Do you love the child-centered Montessori approach to learning, but don’t know what Montessori toys will actually engage your wiggly and wild 1 year old? One year olds are busy working on gross and fine motor skills, spatial awareness, object permanence, problem-solving, and even language development. Choosing the right toy at the right time to […]
Choosing the right preschool or kindergarten for your little one can often feel like a life-or-death decision. Is the school safe and loving? Is the teacher qualified? Does it meet my child’s needs while pushing them to grow? It’s a big deal! Today we’re spotlighting three of the most popular preschool programs in the U.S. […]
Nothing fills a parent’s mind with more dread than the unexpected tantrums and embarrassing outbursts of a young child on vacation. What if they scream through our fancy dinner? What if they refuse to sit still? It’s the stuff of nightmares! Being prepared is the best antidote for parent travel anxiety. Our well-traveled family learned […]
The Montessori method is a time-tested approach to teaching early reading. It’s both highly effective and fully supportive of a child’s individual learning style. Current research confirms the key to reading independently is systematic exposure to phonics or letter sounds. Dr. Montessori, founder of the Montessori method, discovered this truth over a hundred years ago! […]
If you’re looking for a gradual, child-led approach to potty training that fosters connection between you and your little one, look no further than Montessori potty training. It’s a tried and true approach used successfully by caregivers in Montessori homes and Montessori classrooms around the world. Thousands of children learn to use the potty this […]
Using the Montessori method to select toys for my 18-month-old was one of the best decisions I’ve made as a parent. Dr. Maria Montessori, the founder of the Montessori method, truly gets young toddlers. Grounded in modern child development practices decades before science actually caught up to it, the Montessori method offers kids a way […]
In the Montessori parenting sphere, there’s so much focus on how to play the Montessori way with your infant or toddler, but what about three years and beyond? During this time, gross motor and fine motor development are exploding; dramatic pretend play is happening almost 24/7; and unique passions or interests emerge. It’s an age […]
We’ve touched on many Montessori topics here at Undefining Motherhood, but today we’re unraveling one of Montessori’s greatest mysteries. The Montessori toy is both simple and complex, somehow unlocking even the youngest child’s natural desire for intense focus and learning. Yet, there is no official standard or authoritative list of these toys anywhere. What’s the […]
Creating simple Montessori toy storage is an easy way to dip your toes into the Montessori method without investing a ton of time, money, and research. At Undefining Motherhood, we love borrowing from the Montessori method to promote free play, independent learning, and emotional development in toddlers. And of course, it’s backed by loads of […]
Let’s face it. A lot of toys these days are all flash and no substance. That’s why I use the Montessori method as my guidepost for selecting toys for every age and stage. Today we’re scoping out the best Montessori toys for 2 year old toddlers. We’ll use the Montessori perspective on early child development […]
