tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38392200702167108342011-10-22T10:48:05.209-05:00bringing creative ideas to your home for the little ones in your lifeLBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.comBlogger621100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-58231376305476238952010-09-24T06:44:00.002-05:002010-09-24T07:06:21.683-05:00

I have delayed in sharing this awesome information here on this blog up until now, but I can't not share it anymore! ;) One of the reasons I have been a little absent from blogging lately is because I have been incredibly blessed to be busy enriching families' lives with beautiful, educational Usborne Books. I have been selling them for over a year and have made good money, met lots of

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-55294586431182032382010-08-10T22:37:00.004-05:002010-08-10T23:09:46.640-05:00

Anyone humming a Beach Boys tune now after that title? :)Well, for the six people who might ever read this blog anymore since I am so delinquent, I wanted to share some fun with you.I recently got this book for Lawton, 100 Science Experiments that you can get from this website, :), and we have been having so much fun. This particular experiment really tickled our fancy so I thought I would pony

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-77133967584469902612010-05-12T21:42:00.006-05:002010-05-12T22:25:06.441-05:00

Today I had an hour to kill with no money to spend. So, Carolina and I popped in to our local fantastic bookstore and just happened upon story time. There are also toys, puppets and a train table for the little ones to play with there. While she was amusing herself, I was actually able to browse some new children's books and realized that I have a beloved new author I am going to seek out next

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-41306073447695072762010-05-05T16:25:00.003-05:002010-05-05T16:31:04.390-05:00

I know that most of the people that read this blog are from around the country and the world, so I just wanted to spread some news to ask for prayers and awareness because of devastating flooding in my region. You can click HERE to see my other post - I couldn't copy and paste here for some reason . . . Thanks for your prayers.

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-17568740311745463392010-04-19T22:28:00.001-05:002010-04-20T00:43:27.462-05:00

Back a few weeks ago, I was helping Lawton do something and Carolina desperately wanted to help out. So, I quickly grabbed two bowls, some fun pom-poms and let her "grasp" the new "lesson". (Yes, this is a true Montessori lesson that is at the very beginning of the Practical Life sequence for those of you unfamiliar with Montessori lessons.) She was very occupied and let us get our work done!

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-62220827742026393932010-03-08T22:57:00.003-06:002010-03-08T23:23:05.925-06:00

Before I go on, I must explain my sideways pictures . . . Recently we got a new laptop, and I STILL haven't figured out how to upload my pictures the way I like and can edit them. After messing with it several times and reading and trying and retrying, for some reason I'm not doing something right. Arggghh.Okay - so here's a fun simple game you can play at home! Oh no! Poor Joe!Here's why you

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-42990028877205353172010-02-12T08:53:00.001-06:002010-02-12T08:55:57.881-06:00

To celebrate my LOVE of the Olympics that is starting tonight, I'm having a little giveaway over at my other blog! Hop on over and enter!

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-81673674839662654342010-01-31T23:06:00.007-06:002010-01-31T23:59:56.266-06:00

Is anyone even there? I totally don't blame you if you've all gone on . . . all three of you. :) I've been meaning to do this since Christmas when I put aside all these little boxes, but blah, blah, blah. . . you know how it goes. My other blog hasn't been neglected because, well, life goes on.This "lesson" is a true Montessori Practical Life lesson that we were "trained" for. Of course, I'm not

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-65902142711688968062009-12-23T22:14:00.002-06:002009-12-23T22:14:00.323-06:00

For this activity to work, you'll need the weather to be on your side! Pick a day (if possible) where it will be sunny all day. Now, depending on where you live, you might have to wait a while. . .Here's what you need: a large paved surface, chalk, and a sunny day!Here's why should do it: It's a fun, hands on, visible way to explore how the earth moves in relation to the sun and learn while

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-85367385881878384262009-12-19T22:00:00.000-06:002009-12-19T22:11:44.613-06:00

Just in case you missed it the first time . . . I posted this last winter and was reminded of this activity when perusing Target tonight. Be sure to stock up (after Christmas if you can remember! :)Here's what you need: scissors, a bowl or container to "catch" all the cut beads, and strung beads of some sort (make sure, though, that you wee one doesn't find the strand of your grandmother's

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-444209430907742772009-12-11T23:49:00.000-06:002009-12-12T00:52:45.337-06:00

Check out my other blog for a chance to win a Stocking Stuffer for your little elf!! Winners will be announced Monday . . . and I promise I will have a new post soon!

