Our Learning, A Stitch At A Time

Here is our Stitching Basket ala Lapazfarm Style!!  (H/T: Theresa)  Seamus couldn't wait to get his hands on it and learn how to make his stitches.  We're starting with shapes as it will give him a guide and he can see how the stitches form the shape when he's gone all the way around.  Violet had as much fun putting this together as Seamus had doing his work!!  Nurture and Nature all rolled up into one!

All our preparations and Montessori Make Your Own has really spurred a great interest in my children to want to help each other more and more and I can't help thinking that our approach is breeding some very good habits and a higher level of discipline and attention. Perhaps they are absorbing their learning better and internalizing it. Just food for thought here. 

I've also noticed that there seems to be more harmony and respect for a little person who might be doing his Montessori Work where as in the past, it would be taken for granted that another would just come and take the activity over (big scowl here!)  I am very pleased to see the flavor of our atmosphere melding favorably into our new rhythm.  Then again, it could be that I am more relaxed in my approach and that I am equally excited about all our New Materials that are soon to be delivered!  My powers of observation seem to be heightening as well and I am really tryng to just WATCH them. 

This Montessori *Thing* isn't anything new or earth shattering for us, we've been gradually moving in this direction for some time now and for us it's just another piece of the puzzle, another stitch in the quilt of our home schooling adventure!!  It has evolved over time and as I learn and grow, and as the dear children learn and grow, their needs change and develop, so I adapt to their needs accordingly!  Nature and Nurture, again! 

As with any new methods or new introductions of curriculum or materials there are bound to be highs and lows, and right now we are in the high!  We are happily applying the Montessori approach along with our Charlotte Mason lifestyle of Real Learning and loving each new stitch we make!! 

Thanks so much for stopping by today, may God Bless you richly in your discoveries today!

Comments

[Theresa]

Meredith, I just love visiting your blog. It's such a positive, happy place! And your Seamus reminds me so much of my Superboy when he was little, with those big eyes and chubby cheeks!

[Jordan]

I'm glad this is working out so well for you and your kids, Meredith. You have such great ideas and I thank you for sharing them, along with your warmth and enthusiasm.

[betty]

Since finding your blog and sooooo many others, it makes me wish I could 'start from scratch' with my own children and do it 'your way'!

I have always loved the Montessori method but it wasn't talked about much when I was raising mine.

I got more of a taste of it when I was trained in the CGS program and my 'grands' were able to participate in that and loved it.

Keep up the GREAT work, Meredith!!

[toni]

Love the sewing basket idea. I did give my kid sewing cards and a sewing block this year, but your idea actually encourages the real skill.
Blessings,
~Toni~