March is Women’s History Month

This month we bring you a book list that will help families celebrate women’s history.  These are powerful times for women, and many people are turning to literature to celebrate their strength and accomplishments.  Children’s literature has played a large role in this movement as well.

Did you enjoy last month’s book about Wangari Maathai and want to learn more about the Nobel Peace Prize winner?  Do you love the lyrical writing and unique illustrations the Pinkneys bring to their books?  Just looking for a diverse collection of biographies to educate our littlest feminists?  We’ve got you covered...

(Click on the book image to go to the book's page on Amazon)

Amelia and Eleanor Go For a Ride by Pam Munoz Ryan, illustrated by Brian Selznick

Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt were good friends.  They shared common traits of independence and fearlessness.  This story takes readers through an evening in which they snuck out of a fancy dinner and into a plane.  They flew off on a spontaneous adventure together, unaffected by what people thought they should be doing.

Seeds of Change: Wangari’s Gift to the World by Jen Cullerton Johnson, illustrated by Sonia Lynn Sadler

Not only was Wangari a powerful woman herself, but she was a champion for women’s rights.  Upon returning to her native Kenya and seeing the land destroyed by deforestation (ultimately negatively impacting the lives of many women and families), she worked hard to make change.  She taught the women to plant new trees, how to repair their land, and how to rebuild their lives.

Two Friends: Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass by Dean Robbins, illustrated by Selina Alko

This book is a wonderful introduction to civil rights for younger children.  Based on the real, supportive friendship between Anthony and Douglass, readers will explore the history of the fight for equality in our nation.  At the time, women and African Americans found themselves fighting for many of the same rights, and this book explores the quiet, peaceful moments in between the hard work. 

I Am Jane Goodall by Brad Meltzer illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos

Meltzer’s series of biographies are written and illustrated in the style of a graphic novel.  Readers will learn about Goodall’s fascination with animals as a child, following her on her journey toward her famed work with chimpanzees.  This book is perfect for children who love animals, adventure, and following their heart!

Georgia’s Bones by Jen Bryant

Even as a child, Georgia noticed things about her world that others didn’t.  She looked not only at the shapes of things, but the spaces between them.  She was always picturing what might lie beneath the obvious, and honed in on details that others missed.  It was this unique perspective of the world that led her to be one of the most celebrated artists in history.

Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney

This story is narrated by fictional “Scat Cat Monroe”, a music appreciating feline that takes readers through the story of Ella Fitzgerald’s rise to jazz stardom.  The writing itself is organized into tracks on an album, rather than into chapters, and the illustrations are gorgeous.

Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx/La juez que creció en el Bronx by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Edel Rodriguez

This book narrates Sotomayor’s childhood in the Bronx and her path toward becoming the first Latin American Supreme Court justice.  Readers learn how hard work and dedication can ultimately lead us to great things.  As a bonus, each page is written in both english and spanish.

The Librarian of Basra: A True Story From Iraq by Jeanette Winter

Alia Muhammad Baker was a librarian in Iraq.  The onset of war led her to seek any means possible to protect the valuable resource that was her community’s collection of library books.  With Baker’s determination, courage, and the support of some friends and neighbors, she was able to do just that.

Celia Cruz, Queen of Salsa by Veronica Chambers illustrated by Julie Maren

“She looked like a girl and talked like a girl, but everyone who met her agreed, she sang like a bird.”  This lovely book tells the story of Cruz’s childhood in Havana, and how she became one of the most recognized salsa singers of all time.  

The Girl Who Ran: Bobbi Gibb, The First Woman to Run the Boston Marathon by Kristina Yee and Frances Poletti, illustrated by Susanna Chapman

Sometimes, for the sake of progress, rules must be broken.  Sometimes listening to our hearts is more valuable than listening to the expectations of others.  This tale reminds readers to question why we have rules that hold back some people, and how the bravery of one can change the rules for all.

