Joyful Seasons

seasons joyful

MONTESSORI PARENTING, EVERYDAY INSPIRATION, & THOUGHTFUL IDEAS TO NURTURE EVERY SEASON

INSIDE Prepare your Outdoor Spaces Spring Gift Guide Garden with your Children And so much more!

Issue 2 | Spring 2025

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Copyright

2025 Kavanaugh LLC

Contact nicole@thekavanaughreport.com Website www.thekavanaughreport.com Follow

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FROM THE

editor

There’s a certain energy that accompanies those first few warm days in Spring.

ABOUT NICOLE Hey, I’m Nicole and I'm obsessed with making Montessori accessible for the real world. For more than a decade, I've dedicated my life to sharing bits of our Montessori journey and bringing practical tips to families just like yours.

I spend my days with my 5 children, husband, and three dogs.

Find me on my website The Kavanaugh Report, my podcast Shelf Help, and @Nickav25 on Instagram.

A warm wind blows, the days get longer and suddenly there’s an eagerness to make change. For thousands of years, cultures around the world have collectively felt this urge. “Spring cleaning” and similar rituals have evolved in many corners of the world as a way to renew our lives with the start of the Spring season.

So, how will we take advantage of these feelings this year? How will we renew our prepared environments as Montessori parents? How will we look with fresh eyes toward our children? Can we improve our relationship with the natural world around us?

I hope that this issue of Joyful Seasons helps you begin to contemplate and answer these questions for yourself.

It is my great hope that these pages will be the fertile ground for your Spring plans. Go plant seeds of connection with your family. Go plant literal seeds! I hope you are able to reap the rewards of that fresh Spring energy. And I hope you enjoy the most Joyful Seasons.

Nicole

C O N T E N T S spring 6

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BEEKEEPING don’t overlook honey bees

RECIPE simple strawberry jam

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CRAFT play with light with these suncatchers

SHOP gift guides perfect for Spring

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32 PLAY sensory fun in mud for Spring

38 RECIPE a Lebanese cake

40 CRAFT make some seasonal egg candles

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READ this issue’s book club

TOGETHER approach Spring cleaning with kids

RECIPE eat Turkey chili for dinner

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PARENTING orchid and dandelion children

CRAFT fold a spring garden

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PREPARE get your outdoor space ready for Spring

GARDEN practical ways to garden with kids

90 ENJOY April showers bring May flowers

BEES IN SPRING As the weather warms, sometimes ever so slowly, and the flora and fauna begin to wake, my favorite thing to look and listen for is the buzzing of bees!

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s the temperatures near 50 degrees (F) the sunlight begins to gently call them from their hives.

Once they wake, they waste no time heading straight to work looking for pollen and nectar.

BEEKEEPING AS A FAMILY Two years ago, our family took on a new responsibility... Our very own beehive! The learning curve was steep and when it came time to inspect the hive each week the kids were much braver than I! The three of them took turns with our child-sized suit and they quickly mastered how to spot the queen (which we invite you to practice on page 9), identify pollen stores verses honey stores, when to add more boxes as the bees made more and more honey, and how to check the hive for mites to keep the busy colony healthy!

A beautiful thing about beekeeping is how quickly you become in touch with the seasons around you.

Knowing what’s blooming now, and what will be blooming soon helps you to know how much food your bees will have available based on what grows in your area.

BREE PETTY Bree is a homeschool graduate living on a family homestead in beautiful southern Oregon while homeschooling her three children. She has a background in Montessori as a school owner and teacher. Currently, she runs farm camps and co-ops in her community and enjoys encouraging homeschoolers around the world from her blog and Instagram.

MONTESSORI AND NATURE Dr. Maria Montessori encouraged exploration of the natural world throughout so much of her writing, and she believed that the exploration and observation of nature could help bring a child to a more balanced and harmonious way of being.

As I watch my children interact with nature, I can’t help but notice how it grounds them, inspires them to care for others (even the tiny things!), kindles curiosity, and awakens so many experiments and explorations!

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Learning through nature is not about memorizing facts, or mastering abstract concepts, but is instead about learning attunement, observation, finding connections, and discovering the world around us!

All of which become increasingly more valuable as our culture shifts more digital by the day.

TRY A SCAVENGER HUNT While most families may not be able to adopt an entire colony of buzzing little friends, you can invite your kids on a pollinator scavenger hunt in your own neighborhood! The honey bee may be the most popular pollinator, but there are 4,000 species of native bees in North America alone, and over 20,000 in the world!

Identifying them is such a fun adventure, and you’ll be surprised how many you may spot!

Knowing which native bees are in your area can also help guide you on which plants to add to your garden, whether that’s large raised beds or planters on your patio.

BEEKEEPING IS ONE OF THE MANY WAYS OUR FAMILY INTERACTS WITH NATURE, AND WE INVITE YOU TO GET A TASTE OF BEEKEEPING YOURSELF USING THIS FUN, FREE ACTIVITY!

TISSUE PAPER SUNCATCHERS TO MAKE YOU’LL NEED tissue paper squares masking tape or contact paper scissors tray or bowl to put the tissue paper in

Tissue paper sun catchers are such an interesting and fun activity for children of all ages.

Older children can get as creative and as detailed as they'd like, while the younger children can experience the fun of sticky tape!

My son is 18 months and he lasted 15 minutes with this activity before he pulled the tape off the window to go stick it to his toys!

TAMMIE MEYER My name is Tammie. I started working at a Montessori school in 2016 and it was such an eye opening experience! I took my Montessori training and graduated in 2020 with a certificate in early childhood education (3-6) through an AMS program in the SF Bay Area. I stepped away from the work place when I was expecting my first son. My second is due in late February. I'm raising them in a Montessori set up that works best for our family. Arts and crafts were something I very much enjoyed growing up. I believe Montessori can and should be fun for all involved and is grounded in experiences of all kinds, including paints and glitter!

Step 1 | Set Up First, you need to cut the tissue paper into small squares and place into bowl or tray. Older children may enjoy cutting the paper themselves. To extend the work for younger toddler, you can show them how to tear the tissue into smaller shapes.

Next, you need to adhere the tape or contact paper to a window or other flat surface.

expectations Art should focus mainly on the process and not the product. As the adult you show them the skill, but young children, especially toddlers, explore and use the materials in a way that makes them comfortable.

Expecting them to do it the way you picture the activity going can and will cause frustration for both of you when art is meant to be fun!

Step Two | Create Once set up is complete, show your child how to place the tissue paper on the sticky surface. Depending on the age of the child, you may have to show them more than once.

Then, your child can repeat this process until all of the stickiness is covered or until their attention gets called somewhere else.

