Shifting from Summer to School

Transitioning from Summer to School

Although it can be hard to think about the end of summer days and the return to routine, there is value to getting back into a consistent schedule. Steady, well-thought-out routines help our children develop good habits that can last a lifetime. In addition, the consistency of routines can decrease stress, ease anxiety, and reduce irritability (for both children and parents!). 

Ideally, the transition from summer to the school year can happen gradually so your child can gently adjust to the skills and schedules that will allow for a smooth start on the first day. Here are a few things to consider as you begin this shift.

Casual Conversation & Calendars

We’ve found that it helps to begin by casually talking about the start of school. While out shopping, you can notice aloud how stores have back-to-school items and comment about how it’s almost time for the school year to begin. Because young children live in the present, it is important to keep the time frame general.

If you do talk about school with your child, it’s best to try not to build up false expectations about what they will do in school. Modeling curiosity and openness can go a long way. If you drive by a school, for example, you can wonder aloud: “I wonder what children in this school do after they walk in the door.” Or “I’m so curious about what kinds of activities children enjoy doing during their school day.”

Older children who have a solid concept of linear time can benefit from having a family calendar that is visible to everyone. They might want to mark off a countdown to the first day, or help set some benchmarks for getting back into a normal sleep schedule. 

Sleep Routines

One of the hardest parts of coming out of vacation mode can be shifting back into a school sleep schedule. Rather than just expecting that everyone will adjust on the first day, it’s best to gradually transition into the school-year bedtime and wake-up routine. 

If late bedtimes have become the norm, it can be most effective to start the process about 10 to 14 days prior to the first day of school. First determine what time your child will need to wake up in order to have a peaceful, unhurried morning. You can then start waking your child up a little earlier each morning. In addition, you’ll want to have bedtime begin a little earlier each night. Making these changes in 15-minute increments works best. The goal is for your child to begin getting up rested and refreshed at the wake-up time you’ve determined. 

We recommend establishing an age-appropriate bedtime and sleep routine. Having a calm mind at bedtime and developing good sleep habits, has long-term benefits for your child. For more information visit the Sleep Foundation. 

Morning Routines

Having enough time for a calm, consistent morning routine decreases stress and anxiety for everyone. Plus, children really appreciate having some ownership over the process. 

To prepare, you can make sure your child has clothing and shoes that are easy to put on and take off. For younger children, you can have two outfit options available so they can choose what they want to wear. Older children can select their clothes the night before and lay them out for the next morning. 

It can also help to collaborate with your child to create a visual schedule of what needs to happen each morning: getting up and out of bed, getting dressed, eating breakfast, brushing teeth, preparing lunch and snacks, etc. You can add images to the schedule and even turn it into a checklist. If you laminate the schedule or checklist, children may appreciate using a dry erase marker to check off each item they have completed.

Preparing Snacks & Lunch

Having snacks and lunch prepared ahead of time can ease a great deal of morning stress. Even the youngest children can help get their snack and lunch food ready. Sometimes having everything ready the night before is easiest, so all children need to do is put containers in their lunch bags to be ready to head out the door. That being said, with enough advance preparation and plenty of time built into the morning schedule, preparing lunch and snacks can easily happen in the morning. 

To support children in making their own lunches, we just need to make sure to have some healthy options prepared and accessible. This can mean having a low section of the cupboard or refrigerator designated for child-friendly snacks and lunch options. You can do some minimal food prep–like hard-boiling and peeling eggs, slicing up chicken breast, or chopping vegetables–and then have the items ready in small, easy-to-open containers.

If you pack your own lunch alongside your child, you can also model choosing healthy foods and serving sizes. 

Stay Organized

Your child (and you) benefit from a sense of order and predictability. Thus, we recommend dedicating and preparing a space in your home for all school necessities, such as backpacks, lunch bags, shoes, etc. Ideally, this space for school items is attractive and child-sized. Having low hooks or a small shelf near the door can allow your child to develop a strong sense of capability and independence. 

Even before school begins, you can practice coming home and putting everything where it belongs. Your child can be in charge of hanging their backpack on a low hook and even putting their lunch containers in the sink or dishwasher. 

If the space gets a little disheveled, you can take a few minutes together with your child to tidy up the items and appreciate how much better things feel when everything is in its place. 