May this month’s reading be filled with bravery, adventure, and a healthy dose of reverence for women who have paved the way!

What Your Child Will Really Get Out of Montessori

Is it really worth it?

I mean, why should you spend the time, effort, and money to find an authentic Montessori program for your child? Wouldn’t it be easier to just find a good, basic preschool?

For me, the answer is easy - enrolling my children in a Montessori program was one of the best decisions I made as a parent. But, then again, I am a bit biased!

For most parents, however, the question remains: “What will my child really get out of attending a Montessori school?”

Why Your Background Matters

I’m going to go out on a limb - my guess is that you did not attend a Montessori school when you were a child.

This isn’t a problem, of course. You turned out just fine. But, as you consider early education options for your child, your own educational experiences can make the decision a bit difficult.

At first glance, Montessori classrooms don’t look familiar to most people. There are no rows of desks, no blackboards, and no teaching to the entire class. Parents are often intrigued by the peaceful, calm environment and the hum of activity, with young children choosing their own activities and concentrating deeply for long periods of time.

Montessori is so different, however, from traditional programs that it’s natural to leave a bit perplexed. I mean, what is really going on here?

How Other Preschools have it So Easy

I’ll admit it: When I was the Admissions Director I was a bit jealous that most preschools didn’t have to spend a lot of time explaining to parents what they do. The goal of the program is clear - to prepare children for a conventional kindergarten program. 

In a conventional school, your child will need basic academic skills, so they focus on “pre-reading and pre-math” with workbooks, flashcards, and rote memorization. Think ABC and 1-2-3.

In a conventional school, your child will need to adjust to the schedule of a traditional school, so they have activities where everyone does the same thing at the same time. Think group art projects where your child will learn to color within the lines.

In a conventional school, your child will need to learn how to pay attention to one teacher speaking to the group. Think circle times with one teacher talking to all the children together.

There is nothing wrong with this, of course. In a Montessori classroom, however, we believe your child deserves an education that focuses on all aspects of him as a human being.

How Montessori is Different: A Three Word Answer

Education for life.

Rather than just preparing your child for the next step in school, we seek to support his academic, social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual development.  We want him to be successful at life in the future, not just in kindergarten.

Take a second to imagine your child twenty years from now. What skills will he need to be successful in college, his chosen profession, and in life in general?

Here is a primer. He will need to:

• Know how to regulate his behavior

• Control his impulses

• Learn to plan and strategize

• Hone the ability to problem solve

• Learn to be flexible and course-correct when necessary

• Learn to take initiative

• Develop responsibility

• Engage in depth-based thinking requiring long periods of concentration

• Work collaboratively with peers on projects

Researchers who study the traits of successful adults coined the term for these skills: “executive functions”.

These executive function skills, which are so important to life’s success, must be continually developed, day in and day out, or else they will not materialize. They result from the way an activity is done and the time spent doing it – pushing oneself to do better and better.

The Link Between Montessori and Executive Functions

Research comparing children attending inner-city Montessori schools with those attending traditional schools was conducted by University of Virginia professor, Dr. Angeline Lillard, and was published in the prestigious journal, Science, in September 2006.  

The result?

Montessori students rated higher on “executive function skills”- skills like selective attention, self-control, problem-solving, reasoning and not getting into trouble.

On behavioral and social tests, 5-year-old Montessori children scored higher than their peers from conventional schools, showing that they had a greater sense of fairness and justice; out on the playground, they were more likely to engage more in emotionally positive play with their peers and less in roughhousing.

And, yes, your child will still be ready academically for elementary school, whether in Montessori or any other program. The same study found that among the 5-year-olds who were studied, Montessori children were better prepared to enter first grade with stronger reading and math skills than children in traditional schools.

The Choice is Yours

Is Montessori worth it? You decide. You, as the parent, are charged with raising your child in the best way you see fit. What do you value? What kind of adult do you want your child to become? There is a multitude of options available to you. Think carefully and choose well.