Variations There are a lot of variations you can add to make this project even more fun! For example, older children can use scissors to cut their project into fun shapes, like hearts, stars, butterflies or Easter eggs.

You can also mix in construction paper to create contrast and more intricate designs.

Glitter can also be a fun addition, along with other transparent or shiny supplies.

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HOMEMADE STRAWBERRY CHIA SEED JAM

BROOKE BLOMKER I’m a mom of two young children with a degree in Developmental Psychology and over 10 years of experience in early childhood education.

Throughout my career, I’ve worn many hats—early childhood teacher, program director, and human resources professional—and have been lucky enough to discover the magic that is Montessori along the way. I am passionate about Montessori education and its ability to foster independence and a lifelong love of learning; values which I strive to cultivate both at work and at home. I live in Minnesota with my husband, our two children, and our beloved pet bunny. In my free time, I enjoy gardening and baking.

INGREDIENTS 2 cups crushed strawberries, stems and core removed 2 Tbsp chia seeds 1 Tbsp lemon juice 1-2 Tbsp honey or maple syrup (or to taste)

1. Stem and crush strawberries 2. Heat crushed strawberries in a saucepan, stirring occasionally, until the fruit is heated through and begins to bubble. Use a potato masher to mash to desired consistency.

3. Stir in chia seeds and lemon juice until combined.

4. Add honey or maple syrup to taste.

5. Remove from heat and let cool for five minutes. The jam will thicken as it cools.

6. Give the jam a final stir and enjoy!

Your jam is good in the refrigerator for up to three weeks, or in the freezer for up to one year.

FEELING AMBITIOUS? TRY PAIRING YOUR JAM WITH A CHILD-FRIENDLY BREAD RECIPE LIKE “BREAD IN A BAG”!

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THE GIFT GUIDES CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS AT NO COST TO YOU

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1. RABBIT TEETHER

2. HIGH CONTRAST BOOK

A spring-themed teether with great places to chew and explore.

Beautiful and accessible even for little babies.

GIFT GUIDE

babies the perfect gifts for the littlest humans

4. SUN HAT

3. PASTEL BLOCKS Easy to stack or chew these pastel blocks add fun for Spring.

Keep baby safe from the sun all Spring and Summer.

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5. WHIRLY SQUIGZ

8. ONE PIECE SWIMSUIT

Flower shaped and simple to use, babies love to watch these spin.

Get ready for warm days at the pool with this colorful and easy to put on swimsuit.

6. SILICONE STRAW CUP

9. LET’S GO OUTSIDE BOOK

A great size for safely introducing straws to your baby.

Chew-proof, yet simple book about getting outdoors with baby.

7. PUSH RABBIT

10. MINI RAINBOW PLAYSILK

Perfect size for older babies that want to explore movement.

Get years of open ended, active play with playsilks.

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these choices help your toddler move and grow

GIFT GUIDE

toddlers

1. WOODEN BUTTERFLY MATCHING Beautiful wooden matching cards for Spring work. Toddlers can work on their visual discrimination skills while matching each side of the butterfly together. Flip them over and play memory to extend the challenge!

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2. RABBIT STACKER

5. HOP, WADDLE, STOMP

8. PLAYGROUND BALL

springtime counting stacker

fun animal movement game

outdoor play in warmer weather

3. AT THE PARK CARDS

6. TODDLER UMBRELLA

9. BERRY COUNTING BOOK

an outdoor finding game

its color changes in the rain

sweet book with beautiful illustrations

4. WATERING CAN

7. DUPLO GARDEN

10. CRAYOLA CHALK

a great size for toddlers

classic with a spring theme

non-rolling in vibrant, washable colors

GIFT GUIDE

preschool engaging ideas for preschoolers from 3 to 5-years-old

1. STRAWBERRY STACKER Stack the wooden pieces to create a strawberry plant. This sweet little toy is great for creative indoor play and a great jumping off point for learning about how flowers turn to fruit.

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2. BEE BOOGIE BOARD

5. HEX BUILDING SET

8. GARDEN FLOOR PUZZLE

whimsical and perfect for travel

open ended building toy

24 piece colorful garden theme

3. FLOWER MATCH SORT

6. WHEELBARROW

9. ROOT VIEWER GARDEN

match shapes and colors

perfect size to fill and haul

spring plants and science together

4. BABY ANIMALS JIGSAW 7. GRABBIT GAME

10. LACING SHEEP

simple, beautiful, and realistic

lace colors and size to make the sheep

rabbit themed memory game

1. RABBIT BEAD KIT Make beautiful spring themed necklaces and bracelets with this kit.

It's a great mix of fine motor and creative skills that will keep kids busy all Spring long.

2. RABBIT LEGO This seasonable and fun LEGO set is perfect for Spring. Plus, it’s not too challenging to build and save for more fun next year.

we’ve got you covered from 6 to 11-years-old

GIFT GUIDE

elementary

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3. HOW TO DRAW

6. DIY PINWHEELS

9. OWALA WATERBOTTLE

draw flowers for Spring

beautiful and fun seasonal craft

cute and functional for warm weather

4.TIC-TAC-TOE

7. SHASHIBO FIDGET

10. BUTTERFLY BAKING SET

infinite games of this classic

shifts in so many amazing ways

adorable, real baking accessories

5. WOODEN BIRD CALL

8. SEED RULER & DIBBLER

11. DIY CORK BOAT

try this easy to use caller

planting made more precise

take to the springtime puddles

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active ideas for young teens

teens

GIFT GUIDE

1. PROJECTOR LIGHT Give teens the autonomy they crave by easily letting them control the mood lighting in their space. This projector is easy to set up, easy to move, and easy to control. Features include the night sky, northern lights, and so much more!

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2 2. MINI GREENHOUSE build all the mini details 3. SKINCARE PRODUCTS pick up their favorites 4. LEGO FLOWER TRELLIS a beautiful Spring build

5. JIBBITZ CROC CHARMS accessory for teens’ favorite shoe 6. PORTABLE CHARGER always keep devices charged

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7. GIFT CARDS food, fun places, or stores they love

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home

GIFT GUIDE for your Montessori home

1. GARDENING TOOLS These sturdy plastic gardening tools are just the right size for the whole family.

Whether you are a casual gardener or more serious, these hold up to a lot of use from kids and adults alike. Plus, the ring makes them easy to store and organize once the work is done.

2. COMPOSTABLE POT MAKER Get ready for all your Spring planting with these easy to make compostable pots.

You and your kids will have a lot of fun making and planting flowers and food for Spring and Summer. Start your seedlings inside and plant them outside once the weather warms.

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3. ADJUSTABLE SQUEEGIE BRUSH

6. GLASS BUD VASE

Perfect broom for spring cleaning at any age and size.

Bring Spring flowers inside to enjoy with these unique vases.

