Establishing the Flow: Your Guide to a School Year Started Off Right

It’s that time of the year again. Over the course of the summer, and even with the best of intentions, some of our routines tend to dissolve and give way to relaxation and adventures. Which is great!

The school year is creeping closer, however. Now is the perfect time to consider what your family will do to prepare for the transition back.

Unless this is your child’s first year heading to school, you’ve probably been through and considered all this before, but it’s always nice to have a little refresher. Read on for our tips to make the start of the school year as smooth as possible for everyone.

Sleep

Perhaps the most important bit to consider, your child’s sleep schedule is critical to their success. There are three elements to focus on: how much sleep your child needs, when that sleep should take place, and the quality of sleep.

So just how much sleep does your child need? It depends on the individual, but age plays an important role. Here are the AAP's recommendations on how much sleep children should get within each 24 hour period. (Times include naps.)

12 - 16 hours

11 - 14 hours

10 - 13 hours

9 - 12 hours

8 - 10 hours

4 months - 1 year

1 - 2 years

3 - 5 years

6 - 12 years

13 - 18 years

Once you know how much sleep your child should be getting, and what amount works best for them, figuring out bedtime is as simple as counting back, considering factors like when you need to leave in the morning and how long it takes to get ready.

Is their desired bedtime nowhere near their current bedtime? Take the transition slowly. Start by having them go to sleep just 15 minutes earlier, then another 15 minutes earlier every few days until you reach your goal.

As for quality of sleep? That’s all about creating a relaxing environment. A darker, cool room works best, and establishing a regular and soothing bedtime routine will help them drift off to dreamland easier. Keep the routine the same each night, whether that includes a warm bath, reading, or even using a little lavender-scented spray.

Schedule

We touched on this above, but creating a regular schedule is really important. When children know what to expect, they are much better equipped to take on the day. There will certainly be moments and days when routines are interrupted, but if we prioritize them most of the time, children benefit greatly.

Every family is different, but consider what you want your morning to look like. Some questions that will help guide you in creating a schedule:

• What time should you leave the house to arrive comfortably at school/work?

• What tasks could be done ahead of time (perhaps the night before) to alleviate the morning rush?

• What is your child able to do independently, and what will they need help with?

The same basic concept goes for evening routines as well. As we mentioned in the section on sleep, a focus on calming rituals prepares your child’s mind and body for a restful night of sleep. If the steps remain the same night after night, bedtime will only become easier as the weeks pass by.

Emotions

It is totally normal for children (and even adolescents) to experience big emotions as back-to-school approaches. They may feel excited, anxious, apprehensive about being apart from you, as well as a wide range of other thoughts and feelings.

If your child feels distraught at all, it can be really hard for parents to see. For some of us, the natural reaction is to do whatever we can to minimize the concerns and help them move on. The very best thing we can do, however, is to acknowledge their feelings. When you notice behavior that is reflective of emotional tension, ask them how they’re feeling. If they’re very young, help them name their emotions. Acknowledge that these are normal ways to feel.

Validation is key here. Should we ease their fears a bit by talking about what to expect and addressing their concerns? Of course! But those talks may not erase their worries, and that’s okay. Let them know you recognize their emotions and that it’s okay to feel however they feel.

Parents can experience overwhelming emotions at this time, too. You may surprise yourself! If you’ve been able to spend extra time with your child all summer long, the thought of so much time apart can be hard (or not). Perhaps your child is starting in a new class or is beginning their final year and it has you thinking about how quickly they are growing up. Think of it as a great way to model what to do in the face of challenging feelings.

Expectations

Even with careful planning and the best of intentions, nothing ever goes quite as planned, especially when it comes to our children. Maybe the first day of school is creeping closer and you’re still struggling to get the kids into bed before 9:00. Maybe your eight-year-old is super nervous about starting at a new school. Maybe it’s a challenge to balance your own work schedule with morning drop-off.

Whatever you do, expect the unexpected. Know that we are here to support the children and families in our community. The first couple of weeks at school may be bumpy, they may be smooth, or (most likely) they’ll be somewhere in between. We hope you and your child are looking forward to the start of a new year, and we can’t wait to see you all again!