The transition from summer to school year can be an opportunity to establish teamwork and collaboration with your child. So that your child can be an active participant in the process and so that you don’t end up taking on all the stress, remember to ease into the new routines, allow time and space to prepare consistent systems, and provide just enough support for your child to experience some independence and success in the process. The result? Healthy habits and a more peaceful practice for everyone. 

Want a quick reference for the transition from school to summer? Download this one-page printable!

Materials Highlight: Geometry From the Start

When many of us think of our geometry education, we have thoughts of identifying shapes in kindergarten, and then taking a class or two in high school.

The truth is, children are fully capable, and enthusiastically prepared, to learn so much more at a much younger age. While we can’t possibly cover our entire curriculum in one short article, we’ll share some of the highlights. It begins (perhaps unsurprisingly) in our primary classrooms.

Geometric Solids

Pictured above, the geometric solids are our students’ first direct exposure to geometry. The solids are displayed on a shelf and are contained by a basket or tray. The adult invites the child to a lesson and asks them to retrieve the shapes. They then look at each one. The lesson may go something like this:

1. The guide picks up the cube, feels each side, and hands it to the child. The guide states, “This is a cube.” The cube is placed on the work rug.

2. The process is repeated for each solid in the basket.

3. Depending upon the child’s readiness, they may continue, with the guide asking questions like, “Where is the cylinder?”

4. After the child has had some time to interact with the material independently for a while, the guide will again sit with them and assess their understanding. This is done by holding one sold at a time and asking the child to name it.          

There are many fun extensions associated with this material. One favorite includes putting the solids on a mystery bag or using a blindfold so the child has to guess and identify by touch alone.

Geometry Cabinet

The geometry cabinet is used in primary and lower elementary classrooms, although differently in each. What begins as a lesson in identifying basic shapes and discerning between their sizes evolves into complex identification and blending of skills. Some of the skills this material helps us teach our students aged 6-9 include:

• Types of triangles (acute scalene, acute isosceles, right scalene, right isosceles, obtuse scalene, and obtuse isosceles)

• Quadrilaterals (trapezoids, a rhombus, and a parallelogram)

• Regular polygons (pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, and decagon)

• Curved figures (curvilinear triangle, oval, ellipse, quatrefoil)

• Rectangles

• Circles

Constructive Triangles

Beginning during the primary years and continuing through lower elementary, the constructive triangle boxes are another child favorite. A series of boxes teaches a variety of concepts.

1. Triangle box: Used to show how different types of triangles can be combined to make other triangles, also indirectly teaches fractions concepts

2. Large hexagon box: Used to show how triangles can be combined to create other figures, including a hexagon, rhombus, and parallelogram

3. Small hexagon box: A continuation of the same basic concept as the previous box, but this time triangles are used to create rhombi, a trapezoid, and another configuration of a hexagon

4. Rectangle box: Triangles are used to create a square, rectangle, and other quadrilaterals

5. Blue triangles boxes: While the previous boxes utilized different colors for different types of triangles, they are all painted blue here. This is basically an extension of previous work and allows children an opportunity to rely less on previously helpful visual clues. There is also lots of opportunity to use the blue triangles to create more complex geometric figures.

Classified Nomenclature

Once some of the more basic skills have been mastered by the child, sometime during early lower elementary, they move on to engage with the classified nomenclature. As with all other Montessori work, this is a step toward abstraction; they are no longer relying heavily on the wooden materials they can hold and manipulate, rather they are using drawings, booklets, charts, and labels.

This work can become rather in-depth and continues into upper elementary. A very broad overview of skills includes:

• Fundamental concepts (point, line, surface, solid)

• The study of lines

• The study of angles

• Plane figures

• Study of the triangle

• Study of quadrilaterals

• Study of regular polygons

• Study of the circle

These studies are not short lessons like the child has experienced previously. They are multi-layered and can take months to complete. For example, the study of angles may begin during the second year of lower elementary, but continue periodically through the years until the child reaches sixth grade. Concepts include:

• Parts of an angle

• Types of angles

• The measurement of angles

• Constructing angles

• Relationships between two angles

• Two lines and a transversal

• Constructing and copying an angle

• Bisecting an angle

• Operations with angles

Beyond all these amazing materials, it’s important to note that there is a lot of crossover when it comes to Montessori subjects. One perfect example is a favorite grammar work of third graders called the Detective Triangle Game. While its main intention is to practice using correct adjectives, this is done by way of sorting a multitude of triangles, with different colors, types, and angles.

