Book List: Books About Trees

It’s hard to imagine our world without trees. Silent and towering, they give us far more than we give them. Our children have a natural fascination with trees, from the time they are very young. This week we celebrate these magnificent plants with a list of books that we hope will inspire and cultivate awe and the desire to give trees the care and love they deserve.

Trees by Carme Lemniscates

Lemniscates’ stunning illustrations are the star of this book for young children. Infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children will enjoy the simple text and the basic plot of trees changing during different seasons. 

Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf by Lois Ehlert

This book has been loved by generations of children. In lieu of more typical illustrations, Ehlert utilizes interesting materials to create collage on each page. Children will learn important factual information about the lives of trees, specifically within the context of the narrator’s beloved sugar maple. 

Maple by Lori Nichols

Maple is the name of a young girl, but it is also the type of tree her parents planted in celebration when she was born. Maple and her tree grow up together, and as an only child, her tree often serves as a trusted companion. Maple does not remain an only child forever, and her trusty tree helps ease her into sisterhood (with baby Willow).

Who Will Plant a Tree? by Jerry Pallotta, illustrated by Tom Leonard

Renowned children’s author Jerry Pallotta created this book to teach young children how many living things unknowingly help plant seeds. Tom Leonard’s illustrations help convey the various ways seeds might hitch a ride: stuck to fur or feathers, buried, dropped, pushed along in the water, and (much to children’s delight) pooped out. 

The Lumberjack’s Beard by Duncan Beedie

This adorable book will have readers giggling for sure, but it also conveys an important message. A lumberjack inadvertently displaces several animals from their homes, and after inviting them to live in his beard for a while, he experiences a change of heart and goes about righting his wrongs.

The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest by Lynne Cherry 

A young man enters the rain forest intent on cutting down a kapok tree. Lulled to sleep by the heat of the jungle, he rests against the tree’s trunk for a nap. While he sleeps, various animals whisper their pleading requests that he reconsider. When he awakes, finding himself surrounded by those he dreamed about, he decides to leave the tree (and all those who rely on it) alone. 

Wangari’s Trees of Peace: A True Story From Africa by Jeannette Winter

Wangari grew up “...under an umbrella of green trees in the shadow of Mount Kenya in Africa.” She was fortunate enough to have an excellent education, eventually traveling to the United States to earn degrees in biology and science (as well as advanced degrees in Germany and Kenya). Upon returning home to Kenya, she was shocked to find the trees she once loved had vanished. Ignoring the naysayers, she taught the women of Kenya to plant one tree at a time, creating economic independence for families and restoring the natural state of her beloved nation.

The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever by H. Joseph Hopkins, illustrated by Jill McElmurry

Born in the mid-nineteenth century, Kate Sessions adored trees. She grew up surrounded and inspired by them. She attended UC Berkeley, where she was the first woman to receive a degree in science. A move to San Diego, which was mostly barren in terms of trees at the time, inspired her life’s work. With the cooperation of city officials she began planting a wide variety of trees, some of which remain to this day. Sessions transformed both the landscape of the city and the perspectives of its people.

Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Trees by Patricia Daniels

Created specifically for children, this field guide is filled with enticing illustrations, diagrams, photographs, and helpful information. Beginning with some important general information about trees, the book covers a wide variety of the more popular trees one might encounter. Created by Daniels for National Geographic Kids, this book is an excellent option for kindergarten and early lower elementary children.

Peterson Field Guides to Eastern Trees and Western Trees

Peterson’s field guides are, in our opinion, some of the best available. If your child is interested in trees, or if you would like to try identifying some near you, these books will prove to be invaluable. Montessori children are accustomed to classifying and identifying various organisms due to their in-depth study of biology; field guides are an excellent resource to support curious learnings and those who love nature.

Why Choose Montessori?

We know parents have choices when it comes to their children’s education. We know these choices are not easy. There are many factors to weigh, but we hope this article will help you make an informed decision at least as far as Montessori is concerned. Montessori education has been successfully serving children and families around the world for over a century. The basics remain - and for good reason. Our methods are consistently backed by current research in education and human development. As we move forward into a new future, we believe Montessori has what it takes to prepare children.