4. ACRYLIC BIRD FEEDER

7. OAKI RAIN SUIT

Watch the busy birds together all Spring, even if you don't have a lot of outdoor space.

Make everyone's life easier with rain suits for messy, wet, Spring play.

5. SPROUT BOOKMARKS

8. SMALL METAL RAKE

Cute, tiny bookmarks that the whole family can enjoy.

Help your kids get involved in all sorts of yard cleanup all season long.

small ideas with a big impact

eggs

GIFT GUIDE

1. SQUISHY FIDGETS

2. PASTEL GEMS

3. MINI PUZZLE

older kids love these squishies

loose parts for block and sensory play

break up a puzzle into multiple eggs

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41 4. BUNCH O' BEARS

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These stacking bear crayons are perfect for tiny hands.

5. WATERBOTTLE STICKERS Fun stickers in lots of themes for everyone's interests.

6. MAGMEN Flexible and magnetic figures that add to all types of magnetic play.

7. GOOD LUCK MINIS Realistic mini animals and objects that come in so many themes.

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8. 4CM FELT BALLS Felt balls are perfect for all sorts of work and play for toddlers.

9. DOLL HOUSE ACCESSORIES

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Tiny accessories are fun for doll house or mouse house play.

10. MINI CARS AND TRUCKS Realistic, tiny, and detailed cars that really roll, open, and move.

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M U D SEASON “The training and sharpening of the senses has the obvious advantage of enlarging the field of perception and of offering an ever more solid foundation for intellectual growth. The intellect builds up its store of practical ideas through contact with, and exploration of its environment. Without such concepts the intellect would lack precision and inspiration in its abstract operations.”

Maria Montessori, Discovery of the Child

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DID YOU KNOW? Humans have more than five basic senses. We have at least seven!

They include: 1. Taste 2. Touch 3. Hearing 4. Smell 5. Sight 6. Proprioceptive 7. Vestibular Each is unique and can be explored in different ways!

SPRINGTIME SENSORY FUN Spring is the perfect season to deeply engage in sensory play and learning. As Maria Montessori emphasized - children learn through their senses.

As a result they are called to all things wet, squishy, heavy, twirly, and loud.

This kind of play activates areas of their brains that just aren’t as easily activated with other types of activity.

Take advantage of all the sensory glory this Spring with these simple mud-themed sensory activities.

Sense of Taste Skip this sense with real mud!

See if your children can think of a snack that looks, or feels like mud. Maybe it’s chocolate pudding, a crumbled muffin, or something completely different.

Enjoy that snack or meal instead!

Sense of Touch

While there are so many amazing sensory mediums, Spring provides a unique opportunity for mud. Mud is Get out there and squish some wet, mud this season! squishy, and Gather up some mud or dirt free! Plus see how it changes with more it’s linked water, less water, in warmer to many weather, and when it’s cooler. health Explore how each texture works benefits. to build a structure. Talk about which sensations you each It is prefer. Then try it again but with well your feet! worth the clean up!

Sense of Hearing How many sounds can you make with mud?

We don’t only have to make noise with musical instruments. We can help show our children that our movements have all sorts of effects on the environment - even if we don’t notice. So, plop the mud, rub it, slap it, squish it, and stomp on it! Now, can you move the mud without making Sense of Smell noise? Walk in it quietly, or hold it silently?

Head outside and take some slow deep breaths focusing on the unique damp earth smell of Spring.

Try it after a rainstorm, early in the morning, and on a warmer dryer day. Talk about how the smell changes and enjoy a relaxing moment

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Sense of Sight Pick a patch of mud in your yard, neighborhood, or local nature area.

Visit it often during Spring and watch how it changes. Does it grow grass? Is it used to grow flowers or vegetables? Do any animals or insects call it home?

Older children can draw their observations over time.

Proprioceptive Sense It’s time for some heavy work, and what better way than to use mud?!

Vestibular Sense Find a mud puddle and make some jumps!

Jump, spin kick, backward jump, or high step over it. Let your children figure out the best and most creative ways to move past the mud. If your kids miss, they will get a nice fun squishy splash!

Dig in the mud (add water for extra challenge) and fill up a bucket or wheelbarrow and move it around. Flip over the bucket and make mud castles. At the end, don’t forget to fill in any holes, and smooth out any holes with a shovel or rake for more heavy work.

SFOUF There are desserts, and then there are comfort desserts—the ones that awaken your senses and bring back the fondest memories. For me, that’s always been my mother's Sfouf, a traditional Lebanese turmeric cake topped with sesame seeds or pine nuts. The golden hue, the subtle sweetness, and the delicate spice instantly take me back to childhood. And just like Spring, Sfouf feels like a little piece of sunshine on your plate—simple, bright, and full of comfort.

INGREDIENTS 200g of butter 3 eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract 1.5 cups sugar of choice 2 tsp baking powder

1 Tbsp turmeric powder 3 cups flour sesame seeds or pine nuts to taste

COOK TIME: ~ 20 MINUTES

LYNN EL BIZRI Lynn El Bizri is a certified AMI assistant for ages 0-3 and mama of two.

Passionate about Montessori, the outdoors, and slow, intentional living, she is dedicated to empowering others by sharing her parenting journey, experiences, and practical insights. Find her on Instagram @lynn.el.bizri or at https://lynnelbizri.com/

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1. Beat butter and sugar followed by the eggs and vanilla extract.

4. Smooth out the batter using your hands and cold water or milk.

2. Add in the rest of the ingredients and mix until combined.

5. Sprinkle it with sesame seeds or pine nuts.

3. Grease two 8" square pans or one rectangular 8"x16" pan (we typically use tahini, but you can use butter or oil) and pour in the batter.

6. Bake in a preheated oven at 340F/170C for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

EGGSHELL CANDLES

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TO MAKE YOU’LL NEED several eggshells (each half makes one candle) beeswax pellets coated wick (optional) toothpicks

Spring is the season for egg themed crafts! While there’s so many different ways you can dye eggs, let’s try something different this year. Let’s make some eggshell candles!

And, with the price of eggs lately, it’s nice to find a craft that really helps you get the most out of your used eggs. These simple, small candles make great seasonal decorations while being fun to make.

Please remember that these candles should never be left unattended, especially around children.

Step One | Clean the Eggs Using dish soap and warm water, clean the outside and inside of the eggshell, removing any inner membrane and/or yolk. Carefully dry the shells completely.

If any part of the shell is too high, cracked, broken, or sharp you can gently crack the shell and remove the undesirable areas. Once each shell is clean and ready for the wax, set them into a container where they wont tip easily. An egg carton works well, but so does a bowl without a lot of extra space.

