Resources

Encouraging Random Acts of Kindness
Do you need some ideas on how to encourage random acts of kindness? http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/ has wonderful ideas on how to bring kindness to every aspect of your child's life. Our favorites include making blankets for the homeless, picking up trash in parks and other areas you frequent anyway (don't forget the gloves and trash bag), or even something as simple as opening the door for a stranger. Check out their website for some inspiration in kindness today!

29 Ways to Entertain Kids
What's happier than the sight of children playing? Get 29 great ideas from MSN's gallery of fun. http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-life/family-fun/staticslideshowrs.aspx?cp-documentid=20523319&gt1=32033

Who needs some Indoor Fun?
Check out some great ideas for indoor fun from Savvy Source!
http://www.savvysource.com/event/search_events

Sharing during the Holidays
A recent news article gave me a gentle reminder of what the Holiday Season is all about, sharing. There are many great ways that you can encourage your child to share. First, try reading your child "The Story of Stone Soup", http://www.extremelinux.info/stonesoup/stonesoup.html, then pick your favorite way from the list below or think of one of your own!

Recipes- Don't we all love to eat during the holidays. We all have that special family recipe that has been passed down through the generations. This year, why not consider testing a new found recipe and if successful, sharing it with an organization within your community that could use the donation. Consider baking cookies with children and donating them, providing everyone a fun sharing opportunity. Check first to find an organization that can accept donated baked goods, like a retirement home. This active lesson in sharing can become a new holiday tradition to be passed down.

Decorations- During the holidays, decorations come out of closets where they have been hiding throughout the year. Wreaths are placed on doors, lights appear on houses and city streets are adorned with greenery and candy canes. This year, take a look at your boxes of ornaments, lights and holiday decorations to see if you really use or need all that you have gathered throughout the years. If you have excess, donate those to others who may not be so fortunate. Your local schools may know of families that would greatly appreciate the gesture. Share some Holiday Cheer!

Holiday Cards- What is better than receiving a good old fashioned holiday card in the mail? This is something I look forward to every year. Each is carefully placed on the mantle to be looked at and shared throughout the season. Holiday cards are a wonderful opportunity to stay in touch with friends and family we don't see often enough. Charity holiday cards donate a portion of the proceeds to deserving charities. Consider donating unused cards to someone who can put them to good use. This form of recycling holiday cards helps the environment as well as those who will benefit from their use. You can also contact organizations like Soldier's Angels to get involved in their Cards Plus Team.
http://soldiersangels.org/cards-plus-team.html

Clothing- Spring cleaning doesn't only have to happen in the Spring time. Use some of those snow days to go through those stuffed drawers and closets. A good winter indoor activity, make room for your new Christmas sweater by donating items you no longer need, wear, or fit into. If you didn't wear something all summer, go ahead and get rid of it. If you don't remember the last time you wore something you probably won't miss it anyway. Charities will struggle more this year, given the economy, so they will certainly appreciate your donated items. Help someone else during the holidays while simplifying your life. Think how much easier it will be to find that special turtleneck you wanted to wear when you don't have to look through a jammed closet full of unused clothing. Don't forget your children's room too, this is a great together time activity!

Gifts- Money is especially tight this year for everyone for many reasons, but a simple well thought out gift can bring as much joy as an expensive one. Begin now by listening and paying attention to those you will be getting gifts for later. Does that person really need more "stuff" this year? What can you give that would be appreciated and help others as well? Consider gifts sold by non-profit organizations. A donation to a charity in someone's name is an good idea. A handmade gift may be more appreciated than a store bought one. Maybe you have something you wouldn't mind passing on that has been admired, start a "white elephant" tradition. Give a gift of yourself by applying for your organ donor card. Give a gift of yourself by volunteering during the holiday season.

Holiday parties- Start a tradition. This year when your family, friends or co-workers gather, charge admission to the annual party. Ask that each participant bring something that can be donated to a charitable organization. The party will be just as enjoyable and all will feel they have contributed a small part towards making the holidays better for someone else.

Sharing your good fortunes, personal strengths or just your time to help others during the holiday season is a win-win. You feel good by helping others and others benefit from your contributions. Start your own tradition of sharing during the holidays and continue the gesture beyond the holiday season. Such actions set great example for you children and our hope is that sharing becomes contagious. Happy holidays!

Grace & Courtesy: From the Montessori Classroom and Beyond!
Please. Thank you. You’re welcome. Excuse me. May I join you? These may be common phrases for you and I, but are they for 3 year olds?! They should be. "Montessori school prepares children to become citizens of the world and it begins with grace and courtesy in their own environments at home and school."

Marilyn Rolls Rugs!
The older children like to help their younger friends acclimate to the Montessori environment. When older children give lessons, they build their self-esteem. They are also reinforcing knowledge they’ve already acquired.
Marilyn, a five-year-old, took pride in helping the younger children. She offered to lend a hand whenever needed and she did so in a kind and loving way. A true Montessori child, she was never boastful. She always offered a polite “May I help you?”
Marilyn loved keeping the rugs tidy. If a younger child was having difficulty, she politely asked, “May I show you how to roll the rug?” She demonstrated it with care and precision (the “pat the ends of the rug” step was her favorite part).
Acting as a role model, Marilyn walked around the classroom ever so carefully. The younger children noticed how she walked around the rugs the children were using. They imitated her, as they slowly maneuvered around the rugs, as well as around the children who sat beside them on the floor. Marilyn’s posture, that of a ballerina, was inspiring to all (teachers included!).

Check out Montessori Services for some more great examples of Grace and Courtesy. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Montessori-Services-A-Resource-for-Preparing-the-Childs-Environment/162424913771995

Family Adventure Program from REI
Make this your family's best summer yet with REI's local family-friendly hiking and biking adventures! Try the Carkeek Park trail; it boasts great views of Puget Sound and a really fun beach area to explore! http://www.rei.com/passport/Carkeek-Park-Trails

Like to treasure hunt? Try Geocaching, it's fun for the whole family!
"Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online." It's a great way to get outside and enjoy this sunshine! http://www.geocaching.com/

An Introduction to Montessori Philosophy and Materials
Here's a cool video about Montessori Education