Want to learn more? Please reach out if you have any specific questions and want to have a conversation. As always, we believe the best way to truly understand what goes on in a Montessori classroom is to sit quietly and observe in one. Contact us today to schedule a visit.

Books for Art Lovers

What would our world be without art? We rely on it to record our history, to express our thoughts and emotions, to communicate, to protest, and to pass the time. Flexing our creativity feels good, and admiring the artwork of others has the potential to evoke a range of experiences.

Maybe you already love visual art. Perhaps your child has expressed some interest. Or maybe you’re just looking for some new good books to read together. No matter your reason, we’ve got you covered. As always, we’re including titles for readers of all developmental levels, as well as links to learn more.

Board Books

My Favorite Color by Aarom Becker

Becker is a Caldecott winner, so you already know this book is going to be gorgeous. Kids change their favorite color all the time, and this book celebrates the glorious spectrum of hues with fun semi-transparent segments.

ABCs of Art by Sabrina Hahn

Imagine a classic children’s ABCs book combined with beautiful classic works of art, and that’s what Hahn has created. From Cezanne to Stubbs, with all the Hokusai and Monet we could wish for our infants and toddlers wedged in between, you’ll love this book as much as your little one.

Picture Books

Ablaze With Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas by Jeanne Walker Harvey, illustrated by Loveis Wise

Art and creativity had always been a part of Thomas’ life, but it wasn’t until her 60s that she chose to pursue it as a career. This book covers the racial injustices faced by Thomas and her family, as well as the strange and beautiful journeys our lives take.

Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras by Duncan Tonatiuh

José Guadalupe Posada, the Mexican artist known to many as Lupe, enjoyed using a variety of artistic mediums for a variety of purposes. From lithography to engraving, political cartoons to the Calaveras drawings he became famous for, art was always a part of his life.

Winner of the Robert F. Sibert Medal and a Pura Belpre Honor Book.

Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michael Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe

Winner of the Caldecott Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award, Steptoe’s biography of Basquiat highlights the idea that art doesn’t need to conform to be beautiful.

Middle Grade

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

Claudia talks her brother into running away with her, and they end up secretly living in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The two then get caught up in solving the mystery of a statue, and eventually realize they’re better off facing their problems at home.

Many Points of Me by Caroline Gertler

Georgia stumbles upon a drawing made by her father (a famous artist) before he died. She struggles to find meaning in the drawing, which seems to leave her out. Her quest to discover answers leads her, like the characters in our other middle grade recommendation, to the Met.

Nonfiction

Drawing From Memory by Allen Say

Say is another Caldecott winner, and this book is a fascinating autobiography complete with illustrations and photographs. Artists and their passions aren’t always supported, and we are all sometimes met with challenges that seem insurmountable. Say shares his journey, and how he managed to stay true to his dreams.

Fun and Easy Crafting with Recycled Materials: 60 Cool Projects That Reimagine Paper Rolls, Egg Cartons, Jars and More! by Kimberly McLeod

The title says it all. Some of the projects include toilet paper tube owls, 3-D hot air balloons, scrap paper trees, pirate hats, and a castle.

A World of Animals: Learn to Draw More Than 175 Animals From the Seven Continents! by Rimma Zainagova

This book is perfect for animal lovers, geography lovers, and art lovers! Containing interesting factual information about the continents and zoology, there are lots of simple step-by-step drawing instructions that kids will love.

Graphic Novels

Before They Were Artists: Famous Illustrators as Kids by Elizabeth Haidle

A gorgeous anthology of shortened artist biographies, this book explores how artists’ lives during their early years. How is creativity nurtured, and what is it like when an artist is just beginning to discover their passions? Artists include Hayao Miyazaki, Trove Jansson, Maurice Sendak, Yuyi Morales, Wanda Gag, and Jerry Pinkney.

Doodleville by Chad Sell

Drew loves to draw, and somehow her creations actually come to life. This is great, until she draws a monster. She relies on her artistic friends to help her solve this tricky problem.

Young Adult

Making Comics by Lynda Barry

Barry is an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she teaches students about art and discovery. This book is essentially her curriculum; it encourages students to see drawing as a means of expression and communication, and to stop worrying so much about artistic talent.

Drawing Dragons by Sandra Staple

If your teen loves drawing and fantasy worlds, this is the perfect pick for them. Along with specific instructions for learning to draw a variety of dragons, this book gives some very helpful information about drawing techniques in a general sense.