Montessori Meets Children Where They Are, Without Judgement

Conventional methods of education were developed specifically to prepare large numbers of children to enter the workforce. Traditionally, little thought has been given to differentiating instruction or catering to the needs of individual children. That has been changing in recent years, but many schools are still in the early years of personalizing education.

Montessori schools are specifically designed to allow each child to move at their own pace. We know that learning is not linear, and that children are not ready to learn specific skills according to an adult-prepared timeline, or in perfect harmony with their peers. Kids who need more support with certain skills get that support, and those who are ready to move ahead are able to find the challenges they crave. We do not teach a whole class of children the same skill at the same time; that may seem more efficient from the perspective of an adult tasked with teaching, but it’s not necessarily what serves the children the best. No two people should be expected to grow at the same rate, and it’s our job as educators to meet children where they are and give them the support they need to get where they want to be.

Montessori Emphasizes More Than Just Academics

Lots of people use the phrase ‘teaching to the whole child’ but in Montessori schools we mean that on a very deep level. We do not teach just to convey academic information. In fact, academics share equal emphasis with our efforts to develop other aspects of the child, including emotional, social, sensorial, and practical life development. We integrate the arts and movement into everything our children do, rather than isolating these areas of study into a separate class. We intentionally teach children how to navigate and resolve conflict and how to adhere to grace and courtesy social norms. 

Our greatest task is, we believe, to give children a global view of the world. We want them to understand the interconnectedness of all things so that they may be fully integrated members of their greater community as they grow and mature.

...But The Academics Are a Huge Strength 

The above mentioned being said, Montessori academics are often hailed as some of the highest standards there are. It is not uncommon to see four-year-olds in our schools reading, six-year-olds completing long division problems, and nine-year-olds classifying botanical specimens. These tasks are completed joyfully, in part because we present information in such a way that children discover it for themselves rather than passively taking in facts given by an adult.

Another reason Montessori students seem to work at an advanced academic level is because of what we call sensitive periods. Through years of observation, Dr. Maria Montessori noticed that young children seemed primed and particularly interested and ready to develop certain skills during very specific time periods. While, of course, there is variation between individual children, she noticed some general patterns that have helped us develop our curriculum. One interesting example is that of the study of geometry. Many of us were first exposed to the subject during our high school years, when it turns out that primary- and elementary-aged children are not only interested in geometry, but have a great capacity to learn far more than we typically give them credit for. This is why you may hear your five-year-old talking about rectangular prisms, or your seven-year-old discussing the differences between isosceles, right, and scalene triangles.

Our Schools Cultivate Community

A Montessori school is more than just a school. First and foremost we are there for our students, but we believe schools have the capacity to be so much more. We aim to make meaningful connections between everyone involved. Some of the ways we do this include:

• Giving our guides opportunities to connect with one another for development

• Encouraging our guides to form connections within the larger Montessori network

• Making sure parents and guides have ample time to discuss the child’s growth and needs

• Providing opportunities for parents to form relationships with one another

• Supporting families via parent education offerings

• Gathering as a whole school periodically

• Forming bonds between children at different levels

• Reaching out to make connections with the local community

• Giving our educators and families a voice in school decision making

We also believe that it is our job to take the guesswork out of making these types of connections. We aim to build in structures that make it simple for everyone to find commonalities and open streams of communication seamlessly.

Montessori Aims to Lift Up Humanity

We know. This is quite the lofty goal. From the very beginning, Dr. Montessori saw it as her mission to improve the world through education. She believed that by giving children the honor and respect they deserved, the benefits would trickle through to families, the community, and society in general. She believed in equality of all people, and saw that education has the potential to be a great leveler. 

Montessori schools aim for peace. This starts between individuals, and teaching our youngest students how to be kind and gracious toward one another. A great respect for the environment and other living beings is another important aspect of our work, as is a reverence for the wide diversity of cultures around the globe. Combined, these elements are meant to cultivate within the child a respect for themselves and others, as well as a desire to ensure connection and fairness for all.

We hope this article has been helpful. To continue the conversation, connect with us for a chat or to schedule a tour. We look forward to meeting you.