5 Things Montessori Parents DON’T Need to Do

Parenting. It’s one of the most incredible journeys available to the human experience. But in recent decades, it’s become a little bit more stressful. Between our evolving culture and the constant availability of information via the internet, parents are constantly bombarded with suggestions, studies, and opinions about what they must do in the best interest of their child.

Of course, we all know there isn’t just one perfect way of parenting. We all need to find our own way and the best way for our child. We know that it’s impossible to take all the advice, but it can still feel pretty overwhelming.

This article? It’s the complete opposite.

We want to let you know that it doesn’t all fall on the parents. There are plenty of things it’s totally fine (and actually a great idea) to let go, or at least fade in importance a bit. So, without further ado, here are five things Montessori parents do not need to do:

1. Purchase Montessori materials

We love the enthusiasm. It’s so beautiful when new-to-Montessori families want to go all-in and create a mini classroom at home. We love the thought behind it! We do think Montessori can translate into the home environment. Just...not with the classic materials.

Montessori materials should not be used in the home without a properly trained Montessori guide. There are two main reasons for this. First off, these materials were created to be used in a specific sequence and in very specific ways. There are special ways to present the materials, and teachers learn all of this when they attend their Montessori training courses.

The second reason is - there are so many other more enriching ways Montessori can be applied in the home! We encourage parents to learn about the philosophy and find ways it naturally fits into your everyday life. There’s no need to spend lots of money on fancy wooden learning materials. Let the materials remain in the classroom environment and allow the basic ideas of Montessori to trickle into the home and reverberate into the rest of the child’s life.

2. Focus on academics

Let us be totally clear: we are in no way saying that academics don’t matter. Quite the opposite! We know they matter.

In a high-fidelity Montessori school, the curriculum and methods support a very rigorous academic program. Children will be mastering advanced skills at younger-than-average ages. You will likely be astounded by what you see your own child learning.

It’s just that we don’t think that should be the only focus of school.

We are confident that our students will have appropriate and enriching academic opportunities, and they will also be held to appropriate expectations. We also know that learning is very much an individual process. It’s not linear, there will be plateaus, and there will definitely be unexpected twists and turns.

We trust that the child will arrive at the destination when they are supposed to. We also know that along the way we have many other important tasks: to support their social and emotional growth, to expose them to creative and artistic pursuits, to ensure sufficient time spent in nature, and to understand what it means to be a peaceful member of a community.

3. Hesitate to communicate

Throughout your child’s academic career, you will have lots of questions. That’s great! Regardless of what’s on your mind, we want parents in our community to always feel comfortable talking to us.

Teachers are busy people, but they are completely dedicated to the well-being of their students. So when they see an email, note, or voicemail from a parent, rest assured that they’re eager to get back to you.

We believe that education is a three-way partnership between the child, their parents, and our guides. Communication is the key to everything running smoothly.

So the next time you’re unsure about whether or not to reach out, please do! We are here to help.

4. Compare children

This is such an easy trap to fall into! Parents love to talk about their children, and we often find ourselves chatting with other parents. This inevitably leads us to notice what other people’s children are up to, and our minds can sometimes (naturally) compare that to what our own child is doing.

We all know this already, but it’s worth the reminder. Don’t compare your child to others! Child development varies widely, so what sometimes seems concerning to parents isn’t at all.

That child that started reading earlier than all the others? That doesn’t mean they’ll turn out to be a better reader than anyone else.

Your son is still wetting the bed at night but your daughter stopped years before? It’s completely normal.

Your child’s best friend is advancing quickly in math, while yours is frustrated at not being able to do the same work yet? Use this as an opportunity to explore the beauty of differences between people.

If we follow the child, we allow them to become the incredible, unique individual they are meant to become.

5. Homework!

One big perk in Montessori schools? There’s no homework!

Rather than spending hours struggling through Common Core math standards-based worksheets each night, you can play a board game together. Or go for a walk around your neighborhood. Or encourage your child to explore their own interests.

Our students work so hard throughout the regular school day, we see no need to continue that work in the evening at home. If adults are supposed to seek out a healthy work/life balance, shouldn’t it be the same for children?

Reading together each night? A great idea - and a way to bond. Working together on a long-term project? Yes! It’s fun, educational, and stress-free. Beyond that, we encourage you to embrace the benefits of your child not having any homework.

