The Montessori Home Education Ezine: Table of Contents
The following is a sampling of the articles featured in The Montessori Home. Click on "Link to all articles" under a column heading to see the complete table of contents for that column.
Early Learning Pathways
Child brain development research confirms the absorbent mind. 'Young children absorb information like a sponge!' Montessori, Doman and Shichida methods, and other early learning methods, that take advantage of the absorbent mind stage are examined and explained to parents to help empower them to focus on early learning in the home.
READING PREPARATION IN INFANCY
The first phase of the 'absorbent mind' stage (birth - 3 years)
MAKE LEARNING TO READ PLAY
The second phase of the 'absorbent mind' stage (preschool)
PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY AND THE IMAGE BRAIN
According to Dr. Mokoto Shichida, young children have the capacity to develop photographic memory because the right brain is dominant in early childhood. To develop photographic memory, Shichida recommends showing the baby large numbers of flashcards at a fast pace. WARNING: Because of interference with child brain development, this should be done by hand, not from a (heartless) computer.
The Montessori Home
Preparing the home environment for optimal child development, and applying Montessori's principles in the home.
SENSORY EDUCATION
It is through the sensory functions that the child lays the foundation of his intelligence. The Montessori learning materials are widely acclaimed as being invaluable to this purpose. (Montessori refers to her learning materials as "didactic materials". The word ‘didactic’ means designed or intended to teach.)
MOTOR EDUCATION
Educating the child in his movements is the basis of motor, or muscular, education. Montessori proved that this is the key to countering naughtiness and unrulIness, as well as developing coordination and grace.
Early Learning Library
Library contains flashcards for infants, toddlers, and preschool age children, all free of charge. Parents can download reading and math programs for home use.
FREE FLASHCARDS and preschool learning materials for early reading and acquiring basic math skills including 'numbers perception' (the ability to tell how many items are in a group without having to individually count them).
Learn-At-Home Play Activities
Fun, educational play activities are colored and cut out by the child. Coloring work prepares the hand for writing, and cutting develops hand-to-eye coordination, as does coloring. Activities are attractive to children, teach practical lessons, are wholesome and are aimed toward character development. Activities are illustrated by children's artist Madeleine Soltis.
MEET GARDNER GNOME
Create a play garden or make a pop-up book.
MEET BABY GENIUS
Child learns by teaching 'Baby Genius'.
MADELEINE'S COLORING BOOK
Coloring prepares the hand for writing and all types of handiwork. Download the free coloring book. Scenes are idyllic, fanciful, as well as everyday life experiences children enjoy. Creative imagination can take flight.
MADELEINE'S COLORED ILLUSTRATIONS
The finely colored pictures naturally set the standard for the child's coloring work. Child enjoys coloring while looking at the delightful and inspiring colored illustrations.
In addition, colored illustrations are Ideal picture cards for babies. Images are beautiful. Pictures radiate peace and stimulate joy.
Wonderful Child Brain
All about developing and protecting the child's brain. Proper stimulation of the brain insures healthy growth and development.
A SERIES ON MOBILITY
Crawling and creeping are foundational to brain development. Movement is essential to learning.
Music to Enhance Mind & Soul
Good music gently stimulates brain development and trains the brain for higher forms of thinking and creativity by stimulating neural connections related to abstract reasoning, language development, self-esteem, visual and oral skills; while certain types of jagged and discordant music have harmful side effects.
FAVORITE-MUSIC MASTERPIECES
Fine music enhances brain development. This listing shows the best and most loved musical masterpieces.
Favorite Books
Good literature opens the heart and expands the reasoning mind! Below is a listing of parent approved, high quality books that are listed according to children's age group.
GRADE SCHOOL
Books that will instill healthy attitudes, correct values, and help with character development
HIGH SCHOOL
Books you will be pleased your child is reading