Self Found Work

I have found Dotty has little interest in her shelves because she has freedom throughout our entire home. She is able to safely explore, developing independence.  I have the job of keeping the environment prepared while not restricting it to what I think she is ready for.  Following the child.  I think this quote from Maria Montessori says it well:

"Every living creature possesses the power to choose, in a complex and many sided environment, that thing, and only that, which is conductive to its life."

and

"allowing your child to choose, you are directly supporting their will development, and helping give them a sense of control and mastery of themselves.  This is so important for the development of a healthy self image and sense of worth. ....you can then sit back and observe your young child making reasoned and deliberate choices, and engaging with their chosen activity to a high degree.  This is rarely possible when you are busy orchestrating their day and when the main activities are chosen by you"

Opening and closing.  She does this the most repetitively of all her self found work.  

Pouring water.  Because she has access to dishes in the kitchen she was able to get a cup of water and another empty cup and begin transferring one to the other.

Velcro.  She loved to get this bike helmet and remove all the velcro strips-as soon as I out them back she would find it and remove them again.

She sat a long time taking the straw out and putting it back in.  (but first she finished off the latte)

Cause and effect/opening closing.  She loves to take the bath plug in and out.  Noticing the effect on the water level.

Please consider if your Montessori space within your home is too restricted and separate from the rhythm of daily life.   Go easy on yourself and your children.  I have noticed a trend of well meaning moms studying the method more than being a student of their child.  Know the child.

On another note, this will be my last post on this blog.  Please come on over to Life in a Pink House where I will continue to weave Life in the Pink Tower post throughout.