Are there any items on this list you think might be difficult to let go of? Are there any more we should add? Let us know what you think.

5 Ways to Support Summer Learning

Just because your child may be taking a break from school, that doesn’t mean their learning stops. Learning is a beautiful and continuous journey, and summer is a special opportunity for some families to spend a bit of extra time together. They may not have formal math lessons, botanical classifications, or grammar work over the next couple months, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t so much more to discover!

Here are five simple tips to help your child stay engaged and curious about their world over the coming months.

1. Follow the Child

Take the most essential Montessori mantra and let it guide you. Is your child into dinosaurs? Ancient civilizations? Animals? Whatever it is they feel passionate about lately, help them dive deeply into learning as much as they can about it. This may mean collecting books on the subject matter, helping them create projects, taking day trips to enhance their learning, or consulting online museum resources for ideas.

Not sure where to start? Pay attention to the types of activities your child gravitates toward naturally. Do they like to move their bodies a lot, or are they more likely to curl up in a quiet corner? Are they more interested in independent or cooperative work/play? Are they focused on precision and order or do they seem constantly sprawled out over a large area?

So much of a child’s inclinations have to do with their age and developmental phase, but a large portion is wholly individualistic. It may feel new to you, but try to slow down and notice. You may be struck by the insights you gain, and it will certainly point you in the right direction.

2. Make Memories

Whether you’re home all day or working extra hours, there are plenty of ways to make important connections with your child while incorporating a little learning. Vacations are nice, but children don’t need grand gestures to look back fondly on their summers. They probably won’t remember most of the little details of what you do together, but the emotions and feelings connected to those experiences will absolutely stick around.

A few ideas to get you started:

• Working late? Call and read a bedtime story over the phone.

• Plant a garden - even a mini container garden will do - and tend to it together daily. Notice the changes not only in the plants, but in the other creatures that begin to interact with them.

• Sing songs together.

• Cook together and involve your child in as many of the steps as is developmentally appropriate. There are endless practical life and math skills to be gained in the kitchen.

• Keep a journal or scrapbook together. Depending on your child’s age and interest, this could take on various forms.

3. Create a (Loose) Schedule

Lazy days stretching out endlessly feels gloriously freeing, but after a while, things can get a bit stale. Having a schedule - even if it’s a flexible one - can give children the structure they crave while making sure they have plenty of time to relax and explore. Make sure they get up and go to bed at regular times (even if those times are a bit later than during the school year). Keep any chores or expectations in place throughout the summer months.

Some families find having a weekly outline can take the guesswork out of making plans and give kids something to look forward to each day. Weather, appointments, or special events may necessitate changes from week to week, but that’s okay! Here’s a sample of what we mean:

• Mondays- Beach day

• Tuesdays- Library day

• Wednesdays- Have friends over

• Thursdays- Take a day trip

• Fridays- Art project

4. Spend Plenty of Time Outdoors

This will look different for every family, but everyone benefits from daily time spent in natural spaces. If you don’t have a lot of options locally, go with what you’ve got. If you’re lucky enough, mixing it up from week to week makes things interesting!

Local Parks - Many communities have small local parks. Your child might enjoy playing on a playground, running around in an open field, or maybe climbing a tree or two. Just being in green spaces is highly beneficial for kids physically, mentally, and emotionally. (Plus, all that spent energy might mean a good night’s sleep!)

State and National Parks - Larger parks offer different opportunities. Some may have kiosks that explain the unique features of the park, or even guide visitors toward points of interest. These are the types of places that families can visit again and again, discovering new things each time.

Hiking - Looking to revisit an old hobby or start a new one with your child? Hiking is a great activity with lots of health benefits that can be done pretty much anywhere. Whether you have access to mountains or you take a historic walk through a dense urban center, hiking creates endless learning opportunities as well.

Swimming - What more can we say about this? Swimming is a classic and fun way to cool down from the hot summer heat!

Your Yard - We mentioned gardening above; planting things that need daily care is one way to get outdoors. It can also be nice to encourage unstructured playtime outdoors. You might set up a sprinkler for kids to run through, or take out some bubbles or sports equipment. But, you might also just let them figure out what to do on their own. Even a small backyard presents infinite possibilities for the curious child.