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-85628110881872085002009-12-03T00:27:00.004-06:002009-12-03T01:02:22.681-06:00

All right - here's an idea for the little ones. . .Here's what you need: a variety of objects, some of which make sound and some of which do not, and a container to put them in. I literally just looked in one basket in our playroom for these objects and didn't put a whole lot of thought into it. . . :) Here's why you should do it: This is an auditory discrimination exercise in the simplest

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-79056785873430427232009-11-15T22:45:00.000-06:002009-11-15T22:53:32.432-06:00

Halloween candy that is . . .We have mostly unwanted candy now, but a week or two ago, here's what we did with all our, I mean Lawton's :), loot. ha!Here's what you need: Candy. Lots and lots of candy. (or any other sortable stuff.) Possibly paper and markers if your child is old enough. Here's why you should do it: Excellent math activity. . . sorting, classifying, counting and graphing. And

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-22674636398698285832009-11-01T22:35:00.002-06:002009-11-01T22:42:10.966-06:00

Well, the busy-ness of fall has taken over, and that, combined with Carolina, my seventeen month old, who tossed the computer off the couch means I have been a terrible blogger lately. :( Hopefully very soon I will have some new stuff up!To "make-up" for my blogging slackness, I am giving away your choice of a Christmas book at my other blog. Go check it out HERE to leave a comment to win.

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-11306921109892886822009-10-10T22:05:00.003-05:002009-10-10T22:36:45.834-05:00

Our Friday plans were cancelled because of fever from one of our friends who was supposed to come over, and I immediately tried to start to plan where we could go. To the Y? To the library for a puppet show? To run errands? To the zoo? And then, I just decided that we needed to just stay home and play. . . by ourselves. . . all day. We are always on the go - with school, playgroups, story

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-16347885854798384762009-09-23T22:15:00.005-05:002009-09-23T23:33:40.741-05:00

Do you remember this post about sandpaper letters?Or this post about writing in "sand"? I have just discovered the next best thing, except possibly even BETTER!The ABC Touchy-Feely Board Book! Each letter has its own textured feel, and most of the associated pictures have a touchy-feely patch! (See the bee stripes and the car?) So cute! So, not only can your child trace the letters to as a

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-4383444826188032342009-09-16T23:25:00.002-05:002009-09-17T00:53:23.278-05:00

I'm embarrassed to say how excited I got the other day in the grocery store. I mean, really excited. Over this. I jug of fruit punch. Not because of the flavor, or the price, but because of . . . THIS!!! It is a pint sized jug! How adorable!! Why I didn't buy more, I'm not sure, because it was only 33 cents!! For the two local readers (ha!) I got it at Kroger near the dairy section in a display.

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-8438454359585498902009-09-09T22:10:00.003-05:002009-09-09T22:37:06.883-05:00

This afternoon Lawton and I did a little cooking . . . but not dinner! We made some play dough, which was very quick and easy. Here's the recipe in case you have never made play dough at home! I wish I could give credit to someone, but I just had this sheet in my recipe box from who knows where . . . :) Here's what you need: (This is per color/batch. I doubled the recipe to make what is shown

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-70382035425883088982009-09-04T22:20:00.003-05:002009-09-04T23:19:34.631-05:00

I received a four year college degree in Elementary Education (169 hours because I was a NURSING major until my Junior year - when I discovered I would never get over my dislike of blood and people hurting) and I had never been told what I am about to tell you until I went through my Primary Montessori training (for ages 3-6). We were all amazed at what our trainers taught us and immediately

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-23177123011132300822009-08-28T22:39:00.003-05:002009-08-28T22:44:29.931-05:00

Just wanted to make sure you knew about the book I'm giving away at my other blog! Click HERE to see what I'm up to and to enter! You have until Sunday night . . . :)

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-73516809190253678652009-08-26T22:03:00.001-05:002009-08-26T23:50:13.407-05:00

Okay, I have another video for you, and I promised I tried to edit it, but just couldn't quite figure it out. So, if you are really interested, set aside four or so minutes and take a peek. (and I'm so glad you thought Carolina was as cute as I think she is in the last video! Thanks for all your comments! :)Side note: I obviously should have thought about how I looked before I taped myself. Right

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-56539953144876527392009-08-22T21:59:00.000-05:002009-08-22T21:59:00.097-05:00