Summer Learning: Finding a Balance

Families typically undergo a period of transition between the end of the school year and summer vacation. This year’s transition will certainly look very different than most, but it’s still there. We are here to support you as you figure out a balance between learning and relaxing. This will look different for every family, but finding ways to meet the needs of both children and parents doesn’t need to feel impossible.

In what areas does your child need support?

After spending a bit of time this spring working with your child at home, you likely have a pretty good idea about what their strengths and weaknesses are. While summer is a great time to ease up on academics, it’s perfectly fine to spend a little time focusing on skills that your child could use a little extra support with.

Some tips to keep work light, fun, and effective:

• Identify reasonable goals. Your child’s teacher is a helpful person to consult with on this.

• Decide how much time to spend each week. Fifteen minutes each day? Ten minutes three days a week? A bit longer for an older child? Keep it brief but consistent.

• Make it fun. If your child is dreading the work, they’re not going to get a whole lot out of it. Find ways to integrate skill building into other activities, or again, consult your child’s teacher for ideas.

• In lieu of traditional praise, reframe your observations. Instead of saying, “Good job!” say, “I notice you worked really hard on that. How do you feel?” This practice will cultivate internal motivation rather than a desire to work to please others.

What are some simple things you can do for maintenance?

Let’s say your child is a strong reader. If they don’t spend much time reading all summer long, that strength is likely to fade somewhat. It’s important to find stress-free ways to keep skills sharp over the next several months. Again, keep it light, fun, and brief. Pay attention to your child and let their enthusiasm be your guide. If they love to read, make sure to carve out a bit of time each day for them to do that. If math is fun for them, make up word problems that have to do with your daily life or ask them to help you figure out real-life problems. Is science and nature more their thing? What better time than summer to explore and learn!

How might you enrich daily life?

Before we jump into the possibilities for enrichment, we would like to remind you to keep your expectations manageable. If you have your own work to attend to, or are dealing with family or health issues, coming up with creative fun for your child may have to wait, and that’s okay. When you have a few spare moments, make sure there are plenty of independent options for your child around the house: dishes and snacks within reach, high-interest games and toys available, art supplies, puzzles, and books are all great ways to encourage your child to enjoy their time independently when your attention has to be elsewhere.

That being said, if you do have some more time to spend together as a family, consider how you might want to spend it.

• Get your creative juices flowing and try out some family art projects.

• Spend time outdoors! Here are some helpful tips for doing so during the pandemic.

• Head to the kitchen and cook together. Here are some fun and simple recipes.

• Work in some regularly scheduled fun. Friday movie nights? Pizza on Wednesdays?

• Explore your interests. Whether you and your child love art, music, birds, or soccer, have fun learning together. 

Should the routine be different?

Yes... and no. Summer is a great time to loosen up and relax the rules a little bit. Children still need basic schedules to help them feel grounded and safe, but that doesn’t mean they can’t stay up late one Tuesday night to do some stargazing. You may have specific screen time rules as a family, but it’s okay if you wake up one rainy morning and all decide to stay in your pajamas and watch tv. While it might sound completely counterintuitive, remember two things:

1. Your child needs structure and routine. Don’t throw that away completely just because it’s summer.

2. It’s summer. It’s okay to make some adjustments and flex those rules once in a while.

What do children really need right now?

We have all been through a lot in recent months. We know you already know this, but what your child needs most is to have you be there for them. They need to know you love them and will support them. You are the certainty during uncertain times.

As we all move forward defining our new normal, kids are still kids. They help us remember to have fun and enjoy the small things in each moment. They need us to slow down and do that with them. They need us to step away from chores and work on a puzzle with them. They need us to turn off the computer and help them dig a hole in the yard.

We all need to revel in our own little moments of joy. Let this be a summer to make a few memories together. 

How Do Montessori Guides Address Avoidance?

One of the top questions parents ask about Montessori is: How do teachers deal with children avoiding work they don’t want to do? This is a really important concern, and becomes increasingly so as children get older. Most families know Montessori centers on student choice, and it can be hard to envision that value working in conjunction with accountability. The good news is it’s something we take very seriously. In fact, our entire approach is based on the idea that we must teach children to develop strong work habits and encourage them to be driven by internal motivation rather than reacting to external factors. This takes time, but Montessori guides are there to support children as they navigate the journey.