5. Incorporate Reading

You’re probably not surprised to see this on our list! We encourage all families to find ways to work reading into their daily routines. A quick list of ideas:

• Go to the library once each week

• Read bedtime stories together (even with your preteens!)

• Use those hot, quiet, early afternoon hours as a time for everyone to rest with a book

• Let your child see you reading for pleasure

• Listen to audiobooks at home or in the car

• Read a book that was made into a movie - then watch the movie together! Discuss the similarities and differences

Hopefully this article has given you a few new ideas to try together this summer. Did we miss anything? Do you have more you would add to the list? Let us know!

How to Raise a Resilient Child

Resiliency, or the ability to recover after periods of hardship or difficulty, is a critical skill for us all to have. There are so many factors that contribute to a person’s levels of resilience, and it can be nurtured and strengthened at any age. In this post we take a closer look at how parents can help their children develop this important ability. (The good news is, you’re already doing at least some of it!)

Making Connections

Multiple researchers have concluded that one of the most important factors in a child’s ability to develop resilience is the connections they have with the adults in their lives. Even if a child has just one, stable, caring adult in their life that supports them no matter what, their ability to be resilient increases greatly.

Making other connections helps, too. It’s great for kids to learn how to form positive social interactions with adults other than their parents, as well as with their peers. We learn so much from the people around us, and having others to celebrate your victories with and to lean on when times are hard helps us all to bounce back.

Offer Choice Within Limits

Of course we’d say this! And it’s true...having a sense of autonomy and independence, while also feeling safe within the boundaries defined by a caring adult is a great recipe for success.

Children need structure. They need routines. They need to know what to expect. They need to have the feeling of security that comes with consistency. It takes a lot of hard work on the part of us as parents, but it is so important that we create these structures so that our children may explore their independence and autonomy within them.

As for the choice part? This can be seen in so many different ways. Kids can pick out their clothing, have input on what to eat, and be part of family fun-time decision making. They need to have the sense that they are in control of themselves. That sense of control helps to build confidence that will be immeasurably helpful in the future.

What might this look like?

Let your toddler pick out what color pants to wear.

Ask your preschooler whether they would rather brush their teeth or put their pajamas on first.

Let your elementary-aged child pack their own lunch - after you teach them what types of foods are needed for proper nutrition.

Remember that your adolescents who are begging for independence are also secretly craving boundaries; each child is different but make sure you are clear about what limits are important.

Have Fun!

At least one study found that a cognitively stimulating environment benefited children in the development of resiliency. Some quick ideas:

• Provide developmentally appropriate puzzles and board games

• Building toys (blocks, Legos, marble runs, etc.) are great for all ages

• Incorporate music into your home life

• Have some basic art supplies available

• Make physical activity fun and frequent

Stay Positive

Children who are able to frame life in a positive light are much more apt to be resilient, and positivity is best learned through modeling. If you are positive, your child will likely be as well.

This can be challenging during prolonged periods of stress, which every family is likely to experience at some point. Even during those times, find little ways to reflect on gratitude. One simple way is to emphasize the importance of a family dinner, and to each share something positive about the day. Even at the end of a bad day, a moment of reflection can help remind us all what we have going for us.

Teach Skills Proactively and As the Need Arises

What helps you stay afloat? Whether it’s exercise, deep breathing, meditation, hobbies, or staying in touch with friends (or probably a combination of many things), teach your child these skills. Taking time to care for ourselves is critical, and should be taught when children are young.

As your child gets older, you may notice specific needs arising. Address these as they come up, although sometimes it’s best to wait for a calm moment.

Remember, one of the most important facts in cultivating resilience is that a child has an adult in their life that consistently supports them. You’re already there, and you’re already doing that. We are so grateful for the amazing families in our community.

Do you have any more ideas you think we should share with families?

Want to learn more? Check out these great links:

Resilience in children and youth: A review

Fostering Resilience in Children. ERIC Digest.