Well, I figured it was about time that Carolina debuted on the old blog! ha! She has been getting into my cabinets and playing with my muffin tins the past few weeks . . . so I decided to "make" her an activity! Here's what you need: a muffin tin, twelve like objects (I used these fun, sparkly, soft, colorful pom-poms that I had on hand) and a bowl to hold the objects. Here's why you should do

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-72287549076445186292009-08-19T22:36:00.003-05:002009-08-19T22:57:25.636-05:00

I had my sewing stuff out the other day and I remembered this simple activity from my Practical Life training. Yes, a two or three year old can handle this if you teach them properly. Pins were on my shelf in my classroom and three year olds (some two at the very beginning of the year) would do this!Here's what you need: a shaker of some sort (salt shaker, Parmesan shaker, etc.), a pincushion,

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-3480705701322320302009-07-29T22:19:00.001-05:002009-08-19T22:58:48.905-05:00

First of all, my apologies for being so absent. (if any of you really even care?) Anyhow, my last geography stint was pre-scheduled for the two weeks that we were on vacation (fabulous!), and I just haven't gotten back in the groove lately. . .We have had a rainy week, so I pulled out some paint for my non-artsy boy the other day and had some fun!Here's what you need: Some of those recycled

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-60771769748312896692009-07-07T22:03:00.003-05:002009-07-07T22:03:00.220-05:00

Just wanted to share some books around our house . . . Me on the Map by Joan Sweeney Noni and Dandy gave this book to Lawton for his birthday because of his infatuation with maps. I love it because it starts with a very present and real location (the bedroom). . . and then works up to the house, the neighborhood, the city, the state, country, world and then all the way back down to help gain an

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-84487717319976593862009-07-03T21:59:00.003-05:002009-07-03T21:59:00.785-05:00

Did any of you happen to make the cards like I showed you from this post? (Like you aren't busy hanging out at the pool and having fun this summer! ha!) Well . . . here's why I said that I liked cutting and gluing the continents on the card. :)Here's what you need: these cards or a cut out of the continents, paper and peeled crayon(s)Here's why you should do it: Yet another reinforcement to

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-2120831774742957792009-06-29T21:33:00.004-05:002009-06-29T21:33:00.104-05:00

This is somewhat of a continuation of the last post. . . so fun!!Here's what you need: A map of some sort - you can make your own out of felt like I have, make one out of paper (which I wouldn't recommend because of storage AND the usage. Why go to all the trouble if it won't last?) or just use a printed paper map. OR, (I just thought of this one), you can draw it on the driveway in chalk!!You

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-52845253729671174742009-06-26T21:48:00.003-05:002009-06-26T21:48:00.583-05:00

Here's another hands-on approach to geography . . .Here's what you need: two blue felt circles and felt continent shapes (like before, North and South America - red, Africa - brown, Europe - pink, Asia - yellow, Australia - orange, Antarctica - white. You also need a reference map if at all possible and then labels if your child is old enough. Here's why you should do it: Children learn by doing.

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-842689585345958812009-06-23T21:56:00.004-05:002009-06-23T21:56:00.703-05:00

The next time you have some play dough out, try this activity out!Here's what you need: some play dough, preferably blue, a knife and a rolling pin. If you're really going to get into the geography bit, I would make or find a reference map like the one I have pictured at the end.Here's why you should do it: Maps can be a very abstract concept for little ones to understand. This just helps give a

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-67904893800839717212009-06-19T21:52:00.004-05:002009-06-19T23:38:46.301-05:00

So . . . it's been a while since I've posted some "good" stuff. My apologies. I've got a geography blitz of posts lined up, so hang on! If you have a very young child and think, "this doesn't apply to me", please hang on! Your child will be old enough to do these activities before you can blink! *sniff* I will be doing a few small giveaways (or big if you don't like making things!) over the next

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-8927077739129415522009-06-10T23:14:00.004-05:002009-06-10T23:26:04.082-05:00

So sorry that I have been absent . . . if you want to see what is going on in our lives, you can check on us at my main blog, high on life. Our sweet Carolina has been having some medical issues, and to be honest, I haven't been much in the mood to keep this blog up lately. Please pray that we get some good news from upcoming tests!However, I can't not pass on a quick tidbit. Lawton got Brain

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-91002885100748948192009-05-30T21:25:00.001-05:002009-05-30T23:20:56.408-05:00

