I am an advocate for weaning the Montessori way, with a weaning table. A weaning table is traditionally used from around six months, often as a replacement of a high chair, at which the infant sits to have their first solids. While there is a lot of advice around about Montessori weaning tables it's great to see real ones, in action, being used by real children!! Top L-R: How we Montessori - and another post here, more about weaning chairs here, Midwest Montessori, Montessori on the Double Middle L-R: The Full Montessori, Our Montessori Life, Far Out City Bottom L-R:... Read more →

To round off some of the activities we did today, here is Otis playing with some keys. I remember my sister (much younger sister) playing with keys when she was little. When Caspar was young and wanted to play with my keys I didn't want to risk losing them. I had this set made up, the keys are all blanks. I keep them in my bag, when I reach for mine or find myself waiting, I give Otis his set to play with too. I'm sure it's not just my kids but all kids that love keys. Read more →

He hasn't completely worked it out but he is getting close. Read more →

I have been trying to capture Otis using the Interlocking discs on video for a while now. You may have seen the discs used before before but I love to watch how those little hands and little fingers work them. These discs are from Beginning Montessori. My previous post about the discs can be found here. Read more →

Otis is in this distinct period of development. He is spending most of his time on the floor learning to crawl, but he still needs stimulation for his hands. But he cannot sit up unaided. I have other materials just waiting for the right time - which isn't here yet. I am not sure what this grip is called. It surprised me. I didn't think he would be able to pick it up at all. But he did, over and over. For the longest time. One hand, two hands. It is the first time I have presented these to him.... Read more →

"The importance of this bread is both physical and psychological." - S.Montanaro. Understanding the Human Being. Physical as the child experiences food in it's solid state and psychological as it is often the first food the child feeds to himself. He hasn't actually eaten any yet. He is still working on getting it to his mouth. It won't be long - such great practice. Bread is also nice to hold and pull apart. Caspar demonstrated to Otis how to eat the bread. After watching Caspar's exaggerated eating movements, Otis starts moving his tongue around his mouth. And bread makes the... Read more →

It may seem strange but I really don't like talking to people, in person, about parenting. Unless it is a good friend, you never know where the other person stands, and how easy is it to feel offended or possibly offend the other person. I especially dislike talking about sleep. Oh is he a good sleeper? My answer is always yes. Unless he's teething. I mean I don't want to get into a deep conversation with someone about how much my son is sleeping only to find out the other person has a strong view that I don't agree with.... Read more →

I am always looking for new items for Otis to explore. I have been updating his treasure basket regularly but wanted to introduce a couple more 'baskets' to his shelves. I really like the idea of having a few items in a basket to allow the child to experience this freedom, this new power and ability to choose which item they will reach for and play with. Using a basket like this gives him the experience of sitting up for just a few minutes, eventually he will be able to sit up alone but for now he is using me... Read more →

Oh Otis, I love you so. Read more →

Myelination = improved coordination. Holding the item with one hand and exploring with the other. One of those micro-developmental milestones, blink and we will miss it. Not only reaching, grasping but exploring. Exploring everything with his hands. Everything within reach. Edited October 11 to include the below photograph (see comments). Read more →