Give Them Choice

Having choice is actually a powerful tool in combating avoidance. When children (or people of any age) have freedom to make their own decisions, it’s empowering. Knowing that others trust in us to do the right thing is often all it takes to do the right thing. No one likes to feel micromanaged. We allow our students to choose the order of their work; some like to start the day off reading, while others prefer math. We also let children have autonomy in other ways. They get to decide when they need to use the toilet, have a snack, and move their bodies. There are, of course, procedures to follow in order to keep everyone safe, but we don’t believe kids should have to ask permission to address their basic needs, nor should they have to do so on a schedule that is convenient for adults.

The big picture: comfortable children that feel respected and trusted are much more likely to work hard and meet expectations.

Quietly Observe

If there is one statement that can help us reframe our perspectives with empathy it’s this: Each child is the way they are for a reason. There is a reason a child is avoiding something. As adults, it’s our task to discover what that reason is, and find gentle ways to address it. Montessori teaches us to think like scientists and use observation as a way to learn and make more informed decisions. Some questions we make ask ourselves as we observe a child who is struggling:

• Is the work too challenging?

• Is the work too easy/is the child bored?

• Is the child experiencing emotional upheaval in their life?

• Are the child’s basic needs being met?

• Is the physical classroom environment supportive of the child’s work?

When Montessori teachers are trained, they learn to first look to the environment, then examine themselves and their own actions. Only after considering the first two possibilities do they look to the child themselves as a potential source of the issue.

Appeal to Their Interests

Sometimes all children need is a ‘hook’. Although Montessori materials in the classroom are meant to be used in a very specific way, and deviation distracts from authenticity and effectiveness, there is some room for flexibility. This can be very helpful in modifying work so that it will best meet an individual child’s needs. A guide may consider a child’s favorite color when setting out pouring or scooping materials, favorite animals when presenting zoology lessons, or other interests when gathering reading materials. The key is to consider what a child is avoiding, then find a way to make it more enticing.

Hold Them Accountable

While Montessori doesn’t utilize punitive measures, that doesn’t mean we don’t hold children accountable. If we expect children to do certain things, it’s our job to make sure they follow through. The following are critical in making this happen:

• Clearly explain the expectations.

• Provide an environment and time that allows for expectations to be met.

• Observe children to ensure they meet expectations.

• Guide when necessary. This may include redirection, suggestions, or working together to create a plan.

As children get older and academics become more of a focus, getting work done becomes much more important. Beginning in the kindergarten year or lower elementary, Montessori guides typically begin to utilize work plans. These can take on a variety of forms, but they are generally a visual schedule, created in collaboration between the guide and the child, of what must be done. Students can typically choose the order in which tasks are completed, but adults check in to make sure there is follow through. In the event the child is not meeting the expectations, a guide will typically meet with the child to discuss new strategies. They may help the child develop time management strategies, give suggestions as to seating, or provide tips for effective work habits. The child leaves the meeting with concrete strategies to try, and the adult and child reconnect at some point to evaluate progress.

It helps to remember that learning to work is part of the child’s work. Rather than forcing children to do what we want when we want them to, we take a more long-term approach. Our goal is not just to share information, but to help children become joyful learners. We want them to walk away from Montessori being able to feel confident in their abilities and ready to take on challenges. We all want to avoid certain tasks from time to time. Our job is to teach children how to manage their time well and accomplish whatever it is they need to get done.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, this work can be carried over into the home as well. The more parents learn about Montessori, the more the concepts become part of parenting and the life of the child. We hope you will reach out to us if you have any questions or would like to discuss this topic further.

Book List: Math Books for Children of All Ages

In Montessori schools, children tend to really love math. It’s no wonder, with gorgeous materials created to appeal to their senses and developmental stages. One fun way parents can support their children’s love of math is by reading to them about it. This month we have curated a list of books that will appeal to children of all ages, whether they are learning to count or discovering the magic of Pi. Check out these titles and let us know what you think!

Numbers by John J. Reiss

There are some iconic early counting books out there, but if you’re looking for something fresh to inspire a love of numbers, check out this beautiful little book. With bold illustrations and sturdy pages, children can learn to count to ten and beyond (there’s even a page for 1000!).

