Family Child Care -Montessori Influenced

Meal time changes over 6-9 months. I am finishing up my first year as a child care provider. I have never had so much fun except when my own children were this young! Just watch and enjoy. I don't stress out on things. I just try to simplify and create as much order as possible for the little ones. However, structure never takes place of Love and Logic.

As I read, studied and observed the children they would show me when they were ready for more tasks. I would notice we needed new arrangements and made them.

When the video starts out I did not have table and chairs. I mainly worked with the toddler, but soon the infants were soaking up everything I was teaching and modeling so the infants soon came on board with the toddler.
*It is really great to have an older child be an example for the younger ones.

-At first the focus was to stay seated at the table while eating as soon as they could sit. Also holding the utensil. If they got up during eating, I said, "Oh your done." And took the food out of the hands and washed them and let them go on their way. They didn't eat with utensils right away, but while holding them they formed muscle control. I figured they will use them when ready. I modeled everything daily so they knew what to do when ready.

-Then everything has a place at the table (Tablecloth with placements drawn on it)

-Then a glass was introduced with short sips of water at a time, increasing as ready.

-Now we are getting into setting and serving the table after it has been modeled for some time.

-Bussing came naturally as it was modeled they wanted to do it themselves.

-Next I am beginning to let the toddler watch me and participate in washing the dishes. When he is ready I have a little washing and drying set up for him.

-Then I suspect I will get more into food prep and then planting food. Watching it grow while we take care of it this spring.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• child
• care
• education
• montessori
• anthropology
• social
• science
• children
• infants
• toddlers
• babies
• preschool
• christian

[ggill61]

Great job! I love this! I too go to the dollar stores for most of what I need and it is working for my two year old and my day care joys! Thanks for sharing!

[rethom]

@ggill61

The dollar store is so cool and fun for kids and parents that do this! cheap! cheap! learn! learn! -thank you

[LOATODAY]

Thanks for sharing the evolution of the child's dining experience! Very informative!

[bingbangboomtx]

I love this - thank you! I am going to start weaning this month and I enjoy see what others who are following Montessori have done.

[iluvpeaches2]

planting seeds, watering, and harvesting food with the little ones is sooo much fun!! you are right they love to learn new things and be a part of the process. i'm getting ready to move my infants to their own table with no straps holding them down... wish me luck!! :)

[soagn]

hi, i am teaching with montessori in France!but i am not writing for this!! i would like to know about the music of your vidéo because i am playing traditionnal fiddle too (trying), and would like to learn these tunes! thanks

[TheGraceDiaries]

Awsome, I am just looking into Montessori, thank you.

[LisaNolanMontessori]

Wonderful food dishes and place setting ideas for a Montessori home environment for young children of all ages! Lovely!