I've been recommending parents watch this video for a few years now. I really like how Tori has prepared her environment home for her son Edward using very simple and inexpensive ideas. If you are looking for just ONE way to "Montessorify" your home, start with finding, building or make-shifting some sort of shelf at your child's level. Put ALL the toys and games away in a closet somewhere and take 5 of the items you know your child enjoys at the moment. Put them each on a tray or in a basket on the shelf. Have your child take one toy/material at a time and, when they are finished, show them how to put it back (every single time.) Eventually your child will do it all by themselves without thinking about it, solving the problem of the "toynado" room that I hear so many parents complain about! Rotate items bi monthly or as needed. You are teaching your child to not only to value the things that they have and to take care of them, you're also giving them a sense of order they so desperately desire. Thanks to Tori for making this video, and stay tuned for more simple ways to "Montessorify" your home!
The following article was taken from www.kidstalknews.com where Maren Schmidt, M. Ed. presents her weekly award winning column. We are always inspired by her words and hope you will be too! ![]() “Throw rocks into the pool one more time and we’re leaving the party,” Jonathan’s parents told him. It was a surprise party for his grandparents anniversary. When Jonathan threw in the next handful of pebbles, nothing happened. Empty threats. It is an easy trap to fall into. We think if we mention the possible consequences of an action, our child will stop, or if not, at least others will see that we “tried” to make Jonathan stop. If Jonathans’ parents had been serious, Jonathan would have been out the door before the last ripple hit the pool edge. By leaving they’d be teaching Jonathan to listen to what they say, because what they say means something. Instead they taught Jonathan that what they say and what they do are two different things. Follow through is an important parenting skill and we may have to miss a party or two if we believe in follow through. Humpf! What do we get when we show our children that we mean “it”? We have children that get “it”. The neurons in their brains make the connection that what mom and dad say and do are important, so, brain, listen up! When we do what we say, we have to think through and make our words and actions counts. We want to under promise and over deliver. Here are a few tips to help . Understand the impulse control of a three-year-old. If you ask a three-year-old not to do something, chances are they will do it. This is due to the fact that the impulse control part of the brain, or the prefrontal cortex, is not developed enough to understand how not to do something. Take the example: Don’t run. All the child’s brain hears is “run”. State behavior requests in the positive: Come with me. Hold my hand. Sit. Stop. Instead of “Tommy, if you throw the ball one more time, I’ll have to take it away” say, “Tommy, roll the ball or I’ll have to put it away.” Also, “Show me how to roll the ball” will help get the desired behavior. Be short and sweet. Say it once in a positive way. If the ball gets thrown after you’ve said, “Tommy, roll the ball or I’ll have to put it away,” don’t say another word. Silence is golden. Actions speak louder than words. Take the ball and put it away. There may be crying, but say, “You may choose to do something else. Tomorrow I’ll let you play with the ball again. Tomorrow I’m sure you’ll remember to roll the ball in the house. What would you like to do now?” Say it in a word. It’s tomorrow already and Tommy gets a chance to play with the ball. Ask him what you would say about the ball. When Tommy answers, simply say, “Yes. Roll.” Promise only what you’re prepared to do. Ever hear these phrases? ‘We’re never going back…” “You’re grounded for life.” “No television for a month.” Whatever consequences you choose to connect with an action, make sure they are logical and immediate. Take the ball away—Now! It’s logical and immediate, and doable. Neural pathways for cause and effect are developed in our children’s brains by these kinds of important parenting actions. Beware of what you say. Your words are powerful. If you say it, mean it. If you mean it, do it. You are your child’s prefrontal cortex—your words and actions are forming the foundation for a lifetime of decision-making, planning, cognitive flexibility, impulse control, and situational appropriate behavior. ![]() Welcome to our blog! Our goal is to provide you with interesting, thought provoking topics related to children and education. We encourage you to respectfully comment on our posts and let us know what you think! "Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy and mutual valuing." - Rollo May |
AuthorLily Spencer Categories
All
|