Step Two | Prepare the Wick Next, cut one wick for each candle. Each section of wick should be about 1.5 to 2 inches long, depending on the size of your eggshells. In order to keep the wick in the center of the candle, I like to wrap the wick around a toothpick (or another piece of wick) in a T shape. Then the toothpick can gently lay across the top of each shell, holding the wick in the center until the wax is hard and cool.

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Step Three | Melt and Pour Then, place a small amount of water into a pot. Place your wax pellets into a smaller metal container - either a small metal pitcher or a cleaned recycled metal can work well. Make sure the container with the wax is not able to float. If it floats, dump out some of the water.

Bring water to a boil and melt the wax pellets. Once completely melted, carefully pour the hot wax into each shell and fill about 3/4ths full.

Step Four | Wick and Cool Finally, place a wick into each egg while the wax is still hot and wet. Leave the eggshells to cool and the wax to harden. Once the wax has re-hardened, you can cut the wick to your desired length and enjoy your candles.

BOOK CLUB must reads this season

clean

SPRING Spring brings us the fresh opportunity to reevaluate our commitment to our environment.

Let’s explore how we can prepare spaces with and for our children and ourselves.

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n every sense of the word, Spring is a time of renewal. The quiet and dark world that blankets the Winter starts to get peeled back and life bursts into bloom. The temperatures slowly warm. The plants slowly awaken.

And, the light slowly returns.

A RENEWAL

Suddenly there are fingerprints on the walls - little reminders of the collection of small humans I am so grateful to live with. And, evidence of our indoor lives throughout the cold weather.

“THE ENVIRONMENT

As the spring sunshine suddenly floods my living room each morning I notice something that hasn’t grabbed my attention in months all the dust and dog hair that floats around the corners of the room.

In the dark and slow Winter months it didn’t even phase me.

MUST BE RICH IN MOTIVES...”

MARIA MONTESSORI

And, in the late afternoon, that time of day that hasn’t seen the sun in months, what do I notice?

As the world wakes up, these tasks start to make my cleaning list. I throw open the windows, let in the fresh breeze, and take advantage of the Spring energy to tackle these projects.

Spring becomes a renewal for my environment and for my commitment in preparing an environment for my children.

MONTESSORI AND THE ENVIRONMENT When I first discovered Montessori it took me a while to really understand why the environment is so important. In the age of social media, it can appear, at first glance, that our love for the environment as Montessorians is about aesthetics.

The pretty little wooden toys, the organized trays, and little furniture are all very eye-catching.

But, why is the environment really important to Montessori families?

To answer that we have to go back to Maria Montessori herself. Dr. Montessori showed the world that children have a power within themselves to drive their development. This all happens spontaneously within the environment. But, the environment must be prepared to allow children to truly follow their inherent drive.

In her book, The Absorbent Mind, Montessori said, “The environment must be rich in motives which lend interest to activity and invite the child to conduct his own experiences.”

When the environment is prepared, children have access to materials that are engaging to their developmental needs, and the freedom to explore that environment as they are called. But this freedom only exists in an environment free of obstacles.

Here are a few ideas to spark your own Spring clean this season! Adapt these ideas to match your family’s home and your child/ren’s ages and stages.

LIVING/PLAY

KITCHEN Remove broken or unused adult and child sized kitchen tools, utensils, and tableware from cabinets and drawers.

Throw away or recycle unwanted or expired pantry items.

Clear clutter from surfaces and reorganize child sized materials to accessible locations.

Deep clean. Dust and wipe down, remembering baseboards, walls, windows, switches, and floors.

Donate, sell, or pack away old toys, books, or materials that your child/ren no longer use.

Organize play materials into trays or baskets so that a single toy and all its parts are together.

Remove broken or incomplete materials and properly dispose of them.

Rotate toys, if applicable, for fresh and seasonal choices.

Clear adult clutter from floor, tables, and other surfaces including things that are too delicate or dangerous for children.

Sort through piles of paperwork, bills, or mail that have accumulated.

Deep clean. Dust and wipe down, remembering baseboards, walls, windows, switches, and floors.

BEDROOMS

BATHROOMS Clear clutter and remove unused, broken, or extra bath toys, makeup, haircare, and other personal care items.

Recycle or properly dispose of old medications, soaps, and cleaning supplies.

Organize linen closet.

Removing unused towels and refolding others.

Deep clean. Dust and wipe down, remembering baseboards, walls, windows, switches, and floors.

Donate, sell, or throw away clothes that are out of season, size, are too damaged, or are extra. Refold or hang clothes that are kept.

Clean under the bed. Place items back where they belong.

Sort through and organize the closet and any storage in the room, removing materials that are no longer needed.

Donate, sell, or recycle any unused, unwanted, or broken play materials. Consider a toy rotation to minimize options available and provide fresh play choices.

Wash or change bedding.

Organize bedding storage and remove any excess.

Deep clean. Dust and wipe down, remembering baseboards, walls, windows, switches, and floors.

In The Secret of Childhood, Montessori said, “the environment is fundamental, it must facilitate the expansion of the being in process of development by a reduction of obstacles to a minimum, and must allow free scope for a child's energies, by offering the necessary means for the activities to which they give rise.”

What are these obstacles in our modern day Montessori homes?

OBSTACLES IN OUR ENVIRONMENT These obstacles include anything that gets in the way of our children’s ability to act on their interests within our environment. This can come in many forms depending on the environment and our children’s interests.

For example, too much clutter can keep a child from being able to deeply concentrate by pulling their attention in multiple directions.

Clutter can also keep children from being able to find everything they need to carry out a specific activity. If things are disorganized, children may struggle to maintain order, forget where things are supposed to be returned, or struggle to understand how they should be put away.

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Excess can also become an obstacle for children. If there is too much available it can be difficult for them to choose what activities they should focus their attention on. It can also become too difficult for them to move around the space.

Spaces must also be accessible to children. An abundance of precious objects, furniture that is too large, or a lack of materials to support movement can also all cause obstacles to a child’s development.

However, we are not alone in needing to maintain our home prepared environment. Our children, from a young age, are capable of helping to clean our home. So as you undertake Spring cleaning, include your children!

ADAPT YOUR EXPECTATIONS In order to be successful in inviting your child to join you for Spring cleaning, you need to remember two things. One, we need to keep in mind what motivates our children to clean. And, two, we need to keep our expectations reasonable.

First, let’s talk about expectations.

Going back again to my first months and years as a Montessori parent, I can remember thinking that my children would always like to join me in cleaning.

Children like practical life tasks, right? So what’s the problem; why was it sometimes a fight? I can also remember the sting of frustration and guilt when my children didn’t happily take to cleaning tasks when asked.

