Toddlers
Montessori Monday - pincer grasp
To me, Montessori is all about building on your child's God-given potential for learning - and loving to learn. Maria Montessori's theory is based on the idea that the child has sensitive periods when they are most receptive to learning and that if the environment provides proper cues and encouragement,...August 11, 2008 - 10:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays - buttons, snaps, zippers, laces
Hi Barbara~ If you have time, could you recommend a good book or product to help teach toddlers to use buttons, snaps, zippers, et al? Thanks! Kristina Montessori classrooms have dressing frames to enable kids to learn more easily how to cope with fasteners from buttons to zippers to buckles....August 4, 2008 - 4:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Kumon Workbooks - I like them!
I first heard of Kumon when our next door neighbors in Novato sent their children to Kumon classes after school to enhance their education. Kumon has an excellent reputation, so when they contacted me to review their new line or workbooks geared for younger learners, I was interested in seeing...July 11, 2008 - 6:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Sign language for kids
Years ago, therapists started using sign language to help kids with disabilities communicate. Nowadays, signing is fun and helpful for everyone. But kids LOVE it: This is just one of the 33 short videos available for free at Signing Time on YouTube. Be sure to bookmark and share these with...July 8, 2008 - 9:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays - set the example
When I took my Montessori training, there was a strong emphasis on the way the teacher moved about in the classroom. I was taught to walk and to sit and to present lessons in a calm and serene manner. It was so cool. It changed me. And then as...July 7, 2008 - 3:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays - Who was Maria Montessori?
Adapted from the introduction to my book Mommy, Teach Me! My study of children began with my own . . . In 1969 my first daughter Samantha was born. I was madly in love with my baby and anxious to do everything I could to be a good mom....June 23, 2008 - 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Siblings co-sleeping
From the If There Were Only One Thing I Could Do Differently Department: You know, I'm still learning too. With kids 8-38 (gulp! - but keep in mind my birth kids are 15-38 and my last three are adopted), I've raised two generations of kids. This has given me...June 23, 2008 - 7:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (16) | TrackBack
Preventing driveway deaths in children
I've been thinking. When we say that God will use all things for good, part of the resopnsibility then falls on us to do our part to make that happen. Our responsibility in the fact of the Chapman family tragedy - besides praying for comfort for their family - is...May 22, 2008 - 4:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
The power of stories in children's lives
I've been promising to do something on the value of fantasy in early childhood. I've taken this from my book, The Mommy Manual: Start early to help your child make the distinction between reality and fantasy. There are three kinds of books: • stories that really happened (history, biography) •...May 22, 2008 - 9:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays - teaching kids to be careful
Most of us grew up with the idea that breakables should be kept away from kids. In my Montessori training I learned to think outside the box on this one; Maria Montessori believed the child should not be denied the privilege of caring for beautiful things -- otherwise, how could...May 19, 2008 - 9:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Bless your children every morning
Yesterday got off to a great start for me. After putting my kids on the bus, I drove to the Lovettsville Library to share the Montessori approach to reading. One thing we touched on was the need not to feel overwhelmed by trying to implement a whole program, but just...May 16, 2008 - 7:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Montessori principles working at home
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then 76 of your pictures are worth 76,000 of mine. Enjoy! Following is the introduction to the above album. For comments on each picture, go here. Children love to work! The secret to having a happy, contented child is simple: an environment...May 13, 2008 - 9:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays - oops! but now it's fixed
For those reading Montessori Mondays - and linking: While I was using Mr. Linky to provide links for other moms, I didn't realize that there was another step I needed to take when you all linked to your own Montessori ideas. Now I know and have taken care of the...May 13, 2008 - 8:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays - sensitive periods
I know a lot of you are applying the Montessori exercises we share here and at other blogs to help your child reap the educational benefits. Far beyond the immediate results though - improved pincer grasp, eye-hand coordination, concentration skills - is the greater gift your understanding of Montessori...May 12, 2008 - 9:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Vaccines - make an informed decision - Part 2