Alrighty . . . scrounge through your kitchen drawers (and maybe even your bathroom drawers) and find all of your tongs, 'cause we're tonging today!Here's what you need: tongs (any size, any type), bowls, and items to be "tonged". :) Keep scrolling to see what items we "tonged"! Here's why you should do it: This will help with fine motor skills and help increase concentration levels. It's also

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-44418346260515890602009-05-22T22:30:00.003-05:002009-05-22T23:06:01.240-05:00

Alright, this is a bit random, and quite a stretch for "Montessori", but I just had to share anyways! Today, as I was fixing lunch, Lawton requested a turkey roll-up (just a whole-wheat tortilla, turkey and cheese), and a fruit roll-up. Then, my wheels started turning . . . he could have a CYLINDER lunch! So, I scrounged the pantry and came up with this . . . A turkey roll-up, carrots, pretzel

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-37481360211419515982009-05-18T22:45:00.003-05:002009-05-18T23:13:58.989-05:00

I feel pretty confident that many of you may already know about this children's author/illustrator, but for some reason, I am just now catching on to her works . . . and she has authored a lot of books! You see, I love books, children's books specifically, and we have so many that we don't have places to put them all! There are three to four shelves of books in the playroom as well as a stack of

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-45264686684303469592009-05-12T22:39:00.004-05:002009-05-12T23:41:17.541-05:00

For Carolina's first birthday, I made her an personalized ABC book. I made Lawton one, and to be fair, I HAD to make her one, too. Not that this is a very original idea, because I didn't make this up myself and you have probably seen others like it. Eight or so years ago, I remember seeing one that my friend Melanie had made for her first daughter and thought, "One day I want to make one like

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-44863790535958601232009-05-07T00:12:00.000-05:002009-05-07T01:56:44.934-05:00

Some of you may be thinking, "What kind of crazy title post is she using now?" because, you know, sometimes I try to be creative . . . However, this title is straight out of my four inch thick Math I album that I had to make myself from my Montessori training. (Yes, you read that right, four inch thick Math I album . . . it was a long two years)Anyhow, this is a fun game that can be played with

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-18499770585854594362009-04-30T23:00:00.000-05:002009-05-01T00:08:26.253-05:00

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.comWe had a super time watching our caterpillars turn into butterflies. . . so much so we captured four caterpillars in our backyard this afternoon to attempt to "raise" some more butterflies! This video shows you the progression the past few weeks. The caterpillar pictures at the beginning of the video were taken EVERY SINGLE DAY! It was crazy

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-52007164682274046922009-04-28T23:11:00.003-05:002009-04-28T23:32:58.652-05:00

So sorry for the blog slacker that I have become. Several of you have called me out - and I guess I have been a slacker mom lately, too. Okay, I'm going to go easy on myself - life and the busyness of life take over sometimes, 'kay? You can always check out "my other life" HERE to see what we've been up to. (The reasons why I can't get a "Momtessori" post together) Here's what you need: two

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-85970554217522087782009-04-16T13:43:00.002-05:002009-04-16T14:03:20.364-05:00

So sorry for the delay of posts. . . I know you have been anxiously waiting! ha! (note the sarcasm, okay?)  We have been super busy around here with Easter and Lawton's 4th birthday on Tuesday!  I am going to throw this activity out there, not that it is original OR "Montessori", but I had kinda forgotten about it!  After playing in the yard for at least an hour or so the other day, this momma

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-88976237997190265302009-04-08T21:45:00.000-05:002009-04-08T22:14:39.847-05:00

I LOVE reading cookbooks. Not that I really like to "cook", but I do like to bake (and consume the baked goods.) ha! Anyways, several years ago, as I was reading one of my cookbooks, I found this neat recipe for Easter cookies. I wrote a note to myself and stuck it in my Easter decorations tub so I would remember to do it once Lawton got old enough. This is the year! :) And let me tell you, you

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-42372602652971859222009-04-05T14:52:00.002-05:002009-04-05T14:54:25.969-05:00

Sorry for the delay . . . the winner of the Easter activity is #9 - the Parker family! I'll get it to you soon! And here is my feeble attempt to show you that I did use random.org . . .Min: Max: Result: 9 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-65317186373406722492009-04-01T22:44:00.004-05:002009-04-01T23:08:35.786-05:00

I love decorating for the holidays . . . I don't really go all out, except maybe for Christmas, but every holiday there are things here and there to make things a wee bit festive. When I taught, the practical life area would get a complete overhaul would this time of year and become all things spring/Easter. Here is one activity that the kids would love. Sadly, my Easter box was one of the few

