or gardening (gift appropriately with gift certificates to stores where they can make their own purchases to add to their collections.)
• Gift card to local teacher supply store
• Gift certificate to a local spa ("One free manicure for hands that have helped us grow and learn all year long.")
  
• Expensive chocolates (from a local candy shop)
• A flowering plant
• Have flowers delivered to school.
• Jewelry (the home made kind is most often cherished, I still have a button bracelet a little boy made for me before he left to start kindergarten)
• Donate books in the teacher's name to the school library/classroom
• I'm sure you can come up with many more...

But, let's not break the bank here...teachers also appreciate home made gifts very much.
A story or poem written by your child about their teacher with a drawing to illustrate
Photos! Once a parent came to all the events throughout the school year (Open House, Field Trips, Our Annual Auction, parent ed. nights, the Spring yard sale...etc.) and took photos. Then they compiled the photos into a small scrap book for us. This was a classroom treasure for years afterward and a wonderful tool for me as the Director at the time, to use to show enrolling families just some of the many things we do through-out the school year that they can become part of.

My favorite gift of all time:
Photos of all my students. One very sweet and talented photographer parent took photos of all the kids in my class one year and surprised me with a memory book. It was wrapped in hand print paper made by the kids in my class. I will always treasure this book and the wrapping paper. (*My classroom assistant helped the parent out a bit to make this all possible and I was leaving on maternity leave that year also).

I am sure that whatever your child and you come up with, their teacher will appreciate. Share your ideas by leaving a comment if time allows. Remember it's not how much money you paid for a gift it's the thought that matters most.
In PEACE,
Montessori Mama

Blogs I LOVE to Frequent and Why:

I want to take a moment and share that I have been trying desperately to leave messages on a few of the Mamas' blogs that I read frequently, but I have not been able to! I don't know if it's my computer or Blogger but I'm becoming frustrated by the whole process very quickly. Dial up stinks!
So, I thought I'd take a moment to share with you just five of the blogs I frequent (there are many many more I adore!) and this is why I LOVE them.

Chasing Cheerios:
This blog inspires and motivates me to create materials for my little one. The author is a mother to one beautiful toddler girl and posts regularly (some times many short posts in one day). Lovely photos of Montessori materials! A MUST see.

Little Monkey and Friends:
When I need to feel understood and want to giggle I visit Mama Monkey. It's like she can see inside my world and knows exactly how I'm feeling! She makes me laugh and loves her little monkeys so much. For sharing and venting and understanding visit Mama Monkey, you'll be so glad you did.

Modern Communities Mama:
My moment of Zen. I need to visit this Doula in training & Mama to two little boys every week. I read and re-read her poems and thoughtful entries and remind myself to slow down and appreciate the small but important moments in my life. I would be lost without her.

Unmitigated Bliss:
A fellow UU, environmentally conscious and artsy with a wonderful sense of humor! I check in daily and come away with nourishment for my soul, my belief in the power of positive thought renewed and with reminders promoting purposeful living. I lovingly refer to this blog as 'Bliss'.

The Sum of Mum:
Beautiful photography, heart warming entries, this blog reads like you are looking through a window into this incredible Mama's life. Having survived more loss than any Mama ever should; her writing reminds me how me blessed I have been and her honesty gives me courage.

Hang In There Baby Wear:
Mama J tells it like it is while sharing about her adventure in running her own baby carrier business and her first year of being a Mama. I'm hooked on her writing style and enjoy her so much. Little one and I have been trying out one of her wonderful carriers. I highly recommend this blog and her comfy carriers!

As I said, there are MANY more lovely blogs I would love to tell you about but time is passing quickly and I have many things to do. I think I will take time once a month to create a list of Blogs I love to visit and why. This is fun.
Many thanks to all of you who share your self with the world! I feel blessed to visit your blogs.
In PEACE
MM