Depending on our child’s age, their “help” may feel harder than their absence. And, they may need more support than we think. One way to understand if our expectations are reasonable, is to look to our child’s developmental stage.

My expectations were not reasonable. Children are not robots; they are small humans with their own interests, motivations, and developmental needs.

YOUR CHILD’S MOTIVATION

As adults, we have to be flexible in our demands and in our expectations. Children may not perform a particular task the way we would.

Each individual child is different and will have a different level of interest in practical work. But, we can make some generalizations based on their plane of development.

Then, as Montessori parents, we can use this information to entice our children to help us with our Spring cleaning projects.

To successfully engage your young children, here are three tips to keep in mind.

BIRTH TO 6-YEARS-OLD

One, invite but don’t require participation. Don’t invite a power struggle by requiring your child to do something they aren’t feeling called to do at that moment.

Children in the first plane of development, those aged 5-years-old and younger, are often motivated by the doing. They don’t care much about the final product of their work, but get enjoyment from the work itself. This is especially true when the work is rich in sensory feedback.

They like heavy work, work that involves water, bubbles, and movement.

Instead, invite them to join and then watch how the work entices them!

Get started and let them join.

Two, make sure you are explicit in your instruction on how to do the task.

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Don’t assume your children know how to do the task if you haven’t specifically shown them how to do it.

Three, once you’ve shown them how to do something, step back.

Micromanaging can hurt a child’s confidence, and motivation. Instead, let them learn through doing, let them make mistakes, and find their own rhythm.

SIX to 12-YEAR-OLDS Children in the second plane of development, from ages 6 to 12years-old, are no longer motivated simply by the movement and sensory appeal of practical work.

Children in the second plane, lose their external sense of order and are often messier than they were in their preschool years. Their motivation comes from a different place - their sense of justice, their sense of accomplishment, and their newfound interest in social dynamics.

Keeping these motivations in mind, here are three tips for successfully engaging your second plane children in your Spring cleaning projects.

One, talk to your children about the work that you are hoping to accomplish and explain your need for help. Their strong sense of justice can help them appreciate that everyone needs to contribute fairly.

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Two, give your children some agency over the process. In other words, help them feel some sense of ownership over the project.

Ask them for ideas on how to complete the project. When second plane kids create the plan, they are much more likely to follow through with completing it.

Finally, don’t expect second plane children to happily work alone. Older children are social children. They want, and need, to work in groups.

So, where possible, work together. If you can make the activity social in some way - a game, a competition, or a group activity - they are going to be much happier participants.

LET GO OF PERFECTION Finally, I want to leave you with one final reminder. There is no perfect as a Montessori parent. Our reactions do not have to be perfect, our expectations do not have to be perfect, and our environments do not have to be perfect. There’s no one way your Montessori home has to look. There’s no one set of projects that must be done.

Make your Spring cleaning work for you, your children, and your home.

Happy Spring cleaning!

SWEET POTATO INGREDIENTS 1 lb. ground turkey 1 cup chopped onion 2T minced garlic 2 cups peeled and cubed sweet potatoes 1/2 cup chopped celery 1 can (6 oz.) of tomato paste 1 can (14.5 oz.) of diced tomatoes (undrained) 1 can (14.5 oz.) of corn (drained) 1 can (14.5 oz.) of kidney beans 1 can (14.5 oz.) of great northern beans 32 oz. of vegetable broth Paprika, chilli powder, cumin, garlic salt, black pepper

MORGAN KAVANAUGH Morgan Kavanaugh is a husband/ father of 5 and feeds them all. Morgan loves to experiment with food and rarely follows a recipe.

TURKEY CHILI 1. Brown turkey with chopped onion, garlic, salt, and pepper until cooked.

2. Add turkey, celery, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, great northern beans, corn, and vegetable broth to a crock pot or large soup pot. Stir well.

3. Add paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well.

4. In a crock pot, cook on low for 6 hours. On the stove, bring soup to a boil. Once boiling turn to low, and simmer until sweet potatoes are soft and can be easily poked with a fork.

5. Garnish with chopped green onions, red pepper flakes, sour cream, or sharp cheddar as desired.

This sweet and savory meal is a Kavanaugh family favorite. It is perfect for those busy Spring evenings when sports or school activities mean you need a quick and nutritious option.

BLO

AMORETTE FRENCH Amorette (Amo) French is an educator, therapist, speaker, and mother. As an Autistic and ADHDer she helps families and neurodivergent children to better understand the way we think so that we may celebrate our differences and focus on strengths. She finds time to write in between raising her 2nd generation homeschooled Montessori twins and son while offering consulting and coaching services to schools, families, businesses, and providers. A believer of guidance versus training, you can find her practicing and sharing real-life, tips, skills, techniques, and information from her 14+ years of experience on Instagram @French.Family.Montessori and at frenchfamilymontessori.com. Her latest children’s book, “The Puppy in My Head,” will be in bookstores 2025.

OOM WHICH DO YOU HAVE?

W

hat child are you helping to bloom? I have a dandelion and an orchid. At this point you’re probably confused as you thought we were talking about children—so when did this switch to a gardening journal?

Let me explain the flower analogy I use and exactly how, and why, I use it to reframe my caring for children.

It also seems that once you have the orchid’s environment perfected, as well as its fertilization and watering schedules, it begins to droop.

When an orchid droops or fails to bloom,

Do you have a DANDELION or an

Dandelions generally don’t require a lot of care. They sprout in their environment and are able to bloom with the most basic of needs met.

We don’t struggle to help dandelions flower as they have lower needs.

orchid?

do we think it’s being problematic, just to cause us distress?

No.

Orchids, on the other hand, require a lot more tending in order to blossom in our care. They are more susceptible to changes, even the slightest, due to having higher needs.

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We understand that something is off and requires modification—but what?

Was it over or under-watered?

What’s up with the soil—did we miss a reminder to fertilize?

Is it too close or too far from sunlight?

Did I not exhale enough when talking to it?

It could be one of those things or a combination. So we ask for advice at the local flower shop, join a few orchid groups on social media, and read the blogs of top orchid experts.

Then, we apply all that knowledge, make adjustments, and take notes ensuring that no detail goes undocumented. We hope that we discovered the cause.

I like to use the flower analogy for its simplification, while humans are so complex. It’s not uncommon that children, and their needs, are minimized. Not purposely, it’s just that children (and human beings in general) are multifaceted and sophisticated—there are so many nuances.

While I may not have exhaled enough on an orchid when talking to it, denying it an extra bit of carbon dioxide, that plant isn’t going to care about the tone of my voice or body language. While both a child and plant have been shown to respond positively to kind words,

a negative isn’t going to have the potential to cause irreparable damage to a plant as it could a child.