Center for Developing Child - Resilience

Resilience guide for parents and teachers

5 Great Ways to Give This Spring

Research has shown time and again that giving boosts our own positive wellbeing and feelings of happiness. Read more about that here and here. As spring approaches, we are often reminded of new beginnings and we are filled with a new sense of energy and possibility. That’s why we thought this would be a perfect time to inspire our community to tap into their spirit of generosity. We share 5 simple ways to give, and we hope these ideas will be easy to incorporate as a family!

Let’s make the early days of spring a time of joy and connection - for everyone.

1. Connect with your community

Think locally. What are some needs in your local neighborhood, town, or city? Are there already groups in place that are working to find solutions to problems? Are there organizations that support your community that could use some support themselves? Once you figure out who or what you’d like to help, find out what would be the most helpful action your family could take, and what would be a meaningful experience for both you and your child. Some ideas to consider:

• Libraries

• Animal shelters

• Food pantries

• Community supported agriculture

• Nursing homes

• Land stewardship organizations

Volunteering your time together as a family will not only nurture your own sense of well-being but will strengthen relationships and strengthen your community.

2. Find small ways to make someone smile

This tip is possibly the easiest and has some pretty big payback. The goal here is just to complete a random act of kindness for someone you know, or even a stranger. While this could be a one-time action, you and your child may enjoy it so much you might decide to do it more often! A few ideas:

• Bake cookies for friends and family and leave them in their mailboxes

• Help an elderly neighbor with yard work

• Give a genuine compliment to a complete stranger

• Write a thank-you note to someone who works hard for others

• Pay for the person behind you in the drive-through

3. Give to the earth

This is the time of year many of us wake up to the incredible changes all around us. The grass is growing, flowers are blooming, and baby animals are being born everywhere. While the earth goes through its annual renewal, it’s a nice time for us to reflect on ways we might do work to help it along. Children are especially attuned to these efforts and there are many ways to get them involved.

The best part about this type of giving? You don’t even have to leave your own backyard. Simply participating in and taking a closer and more regular look at the ecosystem will be beneficial for everyone involved. Plant a garden, plant a tree, start composting, find ways to support pollinators, pick up trash in your neighborhood...the possibilities are endless.

If you have older children and are interested in expanding your horizons, you might participate in or organize a cleanup of a local park, greenspace, or waterway. Another option for teens might be to help with trail maintenance.

4. Create a list of worthy causes

Sometimes, a monetary gift is the best way to help an organization. We recognize that this is not an option that is available to everyone, and for those that are able to give financially, it might be $2 or $200. Consider what is possible for you and find ways to include your children! Some families encourage their children to give financially; others engage their children in the process of deciding who to give to.

There are many ways to go about this type of giving, but one idea might be to make a list of twelve organizations and give to one each month of the year. With the decision-making out of the way, you’ll get to look forward to each new month and the satisfaction we feel when contributing to a worthy cause.

5. Give to your school

We welcome any and all contributions. Some families are able to contribute financially, while others donate their time, talents, or resources.

There are also several ways for you to contribute just by doing your ordinary shopping and spending. Check out our Effortless Fundraising page for ideas.

We are always looking for volunteers. Perhaps you are interested in substitute teaching, organizing events, beautifying the campus, or helping our guides gather and create resources and learning materials? If this sounds appealing, check in with the Office or your child’s guide to learn more.

We are always looking for ways to form new partnerships that are helpful to everyone involved. Do you have a skill that might benefit the school? Contact the office to talk about ideas. Do you own a local business? Check out our Community Partnership program.

Giving might be as simple as an in-kind donation. Montessori families have given books for students, plants to beautify the campus, and building materials for special projects. We also happily accept donations for the auction at our annual Spring Gala. If you have a special idea or think you might be able to help out with any ongoing work around the school, please reach out and let us know. We would love to chat!

No matter how you decide to give of yourself, we hope you find ways to involve the whole family. By instilling a sense of altruism when our children are young, this important characteristic will carry them through well into adulthood. They will know the joy of helping others, and the effects will carry far beyond any single act.

6 Effective Ways to Be an Engaged Parent

Research has shown time and time again that parent involvement is critical to children’s success. We all want to take an active role in our child’s education, but sometimes it can be a challenge to discern just where our efforts are best spent. Below we touch on six critical areas that all parents can focus on to make a big difference.