How Much Is a Million? by David M. Schwartz, illustrated by Steven Kellogg

Is your child ready to expand their understanding of place value? Are you looking for a way to help them conceptualize larger numbers? This charming book is both fun and educational, giving kids concrete ways to visualize one million. How tall are a million children? How long does it take to count to a million? How much water would a million goldfish need? Find the answers to these questions and more!

The Grapes of Math by Greg Tang, illustrated by Harry Briggs

Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing are important skills for all young children to learn. Finding different ways to look at groups of numbers can make operations work a breeze. The Grapes of Math uses clear illustrations and catchy rhymes to challenge children to find new ways to count larger numbers. Your child is sure to have fun figuring out these math riddles with you.

One Hundred Hungry Ants by Elinor J. Pinczes, illustrated by Bonnie MacKlain

Everyone loves a picnic, including ants! In an attempt to get to the food as soon as possible, the ants keep rearranging themselves into different groups. Two lines of 50 is surely faster than one line of 100, right? What about five lines of 20?

Measuring Penny by Loreen Leedy

Lisa’s teacher asks the class to go home and measure something. What could be more fun than measuring your pet dog? This book discusses multiple standard units, nonstandard units, comparisons, and a myriad of ways to measure. Lisa and Penny have fun at the park, where there are plenty of other dogs to measure, too!

The Lion’s Share: A Tale of Halving Cake and Eating It Too by Matthew McElligott

An ant attends the Lion’s annual fancy dinner, along with a number of other animals. The sweet ant is shocked by the terrible behavior of the other guests. Beyond their awful table manners, they divide a cake with no regard for fairness (although they do give readers a great lesson about fractions along the way!). When the ant offers to bake the king a cake, the other animals try to outdo her, with each doubling the offer of cakes. Kids will be amazed and amused!

Math Curse by Jon Sciezka, illustrated by Lane Smith

What would you do if your math teacher told you that basically everything in life could be a math problem? If you’re the main character in this book, you might feel like you have a math curse. When life is suddenly numbers, fractions, and word problems, how can you possibly think about anything else? When even the character’s dreams become math problems, they realize they have to find a solution.

Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi by Cindy Neuschwander, illustrated by Wayne Geehan

When Sir Cumference has a stomach ache, his son Radius runs off to find some medicine. He accidentally turns his father into a dragon, and finds a mysterious mathematical poem to help him undo the magic. While searching for answers, Radius sees circles everywhere, but he needs to figure out how to measure circumference in order to save his dad. He does, of course, and what better way to celebrate than with some pie?

The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos by Deborah Heiligman, illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Young Paul did not live his life like most people. He struggled with seemingly simple tasks, yet he was always thinking about math. As a four-year-old, he enjoyed mentally calculating how many seconds old people were. This story highlights the fact that there is a place in this world for all of us. The genius of this one boy was realized as he traveled the world collaborating with other mathematicians.

What’s Your Angle, Pythagoras? by Julie Ellis, illustrated by Phyllis Hornung

While we don’t actually know anything about the childhood of the famed Pythagoras, Ellis imagines the types of mischief (and learning!) he may have gotten up to. Curiosity can lead us in many different directions, and Pythagoras goes on a voyage with his merchant father. His passion for buildings leads him to learn about angles, and how a knotted rope helped early builders calculate precise measurements. He explores some more, and uses patterned tiles to discover the concept of squaring.  

6 Simple Reminders: Self-Care for Parents

Parenting is an amazing life experience. We all know how lucky we are to watch our children as they grow into the people they are meant to be. We try to stop and appreciate the little moments. We take hundreds of photos. We try to prepare them healthy food and space to run and play. We tell them we love them and do our very best to really be present.

But-

Parenting is really hard. Especially now. We know it’s so worth it, but combine the responsibilities of guiding our children’s education at home with our jobs, personal lives, financial obligations, and just everyday things adults have to do, there are moments when it can all feel a bit overwhelming. That is totally normal, but it doesn’t mean it’s pleasant. There are also plenty of ways we can proactively make it all more manageable. It starts with prioritizing time to take care of ourselves. We all know this, but it can be easy to forget and get caught up in the needs of everyone else around us.