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Camille Campbell is one of the founders and the former Admissions Director at Hollis Montessori School. Her two daughters are Hollis Montessori graduates and are now thriving in college.

Why Encourage Self-Directed Play?

Perhaps you’ve heard about self-directed play, also known as open-ended play.  Maybe you haven’t.  It may seem like a recent trend, but the truth is the concept is nothing new.  Plus, the benefits are extensive.

Once you understand the reasons for encouraging our children to engage in self-directed play, and you have a basic understanding of how to try it at home, it’s simple!

Bonus: self-directed play embraces many Montessori ideals.

What, exactly, is self-directed play?

If your child is using simple toys in creative ways with no adult-directed outcome, there’s a good chance they’re already engaging in self-directed play.

Many of the toys available today are intended for a specific purpose.  Let’s consider, for example, a doll.  Sure, a child can embark on some imaginative play with it, but a doll will always be a doll.  The same goes for a small toy train or a plastic dinosaur.  This is not to say there is anything wrong with these toys, but the ways in which children can use them are limited by their nature.

Now let’s consider a cardboard tube.  The possibilities are endless!  The tube could be a telescope one minute and a megaphone the next.  It could be a log, a bridge, or something to guide a ball through.  Materials we offer children for self-directed play are simple.  Think balls, cardboard tubes, sticks, scarves, playdough...the list goes on. 

When children embark on self-directed play, it’s important for adults to remember that the children are the ones calling the shots (within safe boundaries, of course!).  It is our natural tendency to have pre-determined ideas of what the outcome of a certain activity should be.  We often, instinctually, feel the need to jump in and teach children the “right way” to do things.  Give yourself permission to step back.  When we observe the the way in which children discover their own outcomes, it can be magical to see the process from a new viewpoint.  

How can self-directed play benefit children?

• It builds self confidence.  By exploring on their own, children realize there is so much they can do for themselves.  They make their own games with their own rules, and they feel successful.  
• It encourages independence.  Isn’t our ultimate goal for children that they might be able to get along just fine without us?  Self-directed play lets them experience independence from a young age, all while in a safe, prepared environment.
• It stimulates imagination.  Children can’t help but be creative during self-directed play.  By giving them these opportunities, we are allowing them to flex their creative muscles; they will see possibilities no one else has imagined, and they will develop their own story lines as they play.
• It teaches problem-solving.  Coming up with one’s own rules naturally leads to problem solving.  Children will have to figure out how to make something work the way they want it to.  
• It allows children to learn at their own pace.  With self-directed play, there is no timeline and there are no academic benchmarks to meet.  Kids have the opportunity to build on their own knowledge, day after day, in ways that make sense to them.
• It cultivates internal motivation.  Without adults defining the success of an activity, children will be compelled to find the innate joy in their play.  They will naturally tend to challenge themselves to try new, innovating ideas, and they will find their own personal delight in doing so.

Getting started at home

If you’re feeling ready to give self-directed play a try in your home, consider these tips to get you started:

Materials/Toys - Remember, these should be simple.  As an added benefit, simple toys tend to be much easier to obtain and far less expensive (and often free!).  If possible, toys should be made of natural materials.  Think wood, fabric, and items found in nature; avoid plastic if possible.  As mentioned above, collect toys that can be used for any number of possibilities.  Things like balls, scarves, blocks, boxes, sticks, or clay are great.  Some people like to collect trays of loose parts to leave out for children.  Loose parts trays might include pebbles, seashells, buttons, bits of string, pieces of tree bark...whatever looks (and feels) interesting!

Prepare the Environment - Make sure children have a safe, open space in which to play.  Depending on your home and the weather, this could be your living room, backyard, or whatever space works for your family.  It’s important to make sure children have flexibility in their movement though, so make sure they can sit, stand, jump, roll, and explore!

Sit Back and Enjoy! Another great benefit to self-directed play is that because children can engaged on their own, you are free to spend time checking off your own to-do list.  But feel free to sit nearby or even alongside your child if you wish.  Just remember to let them take the lead and explore their world and imagination.

