Here is a great article from NPR that outlines the importance of open-ended play in children’s development.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=19212514

I enjoy Elena Bodrova’s work on play and self-regulation and her new research is fascinating. Interesting that Maria Montessori incorporated the use of a three-hour uninterrupted “work period” where children are free to self-select tasks, with a goal of helping them achieve longer periods of focus, self-monitoring and mastery over their work. Rather than attempting to cram facts into children’s heads, she recognized the importance of giving children the freedom and the choice to work on tasks independently.

Unfortunately, this type of education is rare and probably won’t be taken up ?in Bodrova’s research as an interesting counter to mainstream lessons.

Rebecca

I saw this list on The Lilting House Archive and had to share it.

Six Things to Include in Your Child’s Day:

• meaningful work
• imaginative play
• good books
• beauty (art, music, nature)
• ideas to ponder and discuss
• prayer

Enjoy,
Rebecca

Hi again,

I hope you all have been enjoying a fantastic summer! Just a note to let you know what’s happening here so you can plan accordingly. I will continue to offer Montessori-inspired classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 – 12 starting September 14th for ages 3 – 6. The normal price is still $20 per class but I hope you all know that I am more than willing to barter or make special arrangements if needed.

If you are planning to attend regularly once or twice a week, please let me know soon so I can be prepared with materials and such. Last year’s students are dying to know who is coming back for another year of fun!

Andrew has been working two jobs this summer and it has been very hectic here, as a result. I am really looking forward to seeing my students and getting back into our routine again. I can’t believe how much I have missed our class together!

I’d also like to do another reading/writing presentation for parents this fall, so let me know if you are interested. As always, parents of Sibley Center students attend these workshops for free. Josefina Calzada will also be teaching Spanish/art class here for students that are interested (either Monday or Wednesday).

Love and Light to you!
Rebecca Wolf

AMS has put out a great video that provides a great introduction to the Montessori philosophy and method. Check it out here:

If you have any questions about what you see, feel free to ask me!
Rebecca

One of my dear friends works at the Memorial Art Gallery here in Rochester and just sent me the link to a fabulous resource for homeschooling families.

http://mag.rochester.edu/trc/

Not only can you access the website and lesson plans, you can actually go the MAG’s library inside the museum and borrow art books, children’s books, kits and CDs for FREE! Just bring your homeschooling letter from your district and get your own card.

And you can always visit the museum too!

Enjoy!
Rebecca

If your child enjoys making lapbooks as a way to record, exhibit, and easily store his/her research in a handy file folder format, then you will LOVE this website. There are hundreds of lapbooks that you can download for free on a wide range of topics.

Before I forget, here is the link:

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/Lapbooks_at_HSS.php

Have fun!
Rebecca

Here is a great FREE resource just for Dads who care about literacy. Happy belated Father’s Day!
nifl.gov/publications/pdf/Dads_Playbook.pdf

Enjoy,
Rebecca

The Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester is holding a Make It! Take It! Sculpt It! Day for FREE this Sunday from noon to 5.
Here is the link for more details: http://rochester.kidsoutandabout.com/node/35466

Don’t forget it’s strawberry season! Kids love to get out and pick their own fruit. My daughters have been hard at work in the kitchen making biscuits for strawberry shortcake. Mmm, it was like my grandmother made them herself!

Enjoy,
Rebecca

Many thanks to all of the parents who came out to help with field day today. I was afraid we’d get rained out but the weather was great! We played classic games like: Red Light, Green Light, Simon Says, and various ball/frisbee toss games. We also learned some new ones that included going through a maze (for balance and coordination) alone and with a ball balanced between 2 children, throwing beanbags through a moving target, and kickball croquet practice. Then we came back to the classroom to share snack, pretend play, picking mulberries, and blowing HUGE bubbles with The Bubble Thing.

And a good time was had by all! To those students who are going on to kindergarten: we wish you the very best and will miss you! To those planning on returning in the fall: have a great summer!

Warmly,
Rebecca

I found a great website that is FREE for educators/homeschoolers/students to use! The photographer is always looking for great venues to take educational pictures for the site and you can sign up to host him coming to your area to take pictures, so the site will continue to grow.

There’s already some wonderful science and social studies pictures up already. Check it out at: http://www.edupic.net/host.htm

Enjoy,
Rebecca