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-19164210570131558002009-03-29T23:10:00.004-05:002009-03-29T23:44:09.147-05:00

Did you see the post about collecting little objects? Well, this activity uses objects - and kids are enamored with these cute, mini, choking hazards. :) (Just thinking about my ten month old "vacuum cleaner" and why we don't do things like this when she is awake!) Here's what you need: groups of objects (We used three different letter sounds - but if you are just starting, just use two) and

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-80153576904226811862009-03-23T23:51:00.006-05:002009-03-24T00:14:28.770-05:00

A few months ago, on my other blog, I wrote about Mo Willems, one of my favorite children's authors. I was thinking . . . this would be fun to share with all my new blogging friends on Momtessori . . . and I will add in some of my other favorite children's authors from time to time, too. Who, you may ask, is Mo Willems? He is the funniest children's author/illustrators that I have read in a long

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-15455656167031588142009-03-19T15:18:00.006-05:002009-03-19T15:58:11.119-05:00

Seriously. Does anyone still hang their clothes on the line to dry outside? I don't think that I have seen a clothes line at any of my friends houses last time we were over for a play date. Growing up, we would always hang our sheets and towels outside and I vividly remember my Grandmother's clothes pin bag and going to help her hang clothes on the line. Drying clothes on the line - at least

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-52966169687731880602009-03-13T23:26:00.004-05:002009-03-14T00:10:27.196-05:00

This is not a post about what we've done already, but what we're going to do! Maybe you can follow along at your house, too! Here's what you need: A butterfly growing kit. Click HERE if you want to order one yourself and experience the fun at your house. I've never done this, but I've heard how much fun they can be and the reviews sound like it is an awesome experience! The kit comes with live

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-84687704964657086602009-03-10T22:51:00.008-05:002009-03-11T00:01:00.066-05:00

Although I'm sure that your husband would appreciate some spooning . . . sorry, this is a clean site. hee hee! Seriously - your kiddo will enjoy spooning - however hard or easy you make it!Here's what you need: two bowls (identical if possible), a spoon or ladle of some sort, and something to spoon! Here's why you should do it: It helps with fine motor skills/eating skills and helps increase

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-76809503223595297742009-03-07T20:37:00.010-06:002009-03-07T22:14:50.895-06:00

Don't blame me if you decide to repaint your bathroom . . . and don't tell your husband that I'm the one that suggested you check out some new paint colors once he is the one doing all the work! hee hee!Here's what you need: If you do all the activities below, then you will need strips of paint colors (one of each color you want to use) and then two of each individual color. I went to Home

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-87258007193029303722009-03-04T22:57:00.008-06:002009-03-05T10:53:38.036-06:00

If you are giving up chocolate or sweets for Lent, I will go on and apologize right now. 'Cuz if you keep reading, you might get a huge hankerin' for some of these Yum-O chocolate chip "picnic cookies"! And before I go on even more, I want to give a huge shout out to Hollee, my sweet friend from college who designed my new header! I love it and it gives the blog such a clean, crisp look (I think)

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-11581589363548518422009-03-01T12:14:00.008-06:002009-03-01T16:07:54.138-06:00

Shake, shake, shake! Shake, shake, shake your shakers! (can you imagine the song in your head . . . c'mon, you can hear it, right?) This is fun for all ages - and sooooo easy to do!Here's what you need: twelve identical film canisters (they must be identical - and black!) and some dry goods out of your pantry. I used some whole nutmeg, dried lima beans, dried black beans, dried split peas, rice,

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-83036309167949606962009-02-24T22:40:00.001-06:002009-02-25T00:14:59.063-06:00

A rock? Yep. If you haven't introduced painting to your kiddo yet, this is perfect! If your kids love to paint, this is still perfect!Here's what you need: some rocks, or "stones", preferably smooth; water and a paintbrush. I'm not really sure where all these rocks have come from . . . I think I have picked them up here and there on trips and such. Aren't they pretty and smooth? Here's why you

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-75131734442356732602009-02-21T22:08:00.000-06:002009-02-21T23:56:59.829-06:00

This is another super fun game to play with your wee one . . . with a twist from the traditional "I Spy." Here's what you need: five or six small objects (and a rug or towel to help "focus" where the lesson, ahem, "game" is.) **Okay, if you really think that you will go along and do some of these fun things I'm writing about at home, then you must start a small objects collection! Let me tell