A New Look at 529 Plans

As you likely know, our nation recently passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.  One portion of the reform bill gives additional benefits to families with 529 plans.  What was once savings earmarked solely for college tuition can now be used for private school tuition - as early as kindergarten.  

Curious about how you can utilize this new benefit?  Want to explore 529 plans for the first time?  We are here to help.

What are 529 plans?

A 529 plan is a special savings plan originally developed to help families save money for college while earning tax-free interest.  Money put into the plan is subject to regular income taxes before it is deposited into the account.  If the money is used for tuition upon withdrawal, no additional taxes will be taken out.  (There are taxes and additional fees imposed should the money be used for other purposes.)  

Plans are managed by individual states, and each state selects an administrator to broker investments in the plans.  Some people choose to open plans directly, while others seek the assistance of financial advisors.  Most families open plans through their own state of residence, but that’s not a requirement.  You can open a 529 plan in other states.

What are the new benefits?

Previously, the purpose of 529 accounts was to provide families with a strong, long-term savings option for higher education.  As of January 1, 2018, those benefits have extended significantly.

Now, families are able to use up to $10,000 annually from their 529 accounts to cover the cost of tuition for K-12 private schools.  

If you already have a 529 account and you’ve had a chance to let the interest accrue, it may be beneficial to use some of those savings now.  If you have not yet started a plan but think you might like to, now is a good time to take another look.  There are a variety of options for families, depending on the age of your child and other factors.

How can I set up an account?

Following these steps will simplify the process:

1. Decide on a beneficiary (likely your child, though the account may be transferred to a different beneficiary later).
2. Gather the address, social security number, and date of birth of the beneficiary.
3. Work with an investor to determine which account is best for you.  You may choose an age-based option taking into consideration what amount of risk you are comfortable with: there are conservative, moderate, and aggressive plans.  Additionally, you can custom-select from individual portfolios.
4. Have your bank account information (account and routing numbers) handy to set up transfers.

For more detailed information on New Hampshire’s plan (managed by Fidelity) go to: https://www.fidelity.com/go/529-New-Hampshire/overview

Montessori Basics: What is the Montessori work period?

You may already know a bit about the Montessori work period, also known as the work cycle.  What exactly is it, and why is it so important?

A Montessori work cycle is an uninterrupted block of time.  During this time children are able to explore the prepared environment and engage with materials of their own choosing.  The time is meant to give them opportunities to enjoy the work they love, while also cultivating basic life skills.

How long?

The length of a work cycle varies depending upon the age group and the school.  Most classes typically have a three hour morning work period most mornings.  Some other general guidelines to keep in mind for different age levels:

Toddler classrooms: 1-2 hours each day

Primary/early childhood classrooms: 2-3 hours most mornings, additional time in the afternoon for 4 and 5 year olds.

Elementary: 2-3 hours most mornings and another 2-3 hours most afternoons

What are the goals?

When we give children this time, we do so in an effort to assist their development.  The work cycle helps children:

• Become more independent
• Strengthen their ability to focus
• Find joy with the materials
• Feel deep satisfaction with their work

What exactly do children do during this time?

While it looks slightly different at different levels, there is always some combination of most students working independently while teachers give individual or small group lessons.  Great care is taken to not interrupt children while they are working, showing them the respect that this time and their exploration deserves.

In primary/early childhood classrooms, lessons are given mostly to individuals.  Children move around the classroom selecting work of their choosing.  They may work on a table or the floor, with a special rug laid out beneath them.  After selecting a work from the shelves, they bring it carefully to the workspace of their choosing, and use the material as they have previously been taught.  Children know they are responsible for putting the materials back neatly and selecting their next work independently.  At this age, children are typically focused on their own work and may engage in what is called ‘parallel play’.  This can be seen as defined working and playing beside one another while focused on their own individual work.

