(Well, in this instance, cardigan flip.) The coat flip is a fantastic trick to help toddlers put on their cardigans and coats independently. I have been demonstrating the Montessori coat flip to Frida for a couple of weeks now but she has shown absolutely no interest in trying for herself. Today she finally decided to…
Read MorePractical life: cleaning for the new year
Happy 2017! A new year always makes me want to clear and sort and clean and tidy, especially after the festive period. I know it is a cliche to talk about starting the year as you mean to go on, but I think there’s something positive and important about trying to set positive intentions for…
Read MoreWater transfer using a pipette
Today Frida spent some time working to transfer water using a pipette. This is a really nice activity for toddlers as it helps develop their fine motor skills and concentration, as well as being a water activity (most toddlers love water). To set this up I used: Tray Two glass ramekins, the one on the…
Read MorePractical life: pouring milk
Frida asked me for a drink of oat milk this evening, so I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to set up a pouring practical life activity. I tried to take a photo of how I set it up, but Frida was so impatient to get pouring that I couldn’t take one! I just…
Read MorePractical life: dusting shelves
I have been facilitating more practical life activities for Frida recently – she seems to have taken more of an interest in them, so I’m following her lead and trying to provide her with the opportunities to develop and hone her skills. Earlier today I noticed that Frida’s art shelves were getting a little dusty,…
Read MorePractical life: chopping using a crinkle cutter
Yesterday Frida helped me cook by chopping our courgettes and tofu. Yes, she’s only 19 months, but you’re never too young to help with cooking! (Apologies for the quality of these photos – our dining room is really dark in the evenings). I gave her a simple demonstration, showing her how to slice the vegetable…
Read MorePractical life: mopping
We’ve all been laid up indoors for the last few days as the whole family has caught a nasty bug that’s been going round. My mum and my mother-in-law have both been a huge help, looking after Frida whilst my husband and I were stuck in bed, making me feel very lucky that we have…
Read MoreDown the stairs! Montessori stair climbing
Frida has been able to climb the stairs in our house for a good month or two now. Like almost everything else, it required no active teaching from us, just letting her have the space and time to try – and standing very close behind her in case she fell! Until quite recently she showed…
Read MoreBaking with babies
For a few weeks I had been hankering after some carrot cake. But the big slabs in cafes seemed too sugary; shop bought versions too full of rubbish. There was nothing for it but to make my own. Pre-baby I used to love baking but I find cooking with Frida in tow a little challenging…
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