The Kavanaugh Report

There are so many fun Montessori inspired gift lists available. I'm adding with just a little bit of A to Z fun! I challenged myself to think of a couple of things from each letter of the alphabet that would be perfect for a Montessori home. This is a combination of toys and practical life materials that would be fun to have at home. 
I included things that are simple, realistic, challenge children to develop their senses, and isolate concepts where possible. Many are also open ended or games for fun connection with a child. 
I have included at least two ideas for each letter, one that trends a little younger (0-3 years) and one that trends a bit older (3-9 years). I've tried to include an age range for each to help you decide what might appeal to your child. 
This post contains affiliate links at no cost to you.
A - Apple Apron (1-5) | Airplane (2+) B - Ball Run (1-4) | Buddha Board (2+) C - Colors Book (0-4) My book! | Continent Race Game (6+) D - Drum (0+) | Dollhouse (2+)  E - Ear…

There is a lot of pressure for young children to freely share toys and navigate social situations on their own. As Montessori parents, Nicole and Amy don't make their children share and instead let their children use toys for as long as they want. In this week's episode, we discuss how we approach sharing, waiting, and the emotions that come from learning to relate to other people.  Show Notes...Handling BIG EmotionsCharlotte Grace and Courtesy Video
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As humans we have a huge list of social "rules" that we follow everyday when interacting with our families and other people. These are expectations for behavior that have become (for better or worse) social expectations. We say "hello" when greeting someone. We say "excuse me" to get past something. The exact examples will vary based on your personal comfort levels, cultural background, religious beliefs, and customs. But, no matter who you are or where you live, your family will follow a set of unsaid social rules.

When a baby is born into those rules, they have to learn them. In a traditional, non-Montessori home this might be done through discipline, correction, and punishment over time. A small child is running in house, for example. The parent might stop the child and correct, "Stop running! You're going to hurt someone!" or it could go further, "I've told you to stop running a hundred times, next time, you're going to sit i…

We really live in such an amazing world. Even compared to a few years ago, there are so many amazing Montessori small shops out there. So many are producing or carrying high quality Montessori friendly toys, games, and materials. In this unique year, I wanted to make sure to highlight some of the shops that inspire me and my children. 
I'm sure there are many more that could be featured here on this list. And, if you know of others that others should know about, please leave a link in the comments! Remember with these shops, it's important to shop early if you want to receive your materials before the holidays. 
This post contains affiliate links at no cost to you. For the Home 1. Floor Cushion - these look so cozy for reading, cuddling and playing! 
2. Montessori Activity Trays - these are so great for setting up work for your home. 
3. Wooden Art Organizers - These are so lovely and a great way to promote order in your space. 
4. Wooden Utensil Tray - I have waited so long to find …

The Montessori math curriculum is one incredible part of a Montessori education. From concrete to abstraction, children use hands on mathematical materials to learn the ins and outs of mathematics. In this week's episode, Nicole and Amy dive into the world of Montessori math explaining a little about how it works, why it works, and how we support our children's mathematical minds at home. 
This post contains affiliate links at no cost to you.  Show Notes...Math Works: Montessori Math and the Developing BrainInfo Montessori MathNumber RodsSensitive Periods from Birth to 6 - A Chart and GuideSandpaper NumeralsGolden BeadsStamp GameSmall Bead FrameLarge Bead FrameGolden Bead (Flat) FrameMontessori Finger ChartsMontessori Addition Strip Board Racks and TubesHierarchical MaterialCheckerboardSpindle Box DIYCards and CountersPegging Number BoardsTiny Polka Dot GameCount Your ChickensHaba Orchard GameAubrey Hargis Color Bead DIYTraditional Montessori Bead BoxMath At Their Own PaceFracti…

One of my favorite parts of being at home with my Elementary aged children this year have been the Great Lessons! The five great lessons are foundational to the Montessori Elementary scope and sequence. They speak to the needs of elementary students in a way that engages their academic learning and sparks creativity. It's through the great lessons that children dive into science, history, mathematics, social studies, and so much more. Children return to these lesson each year for their six years of elementary, and can dive deeper into areas of interest over those times. The first lesson focuses on the creation of the universe, the second on the coming of life, the third on the coming of man, the fourth on the history of writing, and the fifth on the history of mathematics. 

I don't know how long we'll homeschool at this point. The plan is just for this year, so I knew that I needed to do the Great Lessons but didn't necessarily want to invest in a ton of new materials i…