My favorite List

A few posts back I shared Chick Moorman's 10 Best and Worst things to Say to Your Students, I promised to share my favorite list; so here you have it.
During my training I had the opportunity to attend several lectures given by Sister Anthonita Porta, O.P. I can not say enough wonderful things about Sister Anthonita; she is an inspiring teacher, entertaining and joyous person, a Spiritual Montessorian. I adore her!
This list is from her "Teaching to a Child's Spirit" lecture. During this lecture she talked at length about the differences between Evaluative and Appreciative and Descriptive praise.
The titles pretty much say it all but I will define them briefly for you.
Descriptive Praise:
Praise given that describes child's behavior, quality of work or accomplishments.
Often used when making observations about art work, practical life works, or performances.
Examples:
"I see you created green by mixing yellow and blue."
"I noticed you put away the red rods one at a time and carried them carefully."
Appreciative Praise:
Praise that is given to show appreciation for following ground rules, being helpful, kind etc. (the behavior we desire whatever that may be at the time)
Examples:
"Thank you for raising your hand."
"I appreciated your cooperation on the play ground today."
"I observed that you finished the 100 board, would you like to help our friend Tommy get started with the material? You would! Thank you."
"Thank you for collecting the library books, that was very helpful."
Evaluative Praise:
Sister Anthonita referred to this type of praise as 'meaningless'. She said it is the verbal equivalent to a pat on the head or a gold star sticker. This confused me and most of my fellow students because we were all raised hearing these types of comments and have come accustom to using some of them ourselves. But after she explained I came to understand what she was saying. I personally do often used "Wonderful" and "I'm proud of you." with my own children.
But I also understand her point and try to use my observation skills whenever possible.
Examples:
"Good work."
"Good job"
"Nice work"
"I'm proud of you."
"Fantastic."
"Wonderful"
"You are so good!"
"Perfect!"

Dear Sister, If you are reading this...
These few words can not express my admiration and my appreciation for having met you in my life! Thank you for all you've done for children, teachers, parents, and our earth!

~~In PEACE
Montessori Mama

Spirit Whisperers ~ by Chick Moorman (A review)

When I first read the following list, I will confess I was guilty of saying numbers 2 and 5 on the 10 Worst things list almost every day (to my own children not the children I work with).

Anyway, it took some retraining and practice, practice, practice. If you’ve never heard of Chick Moorman I highly recommend giving his stuff a read. His book Spirit Whispers is a favorite of mine. Although not all of the material applies to the age of the children I teach, I have often applied some of his suggestions to parenting with my three boys. I find Mr. Moorman to be inspirational and experienced; he gives helpful suggestions and seems to have a really good understanding of children and teachers.

The intention of this list to give you some tools and a gentle reminder about the language to use when working with children. Remember this is ‘Best Practice’ no-one talks like this ALL the time but we can try to.

From The Teacher Talk System

Designed by Chick Moorman
The 10 Best Things you can say to your students:

1.) Next time…

2.) Check yourself

3.) Check it out on the inside

4.) Sounds like you have a problem

5.) Choose/decide/pick

6.) Please make a “be” choice

7.) What do you attribute that to?

8.) What can we learn from this?

9.) Problem solver or a problem keeper?

10.)Describe/describe/describe

The 10 Worst Things you can say to your students:

1.) What did I just tell you?

2.) That is the third time today…

3.) Stop whining

4.) Don’t run/yell/throw/cheat/lie

5.) Knock it off

6.) Because I said so, that’s why.

7.) Tell her you’re sorry

8.) Great answer

9.) Always do your best

10.)Here is my advice…

Well there you have it! Chick’s Best and Worst list, what do you think?

I have another list I personally like better, I will share it with you soon.

I hope you are all enjoying this beautiful weather! Cornerspring is having their annual auction this weekend May 17^th 6-9pm at the Shriner’s Club in Belfast! If you are local come on by and make a bid! A copy of my book Maria Mouse will be a live auction item.

In PEACE

~MM

Ways to Celebrate May Day!

May Day is May 1st and people all over our Earth celebrate it.
I've put together a collection of ways to celebrate with your children:

• Lie in the grass under a flowering tree and look up at the sky through the blossoms
• Dress all in green
• Braid your hair and your daughters hair, weaving flowers into it, or make a wreath of flowers for your head.
• Make a lei to were around your neck. Then make another to give away.
• Take an early morning nature walk and collect dew from plants (ask a 3rd grader the way to do this, they are very inventive)
• Dance with family/friends around a Maypole!
• Take turns reading poems about Spring before each meal on this special day.
• Have lunch outdoors, picnic style!
• Make offerings to the garden animals (birds, rabbits, squirrels) quietly sit together and enjoy watching the animals take part in your gifts.
• If possible take your child outside, sit quietly together and listen to the birds.
  
