Our preparations for weaning continue. Above is the gorgeous weaning set from At Home with Montessori. I always knew that a real spoon (over plastic) was preferred and I knew a small spoon was best. But really, I thought a tea spoon would be small enough. Have a look at this comparision as it shows how small the weaning spoon really is. I recently purchased the coffee spoon at Wheel and Barrow. I think this would be a good substitute if you cannot get your hands on a weaning spoon, it is still a lot smaller than the tea spoon.... Read more →

I really like the recent posts at At Home with Montessori. Meg writes about each month of a child's life from birth to nine months. It's a good guide and I enjoy looking forward a couple of months to see what I can expect with Otis. I thought it was a little amusing when at five months Meg suggested putting some items on your child's socks for them to explore. Then right at five months Otis discovered his feet. So what did I do? Exactly as she suggested. What are the benefits? I am sure observing your feet like this... Read more →

I may have caught the sewing bug. While perusing the pages of Modern Parents Messy Kids I found this Weekend Look Book and immediately fell in love with the featured child's robe. Adorable and so doable. It only takes a couple of towels and some bias binding. It reminds me of Edison's Day, not only is the 20 month old Edison smart, independent and the epitome of Montessori - he also had a super cute robe. I set to work. The tutorial can be found at made. I love sewing from tutorials and this one is simple. The only addition... Read more →

My last post on learning to crawl was a little brief. There are other ways we help Otis to develop his crawling skills. Our aim isn't to have him crawling or walking earlier than everyone else, our aim is to allow him the opportunity to develop at his own pace. 1. Provide opportunity for movement Last week I had one really busy day. I went out with friends, drove Caspar to and from school and then went on a lengthly excursion. Otis was either in the pram, Ergo baby carrier or car seat for almost the entire day. While I... Read more →

We have the most awesome flower festival ever. Floriade. Read more →

I love the concept of the weaning table and chair. Otis isn't ready to use it yet. At five months and even with a rolled towel for support and blocking him in with the wall and the table he is still not able to use it comfortably. We will wait until he is ready. He is currently tasting foods while sitting on my lap or in his chair at the table like shown here. We decided to go with the Me-Do-It Chair. While he does have the Cube Chair I really like this in his room. The Me-Do-It Chair is... Read more →

I've started to feel that Caspar could be more independent when baking. He could bake along side me, making his own thing rather than us baking together. How? I wondered. Bake simply? Honestly, everything we bake is simple and easy. But for him to bake on his own I found our most simple and uncomplicated recipe. Halve the recipe? By halving our recipe all of the ingredients fit into his child sized mixing bowl. He can mix much better using this bowl as he can grip it better (it also has a great handle). Now he can mix all of... Read more →

This is the list I wish I had three years ago. With no Michael Olaf, no Montessori Services, where do we go for our Montessori materials? Today's five things are sources of Montessori materials that we have used and can recommend. 1. At Home with Montessori - Materials for children from birth to three years. 2. Montessori Child - I really like their practical life section. 3. A2Z Montessori Australia - They stock a large range of items, really comprehensive. 4. Bright Tomato Learning - A small but useful range. 5. Wood Puzzles - Puzzles, sandpaper letters, moveable alphabet. All... Read more →

Have you ever made a Montessori Puzzle Ball? I would say it's for intermediate sewers and I'm definitely a beginner. But I gave it a shot anyway. There are a couple of things I love about this ball. The way the it is formed so it is easy for the child to grasp, pick up and hold. The way it draws your attention and attracts the eye. It's obviously chewable and because you can make it yourself you know exactly what is in it. I made this one from green and natural linen and put a medium sized bell in... Read more →

I am a little late with my Five Things post. I actually had another topic in mind but I got distracted thinking about weaning, so I might post two Five Things this week. Today's five things - reasons to read to your baby. With Caspar (now three) I knew reading to him as a baby was important. I didn't know why. Now with Otis, my second child, I am much more aware and present as a parent and the reasons to read to him are abundant and oh so clear. 1. Sharing This happens while I am showering and getting... Read more →

I am not sure if this is the Montessori way. I think there is only one way to learn. That is by trying. It does appear that Otis needs an incentive. He is only interested in moving if there is something to move towards. In this case it's the bell cylinder. As he reaches for it, it rolls further away. He moves 1-2 inches at a time. It's hard work, but he doesn't fuss. What did he do for the rest of the day? Let's just say he slept like a baby. I love taking photos of him sleeping. Is... Read more →

Weaning has been on my mind. When I refer to weaning I mean the commencement of weaning - the introduction of foods other than breastmilk/formula. For my first son Caspar, we used the BLW approach. I do believe that each child is different and previously I wasn't even aware of the Montessori approach. With Otis we intend on using a combination of both. Montessori commencing at five to six months with lots of finger/family foods incorporated. There are so many things that I love about the Montessori approach - the ritual, cultivating indepedence and control over the environment. The above... Read more →

Like most kids Caspar likes to act like an animal. So when I found this very easy idea I thought it would be fun. You roll the dice then act like the animal shown. I was not disappointed, Caspar LOVES it and I have even found him playing it on his own. The free wildlife dice cutout can be found here at Wildlife Fun 4 Kids, there is even some ideas for noises to make. I really love this site as Penny has such genuine passion and enthusiasm for kids and wildlife. I really like her other post about gourmet... Read more →

Otis has started to join us at the dinner table. Just for a few mintues. He can join in on the conversation. He doesn't eat with us but is observing everything. Observing us eating, chatting and connecting. Those sultanas are for him to push around. He can't pick them up but likes trying. The position is comfortable for him, his feet are flat on the step and he is supported by the cushions. I love how this demonstrates to him that he is an individual (with his own chair) but still very much a part of our family unit. Read more →