Pull the string down, and watch the toy go up! Fun and simple mechanical toy you can build with materials you probably already have in your basement.
Homemade Rope-Climbing Toy
Why I Quit
I’m throwing in the towel. Here’s why.
Gardening with a Preschooler: The Strawberry Experiment
This summer for one of his projects, my three year old has been diligently caring for a strawberry plant. He waters it, keeps it clear of weeds, and on three separate occasions has had the supreme delight of picking a
Everything is Washable
The more independent my preschooler becomes, the more I actively try to step out of his way and let him spread his wings. He has a naturally cautious temperament and is not one to dive into new situations. This summer,
Independence Day
Happy 4th of July! I hope you and your children are spending some time running free today! My husband and I recently took our boys to Olympic National Park, and I had the immense joy of watching them play outside
Montessori: Honor the Work of Childhood
Several months ago, I began doing some research on Maria Montessori’s methods. Her writing is rich with insights, not simply about teaching, but about the ways we think about and interact with our children. I have made a few deliberate
Is Your Home Schooled Kid a Nerd?
Good. Maybe when he grows up, he’ll have a job instead of sitting in your basement eating bonbons and playing Xbox. Keep up the good work!! In all seriousness, I have taught for twelve years and had countless conversations with
Up He Grows!
Something about three seems to making my older son grow at light speed. Since he hit his birthday in December, it’s been non-stop new skills and ever-increasing independence. This week alone, he graduated from a mattress on the floor to
Mother’s Education
Charlotte Mason educators often refer to the importance of “mother’s education,” a phrase that typically encompasses a mother’s training in child-rearing, her study of child psychology and educational best practices, and for many moms, her personal spiritual growth through Bible
No Wind, No Problem
My three-year-old is forever teaching me about determination (or “stubbornness,” depending on the particulars). This week, it was the kite he got in his Easter basket. Every day, he’s been looking out the window and declaring that it’s really windy