In Vaccines - Part 1, I provided some personal historical perspective to show why parents should not blindly follow the medical establishment's current vaccination protocol. In previous posts I've shared the history of xray machines being used in children's shoe stores before the longterm effects of radiation were understood. Through...May 1, 2008 - 9:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Vaccines - make an informed decision - Part 1
Continuing our discussion of vaccinations, I have a personal story to share: My first daughter Samantha Sunshine was born in 1969. Always questioning the status quo, I researched natural childbirth and breastfeeding. These are freedoms new mothers now take for granted, but in those days the medical establishment wasn't having...May 1, 2008 - 8:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
How to choose a Montessori school
Barbara, My family will be moving to the San Antonio area within the next year so I have begun looking at my options for schooling. I have been looking at several Montessori preschools in the area, and one question keeps popping into my head. What should I be looking for...April 26, 2008 - 4:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
CDC admits autism vaccination link
We've been talking about the vaccination problem. Here is a brief Katie Couric report on the autism vaccination link - I can only imagine that we will see many, many more of these in the future:...April 25, 2008 - 12:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Tribute to Dr. Sears and Martha - deadline tomorrow
Just a reminder that if you wanted to include any expression of gratitude - via a comment, blog entry/link or published entry here - to Dr. Sears and Martha, the deadline is today. So far I actually only have two - which I guess is an indication that you all...April 24, 2008 - 9:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays - children's puzzles
Here's how any mom can make the most of teaching moments by using Montessori techniques: Take puzzles, for instance. Choose the kind with knobs, as they encourage the child's pincer grasp - which will strengthen and refine his thumb and finger control so that when the time comes to pick...April 14, 2008 - 6:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Evaluating children's books about Jesus
There are a lot of books about Jesus out there. But just because they're about Jesus doesn't mean they're about Jesus, the Messiah, the Savior, the Son of God. Sometimes, they are about Jesus as a great teacher or The Light of the World. I recently received a question from...April 2, 2008 - 11:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Free downloadable flash cards, coloring pages, art
Here is a fabulous website with over 3,000 downloadable beautifully-illustrated alphabet cards, flash cards, coloring pages, murals, games, and even how-to-draw videos - whimsical child-friendly art from a very generous artist who has provided this all to us for free. Visit Jan Brett. This is one reason why I...March 28, 2008 - 6:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Today's moms - under pressure
I had a meeting last week with some homeschool advocates to brainstorm ideas for a pamphlet they are doing for preschool moms. I was invited to participate because of my books - including Mommy, Teach Me! and Mommy, Teach Me to Read! - which are based on encouraging, empowering and...March 28, 2008 - 1:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Praising children's efforts - the Montessori approach
I was wondering what Montessori has to say about praising the child? I've just been reading some Alfie Kohn articles and am a bit confused, as what he says does make sense.. and I am one parent who has been brought up with 'good girl!' and all that, and...March 25, 2008 - 8:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Safety gate recommendations?
Barbara -- I'm wondering if you or your readers could provide a product recommendation for me. I have three kids so far -- 5.5yo, 3.5yo, and 5mo. Sometime in the next few months, the 5mo is going to become mobile. I'm trying to create a place where the older two...March 9, 2008 - 4:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
The Nursery - a new site for new (and old) parents
The Nursery is a newly-launched site for new parents - and some those who've been around a while too. I am on their line-up of "experts" - ahem! - so my writing will appear there. I do like the calm and serene atmosphere they've created there - check it out:...March 6, 2008 - 11:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - reviews of Mommy, Teach Me!
I know the feeling of wondering whether or not to invest in another book - will this be just another book to add to the pile I try but can't get into? And when it comes to parenting books, there's a whole other dynamic: if I do get into it,...March 2, 2008 - 10:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Books for toddler expecting new baby - your suggestions
From Kristina, who blogs at Christian Children's Book Review: Hi Barbara! As always, I'm enjoying your blog and your books. (I'm re-reading Mommy Teach Me To Read, now that my 2 year old knows her phonics :) ) I am expecting another baby in Oct., and I wonder if you...February 27, 2008 - 12:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
What your preschooler needs to know
The Core Knowledge series is a well-respected, well-rounded and classical approach to what children should know at each grade level: What Your Kindergartner Needs to Know all the way through What Your Sixth Grader Needs to Know. These books have been around since I was homeschooling my kids and I...February 26, 2008 - 3:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays - new and improved!