Too often we take a child’s behavior as an attack on us, rather than trying to understand our child and make necessary changes. It’s so easy to forget that their behavior is a form of communication.

Admittedly, it’s much clearer that something isn’t right with a plant, and that we need to make alterations, when a leaf, dramatically, turns yellow; especially compared to when a child’s first sign may be that they “just seem a little off.”

With a plant, one of four things is likely the culprit. While, with a child, it could be the new fruit snack eaten three days ago, the outing to the park with all the social interaction, dinner that was served on a blue plate rather than the yellow, or sickness. It may even be a combination of all these or something else entirely.

While an orchid will bring drama over air-conditioning, proximity to the heating vent, or if there’s a gentle spring wind that happened to waft in from a cracked window three rooms away, we often feel that something like a tag in a shirt or a banana that has been handed over already peeled is not worthy of strong emotions.

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We may find ourselves thinking the child is the unreasonable one.

In part, it’s because we, too often, fail to recognize the child’s needs as TRUE needs.

We may roll our eyes and consider their reactions ridiculous or their challenges silly.

Reset assured, a meltdown over a scratchy tag is just as valid as a droop over being overwatered. The tragedy they feel over something we believe to be trivial and isolated may have a deeper meaning, tied to so much more. Sometimes answers to their troubles may be revealed, but we fail to ask.

By reframing, we can look at the problems of the child through a different lens and see the significance. Rather than seeing it as just one more minor thing, we can think: Something is off and modification is required for my little orchid/fiddle-leaf/peace-lily.

Instead of just becoming frustrated, we can remind ourselves that we have the ability to help this little being go from drooping to flowering.

We are capable of assisting them to meet their needs and/or alter their situation/environment to better suit them.

As we would look at the water intake, sunlight, or other environmental factors of a plant,

we should check if the child’s upset is due to H.A.L.T (hunger, anger, loneliness, tiredness) or other, perhaps more unique, factors. As we help our child navigate their challenges, we need to remind ourselves that we are guiding them to growth.

Just like an orchid though, we need to put the time and energy into figuring out what their particular need or distress is.

At the end of the day, regardless of how high or low their needs are, the important thing is that our child can bloom.

Who’s ready to nurture flowers?

FOLD GAR

Kite paper is perfect for creating a Spring garden that everyone can keep alive! Use this craft to stretch your creative muscles and make your home Spring ready.

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DING

DEN

SPRING FLOWER

TO MAKE YOU’LL NEED 1 square of paper for the petals (color of your choice), one light green for the stem and leaves repositionable glue stick scissors

PETALS - PRELIMINARY FOLDS

1

Step 1: Choose the color you want for the petals. Fold and cut it into 1/4ths. Use 1/4 of the sheet to make the petals.

2

Step 2: Fold and unfold your paper on the diagonal in both directions to find the center point. Turn the paper so that it resembles a diamond shape.

3

Step 3: Fold the left, right, and bottom end points to the center point of the paper.

Unfold the left and right flaps.

PETALS - PERMANENT FOLDS

4

Step 4: Fold the end points on the left and right sides of the diamond to the middle of the closest vertical line. Glue down the left, right, and bottom points.

5

Step 5: Fold the left and right sides of the paper along the previously made crease. Glue down.

6

Step 6: Fold and unfold the new bottom left and right points to the center point to create one bottom point.

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Step 7: Find the same bottom points from step 6 and fold to the new closer crease. Glue down.

Step 8: Finally, refold the bottom left and right flaps along the creases created in step 6. Glue down. You will need to repeat steps 1 to 8 for each flower you want to make.

Variation: Glue multiple petals together to make different shaped flowers.

This one has 6!

STEM

Step 1: Using light green paper, cut a 1/4 sheet square in half to make a rectangle. Fold and unfold the rectangle in half to make the center line.

Step 2: Fold the bottom left and right points to the center line. Glue down.

LEAVES Step 1: Using light green paper, cut a 1/4 sheet square in half to make a rectangle. Fold and unfold the rectangle in half lengthwise to make two smaller square halves. Cut along the line to make two tiny squares.

Step 2: Fold and unfold one tiny square diagonally. Then, cut along the line to create two small triangles.

Glue those triangles to the stem with one triangle pointing to the left and the other to the right.

Step 3: Fold the left and right sides to the center line and glue down. Then, glue the stem near the bottom of the petal.

LADYBUG TO MAKE YOU’LL NEED 2 squares (1/4 size) of red and 1 square of brown kite paper repositionable glue stick scissors

WINGS - PRELIMINARY FOLDS

Step 1: Fold and unfold your paper on the diagonal in both directions to find the center point. Turn the paper so that it resembles a diamond shape.

Step 2: Fold and unfold the top point of the diamond to the center point to create a new crease.

WINGS - PERMANENT FOLDS

Step 3: Fold the top point to the middle of the crease created in step 2. Glue down.

Step 4: Fold the bottom point of the diamond to the middle point and glue down.

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Step 5: Find the bottom left and right points and fold them to the middle crease, being careful to make a point in the bottom middle. Glue down flaps.

Step 6: Find the outermost left and right points and fold into the middle line to form a point. Glue down each flap. Repeat steps 1 to 6 twice for each ladybug you make.

HEAD

Step 1: You need tiny squares for the ladybug head. Using the typical 1/4 sheet square, fold the square in half and cut to get a rectangle. Then fold the rectangle in half to get two smaller squares.

Step 2: Fold and unfold the tiny square on the diagonal in both directions to find the center point. Turn the paper so that it resembles a diamond shape. Fold and unfold all four outer corner points to the center.

Step 3: Fold the top, left and right corner points down to their closest crease. Glue down each flap. Flip over head to glue on wings.

Putting Together: Glue each wing to the top of the head.

There is no specific angle to use. Wider angles will make it look as if it is flying.

Optional: Carefully cut out small circles, or use a paper punch, from extra brown paper. Glue desired number of dots to top of wings.

Enjoy your garden all Spring long! You can experiment with making flowers and creatures of your own. Otherwise, many beautiful flower, clover, butterfly, and dragonfly patterns are available online.

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EASY IN EASY OUT considerations for your outdoor prepared environment this Spring and Summer

C

hildren seem almost endlessly drawn to the outside world.

When my own children or I are grumpy, getting outside is first on our to do list. There is something about the fresh air, sunlight, and breeze that cures a lot of ailments.

This is especially true in the Spring when even slightly warmer air feels tropical after a long Minnesota winter.

When those first warmer days hit I get the itch to prepare our outdoor space for Spring and Summer. Like any prepared space, I want our outdoor space to be accessible and available to my children. I want them to feel welcome to explore, follow their interests, and make discoveries on their own.

Basically, I want them not to feel like visitors in my adult space, but to feel that these spaces were meant just for them.