Little Felted Animals: Create 16 Irresistible Creatures with Simple Needle-Felting Techniques by Marie-Noelle Horvath

Your heart might just melt flipping through these pages. Learn to create a felted polar bear, sheep, dalmatian, and much more with detailed instructions and information about the materials needed to get started.

Mending Matters: Stitch, Patch, and Repair Your Favorite Denim and More by Katrina Rodabaugh

Clothing repair and design meets slow fashion meets artistry. Rodabaugh’s book inspires readers to grab their old torn jeans, some contrasting thread, and make something beautiful.

A Fresh Look at Chores (5 Tips)

We’re guessing you’ve probably already heard that chores are good for kids. You remember dreading them when you were a child, you’ve likely tried to implement them at home, and may have experienced varying levels of success. You have probably come across those adorable, and actually, incredibly helpful charts that list what’s appropriate for children at different ages.

You may have even experienced (like we have) life being unpredictable and throwing things off course, with your previously established chore routine left completely forgotten.

Consider this article a reminder about the amazing benefits chores can have for kids and their families. Our five tips may even give a little fresh perspective.

1. Consider what is developmentally appropriate

So, maybe you haven’t seen the cute little lists we referenced above? Here’s a great one if so, or even if your child is older and you want to revisit. Keep in mind that every child is different, but this is a pretty good general guide. The idea is not to make your child do everything they are capable of every single day, but it does serve as a helpful guide in knowing what is possible. Lists like these are a good starting point in developing your own routine at home.

It can be truly amazing to consider what our children are actually capable of, but we do want to balance that knowledge with not giving them tasks that are beyond their abilities. If we push independence in a specific area too soon, we are likely to cause frustration and a sense of failure. Focusing on the right tasks will bring success, build feelings of confidence, and set the stage for more challenging tasks in the future.

2. Build a routine

Children thrive on routine. When they know what to expect, everything runs more smoothly. It gives them a sense of safety and predictability, and it makes things so much easier for everyone. Once an expectation is set, there’s rarely a need for nagging.

Routine looks different for every family, and it’s important to find what works for you. Some ideas in case you’re looking for inspiration:

• Use visual lists as nonverbal reminders. This might be a simple sticky note for older kids, or a picture list for kids who aren’t reading yet.

• Be super consistent in the beginning. Putting in the work at first isn’t always easy, but it pays off in the long run.

• Start when your child is young. Kids aren’t as excited to help out when they get older, so establishing routines early is helpful.

• Allow for time to complete the tasks, considering that it takes children longer to complete them - especially when they’re first learning.

3. Follow their lead

Younger children - meaning up through at least the lower elementary years - actually want to do chores. The key is to pay attention and notice what they’re into. Some really want to do laundry while others love sweeping and mopping. It really doesn’t matter what they’re doing to help; the key is to find ways to integrate children into our regular household tasks. We all have chores we prefer over others, and children are no different. While it’s true we all have to do tasks we don’t enjoy sometimes, there’s nothing wrong with basing your chore system on the tasks your child does like to do.

Many children just want to be by your side. This makes things really simple. If you’re cooking dinner, give them a cucumber to chop. Doing laundry? Hand them a pile of washcloths to fold (even toddlers can help with that!). Vacuuming the car? Make it their job to clean out the back seat area first.

4. It’s okay to help them out

As much as we push for cultivating independence, we can’t expect our kids to do everything all the time. It can be easy to forget that. Perhaps it’s their responsibility to clear the table after dinner, but you know they’ve had a tough day. It’s okay to jump in and do it for them. We need to remember that building good habits and skills is important, but so is modeling what we do for the people we love.

During the elementary years children seem to lose all sense of order and leave a trail of mess in their wake everywhere they go. When you have called them back to pick up for the 27th time in the day and you’re frankly tired of it, it’s okay to just take care of that empty milk carton they’ve left on the counter. You’ve probably made your point, and they probably won’t even remember they ever left it there in the first place. They really are doing their best, and it’s totally fine to help them along the way.

5. Frame chores as a contribution

The chores we give our children should not be a punishment. They shouldn’t even be a set of mundane, hard-to-tolerate tasks enforced upon them. Chores are a way to contribute to the family. We can teach our children about everything that needs to happen to allow a household to run smoothly, and then we make sure they understand that it shouldn’t all fall on the adults.