Yes, I know it's Tuesday, but I need to update you on my original announcement for Montessori Mondays. Thanks to TechnoWhiz/Geek/All-Knowledgeable Blogger Mommy Michelle - who blogs at usr-bin-mom.com, Montessori Mondays is going to be even better. Michelle suggested we do a meme and was kind enough to guide me...February 26, 2008 - 11:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Montessori Mondays
Announcing! I've been receiving pictures from some of you who've read Mommy, Teach Me! and/or Mommy, Teach Me to Read! and instituted some of my ideas for Montessori at home. Here are some cute pictures of Amy's son using the Sound Canisters - a sensorial exercise which increases hearing discernment....February 25, 2008 - 10:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Sesame Street - not the same old neighborhood
From yesterday's Washington Times - which I didn't have time to read, but my hubby - who cares about my readers too! - wanted us to see: Nostalgia street February 24, 2008 By Karen Goldberg Goff Ah, the good old days, when children played in vacant lots, ate trans...February 25, 2008 - 6:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
When a child seems too needy
Readers, I'd really like to get your input on this one: My son just turned 3. He is a typical boy in some ways; active, curious, rough. He is also a bit timid, shy and takes a while to warm up to new situations and people. He was a delightful...February 22, 2008 - 8:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - the best foundation is love
[This is the final installment in a four-part series: Why Your Preschooler Can Thrive at Home taken from a chapter in my book, Mommy, Teach Me! Read the first, The Best Teacher is Forever, the second, The Best Classroom Has No Walls, and the third The Best Lessons Don't...February 16, 2008 - 8:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - the best lessons don't end at noon!
[This is third in a four-part series: Why Your Preschooler Can Thrive at Home taken from a chapter in my book, Mommy, Teach Me! Read the first, The Best Teacher is Foreverand second, The Best Classroom Has No Walls.] The Best Lessons Don’t End at Noon Some of my...February 15, 2008 - 3:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - the best classroom has no walls
[This is the second in a four-part series: Why Your Preschooler Can Thrive at Home taken from a chapter from my book, Mommy, Teach Me! Read the first The Best Teacher is Forever.] The Best Classroom Has No Walls I mentioned how the modern approach to education – compartmentalization...February 14, 2008 - 1:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - the best teacher is forever
It's that time of year when some of you may be wondering about preschool. There's so much cultural hype and social pressure - with many states actually considering mandatory preschool - that even moms who love having their kids at home wonder if they're doing the right thing. Mothers...February 13, 2008 - 5:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Your input needed: preschool aggression
My son will be 4 in October and is having a lot of problems at his 2 day a week preschool. He has never been unusually aggressive before but now he is hitting and trying to bite kids at school. He has only been at the school for one month...February 11, 2008 - 1:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - growing carrot tops
From Mommy, Teach Me! , one of the simple science projects for preschoolers. A simple project is enriched when mom or teacher understand the purpose and use language to guide the learning experience: Growing carrot tops Purpose: To model the scientific approach – asking questions and using observation to...February 8, 2008 - 6:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - building a science foundation
I wrote Mommy, Teach Me! to encourage moms in developing the teacher aspect of their role. Reading it will help you understand the process and show you how easy it is to build the foundation for your child's future learning success. Here is an excerpt: Science As I mentioned before,...February 8, 2008 - 6:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Montessori at home: best coloring supplies
I've written before on the benefits of coloring books for developing concentration and fine motor coordination. While in a Montessori classroom this is done with Metal Insets, at home you can accomplish the same results with coloring books. There are many gorgeous and educational coloring books available - browse Amazon...February 6, 2008 - 11:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Changing bad habits in kids - part one
I love the idea of teaching your children to treat books with respect. My only problem is that I have not done that as of yet and my 5, 3, and almost 2 year old children tend to toss, step and rip books. How do I reteach them? Is it...February 1, 2008 - 8:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Montessori at home - create a book nook
It always makes me feel wonderful to know that the ideas in my books have helped families. In Mommy, Teach Me to Read! I encourage moms to create a book nook for their children: Make your child’s solo reading extra special by creating a reading nook. It doesn’t require much...January 30, 2008 - 3:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Military wife with toddlers needs ideas
From my inbox - hoping for a lot of ideas from readers: Barbara, I am a proud AF wife whose husband left recently for a 1 year deployment to the middle east. I have a daughter that is almost 3 and a son that is 1 ½. I gave up...January 27, 2008 - 7:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (11) | TrackBack
Montessori at Home - purposeful activity
This question came into my Mommy, Teach Me! site: Hi Barbara! Here's a question for you: How much time per day should I expect (or encourage) my 34-month old to spend on her "work"? She was pretty enthusiastic about it when I started introducing it, but now her interest has...January 24, 2008 - 4:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Montessori at Home - a child-friendly environment