This isn’t always the easiest thing to accomplish in outdoor spaces.

Outside environments pose many unique challenges - including safety, budget, and physical space. While all of these concerns cannot be addressed in one small article, I do want to explore three topics as you plan and create your outdoor Montessori prepared environment.

DEFINE YOUR SPACE First, we need to acknowledge that everyone has very different outdoor spaces available to them. While some will have acres for their children to roam, others will have a balcony, patio, or small yard. Others might not have any space of their own.

No matter what your space looks like, you need to define the physical space that you are wanting to prepare. Create a map on paper, or take a picture and mock up digitally.

By defining your space, you can keep the project from getting too overwhelming.

Once you have defined the physical space, make a list of potential activities you want to include for your children. The specific activities that you might want to include will vary depending on your children’s ages, interests, and the amount of space you have available.

Do your children enjoy quieter activities like reading? Or are they more suited to large motor activities?

Will you include sensory activities like water, sand, or gravel? How about nature based play?

Keep in mind that babies and younger toddlers typically like sensory and movement activities.

NO OUTDOOR SPACE? You can enjoy the outdoors even without a space of your own. birds: try a window bird feeder garden: add an indoor plant shelf, consider a community garden rental or garden share play: prepare your wagon/stroller/bag with tools, chalk, outdoor activities that are always prepared for play visit: find local resources, nature centers, playgrounds, and gardens

Older toddlers and preschoolers often like building and constructive play. As children move into elementary school, they are often drawn towards social activities including games with rules.

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As you prepare your space, prioritize the activities on your list that best meet the needs of your children.

Don’t feel like you have to include everything - often less is more. But, think about all of the things your children will need to set up, use, and clean up each activity.

For example, if you’ve identified water play as a priority - think about where the water will come from, how much water can they use, where can it be used, and where will it be disposed of?

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS There are many safety considerations when it comes to outdoor play. In fact, fear of the risk of the outdoors can often make it difficult for parents to embrace outdoor play at all.

But with some preparation, children can be safe from outdoor danger and enjoy the many benefits of outdoor play.

Boundaries are an important part of creating a safe space for children.

Where can they go? And where do they need to avoid? Thinking back to the space you defined earlier, does it include natural boundaries to keep children safe?

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This could include a fence, hedge, or building. If not, do you need to create a boundary? This can be done creatively depending on the situation. Things like garden edging, plantings, pots/garden boxes, and even weather safe furniture can be used to create the physical boundaries necessary for your space.

Other times, physical boundaries might be less possible. We have used things like natural features (a particular tree), landmarks (a neighbor’s driveway), or a visual reminder (like a chalk line on the sidewalk) to create a boundary for our children to stay inside of. With supervision, and practice, these can become second nature for older children.

There are also safety considerations that come right from the natural world. Depending on where you live insects, rodents, or other larger animals may be a threat. Make sure your children can recognize these threats and know what to do, and what not to do, if they encounter them.

Remember, too, that threats can come from the plant world as well.

Make sure you know what plants are in your space and if they pose any threat to you or your children. There are many apps available that can help identify plants - including my favorite “Seek by iNaturalist” - so you can learn more about them and their potential risks.

MAKE THE OUTDOORS ACCESSIBLE Finally, think about accessibility. Yes, just like inside your outdoor space should include child size materials that have been prepared for use. But, not only do the things you place in your outdoor environment need to be physically accessible to your child, the outdoors itself needs to be accessible.

You should create a plan for how you’re making your space available to your children regularly. Can they open the door to the outside on their own? Can you build in specific times each day to get outside? Or can you leave the doors open for some part of the day?

While it’s not always possible to get outside, often our own attitudes about the outdoors can affect our willingness to allow our children to play in our outdoor space.

Maybe we don’t think it’s engaging enough, safe enough, or cute enough. Maybe it’s too hot, cold, wet, or muggy.

As Maria Montessori said, “Let the children be free; encourage them; let them run outside when it is raining; let them remove their shoes when they find a puddle of water; and when the grass of the meadows is wet with dew, let them run on it and trample it with their bare feet; let them rest peacefully when a tree invites them to sleep beneath its shade; let them shout and laugh when the sun wakes them in the morning.”

We must approach the outside world with a sense of neutrality so our own views don’t accidentally prohibit our children from it.

“MINIMAL PLAY EQUIPMENT AND EXTENSIVE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE NATURAL SURROUNDINGS ARE NOT ONLY LESS EXPENSIVE TO BUILD AND MAINTAIN, BUT PROVIDE ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR PLAY THROUGH EXPLORATION AND FOR LEARNING THROUGH OBSERVATION." Lolly Tai, Designing Outdoor Environments for Children

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NATURE

MEE

Infusing Montessori Princip

ETS

NURTURE

ples into Your Family Garden

G BROOKE BLOMKER I’m a mom of two young children with a degree in Developmental Psychology and over 10 years of experience in early childhood education. Throughout my career, I’ve worn many hats—early childhood teacher, program director, and human resources professional— and have been lucky enough to discover the magic that is Montessori along the way.

I am passionate about Montessori education and its ability to foster independence and a lifelong love of learning; values which I strive to cultivate both at work and at home. I live in Minnesota with my husband, our two children, and our beloved pet bunny. In my free time, I enjoy gardening and baking.

ardening is more than planting seeds and watching them grow—it’s an opportunity to connect children with nature, nurture independence, and spark children’s curiosity in the world around them.

Maria Montessori believed nature was an essential part of education. Infusing Montessori principles in your family garden can transform everyday activities into valuable learning experiences.

Planning the garden can be a family activity that excites children about the upcoming season. Order free seed catalogs and invite your children to browse through them. Give younger children the opportunity to cut and paste their favorites from each catalog.

Invite older children to plan the garden design by drawing out a garden map, reading about each plant’s light requirements, and noting days to germination. Mark each plant’s scheduled planting and harvest dates on your family calendar together.

Here are some ideas to get you started!

GET INTO THE

GARDEN VISIT A LOCAL SEED LIBRARY Did you know you can get free seeds locally? Introduce your child to the concept of community building and sustainability by visiting a local seed library. Seed libraries provide free seeds to community members, and encourage participants to return seeds from their harvest to maintain the cycle. Find a seed library near you at https://seedlibraries.weebly.com/map.html.

Consider organizing a seed swap with friends or neighbors. This can be a fun way for children to learn about different plant varieties and the importance of seed diversity.

PLANT A SENSORY GARDEN When planning your garden, consider selecting plants that engage all five senses: Smell – Add herbs like mint, rosemary, lemon balm, or thyme.

ORDER FREE SEED CATALOGS Burpee Baker Creek Gurney’s Johnny’s Seeds

Sound – Select pollinatorattracting flowers to keep your garden buzzing, or add a wind chime to your outdoor space.

