Have you ever wondered what is most important in life? Do you ever feel concerned your children may lose sight of what is truly important or simply want to convey how important living in the moment is? If so, this is the children’s book that will put into your child’s words how important life is right now. In fact, it will probably lower your stress level while you read it! I have read many excellent books about Buddhism this past summer, and found this book (and author) when I was trying to convey to my children how we need to live in the now. Of course, this isn’t something children really have trouble with, but I’d like to think the story will stick to adulthood. Enjoy the watercolor beauty and story of Nikolai in this Zen book.

This game is very well made, it has excellent cards with titles, and is clear and easy to understand. My three-year old even has said, “I like indricothere.” If you would like some visual aid for your Montessori Great Lessons Timeline, I would highly recommend both the DVD and game. Please prescreen the DVD and make sure it is appropriate for your child. I was pretty surprised with some of the graphic shots in the preshistoric world.

Here is a link to BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sn/prehistoric_life/tv_radio/wwbeasts/

Here is our game:

This award-winning book features a pioneer father loading up the wagon, taking it to market, and selling it all. Cleverly written, the book leaves you wondering why he would sell every last thing, but quickly answers your curiosity. The cycle of seasons, starting in Autumn, is shown beautifully through folk art type illustrations and the nicely written story. My boys asked me to read it back to back. This story illustrates ones ability to live, survive, and thrive in pioneer times.

http://www.naturedetectives.org.uk/

Here is a link to the first lesson: http://missbarbara.net/thebeginning.html

Here is a photo of all of my story props.

Gathering it up was easy. The boys LOVED the big bang from the balloon (which they did themselves multiple times afterwords, and also when Dad got home). They helped put paper bits into water to see the forces at work, they poured the honey, oil, and water in the jar for shaking and seemed to enjoy the story a lot. I intend to read some titles this week to reinforce the Big Bang and the formation of our earth. I’ll share those titles as we read. I did notice the story seemed long and by the time we got to the volcano they didn’t much care about it. We have done tons of volcanoes already so perhaps they are just not as impressed any longer.

Upcycled Wool Tying Practice Pattern PDF

This title was a really fun find, because it expanded not only my children’s view, but also my adult view of exploration of the Americas. (I was pretty much under the impression Christopher Columbus was THE guy.) Twelve explorers are featured, each with a two page spread. Dotted lines mark their travels, illustrations help define their trails, dates are given, and there are even two pages with diagrams of explorer’s ships. This title is just fun and eye-opening. Who knew some many explorers had such hardships? How crazy it is that their determination led to such worldly changes?

http://www.montessorimaterials.org/math.htm

Here are the printed and used addition charts.

Children of the Universe Cosmic Education in the Montessori Elementary Classroom by Michael and D’Neil Duffy. This title focuses on the Great Lessons and Key Lessons of the Montessori Elementary Classroom. Chapter by chapter stories are presented with explanations of the diagrams and story telling materials that enhance the Great Lessons. There is also a chart at the back of the book featuring a schedule of when to present the stories, (but I’ll be darned if I can figure it out:))

Montessori Today: A Comprehensive Approach to Education from Birth to Adulthood by Paula Polk Lillard. This book starts at the birth of a child explaining how a Montessori approach would benefit and be used. This book is has only one chapter on the 3-6 age bracket, and about 100 pages of the book focus on the 6-12 year old. It talks about how your 6-12 year old will differ in needs and brain functions from the 3-6 year old and how you can educate them differently. Yes, storytelling and fantasy are embraced at this age level, who would have ever thought? The author talks about personal experience at her school with 6-9 and 9-12-year-old children, what a classroom day looks like, what the Great Lessons are for, and more.

Reading With Phonics by Hay Wingo. This is a complete reading and phonics book, filled to the brim with word lists for making all of your Montessori language work lists. It’s from the 1950′s and has some freaky clown illustrations, but the resource is amazing.

Teaching Montessori in the Home The School Years by Elizabeth Hainstock. This book is full of illustrations and step by step directions to teach your child all the Math and Language functions at the 6-9 level.