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-77225733094419851422009-02-19T23:21:00.005-06:002009-02-19T23:53:43.071-06:00

I actually have never seen the movie "Edward Scissorhands", so this might be a derogatory reference to my child. If so, I plead ignorance! (which may not be a stretch for most of you to think that about me. . . hee, hee!) But hey, I needed a catchy title and "Cutting" wasn't very fun, okay? But, that's what we're doing today. Cutting. Here's what you need: scissors (surprise, surprise!) and

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-76343151951068360892009-02-15T22:36:00.002-06:002009-02-16T00:45:02.213-06:00

On the last post, someone asked if I had any activities for 18 month olds. . . here you go! This can be used with someone as young or as old as you would like! Children from birth to age six have what is termed "the absorbent mind". Because of their absorbent minds, they easily learn the world around them at exponential rates! This "game" is a quick and easy way to help them learn the world

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-49323378593342947602009-02-12T23:38:00.008-06:002009-02-13T00:18:21.840-06:00

Can you name that 80's tune? Don't blame me if you are humming it the rest of the day! :)Alrighty - this activity is an addendum to the previous post. (It doesn't have to be, of course, though!) I "made" my own homemade sand tray - check out an "official sand tray" used in Montessori classrooms here. They are beautiful, and larger than the one shown here, but pricier and - guess what - I'm sure

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-25148823245095078842009-02-06T21:58:00.003-06:002009-02-08T22:37:05.644-06:00

Handwriting. When can kids start practicing? How many pieces of paper, markers, pens, pencils, carpet stains, and holes in the paper from rubbing the eraser too hard do you have to endure? In this next activity, even though it might take some preparation, it will help your child have the coveted handwriting in the first grade classroom one day and will appeal to their sensory sides as well!

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-56726000573707184462009-02-02T21:58:00.005-06:002009-02-02T22:38:46.960-06:00

Have you ever been on your way out the door with a diaper bag over your shoulder, a purse over your other shoulder, a lunchbox on your index finger, a backpack hanging by your middle finger, your keys dangling by your pinky and a few important papers in your mouth(of course ten minutes late with your baby screaming in the car seat carrier) and your three year old needs your help putting on

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-12094514291250543672009-01-25T20:43:00.006-06:002009-01-25T21:48:05.020-06:00

If you haven't lost your marbles already after being cooped up in the house during this bitter cold winter with your kiddos, you might (literally) lose your marbles after this! Here's what you need: a jar of flat bottomed marbles (like what you use for decorative purposes in vases, etc.) (I got mine on clearance at Target a couple of years ago), a roll of thin vinyl material (or roll of paper)

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-76734017526447044362009-01-22T23:06:00.003-06:002009-01-22T23:30:22.371-06:00

What do you think? Keep reading to see what my three year old decided!I'm pretty sure most households will have all necessary materials to do this fun, easy, and somewhat thought provoking activity . . . if you and your kids really get to analyzing things!Here's what you need: any small clear container (I happened to have baby food jars), lots of animals, index cards or scraps of paper, water

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-66533432287871268612009-01-17T21:29:00.014-06:002009-01-23T00:05:29.894-06:00

Sorting is an activity that children can start doing when they as young as two . . . and guess what? We never stop sorting for the rest of our lives . . . sigh. (Think the show Clean Sweep - trash, sell, keep; your bills - pay now, pay later, wish we never had to pay; your canned goods in your pantry, your medicines and nail polish, the clothes in your closet, etc. . . . need I go on?)Here's what

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-58253062195342537852009-01-09T23:24:00.003-06:002009-01-09T23:39:12.947-06:00

Actually . . . I just made that up. You see, I am a Montessori trained teacher (and teacher at heart) and now I am a full time mom - so I am a Momtessorian! For all the Montessori purists out there who might have happened upon this site, this is not a "purist" site. For all the moms, dads, grandparents, caregivers, teachers and friends who want some inspiration, information and ideas to help

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839220070216710834.post-14457434353996602562009-01-09T23:18:00.003-06:002009-01-09T23:24:10.089-06:00

The Montessori Method was created by Maria Montessori in Italy in the 1890's. She was a doctor, a true maverick, being a woman and all and being a practicing physician. She saw a need, though, and fulfilled the teaching and taming of the town's young children and those with special needs. Her methods caught fire and literally spread across the world, where a resurgence of Montessori methods

LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06010547143270786257noreply@blogger.com0