Our children want to be a part of what we do. They want to help. It feels good to really be a contributing member of the family.

We will leave you with a quote from Dr. Maria Montessori you may find inspiring:

“Therefore this work which has built up civilisation and which has transformed the earth is at the very basis of life and is a fundamental part of it. So much so, that it is, as we say, even in the child. Work has existed in the nature of man as an instinct even from birth itself.... The study of society will be held to be a study of the life of the child which shows us in an embryonic stage this profound tendency of humanity and the mechanism by which society is built up.”

— Dr. Maria Montessori, 'Child’s Instinct to Work', AMI Communications, 1973, 4, 9

Independence Day, Montessori Summer Vacation-Style

For many people in the United States, July fourth is a time for cookouts and fireworks. We get together with family and friends, enjoy our favorite potato salad, and spend some quality time in our backyards.

As adults, we know there’s a whole lot more to the day than that.

Whether you’re reading this on Independence Day, or sometime after, everything we mention below is still totally relevant and applicable. And even though we are well into summer vacation, we know many of our families never step out of Montessori mode. If that describes you, read on.

Do a deep dive into the holiday’s origins

We often rely on books to help us teach children, and this situation is no exception. A quick trip to your local library will be all you need to find an armload of age-appropriate reading material. The main points you’ll want to cover include:

• Why did early Americans feel the need to break free from England’s rule?

• What was the process like to establish the United States?

• Why do we celebrate on July fourth?

Searching for relevant pictures, articles, and videos online can help enrich kids’ experience, as can visiting historical sites if you happen to live in certain parts of the country.

Consider different perspectives

The establishment of the United States, along with large chunks of its history, aren’t exactly celebratory for some groups of people. Again, it’s helpful to lean on books to share this type of information, and especially books that are written by authors who represent the group they are teaching about.

The land we now refer to as the United States of America was inhabited by many nations of Indigenous people for thousands of years before Europeans arrived. The native perspective is that the land was stolen, and this was followed by centuries of forced relocation and mistreatment.

Another important perspective to consider is that of black Americans. The US economy originally relied heavily on the enslavement of people from Africa, and our nation’s beginnings are rooted in some pretty horrific practices that continue to have rippling effects even today. Most of us are very aware that race is at the forefront of modern American society, and the issues we still need to address have their beginnings in America’s earliest days.

Do young kids need to know every detail about what has happened in our history? Of course not. As always, keep what’s developmentally appropriate in mind. It is important to note that our children are much more aware, and studies show they develop biases much earlier than most adults realize.

Explore independence days in other countries

It would be impossible for us to list each country around the globe that celebrates an independence day; the list is just too long! Take a look at this unofficial compilation if you’re curious.

Here are a few fun highlights:

• Bastille Day is July 14 and celebrates the beginning of the French Revolution. The French love their parades and fireworks, but they also have a special tradition of opening fire stations for community dance parties.

• Bolivia begins its two-day celebration with grand parades on August 6.

• India celebrates its independence from Great Britain on August 15 by flying colorful kites.

• Who else could we imagine celebrating their independence with surfing races than Australia? Theirs takes place on January 26.

• Norway celebrates on May 17, and children are front and center. There are children’s parades around the country, as well as special parties in schools.

Help your child develop their own independence

As Montessorians, we believe all humans have the right to freedom and independence, and this includes children. Note that freedom does not mean the right to do whatever you want, whenever you want. In a community, whether it be a family or a global society, our choices should never encroach on the freedoms of others. For adults, this often takes the form of laws or social norms. For children, it’s all about the concept of freedom within limits.

What can you do to help nurture your child’s independence? If you’ve been a Montessori parent for a little while, you may already have a basic sense of where to start. It’s a huge topic, which we could never fully summarize here at the end of this article, so instead we’ll include a few ideas and starting points.

• Learn as much as you can about child development. Utilize books, articles, and ask questions of people you know. Lean on us at the school as a resource.

• Practice observing your child. Our tendency is often to jump and help or react. Wait. Notice. Reflect. What does your child really need?

• Follow the child. We all have preconceived ideas of what our kids need and how they will progress; it’s only natural. The important bit is to be mindful of this fact, and to examine the moments in which you could potentially inject your expectations onto them, and then don’t do it. This is way easier said than done.

• Give your child choices whenever you can. This might be as simple as offering your toddler two shirts to choose from, or it might be as difficult supporting your adolescent as they reject the college you wish they would attend.