1. Make connections

Consider the whole school community and make connections with others whenever possible. This usually starts early, with your child’s teacher. Let them know who you are, reach out whenever you have questions or concerns, and ask them how you might best support their work in the classroom.

Connections can also be made with school administrators. You likely met these folks during the admissions process, but it’s always nice to say hello and touch base when you can offer support or have positive feedback.

Do you have a passion for art? Check in with your child’s art teacher just for conversation or to help out. Feeling social? Introduce yourself to other parents in the school community. Any time we connect with others we strengthen the community as a whole, which is a great thing for everything involved.

2. Volunteer

Schools always need help. Whether it be to organize a fundraiser, read to a class, offer your talents or services, or maybe even fill in as a substitute teacher, we would love to have you join us. We completely understand that most parents have busy schedules, and that not everyone is comfortable with every type of volunteering, but we encourage all families to contribute in whatever ways they can.

Looking for more ways to volunteer your time and efforts? We encourage you to join our parent teacher organization. This group is critical to the ongoing success and support of our students, classrooms, and the school as a whole.

3. Keep learning

As educators, we consider ourselves to be lifelong learners. We work hard to cultivate a joy of learning in the children we teach, so that they may carry that passion for knowledge with them throughout their lifetimes. We hope that the families we serve feel the same way.

Montessori education is unlike any other method of learning and teaching. In order to fully support your child’s growth and learning, it really helps if you as a parent prioritize learning what you can about Montessori. By understanding more about child development, our methods, and why Montessori does things differently, you will have a deeper understanding of what goes on during your child’s school day, and you will find more nuanced ways to support them at home.

“Keep learning” isn’t just about Montessori, either. We believe all humans should stay curious. If your child sees you nurturing your own passions and seeking out new information regularly, you are setting an example that will stick with them for a lifetime. So take time out to learn more about whatever interests you, and share your enthusiasm with the whole family when it strikes.

4. Support learning at home

Learning doesn’t just take place within the confines of a classroom; it happens everywhere. Children spend a huge portion of their time at home, and while the home is a multi-purpose environment, it can also support children’s learning. We don’t mean you should go out and purchase Montessori materials (in fact, we don’t advocate doing so without specialized training). There are plenty of simple and small ways to support learning. Our bet is you’re likely already doing many of these! A few ideas:

• Keep plenty of books and magazines around. Source your local library and second-hand bookstore to keep things fresh! Trading with friends is another fun idea.

• Play board games together. Not only does this give everyone a chance to connect, but many games have elements of learning embedded into the fun.

• Spend time in the kitchen. There are so many important skills to be gained, from practical life to fractions.

• Emphasize toys that make kids think. Instead of the flashing, battery-powered variety, think about more open-ended options. Art supplies, blocks, colorful scarves, and even sets like marble runs keep kids entertained and thinking.

• Read together. Again, this is a great way to connect while building all sorts of literacy skills.

5. Consider different forms of advocacy

It won’t come as a surprise when we say that parents are their children’s strongest advocates. Whether your child is struggling in academic or social skills, when they’re young they count on you to convey this information to other adults. Open communication is key, and it helps to recognize that children often have very different experiences at home and school. If you have concerns about your child, address them with their teacher early, and stay connected to discuss progress.

It is very important for us to note that you will not be able to advocate for your child forever. One of the hallmarks of Montessori education is to nurture children’s independence, and we count on parents to help us in this endeavor. We want to teach our children to advocate for themselves, so as soon as they are able, we should encourage them and teach them how to speak up for themselves.

Do they wish they had more challenging math work? Talk them through how they might ask their teacher. Are they struggling with another child on the playground? Go over various options and scenarios with them so they know how they might try and solve the problem in the future.

Our children need us to stand up for them, but ultimately, they need us to teach them to stand up for themselves.

6. Attend events

Being an involved member of the community is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support your child and their school. We want to again acknowledge that families are busy and not everyone can attend every event, but we hope you will join us whenever possible. 

Some events are education, while others are meant to be just fun. Either way, they are a great way to build and strengthen connections.

We want to thank you for being a valued member of our community. Having different voices and perspectives is part of what makes our school strong, and we are grateful to all of you for everything you do to support us and your children!