As promised, we are circling back to the topic of fantasy and imagination as it relates to the Montessori philosophy. We have been excited to discuss this, as we feel it really can be a sensitive one. There are a lot of opinions surrounding this, and some seriously deep core memories and emotions tied to fantasy characters and stories for a lot of us. So, just know before you even tune in that we sincerely believe that it is OKAY to do what works for your family! With that being said join us for a very honest discussion about what Maria had to say about fantasy and imagination! 

This week we are excited to dig deeper into lying. We discuss why our children may lie to us, and why we strive to be honest with our children. We hope that through this episode you are able to learn more about what is developmentally appropriate about lying and hear our own personal experiences as teachers and moms. Tune in to learn more about lying through the lenses of three Montessorians.

The people asked, and we have delivered! This episode is a deviation from the normal routine, as Megan sits down with her husband, Jacob, and gets the partner perspective on implementing the Montessori method at home. Megan and Jacob honestly discuss the challenges and successes along the way, and impart a little bit of advice for partners out there who may or may not be on the same page about this particular philosophy. 

We are BACK!!! And this week we are very excited to talk to mother and entrepreneur, Kelly from Namaste with Kelly. She has a background in Special Education and is a certified yoga teacher and a certified kids yoga and mindfulness teacher. She began sharing yoga and mindfulness with children in the community several years ago and currently owns a community learning space called The Connection Corner where she leads groups for children to move, breathe, play, and learn together. Kelly currently teaches yoga at a Montessori School and Forest School and we are so curious to hear what her observations have been with the children she has worked with.

In this episode we deviate from the regularly scheduled program to have a real and honest conversation about what we are struggling with the most right now in our current stages of parenthood. Parenting is just as challenging as it is rewarding, and sometimes adhering to a unique and somewhat radical philosophy can make it feel even harder! Tune in to find out know you're NOT alone, and how insanely grateful we are for your company! 

In this second half of our chat about Montessori's Sensitive Periods we cover the windows for (and importance of) Refinement of the Senses, Grace & Courtesy, Fine Motor Skills, Manners, Writing, Reading, Mathematics, AND the infamous Sense of Order! Tune in and find out why your toddler threw a fit over dinner being served on "the wrong plate!"  

In this two-part episode we discuss the importance of understanding what are known in the Montessori world as the "sensitive periods" in a child's development. What is a sensitive period, why are they important, what are they exactly, and how can I recognize them? This revolutionary application of a universal biological concept in terms of human development can drastically impact your child's experience, as well as your experience as their parent guiding along the way!