I’m a Hummingbird Parent from ChildrenAndNature.org:
The Blog
Donna will present on the following topics:
Preserving Intrinsic Motivation, Freedom & Responsibility, The Cycle of Activity, Maximum Effort & Independence, Relationships in the Classroom
Some children are this fortunate – not living in a big house, not having an endless supply of toys – in that they are offered choice and independence in the exploration of an environment of sensorial, 3-dimensional, practical, hands-on materials and activities. They are provided a relationship of love and respect and given freedom within consistently and cheerfully maintained limits. Read more »
And as we work so hard together to inform and support families and schools for the sake of our children’s health, the Commissioner of Agriculture for our beloved and beleaguered state of Texas is doing his best to push us backwards into further depths of childhood obesity. And, no, parents can’t do this alone. It takes a village. Read more »
Such a joy for a child to spend the moments of her life choosing one compelling struggle after another, learning practical skills of her time and place, and engaging in the life of her community. She gains a deep feeling of self worth, an authentic sense of belonging, and a confidence for her future challenges. Read more »
Growing and learning at home and at school without punishment? All it takes is the skill set and the practice. We’ve got that – Montessori homes and schools!
Montessori’s development and education cares for and supports the whole child. Because the hand-to-brain connection is so important, the brain-directed movement of cursive tracing linked to phonetic sounds matters greatly. Read more »
It’s our choice – the adults’ choice – a rich and relevant environment of materials for spontaneous and active exploration and a subtle encouragement of the child’s innate tendencies, drives, and urges OR the imposition of an adult-devised, scheduled, and delivered curriculum for society’s imperative and a blatant system of the adult’s overriding demands, rewards, and punishments. Read more »
Seems so perverse of us to do away with something wonderful from the past, something so beneficial, just because in today’s world it presents certain problems. It seems much wiser to brainstorm for solutions and modifications. Read more »
Personality, character, common sense, practical skills, empathy – all are more valuable than intelligence to the individual, the family, the community, humanity – and the earth. And those qualities and characteristics are self-formed during childhood and adolescence through the person’s relationships and activities in the environment. Read more »