I wanted to make a Montessori-style Alphabet Box for Otto (3yrs). The Alphabet Box is a useful way to store sound objects and children can use them directly to find or use the sound objects. I really didn't want to buy any new materials, especially anything that couldn't be repurposed. I love the look of these cardboard drawers (or these MDF drawers) but couldn't get them locally. So it was time to get creative! I looked around to see what we already had at home and I noticed that we were using a lot of these jars with yellow lids... Read more →

We are seven days into a 14 day Covid isolation period (we can't leave our home, due to Otis being a close contact). So today I vacuumed and generally tidied Otto's (3yrs 9mths) room. It looked so pretty I thought it was time to take a few pics and share the new layout with you. The last time I shared his room, he had just moved into his 'big' bed. Our home is split over four levels. Otto's room is on the fourth (top) level, and his other work shelves, art shelves, and toys are on the first (bottom) level.... Read more →

Are you looking for some new scissor activities to try? I've been looking for some new scissor activities that are at my child's skill level but are also interesting and will attract the child. There is no use in preparing these activities if the child doesn't choose to do them. We need to update the children's activities as their skills develop but also as their interests change. We've found all of these activities interesting and fun: Pizza Cutting - these have been the biggest hit. We've used the half fraction right up to sixths. Dinosaur Cut Out Shapes - I... Read more →

In Montessori, it's important for children to use 'real' things. Children learn to carefully and respectfully carry and use real knives and forks, real glassware, and real ceramic mugs, plates, and bowls. As we expect breakages we generally use affordable options. Although occasionally in Montessori homes we also use wood or melamine. Here are some choices I'm loving from Etsy. Most of these are special pieces, which can teach children to look after items that are especially good. I also think it's nice for the child to have one or two special pieces that are just for them. I've ordered... Read more →

After many years Etsy is still my go-to place to find unique homewares and children's materials. Etsy has many Montessori-at-home and similar resources. Here are some of my favourite finds from April, some of these we have and some are firmly on my wish list! Wood Name for Birthday or Celebration Ring - we have these wooden names for each of my children to use on their birthday, and season names for our nature or seasonal table. They are beautiful in person and worth waiting for international shipping. Wooden Play Fences - Otto does a lot of pretend play with... Read more →

Over the weekend I ordered a few stocking fillers from Etsy. Many items if in stock locally are still available for delivery before Christmas. If you are new to Etsy, you can log in or enter your location and you can receive a shipping estimate/date of arrival before you place an order. At this stage in December I'm only shopping from local stores but here are a few fabulous gift ideas that I've added to my Etsy favourites that you might like too. Most of these are educational and suited to Montessori families. Dinosaur Temporary Tattoos (US) - temporary tattoos... Read more →

We are doing a lot of language work right now. My three-year-old is learning the sounds of the letters and is also learning what the letters look like. Although these are not traditional Montessori materials we've started using an Alphabet Puzzle and the Alphabet Roll. Using the Alphabet Puzzle the child is able to hold and feel the shape of each letter. As the child finds the letter and then finds the place on the puzzle where the letter fits the child becomes acutely aware of what the letter looks like (visual discrimination). The child can see the similarities and... Read more →

Today I want to share some of the language materials we have on our shelves. My son is 3 years (36 months) old but age is not so relevant here. You will find these activities are potentially useful for children from 2 to 4 years. Children's interests and ability with language materials vary greatly. It's important that we meet the child where they are at and not feel that we need to rush this very important stage in development. Here are four activities that we currently have on our shelves: Rhyming Activity with Objects - I've presented this in a... Read more →

Toddlers are naturally curious. We can use this curiosity to teach the child about the world around them. One way we can do this is through language development. We can provide the child with real and scientific names of things, like species or type names of flowers, birds or dogs. We can connect learning to things that have meaning to the child like sharing books and stories about their favourite pastimes or animals or vehicles. We can also teach them the parts of things that the child is familiar with, for example their body parts and anatomy, the anatomy of... Read more →

In today's society, we are inundated with 'fast' toys. Fast toys are so prevalent in mass-market retailers it's easy to forget that we have other options. Fast toys are busy toys that are often cheaply made and of poor quality. They do a lot and may even hold the child's attention but for a short period of time. Slow toys are made from quality materials, may be handmade, they do very little but require the child to use their skills and imagination to use them and they are made to last. Tumi Ishi definitely fall into the slow toys category.... Read more →

Etsy is a constant source of delightful handmade goodness. Here are a few things that I've been loving and buying on Etsy. Book Lovers Shirt: It's a Good Day to Read a Book - it's always a good day for a book, love this tee. Wooden House Box for Books - this is super sweet and would be a cute little book box for a small corner in bedroom or for the child to carry around the house. The Tiny Doctor's Anatomy Flashcards for Kids - I have these for Otis, my nine-year old. They area clear and precise, useful... Read more →

Otto (2.5 yrs) has finally mastered self dressing! It helps that our weather is mild and he usually only wears a loose t-shirt and pants. Dressing has been a huge point of frustration for us so I want to share how we have got to this point. Why do we want a toddler to dress themselves? Out of respect for the child. To support the child's independence and developing autonomy. To help develop the child's sense of self and to develop self esteem. To teach practical life skills including fine motor skills. Because they can, they are capable if we... Read more →

Etsy is a great place to find hand made items with a Montessori touch! Here are a few Montessori and other children's products on Etsy that I am loving. Personalised Photo Puzzles! These are gorgeous. The first one pictured here (the large single circle) has a mirror in it so the little ones can see their face. Available in different sizes and with different shapes. Montessori Medic Children's Doctor Medical Kit - available with and without a vintage style Doctor's bag. Contains a working stethoscope, lab coat, cotton flu mask, sample jars, needle-free syringes, Latex-free Vinyl children’s medical gloves, bandages... Read more →

Is there anything on Etsy that has caught your eye recently? These posts are dangerous for me to write, while compiling these images I couldn't help but to order a new toddler apron and a colour matching set. Etsy never fails, I aways find cute, 'must-haves'! Here are a few other things that I am loving on Etsy: Wooden Solar System Galaxy Set - this is fantastic, you can also get the planets separately. Reversible Children's Apron with Flowers/Mustard - the cutest! Fabric Matching Game - perfect for the toddler in my life. This just isn't about colour but also... Read more →

Today I want to share some of the counting toys we use with our toddler. Maths is all around us and there are plenty of opportunities to count in everyday living. But we still use a few counting toys that allow the toddler to explore quantities independently or in a fun way. Pictured above is the Tumble Down Counting Pegs. These have been a favourite. They are fun and the dropping of the pegs encourages the child to do it (counting) all over again. The numerals are nice and large and the child can also trace the number with their... Read more →