New year, new .com but same commitment to authenticity, imperfection and Montessori in the home. I recently moved things around. The desk is now between the two sets of shelves.
The tapestries are commissioned from a fiber artist- how serendipitous that they match the rainbow wool rug!
The plants show no sign of being minimised.
I’ve started displaying related books, like this gorgeous book on Chinese numbers next to the math and Mandarin work.
I’m also putting “references” on the math and language shelves so the children have another means to check their work. There’s a set of wooden train numbers and a Magnatab alphabet which I scored for £4 at a British charity shop which the children may use to check their math and writing, respectively. This minimises me from being the one to tell them they were wrong, as they can simply refer to the materials and correct themselves.
To the left is the art and “everything else” shelf, like a favourite puzzle, a board game, and some oral language trays.
As well as a work that I like to put out at the start of each year, illustrations on Konmari folding along with clothing from each category. The kids Konmari fold their laundry regularly, but it’s a nice refresher for all. I love the built-in control of error that if you’ve folded the clothes properly, it should stand on its own.
It’s important that my Montessori reflects my culture. 3-6yos acquire social traits and are interested in the community around them, so the home environment needs to celebrate that incredible diversity and heritage instead of being a copy of somebody else. Basically, “you do you”. I’ve added subtle nods to Chinese New Year:
I am proud to be Singaporean so I’ve included postcard art from local artists that feature Asian children. (Hint: now’s a good time to raid your local bookstore for discounted calendars, that you can rotate monthly as art.)
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