a little tour: e's coat rack

Help me to do it all by myself!  One of the first principals I learned in my Montessori training was to picture these words written across the forehead of each child.  Although this was easy for me as a teacher, it's much harder for me to remember these words as a mama.  It's clear how satisfying it is for my 15-month old to do things all by herself, but I continually catch myself doing things for her.

"Everyone knows that it requires much more time and patience to teach a child how to eat, wash, and clothe himself than it does to feed, bathe, and clothe him by oneself.  The one who does the former is an educator, the latter performs the lower office of a servant."  Maria Montessori, The Discovery of the Child

I admit that one of the reasons I do things for Elise is because it's easier and faster, but it's also because she's my baby and I like doing things for her! Keeping all this in mind, I've been trying to put my energy and love into creating more spaces like the one pictured above for Elise.  A row of hooks hung at her height and a low stool create a perfect spot by the backdoor to practice getting dressed to go outside.  It also shows Elise that she is an important part of the family, and that someday soon she will be doing this task independently!

How do you support your child's independence?  Please share in the comments!

an autumn nature table

I love the idea of a nature table:  a special place to display natural treasures found outdoors.  The objects on the table change with the seasons, reflecting and celebrating the rhythm of the year.  Some nature tables I've seen are more whimsical than others, but either way, they instill a sense of wonder in children and adults alike.

When Elise woke up from her nap to find the leaves, seeds, and pebbles we collected on our morning walk carefully arranged, she was so excited and fascinated!  She spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the nature table with all of her senses.  I wasn't sure if any of the leaves or seeds were edible, so I did have to place some limit on her sense of taste!

I actually decided not to get out the camera because I didn't want to interrupt Elise's experience, so I'll close with a photo from our walk instead...

^The Yellowstone River is the longest undammed river in the lower 48 states, 

and we're lucky enough to live just a few minutes away!^  

Here's to a weekend full of adventure!

Have you set up a nature table?  I'd love to pick up some tips and inspiration for next time!  Please share your experience in the comments, or if you've posted about it, share your link!   

e's first "bank"

I made this simple activity by cutting a slit into the lid of a baking soda container.  Elise still puts things in her mouth, so I opted for large washers rather than real coins.  The satisfying "clink" they make when they land at the bottom of the container is definitely a big point of interest.  After all the washers are in the container, Elise usually gives it a shake or two before taking the lid off to retrieve them - an additional fine motor challenge!

I love watching Elise's mind work as she tries to figure out which way to orient the washer to make it fit through the slot.  I also kind of envy her casual flexibility - really, who sits like that?  ;)

on the shelves - 14 months

 the learning tower

Elise is now able to climb into and out of her learning tower all by herself!  This is a great spot for stirring, scrubbing, and sampling (E's favorite!).  If you're deterred by the cost of a new learning tower, check craigslist - that's where we found ours, and I see them on there frequently.

 

 

nesting tubes

A friend loaned us this Plan Toys Cone Sorting activity.  There are actually two parts to this activity:  the nesting tubes on the inside and the cone-forming rings on the outside.  Right now, Elise is exploring the tubes - next, she'll try out the rings.

 

rainbow people mover

Minus one blue person - any guesses where he could be???  He's eluded us since day one.  Hmmm...  This is the first "toy" I've bought Elise in months, and she loves taking the people out and putting them back in the holes. 

 

Ball!

"Ball!" is a word Elise has been saying a lot lately.  This rubber ball from Crocodile Creek is just the right size for her to carry, throw, and kick. 

 

first purse

Elise continues to love having her own purse.  Occasionally, I change the contents to keep it fresh.  Yes, it's waaaay more organized than mine - no old shopping lists and receipts for this girl!

 

  Louise and friends

Elise has recently become very into playing with dolls and stuffed animals.  She wraps them up, feeds them, and carries them everywhere.  I put together a little basket of fabric and ribbons to help support her play.  Honestly, I am over the moon that Elise likes Louise so much -  I definitely feel inspired to make more toys!    

naturally-colored play dough

After seeing the gorgeous, autumn-themed play dough over at Sixtine et Victoire (Seriously!  Play dough can be gorgeous - check it out.), I was inspired to make some with Elise. Although it was always one of the most popular activities in my classroom, I realized that Elise had Never. Played. With. Play. Dough.  

GASP!

Not only is play dough endlessly fun, it's also good for you!  I couldn't believe I'd been depriving Elise for so long.  

Here's a quick list of the benefits of playing with play dough:

• builds fine motor strength
• allows for open ended play
• emotionally therapeutic

Read more about the benefits of play dough and discover some exciting variations at The Imagination Tree.  

Naturally-Colored Play Dough Recipe:

Over high heat, stir 2 cups water and 1 cup salt until salt is mostly dissolved and water is boiling.

To make yellow play dough, mix 1 cup flour, 1 tablespoon cream of tartar, and 1 tablespoon turmeric in a bowl.  Combine dry ingredients with 1 cup of the hot water and salt mixture and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.  After it's cooled slightly, knead until a smooth dough is formed.  If dough seems too wet, add more flour; if it seems too dry, add more oil.

To make brown play dough, follow the same steps, replacing the turmeric with 1 tablespoon cocoa powder.    

Keep play dough stored in an airtight container between use, and it should last for a long time - unless your little one is like Elise and eats it all!  Ha, ha!  No, Elise didn't eat it all, but I was surprised at how much she actually put in her mouth considering it's so salty.