Have you ever learned something new and it completely changed your life? No, I'm not talking about learning how to ride a bike or speaking a new language (not to say that those things can't be life changing). I'm talking about "seeing" something in a whole new light; and knowing you can never go back to your old way of seeing/understanding again (well you could, but then you'd just be lying to yourself). I like to call this "an awakening from ignorance". I have had MANY "awakenings" over the past few years.
Here are a few examples:
-I will never be able to view birth the same way again after watching The Business of Being Born. That film opened my eyes to the way birth is "meant" to be. It's not meant to be medicalized, it's meant to be experienced. It shouldn't be feared, it should be exalted.
- When I started reading the Eat This Not That books I began understanding the importance of label reading. I don't think I buy anything now without reading the label first. I also don't think, in good conscience, I can (knowingly) eat anything with High Fructose Corn Syrup in it again.
-I stopped drinking diet soda when I discovered that you're 40% MORE likely to be overweight if you do. I stopped drinking soda all together because I value my teeth (I'm also very cavity prone).
-While I was pregnant, my friend Kim mentioned AP (or attachment parenting). I had never heard of it before, so I did a little research. Now, I can literally think of no other way to raise children other than the Attachment Parenting way. For our family, it's the most natural and comfortable thing ever.
- Learning about the Montessori method has completely changed the way I view child rearing and early childhood education. This "awakening" is my most recent one.
Before moving to Madison, I had never heard of Dr. Montessori or her philosophy on children and education. The first time I'd heard it mentioned was at a playdate at one of my HMN friend's home. She raved about how her son went to a Montessori school and how amazing it was. I was intrigued but I quickly forgot the name and became a giant scatterbrained mess again.
(Ok, that's not ENTIRELY accurate. I do remember reading about Montessori while I was in college; but like most things I read in college it went in one ear and out the other)
It wasn't until a few weeks later that I remembered the name, and did some internet research. At the time, I wasn't really receptive to what I was reading about. Honestly, I think I just wasn't "ready and open" to learn about a new way of teaching children. Besides, Josie isn't going to be in school for another 5 years anyway.
Rewind to last Monday: I'd been on a "must buy/make toys that encourage sensory development" kick. After designing our awesome sensory table (with changeable tabletops) with Tim, I've been obsessed with other "DIY toys". I came across an Etsy shop that sold beautiful color sorting balls and cups (with wooden scoop). The price was a bit steep, but I knew they'd be simple enough to put together. However, what stuck out the most to me was that they were classified as "Montessori". "Hmm" I thought, what is this Montessori that everyone around me keeps clamoring about? What's the big deal?
I then DOVE head first into a plethora of blogs, websites, and eBooks on the Montessori method of education and Montessori schools. Boy oh boy, the information I'm finding is blowing my mind and lighting a fire in my belly. The more I learn about Dr. Montessori and her ideas, the more excited I get. I find myself sitting in front of the computer saying (out loud): "Yes! That's exactly how I feel too!"
Now, I'm sure some of you are reading this saying to yourselves "What the heck is she talking about?!" Let me explain some Montessori basics:
-First of all, it is named for Dr. Maria Montessori who, in a way, "invented" this whole new way of viewing children and their development at different stages. (she was also the first female doctor in Italy...so she was an all around Wonder Woman of sorts...in a 19th Century kind of way).
-Dr. Montessori believed that instead of rewarding or punishing children we (as teachers and parents) should "guide" them. Children are much more receptive, capable and self-motivated then we give them credit for (most of the time).
-Montessori not only teaches math and reading skills, but also emphasizes respect, peace, community and love. Essentially, not only should your children be smart, they should also be compassionate, understanding, and independent beings. Who wouldn't want that for their children?
What I really love is that Montessori reinforces our simplicity parenting mentality that "less is more". Montessori classrooms are very minimalistic; with the idea that small children get overstimulated very easily. Clutter = distraction. Also, when a child has TOO much to play with, they aren't REALLY engaging their minds...they're just sifting through all the "stuff".
I also love that Montessori teaches basic life skills to kids. Children set the tables, use silverware properly, clean up after themselves, help each other, sweep the floors, teach one another, etc.
Maybe I just like to go against "the norm" and shake things up a bit; or maybe I just like to be difficult. Either way, I feel like Montessori is right for our family. It speaks to me. It just feels *right*.
Montessori's philosophy is the whole inspiration behind our new play area. What I love about the "Montessori Way" is that you start practicing it from day one (not waiting until they are 5 or 6 and actually IN school before trying to instill these ideas and practices). It's so fluid; you transition from one stage of development right into the next without any real "hiccups". I love it!
Here are some visual references so you have an idea what we're going to be doing in our new Montessori Play Area. (The top photo is from
Perfectly Imperfect and the other photos are from
Play At Home Mom)
Tim and I have designed bookcases/cubbies that look similar to this
I am currently in the process of putting together a felt board. I love the over the door shoe caddy that's been repurposed as a felt storage system. Clever!
One of our "Cubbies" is modeled after this set up. With shelves for paper and larger spaces for art supplies.
Tim is going to build a sensory table (with 2 tubs like this one) with several interchangeable tabletops.
I promise to post photos of our play area and DIY furniture when they are completed!
Here are some links for more information on Montessori education: (maybe it'll blow your mind too)
-The Montessori Primary Guide
There are several books on Dr. Montessori and Montessori Education that I plan on ordering this week! I love learning about...learning! (Did that statement make sense?) Maybe I'll start a segment called: Montessori Monday where I talk about something new I've learned on the topic (along with practical application for our home life).
