I recently had a conversation with one of the fellow teacher mommies out there about the Montessori Periods. I posted a checklist for Period One. Here are lists up to Period Four:
I know some of you moms out there are thinking that checklists are too teacher structured and not focusing on the child taking control of their learning. Well, though it may be structured, I plan on having my daughter lead me through her learning using these lists as a guide. What can I say- I will forget unless I write it down!! :)
Learn it with Legos!
18 hours ago
Thank you for posting those!
ReplyDeleteI just want to add that structure is important for all ages. A guidlines like these help mommy's like me who have too many things swirling around in their heads to be able to make sense of it all. And beyond that, the level at which one follows a list or guideline depends on the individual's needs and most especially the childs needs. There's a healthy balance. You do what works for your family & your baby...not other's personal beliefs.
Thank you again for taking the time to type those up. :)
Thanks for sharing these! I'm all for child-directed learning, but that doesn't mean all structure should go out the window. It seems to me that it's probably best for a child to have a healthy balance of both - and probably some children and parents want or need more (or less) structure than others. These checklists also make excellent idea resources for those days when you need an idea to keep a little one busy.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited I found you, I have loved seeing your different ideas. I am, however, struggling with the when. My son is 15 months and I don't know where I should start with him. When should I be doing what, you know? What do you suggest for his age, or do you know other resources I can turn to in addition to yourself? I'm just not great at being creative and coming up with things to do so I need help getting away from the TV!
ReplyDeleteTeryn, I found with Bear that she would let me know if she was ready for something. I have tried many things with Bear (you can check us out at http://theadventuresofbear.blogspot.com) and sometimes it works (if she's ready) and sometimes I need to wait a couple more weeks.
ReplyDeleteHi! Just wanted to say that I've really enjoyed reading over your Montessori posts today & will subscribe to your feed :)
ReplyDelete