HAPPY CHILDREN FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Montessori Ideas—

NEWSLETTER #12, December 2012

If a child finds no stimuli for the activities which would contribute to his development, he is attracted simply to ‘things’ and desires to posses them.. — Montessori

It has been observed over the years, that a cardboard box is often more fun than the toy that came in it. This cardboard box house has a skylight with a lovely view

When the children had completed an absorbing bit of work, they appeared rested and deeply pleased. It almost seemed as if a road had opened up within their souls that led to all their latent powers, revealing the better part of themselves. They exhibited a great affability to everyone, put themselves out to help others and seemed full of good will. — Montessori

This year we invite you to give your children wonderful memories of activities along with the special materials gifts you have chosen. At the top of this page the concentration of a child in a Montessori Infant Community in Sweden as she bakes bread is clearly obvious. Above you see the delight in the creativity of building one's own "toy" from a cast aside box. To the left is a picture of something we all could help children create this year; a book was wrapped in a grocery bag, and hours were spent decorating it with colored pencils, and scissors.

Remember that working/playing together with your children can create the most cherished memories of all. And giving them all the time they need to concentrate on real, valuable work, and to complete what they have begun, will go a long way to create healthy, happy children.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM MICHAEL OLAF MONTESSORI

Below you will find some ideas that help children DO rather than HAVE.