Consider this as a reminder to slow down and do something for yourself. If it’s been a while and you need a few reminders as to where to begin, we’re here for you. Don’t worry about implementing all these suggestions at once; start slow and try to add in one or two where it feels right. Over time, try to mix in a couple more. As hard as it is to imagine adding more to your already busy life, we promise it won’t feel that way in the long run!

1. Exercise

We’re guessing you read this heading and reacted in one of two ways: you either smiled because you’re already exercising on a regular basis and know and love the benefits, or, like so many of us, you groaned internally because the thought of working up a sweat sounds miserable.

If you find yourself in the former group, you can probably skip to number 2. If you dread exercise, well, hear us out. Exercise is a proven way to reduce stress and increase energy.* Just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week of moderate exercise is recommended and can make a huge difference. A good guideline to determine moderate exercise is that while you are in the midst of it, you should be able to talk but not sing. You should feel your heart beating a bit faster than normal, your breathing will intensify, and you may work up a sweat after a bit.

The key is to find what works for you. Exercise should be an enjoyable experience or it’s nearly impossible to stick with it. Would you be most likely to exercise if you could spend the time outdoors? In your living room with a YouTube video? It all counts!

2. Eat well

We’re not talking about dieting here. We’re talking about fueling your body with the food it needs to function well. Instead if depriving yourself of the foods you love, reframe your approach and find tasty ways to add in nutrient-rich foods. Make sure you’re getting lots of different fruits, vegetables, and protein. Add in some complex carbohydrates, lots of water to drink, and the occasional treat that brings you joy.

Savor each bite. In the rush of the day it’s easy to slip into a fast pace or eat on the go. Sit, smell, taste, and enjoy your food.

3. Sleep

Isn’t it funny how many children tend to resist naps, but as adults, many of us wish we had time for them? Getting enough sleep each night might help you make it through the afternoon slump.

Can you relate to this scenario? You have spent your whole day working hard and your child is finally asleep. You don’t have much energy left, so you collapse on the couch to watch tv. Before you know it, you’ve watched more episodes of your favorite show than you intended to, and it has become later than you should have stayed up. You get yourself into bed, don’t get quite enough sleep, and wake up groggy to repeat the cycle the following day.

It can absolutely be a challenge to find time to unwind before bed. Take a little time to consider your personal situation and ask yourself what you really want your evenings to look like. Do you want to spend time with your partner? Do you want to catch up with a friend? Could watching one or two episodes of that show leave more for another day?

Once you get into the habit of sleeping enough regularly, you’ll never want to go back.

4. Socialize

Spending time with other people just for fun is so important for our wellbeing. Think about the last time you grabbed a cup of coffee with a friend or went on a date with your partner. Making and nurturing connections makes us feel whole. We just have to work a little harder to make it happen now. 

So, even if it’s once in a while, schedule some time to hang out (virtually, of course) with people who make you laugh, or who are great at listening to your stories, or who you share common interests with. You’ll come away feeling alive, refreshed, and ready to tackle the world. It’s just one important way to remind yourself that you and your happiness are important.

5. Expand

Routines are great. They give is something to rely on and feel grounded in. Unfortunately, monotony can also get pretty boring sometimes. Mixing it up is a great way to feel your own sense of individuality. Novel experiences challenge our brains in positive ways, plus, it can be fun! Some ideas:

• Take a different route on your daily walk.

• Listen to a new (to you) genre of music.

• Try out a fresh hobby.

• Read (or listen) to a new book.

• Try a new recipe.

6. Reflect

We saved this one for last for a reason; while it can be done any time of the day, it can be a simple practice to add in during the last ten minutes before bed. It’s simple: take time to be alone with your thoughts.

Reflection can take on a variety of forms, but it’s usually quiet, it’s usually done alone, and it can be really relaxing. Depending on your personal preferences, this may take the form of meditation, journaling, prayer, or something else altogether. Find what works for you.

While we know you’ve likely considered and tried many of the items on our list before, we hope this post has served to remind and encourage you to take care of yourself. Being a parent is one of the most important jobs out there. Not only does caring for yourself prepare you for the task, but it helps you be a great role model for your child.

Have a lovely day.

*For more information visit https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/11/061101151005.htm