Reading preschool children’s books (and yes, young adult fiction too) and sewing are two of my favorite hobbies. So you can imagine my delight at finding this tutorial on how to sew a preschool reading book shelf at: http://pennycarnival.typepad.com/penny_carnival/2009/02/tutorial-hanging-book-display.html I love that these shelves can be made low, so little hands can grab whatever book their [...]

One of the preschool reading questions I get asked the most is, “How do I find quality books that are at a kindergarten (or first grade) level?” The sad truth is that there is a sore lack of quality children’s literature pitched at these lower levels. Especially given the fact that beginning readers are voracious [...]

Well, Montessori Print Shop is doing it again folks. They are holding a huge giveaway to celebrate their 8th anniversary delivering affordable Montessori materials via pdf and Cd-rom. I use their materials all of the time! Check it out at: http://blog.montessoriprintshop.com/2012/01/24/gifts-for-you-pink-blue-green-language-series–deluxe-cd-rom-collection.aspx Good luck! And be sure to let me know if you are a winner (you’re [...]

Here is a cute anime book, for higher level readers who love anime! Product DescriptionCHRISTMAS CONFLICT Suzuka can’t wait to spend Christmas with her new boyfriend, Yamato. But then she’s invited to an exclusive collegiate training camp over the holidays. She breaks the bad news to Yamato, hoping that he’ll beg her not to go. [...]

Here is a link to a great blog post about the many different materials you can use for a sensory tub in your home or school (or homeschool): http://www.teachpreschool.org/2011/11/everyday-sensory-play-in-preschool/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TeachPreschool+%28Teach+Preschool%29 In our Montessori Preschool in Rochester, our sensory play includes: play dough, modeling clay, beeswax, sidewalk chalk, bird feed, rice, river rocks, glass stones, raffia, water [...]

Our first week of classes here at the Sibley Learning Center went really well! We have several new preschool students and lots of returning ones. Welcome all! Our schedule this year is a bit different. We are in session on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 12 – 3 p.m. rather than in the mornings. This [...]

Happy Summer Solstice! We will begin our Montessori class for ages 4-7 next Tuesday from 9 – Noon. I hope to see you there and please feel free to pass this info along to your friends who might be interested. August 1 – 5, Sibley will be hosting a Spanish camp with Josefina from 10 [...]

Save the date of July 23 and 24, 2011. Award winning Native performer, Joanne Shenandoah will be right in Rochester’s backyard at the Ganondagan Native American Dance and Music Festival this summer! For more info, go here: http://www.ganondagan.org/NADMF.html

Hey local gardeners! Here is a great article about a wonderful Native corn: http://www.slowfoodusa.org/index.php/programs/ark_product_detail/tuscarora_white_corn/ Interested in growing Tuscarora White corn, a native breed that is in danger of dying out? Please contact Lou Sinesio at 585-229-5572 or at whitecorn (AT) ganondagan (DOT) org

Just some quick updates: We had a wonderful turnout for our spring events: Mom’s Night Out, The Reptile Guys at the Arnett Library, and our visit to Alivio Horse Farm (thank you for the excellent program, Tina Cope)! Thank you to everyone who could come and join us for these special events! Our last day [...]