• Embrace mistakes and failures. This means on the part of you and your child. You’ll both make them, and they’re always opportunities for growth and learning. No one is born knowing everything, and it’s only through our errors that we become more complete human beings.

We hope this article has been fun and informative. Please know that we value you as important members of our community. We are grateful that you care so much about your child’s learning experience. And we wish you all a celebratory holiday with your loved ones.

Summer, Montessori-Style

Summer is a great time to relax a bit, have fun as a family, and enjoy some new experiences. If you’re looking to continue your child’s Montessori experience at home during these warmer months, you have come to the right place. We believe in keeping it simple, but here are some tips you might appreciate!

Take a Deep-Dive Into Personal Interests

Is your child into dinosaurs? Ancient Egypt? Horses? Summer can be the perfect time to help them explore these interests further. The key is to find ways to work their passions into the types of things you were already going to do anyway. A few places to start:

• Ask your local librarian for help finding both nonfiction and fiction books that would appeal to your child’s interests.

• Figure out if there are any relevant day trips you could take to get in-person experiences (museums, farms, historical sights, parks, etc.)

• Find ways to bring your child’s interests into the kitchen. You might find yourself recreating various cultural dishes or baking up some panda-shaped cookies.

• Turn family movie night into a learning experience with a documentary.

Connect With Each Other

Find ways to reconnect. During the regular school year, life can get busy. Embrace the slower pace of summer and reevaluate how you and your child can spend meaningful time together. This will change as they get older, as will your common interests.

As with all things Montessori, just remember to follow the child.

If you have an infant, toddler, or preschooler, your together time will include lots of cuddles and caretaking. It’s almost easiest at this age, because our youngest children rely so heavily on our presence. (Just remember to take a little time for yourself!)

As your child gets older, continues to develop their independence, and socializes increasingly with their peers, there will naturally be more changes in how you interact with each other. Spending time outdoors together is a favorite for many families, as is creating regular traditions (like the family movie night we mentioned earlier).

Get Outside! (Of Course)

We know you won’t be surprised to hear us encouraging this point! During the school year, kids get outside every day for recess. Now that they’re home more, it’s critical to ensure they’re still getting this time. Combine their needs with the gorgeous weather, and you’ll find endless opportunities.

For the little ones: go to a playground, take a walk in a local park, or just sit out in front of your house. They will delight in watching a bug crawl by, smelling the scent of flowers, and feeling the dirt on their bare feet.

For older children and teens: the possibilities are endless. Keeping their developmental needs in the forefront of your mind will make them much more likely to be enthusiastic. This could include making time outside a social activity with their friends, giving them choices of activities, and making it a regular part of their daily routine.

Read, Read, Read

Kids may take a break from academics in the summer, but reading should never stop. It’s important to find ways to make reading a part of the daily routine, no matter the age of your child. For pre readers, find a time you can sit together each day to read a book together. For older kids, carve out plenty of time for them to read on their own daily. A few tips to keep the reading going:

• Let your child see you reading for enjoyment. They want to model their behavior after you, and this can be very powerful.

• Get excited about books. Make sure your child knows they are important to your family.

• Don’t push emerging readers too hard. Give them access to books, read to them, but recognize that they need to feel good about books.

• Ask for help when it comes to book-resistant tweens. Some kids seem like they don’t want to read, when in reality they would rather read about their specific interests, or stick to a very specific genre. Let them immerse themselves completely in the types of books they love; they’re getting something important out of them and will evolve eventually.

• Bring books along for the ride. When you go for outings, keep a few in your bag. You never know when a quiet moment of boredom will arise, and you will be prepared.

Explore Your Community

Feeling connected to your community is good for all of us. Start small and see where your efforts take you.

For young children, their community might be just their neighborhoods. Walks will give them a sense of familiar “landmarks”, neighbors, and neighborhood workers. Recognizing that gorgeous garden down the street or waving to the mail carrier every afternoon are little things that help children recognize they are part of a bigger group of people who live and work together.

As your children get older, you might expand upon their experience. Explore what makes your town special, whether that means checking out historical landmarks, buildings or institutions of importance, enjoying annual festivals, or participating in community events. Service experiences are always a good idea. This could mean joining a town clean-up effort or volunteering with a local organization.

Do you already have fun summer plans in the works? We would love to hear about your Montessori summer, whatever that looks like for your family. Enjoy the time together!