Monday, May 30, 2011

Changes and Thank You's

Seeing that I've spiked in blog views and the amount of followers within the last couple weeks, I've decided to make some changes to my blog to make it more user-friendly. I've taken the time to label each post so it's now possible to bring up the exact type of activities you're looking for (this can be found in the left panel). I appreciate this in other blogs and wanted to do the same here! My email is now under my profile as well if you'd like to do more than comment. I'm always willing to answer questions or chat with others about what I do. Suggestions are always welcome too!

I wanted to also take a moment to say thank you to my followers, those subscribing by email and all of the others who take the time to read my blog. I love sharing what we do with others, and when I check my stats to find that over a hundred people have checked it out in one day, or that someone has been kind enough to share this blog with their friends on Facebook, Twitter, BBC, or to list me in their own blog, it really encourages me to keep this going! Heck, just one person wanting to see what we're up to makes it worth it!

7 comments:

  1. Thank YOU for all of your beautiful, informative blog posts. My son is a little bit younger than yours and I gain inspiration for many of his activities from your blog. I have no formal Montessori training so blogs like yours are invaluable to me!

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  2. I'm a new follower (just found you last week) and am so thankful for all the information you post! I have a 21 month old daughter and have already used a few of your ideas with her. Thanks for the changes you made, too. Those are definitely helpful!

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  3. My daughter is the same age. I can't believe all your son can do, I've been trying to integrate Montessori activities in the house, but I don't know how your son has so much skill and attention! My daughter would just throw stuff all over or put everything into her mouth and run around the house or take paint, etc directly to the wall. It seems like I'm scared to do activities because I am sure they will cause a tantrum. Do you have any suggestions?

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  4. I can't post under my account for some strange reason, but this is the blog owner, Jen, here...

    Becky: I have no formal training either, I've just done a decent amount of research that's on-going. So much to learn and only the certified teachers know it all!

    I'm glad the changes have helped someone navigate better Kelly!

    Katie: Every kid is different and Ty somehow seems a bit mature for his age at times. I think it's more about me observing him and knowing what he's into and giving him activities that match his interests though. If I were to give him something he doesn't care about right now or isn't ready for he would do the same as your duaghter...just throw it and walk away. Watch your daughter closely to see what she does a lot of then develop activities to foster further learning. Observation is huge. Also, If she wants to paint the walls, maybe you could take her outside to do her painting? If she puts everything in her mouth then I'd avoid any of the activities with choking hazards for sure. If she likes to throw things, directing the throwing of balls, beanbags etc into a container would be up her alley. Have you tried pouring activities with her? Simply pouring water or dry material like sand or beans from one container to another is very Montessori. If she is throwing a tantrum I would guess the activities are not right for her. Have you tried Practical Life activities? If what I'm doing with Ty isn't her thing (which is okay and expected as each child is their own person with different skills and interests, just like adults) I would look to other blogs, Montessori links and activity books as well to find something that clicks. I don't want to drive you from my blog, but there are also tons of other ideas that may suit her better. I really hope this helps! If you'd like to talk further, feel free to keep commenting or email!

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  5. I have just started following your blog, but I have been getting ideas from you on BabyCenter for awhile. Thank you so much for everything you present on this blog!

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  6. Hi Jen, Very nice blog! I didn't see an email contact for you so I'll ask you here for permission to use some of your photos in the upcoming second edition of Montessori At Home! I will credit you & provide a link, & be happy to send the current edition, & the new one when it's ready, to you also. Thanks for considering! jbowmanbooks@gmail.com

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  7. This tells me I really need to add a link to my email! I would be honored to let you use some of my photos and will email you this morning, John!

    [Jen, blog owner...someday I won't have troubles commenting as myself I hope...]

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