Touch – Plant grasses, lamb’s ear, or allium at your child’s level.

Sight – Consider adding brightly colored and easy-to-grow flowers like zinnias, cosmos, or marigolds.

Taste – Growing fruits and vegetables provides opportunities to taste fresh produce.

Plant different varieties of strawberries and do a taste test to compare.

Let your child explore the changing textures, scents, and colors as your garden grows throughout the year.

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EXPLORE PLANT LIFE CYCLES Introduce the concept of life cycles by planting fast-growing seeds like beans, marigolds, or sunflowers. Discuss the stages of growth, from seed to sprout to bloom. Encourage your child to take measurements and document each phase in a designated garden journal.

MAKE IT PRACTICAL Equip your child with gardening tools that are the perfect size for little hands. Encourage them to engage in age-appropriate tasks like planting seeds, watering plants, pulling weeds, or raking leaves.

Is your toddler obsessed with practicing their scissors skills? Give toddlers the opportunity to practice cutting flowers, leaves, or grass outside.

For older children, introduce tasks that develop responsibility, such as monitoring plant health, pruning, and mixing compost.

Use your produce to prepare simple meals or snacks together – have children help by peeling carrots, washing and slicing fruit, or roasting pumpkin seeds together. You may find that your child is more willing to try new foods that they grew themselves.

Last year we grew “Kaleidoscope carrots” for the first time, and my children were so excited to wash, peel, and eat the yellow, orange, and purple carrots!

“THERE MUST BE PROVISION FOR THE CHILD TO HAVE CONTACT WITH

nature

TO UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE THE ORDER, THE HARMONY, AND THE BEAUTY IN NATURE.” MARIA MONTESSORI

COMPOST TOGETHER Start a small composting project and explain how organic waste becomes nutrient-rich soil.

Let your child contribute food scraps and turn the compost. This teaches environmental stewardship and the importance of recycling.

If you’re feeling brave, introduce your child to vermicomposting, where worms help break down organic matter.

Create your own worm bin from a storage tote and let your child feed the worms and observe their activity. This is a fascinating way to demonstrate how living creatures contribute to soil health.

CREATE A “GARDEN OBSERVATION STATION” Set up a small table or space in your garden with magnifying glasses, notebooks, and drawing supplies.

Encourage your child to measure and track plant growth, and record their findings.

Children today can become citizen scientists, helping to crowdsource conservation efforts through a variety of free online resources: General wildlife - iNaturalist allows amateur naturalists to upload photos of organisms and connect with experts for identification. Visit www.inaturalist.org/observations to upload your nature sightings, or view a map of wildlife identified in your area.

Monarch butterflies - The Monarch Joint Venture project relies on citizen scientists to track monarch larvae and migration. Learn more at www.monarchjointventure.org/getinvolved.

Bumblebees – Join the effort to track and conserve bumblebee populations at www.bumblebeewatch.org.

Explore bumblebee maps, identify your species, and upload photos of your own bumblebee sightings.

Encourage older children to select an area of interest or a species of interest to focus on. How can you contribute to conservation efforts to protect them?

LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS AND HAVE FUN Gardening with children can be messy, unpredictable, and full of surprises. My family kept a less-thansuccessful garden each year when I was a child. My sisters and I enjoyed working in the garden, but one of my favorite memories was the year that our pumpkins didn’t turn orange in time for Halloween. Instead of being disappointed, my mother ran to the hardware store to get orange spray paint, and we spray-painted them orange!

Embrace the imperfections, and focus on making the experience enjoyable for you and your child.

By integrating Montessori principles into your family’s gardening activities, you can create a dynamic, hands-on learning environment that fosters independence, curiosity, and a deep respect for nature. Whether it’s planting seeds, observing wildlife, or simply enjoying the fresh air, gardening offers countless opportunities for growth—both for plants and children.

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APRIL

showers The weather in the spring can change faster than a toddler’s mood! A sunny day can quickly turn rainy in the blink of an eye.

There’s no reason to fear a rainy day - get outside and enjoy a rainy day with your kids. Here are three ways to make the most of rainy days with your children:

Enjoy: As a Montessori parent, you can keep it simple! Play in the rain, stomp in puddles, squish in the mud, walk in the rain, or listen to the rain near an open window.

Talk positively of rain, sing rainy day songs, and get out in all types of weather with your children.

&

Craft: Use natural materials, or things you find around the house, to make small boats. Take them out in the rain and see how they fare in the puddles. Older children can race the boats while younger children just explore. Twigs, popsicle sticks, yarn, pool noodles, toilet paper tubes, and leaves all make good materials for this project!

Study: Take time to learn about the rain! For younger children, practice putting on rain gear and taking it off; practice opening, closing, and walking with an umbrella. Preschool aged and older children can use a blank calendar to track the number of rainy days in your area, or use a rain gauge and marvel at how much (or how little) rain you get in a particular storm.

&

All the rain has a positive side - spring flowers! Whether you plant them on your own or find them in the wild, children of all ages love spring blooms. Here are three ways to enjoy all those spring flowers with your children: Appreciate: Enjoy the flowers in your environment. There are so many amazing cultivated blooms and wild flowers that pop up in the springtime. Go find them! Walk around your neighborhood; challenge yourself and see if you can find a rainbow of flowers.

Learn their proper names, and learn if they are native, introduced, or cultivated. Repeat every week to see how the blooms change as Spring moves into Summer.

MAY

flowers

Arrange: Flower arranging is a Montessori classic! Even toddlers love to place fresh flowers into small vases. You’ll need some flowers, scissors, vases, a funnel, and some water. Show your children how to cut the stems, fill the vases with the funnel, and arrange the flowers into the vase. Remember to show them where they can place the vases around your home.

Craft: There are so many wonderful crafty things you can do with flowers. Try dissecting and sorting them by their parts - petals, leaves, stems - then rearrange on a large sheet of paper to make your own “new” flowers. Or, paste petals onto a sheet of paper in unique patterns. You can also use flower petals to dye play silks or other fabric. If sensory play is a favorite of your child’s, use the petals as base to a sensory bin.

SING RAIN RAIN COME AND STAY WE ALL LOVE A RAINY DAY RAIN RAIN COME AND PLAY WE ALL NEED A WET WET DAY sing to the tune of “rain rain go away”

Friendly reminder: The way you speak about the weather around your children matters. Singing, talking, and thinking positively about the rain can make it easier for you and your child to get out and enjoy the outdoors in all weather.

This song is one simple way to change our collective language around rainy days. Enjoy it with your babies, and toddlers. Challenge your older children to think of new ways to sing about the rain!

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seasons joyful

spring

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