No mother has to experience the Terrible Twos (or Threes or Fours or Fives). All it takes is understanding and practicing a few Montessori principles to help your child sail gracefully through what can really be a thoroughly delightful and productive stage. My Montessori training took nine months of 9-5....January 23, 2008 - 3:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Christmas, clementines, independence and pincer grasp
'Tis the season - for clementines! Which are not only delicious, but a great opportunity to encourage your little ones' independence and pincer grasp. From my archives: Montessori at home #11 This morning I was reminded how important it is for us moms to always be looking for ways to...December 15, 2007 - 10:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Elisabeth Elliot on spanking
You will save your child a lot of heartache if you start teaching obedience early. I know obedience is a bad word in many circles. But it is strongly related to self-control. And it is very necessary to protect a child from danger. When I started as a mother, I...December 6, 2007 - 10:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (11)
Montessori at Home #13
I have emails in my Inbox from moms who are frustrated with their lives and who can't get a handle on settling their children down. I am so sorry that while I promise to answer every email, it sometimes takes me a while to get to them. I am working...December 3, 2007 - 9:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Montessori at home #12
I talk a lot about the importance of seeing the world through children's eyes in order to provide for their needs. That was one of the first principles I learned as a Montessori teacher. When you make this a practice, it will change the way you choose items for your...November 26, 2007 - 6:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Tantrum-proofing your child - Part 2
I know I promised a series on Tantrum-Proofing Your Child. But life got in the way :) I also felt a little deflated by various comments which made me feel like I had to start the series like a cigarette pack full of disclaimers. Let me just say that there...October 11, 2007 - 4:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Tantrum-proofing your child - Part 1
Yesterday at the Leesburg Ross all the shoppers were looking at each other helplessly as we witnessed one of the worst cases of mothering I've ever seen. Actually, maybe it was a bad day for kids everywhere as it seemed like every store I went in had a toddler screaming...October 4, 2007 - 9:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack
Toddlers and pool safety
Not exactly the right season - unless you live in California :) - but evidently drown-proofing toddlers is possible with the proper training. Stacie sent me this link: Child Drowning Prevention Absolutely amazing....September 14, 2007 - 8:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Just say no to Baby Einstein - and rethink TV
From the Los Angeles Times: 'Baby Einstein': a bright idea? Infants shown such educational series end up with poorer vocabularies, study finds. Researcher says 'American Idol' is better. Parents hoping to raise baby Einsteins by using infant educational videos are actually creating baby Homer Simpsons, according to a new study...September 12, 2007 - 9:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Homeschooling Today reviews of Mommy, Teach Me!
I was so surprised and extremely grateful for these reviews of my books. I couldn't have written a clearer summary myself - and so for those of you who may wonder exactly what's in the two most recent, I am printing them here: Mommy, Teach Me! Preparing Your Preschool Child...August 31, 2007 - 8:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Releasing your child's learning potential
I have an article posted at Crosswalk.com today - Releasing your child's learning potential. Check out the wonderful pictures - all supplied by my readers. Except the handsome fellow with the red sweater vest carrying the bell - that's my youngest, Justin. Please feel free to rate and comment on...August 24, 2007 - 9:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Potty Training - when? How?
Barbara~ My daughter turns 2 this weekend, and while I definitely don't want to rush her, I am thinking about potty training. I don't believe she's shown any signs of potty-training readiness, but I wondered if you'd mind posting what you believe are the signs of readiness? Thanks! Kristina Christian...August 17, 2007 - 1:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | TrackBack
Christian music for kids
Hi Barbara, Thanks for blogging! I am looking for some good quality Christian kids' music. We love Raffi but I want our kids to also learn songs to help them in their faith. Any suggestions from you or possibly your readers? Love, Melissa If you scroll down Barbara's Picks -...August 1, 2007 - 11:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBack
Sibling rivalry
I haven't had a lot of sibling rivalry at younger ages with my kids, though I could write a book on the friction between teenage daughters :) So Joni and I would really appreciate your help with this one: I have a question for you, and it's probably an age-old...July 19, 2007 - 11:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Explore and print art masterpieces at home
Jessica of Farm Fresh Iowa reminded me of this wonderful resource - so I want to share it with you again. Plus she had a neat idea for bringing art more vividly into her children's lives: Just having finished The Mommy Manual, I'm eagerly looking for ways to get...July 13, 2007 - 9:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack
Teaching kids concentration
This is my granddaughter Trinity at my house doing one of my Small Beginnings exercises - the same kind her mother Samantha did 30some years ago in Montessori school and the ones I describe in Mommy, Teach Me! Like all the Small Beginnings exercises, this is something you can...July 12, 2007 - 10:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Mommy, Teach Me! - Using Montessori methods to preschool at home
Officially announcing the launch of my new website: Mommy, Teach Me! Jam-packed with resources to help moms make the most of the preschool years! For those of you who sent me pictures to use in the book, I have placed them all in a Mommy, Teach Me! photo album. If...July 10, 2007 - 9:59 AM |