At the elementary level the basic structure is the same, but teachers honor the developmental need for more socialization in children of this age.  Lessons are more often given in small groups, and children prefer to work with one another.  While there is a great emphasis on choice and self-directed learning, children in elementary classrooms are expected to meet certain academic guidelines.  For example, a teacher may require that throughout the course of the day or week, a child must do work in all academic areas.  Teachers check in with students to make sure they are meeting these goals, and gently guide them with strategies to do so.

Regardless of the level, the work cycle gives children a chance to develop autonomy, make choices, and find genuine joy in their work.  Teachers hold this time as sacred, and it allows children to dive deeply into learning.

Check out this cool time lapse video that shows a four year old’s three hour work cycle in four minutes:

February is Black History Month!

It’s never too early to begin teaching our children about black history.  One simple way for families to start is by reading books that are compelling, beautifully illustrated, and age-appropriate.  Today’s post will give you a range of options.  Another great resource?  Your local librarian!  Ask them about these books or if they have any other suggestions:

(Click on the book images to go to the book's page on Amazon)

Follow the Drinking Gourd by Jeanette Winter

Peg Leg Joe teaches slaves a song about the drinking gourd to help them on their path to freedom.  Based on the African American folk song by the same name, this book takes readers on a journey through the underground railroad.

The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles, illustrated by George Ford

This true story takes place following the supreme court decision of Brown versus the Board of Education.  Ruby Bridges was ordered to attend first grade as the only African American child in an otherwise all white school.  She faced confusion and hate each day, but armed herself with love, compassion, and courage, helping a New Orleans community moved toward school integration.

Sit-in: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney

This book is appropriate for slightly older (elementary aged) children.  It tells the story of a famous sit-in, in which four college friends entered a Woolworth’s in Greensboro, North Carolina.  They sat down for lunch at the whites-only counter and waited patiently to be served.  Over the next several days, they were joined by hundreds, and the movement was instrumental in desegregating lunch counters in the south.

Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Kadir Nelson

This story is based on the life of Harriet Tubman.  Tubman was a slave in Maryland who escaped, only to make many trips back south in an effort to guide others to freedom.  

Wangari’s Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa by Jeanette Winter

Wangari Maathai, also known as Mama Miti, was an African woman who changed the ecological landscape and economic opportunities for women in Kenya.  While she was not an American, she did earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the United States.  Upon her return to Kenya, she was disheartened by the drastic change in the land and people as a result of deforestation.  Armed with her education and determination, she taught the women of Kenya to plant trees and rebuild their communities.

Sojourner Truth’s Step-Stomp Stride by Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Brian Pinkney

Sojourner Truth was born a slave named Belle.  She endured the cruelties of slavery with several masters, eventually escaping and renaming herself.  She spent the following years traveling the country speaking out as a powerful abolitionist.  Though the journey toward abolition was slow and challenging, Sojourner kept her steady pace and determination to speak for those without a voice.

When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson by Pam Munoz Ryan, illustrated by Brian Selznic

Marian Anderson was a renowned black singer who struggled for equality before the Civil Rights Movement began in the United States.  She was recognized for her natural talent as a young child, but struggled to find teachers who would help her refine her voice, and later, venues that would feature her as a performer, because of the color of her skin.  The earlier years in her career were spent largely in Europe, where she was more accepted.  She is perhaps most famous for a performance she gave on the steps on the Lincoln Memorial to an integrated crowd of 75,000 people. 

The Story of Martin Luther King Junior by Johnny Ray Moore, illustrated by Amy Wummer

This simple introduction to the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is perfect for primary-aged children.  The book is brief and easy for little ones to understand.  Consider it a great option for families who are looking to introduce their youngest children to the concepts of inequality in an age-appropriate way.

We March by Shane W. Evans

This simply written book takes readers through the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.  The march is perhaps best known for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, which was delivered at the end of the march.  Kirkus Review named this one of the best children’s books of 2012.

Happy reading!