The Kavanaugh Report

As Penelope has gotten older and more physically independent, it has become important to adapt her Montessori spaces to her skills. Some small changes can really open up a world of independence for a small person. This doesn't have to be something huge, but just giving the opportunity to participate can make for a much different experience. 

This week on our Montessori parenting podcast... Parents love their children intensely and that love often leads us to question our children's behavior, intentions, and interests. This week, Nicole and Amy discuss a Montessori quote about probing a child for their "secret." As Montessori parents, we explore some of the secrets that children hold - from babies through elementary years - and how we can approach children in a way that honors the secrets of their development.  

I think by now the entire parenting world knows what a Pikler triangle is. Over the last several years, this natural gross motor development has become mainstream! However, i n my RIE training, we learned about another important piece of gross motor equipment that often is introduced before the triangle - the ramp and platform. I was struck by how much sense it made to have this material available before trying to climb something larger. I’ve discussed before how much my babies have been interested in climbing over obstacles, and the platform and ramp was really a natural extension of that. I knew that I wanted to add the platform for Penelope if possible.  Natural Gross Motor Play - Pikler Platform and Ramp We got this ramp and platform from RAD Children's Furniture when Penelope was around 10-months-old, and I am so thrilled with it. It was the perfect compliment to our Montessori home and challenged her in so many great ways.  It became the perfect place for her to practi...

My tiny little Montessori baby, Gus, is suddenly and quickly transitioning into a second plane child. There are socks left on the floor, there are toothbrushes left on the counter, there is talk of friends, there is running off to play instead of staying home to enjoy practical life. Everything points to an older, bigger, and new child. But, even with all this change, Gus is still my kid to curl up on the couch next to a fire with some handwork listening to a book. He still frequently reaches for toys and materials on his Montessori play shelves after school. So, I thought I would share the materials that he has on his shelves at 6-years-old. 

Our Montessori parenting podcast this week...

We have a lot of kids here! Five of them! Since 2014, we've pretty much had a baby or young toddler continuously. It makes for the busiest and best times. But, it also means that we've had to be really flexible in creating our Montessori home when it comes to keeping everyone safe. I've had a lot of time and practice in creating spaces where multiple kids can work and remain safe.  My biggest hope is that everyone gets what they need out of the spaces that we have available. A big part of that is making sure we create spaces where I don't need to constantly hover or worry about whether Penelope is safe if placed in a room. This can be a really challenge when multiple ages have to share a single space. In order to give Teddy, my toddler, what he needs, I have to place materials that aren't meant for Penelope in the space. It's always a balance.  5 Tips to Baby Proof Your Montessori Playroom We have mostly been able to strike that balance with a little bit of prac...

It's hard for me to believe that we have three children in different phases of the second plane of development. H is creeping quickly toward the third plane of development, Nora is solidly a second plane child and Gus is in transition from the first to the second plane. In my mind they are all solidly still toddlers, but the reality is, my kids are getting older. And, as a Montessori parent, that means my role in preparing the environment is changing too. 

Babies are so incredible, you know I've said it a few times! Or like every day for the several years. And, with Penelope I've focused on sharing a lot about her natural gross motor development journey. But, I don't want to forget the other super important way that she has been exploring the world - and that is with her hands. Fine motor development begins with the infant and lasts for years. The development of the hand, in all its glory, is what will allow a child to truly explore their interests.  Development of the Hand in Babies Let's get a little nerdy again for a minute! As babies the hand will go through a whole series of changes that help them mature their grasp on objects. Babies are born with their palmer reflex (which you see as your newborn automatically grasps your hand) and as that fades, they are left with an immature grasp.  The human hand, so delicate and so complicated, not only allows the mind to reveal itself but it enables the whole being to enter in...

Happy New Year! We are slowly getting back to our regular routines here after an extended winter break. But the beautiful thing about development in the first plane of development is that it keeps on going no matter what. Teddy at 3 is just exploding into knowledge, interests, and capabilities. So, I thought I would share three things he loves right now and why I love these choices too!  Three Activities in Our Montessori Home at Three-Years-Old Here are three things Teddy is doing most days!  Memory Games He loves playing these games. Searching for the matches and gathering all the cards. He especially loves this Truck Matching Game . I love these games because:  Opportunities to practice turn taking Visual scanning  Working memory  Pet Care A few months ago we got a new puppy, Juniper, and we got a much larger dog this time. Teddy loves helping with her and it's been so fun watching him take more leadership over her. He has been:  taking her outside and l...