• Involve your children in the 'Spring Cleaning' of your home! Remember even small hands can contribute to caring for the home.
• Join hands and walk the perimeter around your home, giving thanks for the yard, the trees, or even a tiny bit of grass.
• Understand and express to your children that no piece of Earth can really belong to you. You belong to the Earth.
• Weed, mulch, mow. Admire
• Plant a hawthorn or May bush.
• Create a wreath of greenery for the door.
• Read a book about caring for our Earth.
  
• Plant flowers in a window box for someone who can't get outside to enjoy them.
• Prepare May baskets for friends and relatives or even a stranger! Fill it with special treats. Hang it on the doorknob, ring the bell, then run away! Better still, deliver it in person and stay for a visit.
• Press flowers onto cards and send them in the mail to friends.
• Read the biography of Rachel Carson.
  
• Face paint your children as the animals the enjoy most.
• Learn a new song together and sing, sing, sing!

*some ideas inspired by Patricia Montley's In Nature's Honor
~~Happy soon-to-be MAY DAY to all!
*MM's notes: It's important to remember when hiking or walking in nature with young children that the child is not trying to 'get there'. All he or she wants to do is to walk, to stop and pick dandelions or to splash in a puddle.
PEACE
~~MM

My February Ten

Inspired by Soule Mama I am fighting the February blaughs with a list of ten things that bring me joy during this dreary winter month. And all of You are invited to do the same.
Here goes...

1.) Trips to the public library, visiting with Jane Thomas our children's librarian who nurtures my middle son's love for books. Everything from the train table to water bubbler fascinate my Little One, pushing the elevator button and the fish tank are his two most favorite parts about the whole experience. And they have BOOKS too!

2.) This blue tunnel I purchased years ago. (I think his expression says it all).


3.) Colored glass jars with lids.


4.) When my oldest son plays his guitar.

5.) Red "works".


6.) When my Mom calls just to say she loves me. (Thanks Mom)

7.) Waiting to hear if Maria Mouse will become a REAL book...anticipation.


8.) My spiral chalice, UU church services (especially the maple syrup service) working with the children's program and our FABULOUS new RE Director Danielle. (okay, that's more than one)

9.) Hot Chocolate with whipped cream (is there another way?) in my favorite mug.

10.) My BLOG. It makes me happy. And all of you who read and comment and share with me, you make my February more beautiful. Thank you.

So, what are YOUR February Ten? Please share.
In PEACE
~~MM

Harold and the Purple Crayon

When I was a little girl this was one of my favorite stories:
Harold and the Purple Crayon

Crayons were always available to me as a child, (my parents were both artists) and Harold lived in a world of blank paper! What could be better? As a parent & teacher I have read this story many times with children. I thought you might be interested to know some of the activities I have followed it up with.

In the story (for those of you who have not read it) Harold takes his crayon with him on a walk where he proceeds to draw adventures, supplying everything he needs. When he needs more light, he draws a moon to shine on his path. When he wants a walk in the forest, he draws a tree. But occasionally Harold's drawing has some unexpected results, as the dragon he drew to protect the apples frightens him his hand shakes and he draws the waves sea. In the end, Harold's purple crayon and imagination comes to the rescue and we find him safe at home in bed. It's a delightful tale written and illustrated by Crockett Johnson. (Did you know there are over ten Harold stories!) These activities follow the story, share the story aloud with the group first, familiarizing them with the story before beginning the activities.

Purple Crayon Activities for Children:

1.) Cooperation: group activity: Creating a Purple Mural
(or a red, green, yellow...mural)
provide the children with a large piece of butcher paper or newsprint
various shades of purple (crayons, markers etc.)
encourage them to create images from their imagination

2.) Coloring to music.
Play music without words, while the children listen, they can draw with crayons.

3.) Story dictation
Encourage the children to make up a story while drawing and you record it. When done, read it back to them (or share with the group) aloud while the child displays his or her drawings.

4.) Act Out the Story!
Provide a large cardboard purple crayon props and read the story out loud at circle.
Every child can be 'Harold' and move their crayons in the air 'drawing' the images in the book.

Have fun!
~~MM