The Kavanaugh Report

I always have a hard time with how to describe my newly 3-year-old children. They are sort of preschooler, sort of toddlers, but one-hundred percent unique. A new phase of development is upon, the second half of the first plane of development - the conscious absorbent mind. It's a new phase of deeper exploration and development of skills, of active participation within the environment, and the blossoming of their confidence.  While my-new 3-year-old still has several months before she will start Montessori preschool, I'm seeing so much growth in her that I would share some of the older toddler Montessori activities she's been gravitating toward over the last couple of months.   Fine Motor Control Activities I've observed that so much of Penelope's days are focused on developing fine motor skills. She loves working her little fingers and figuring out the best ways to move. She does this in many ways but some of her favorites include: Magnetic maze toys   Lacing card...

Young children, particularly those under the age of 6, are intensely interested in the world around them. They like to learn about all of the intricate and beautiful realities of the world. They like little details, understanding truth, and seeing the real. Therefore, as Montessori parents (and in Montessori classrooms) we tend to limit the use of fantasy and stick to reality.  However, this can become difficult when trying to pick materials for young children. Realistic books, puzzles, and art after often made "cute" for children. Cars have eyes, elephants are bright blue, animals talk, and the people are often commercialized characters. While there is nothing inherently wrong with any of these things, it can be nice to offer our children some beautiful and real images as well - and puzzles are a great way to do that.  Realistic Puzzle Options for Montessori Toddlers to use at Home While it takes a little bit of a hunt, there are many realistic puzzle options available for p...