<!--[if gte vml 1]> <![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->There are all sorts of reasons for bringing Montessori home. And there are all sorts of ways of doing it. There doesn't have to be&nbsp;a divide between working moms and stay-at-home&nbsp;moms (who are, of course, also working). There really are just moms, and we’re all just doing our best.Let’s have a bit ..read more

1. Tell stories. Children love bedtime stories. It helps them to relax and fall asleep more easily at night. However, I’ve learned that with my children it can be more fun to TELL stories rather than simply read them. Back when I was in college I used to take an improv acting class. Of course, my child is too young to understand what improv is, but he still understands the “yes, and” part of it ..read more

If you walk a homeschooling journey for any length of time, you are certain to encounter some unexpected bumps in the road.&nbsp;&nbsp;Life has a way of surprising us with moments, both good and bad, that obliterate the best-laid plans.&nbsp;&nbsp;Those bumps can come in many forms – moving, a new baby, a job loss, prolonged illness, divorce, the death of a loved one, a family member deployment ..read more

In a Montessori environment, the study of a continent (for ages 3 to 6) entails introducing activities in Geography, Zoology, Botany, and Culture, to name a few. Today we are going to look at the continents of Arctica and Antarctica. When we think of these continents at both ends of the world, we think of ice and snow. So the very first day or week of activities to introduce to your home school ..read more

I was excited to receive Jennifer Cook O'Toole's book in the mail, Asperkids: An Insider's Guide to Loving, Understanding and Teaching Children and Asperger Syndrome. It was one of the best memoir and self-help books I've read in a long, long time. And every moment I put it down to cook, check email, go on Facebook, or get my son ready for school, I could not wait to pick it up again and continue ..read more

   In the classroom, and while trying to use the Montessori method at home, keeping a child’s interest is critical. I found that I often had to change activities and find ways to keep them interesting. I didn’t have the budget to constantly buy things from big Montessori stores, so I got creative!  Where to look: I learned that there are many places available to find inexpensive materials for Montessori jobs, you just need to know where to look. Here’s a list of places where I’ve found treasures: 1. Dollar stores: Great for kitchen utensils, inexpensive trays, small bowls, s ..read more

Want to know how to create a "calmer" less chaotic playtime outdoor experience using some of Montessori's principles? I also touch on Montessori's Sensitive Period for Order--in part 1, and families who do not have a yard--in part 2. Photo of my son when he was four or five (when we got our new kitten, who is now a fat cat)! Listen to part 1 here (16 minutes) via Box.com.  Listen to part 2 here (19 minutes) via Box.com.  ~Lisa Nolan ..read more

When I was a Montessori teacher for 20 years, I learned how to compost with the children at our Montessori school. Now that I am a work-at-home mom, and my son is older, I started composting with him this summer: I combined what I learned as a Montessori teacher with what I had around the house.  First I grabbed an old styrofoam ice chest that was taking up room in our garage. I poked holes in all the sides, including the bottom, with a large screwdriver. Then I layered a little soil and manure on the bottom and watered it just a tad. Next, I got a basket with handles for my son to ..read more

Incorporating gross motor activities into your Montessori home learning can be a somewhat daunting prospect for some parents. We want something that can be conducted independently, without being disruptive to other potential children in the home, while finding something that helps contribute to a calm, self-regulated environment. Yoga is the perfect solution, in the home or school setting. Like many Montessori activities, it starts with gathering and rolling out a mat! The first couple of times that your child engages in yoga at home, I would encourage you to join them and try to remind th ..read more

As the weather gets better the kids want to spend more time outdoors but doing the same old thing each day can soon lose the fun factor. Remember to follow your child’s interests and let that lead you to what they want to be doing. Here are some of our favorite outdoor activities, which are versatile, Montessori-inspired, and fun! Nature Hunts Going on a nature walk doesn't mean you have to pack up and head for the mountains, nature can be found right on the doorstep even in built-up areas and big cities. Instead of rushing everywhere, take it slow, toddlers are especially good at this a ..read more