Teaching consent is a part of Montessori education, and it always has been. But what does it look like in our home? In some ways I've found it easy teaching consent to a toddler, "you don't have to give Grandma a hug, only if you want to". Other ways it can be difficult, how do I get a toddler to wash, brush, wipe or get in the car when they realllly don't want to? When we teach children to respect themselves we are also teaching them to respect others. Respect is at the core of consent. We respect an infant... Read more →

I've been thinking about the Indigenous educational materials present in our home. I would love to see more Indigenous representation in our art (and art appreciation studies), in the foods we eat, in the music we listen to and in the clothes/designers we wear, and I'm making changes in those areas. We have a few children's books by Indigenous authors and we love to explore with Ochre. What about other educational materials like games, puzzles and manipulatives? Are there early learning materials by Indigenous creatives that are suitable for a Montessori home? It turns out there is a lot and... Read more →

Otto is sleeping in extra long this morning so I though I would quickly upload some photos I took of our recent number hunt. I've found that as children get closer to three they are able to visually identify numbers. We are using the Tumble Down Counting Pegs and I'm sure this helps. Once I pointed out a couple of numbers Otto got so excited "three!!" and so it continued, seeing numbers everywhere! Identifying numbers in our neighbourhood is like reading! It's all about visual discrimination - identifying shapes and lines and interpreting them, using memory to know what that... Read more →

There is a whole lot of hand-washing going on around here and it's a good thing! I've learnt that toddlers need to be standing up themselves to wash their hands adequately, you can't be holding them up. When you get home from being out (during this pandemic) you, the adult caregiver, need to help the toddler wash their hands. You need to make sure they use enough soap and wash for at least 20 seconds. See my recent study here. During the pandemic we've been using more liquid soap as I find it to be more effective (than bar soap)... Read more →

Today I want to share some fantastic children's books by Indigenous authors. This is not an exhaustive list, these are the books that we have and love. All of these are educational but you can see that these books are so much more, many have significant cultural value. If you live outside of Australia these are fantastic books use to learn about Australia and what could be better than supporting Indigenous authors. Welcome To Country by Aunty Joy Murphy and Lisa Kenndey - board book (pictured above). An Aboriginal ceremony of Welcome to Country is depicted for the first time... Read more →

How do we follow a child's interest in a Montessori way? We need to provide hands on, real learning opportunities, but how? Here are some ideas that I like to explore when following a child's interest: Materials that are age and developmentally appropriate. Materials displayed in a way that is attractive and accessible to the child - on children's low shelves or on a child sized table. A relevant field trip - if possible. You or the child can take some photos, you can print the photos out and use them to explore the topic further. Learning experiences that use... Read more →

Lovevery's new play kits for two year olds are out today. Yes, the play kits now include children from 24 to 36 months check them out here. As a parent of a two year old I am beyond thrilled. They look fantastic! What do the play kits have in them? The Helper Play Kit - for months 25, 26, 27 Super Sustainable Sink With Bio-Based Cups and Plates (pictured above) Drop and Match Dot Catcher Felt Flowers in a Row Double Sided Sunny Day Puzzle Anywhere Art Kit with Washable Tempera Paintsticks Let's Map It Out Routine Cards Making Muffins... Read more →

Much to the delight of my toddler we found an awesome garbage truck puzzle. This puzzle has a photographic image and has the image on the background so it's easy for the toddler to see where each pieces goes. (AU link, UK link). So many circles! Otto's drawing at 33 months. Using the Stabilo Woody 3-in-1 Crayon Pencils. He is working hard to control the pencil. Where is the first place you go when the pandemic restrictions lift? Perhaps your local bookshop? I've been twice now, the first time I didn't take Otto due to the number restrictions in the... Read more →