This past weekend, I was in Boulder for a Montessori workshop. It was focused on the concept of “Child Study”–bringing teacher teams together to brainstorm strategies for children who are struggling. 

We practiced the process with a child who has autism. The presenting teacher talked about how much screen time the child gets at home and how it makes it more difficult to pull the child into reality during the school day. 

I definitely try to limit Henry’s screen time. I only resort to it if I need to take a nap on the weekend (which, um, is often). I’ll pull out the laptop and set him up to watch

According to Montessori theories of child development, children start demonstrating a readiness for practical life activities between 15 and 18 months. I feel badly that I haven’t sufficiently supported Tate’s development in this area. He’s definitely ready! The other day I handed him the pizza sauce and the spreader, and he applied the sauce to our pizza crust. He can also transfer laundry into the machine, carry a child-sized basket from the bedroom to the washer and dryer, and put away his clothes and shoes. I bet he would even help wash the dishes if I could muster up the patience and time to support him! It’s amazing what little

Friends, 

I am so happy to be able to offer a free copy of Edison’s Day. It is my absolute favorite Montessori documentary. I have gushed about it many times. It’s a 30-minute glimpse into the life of a Montessori family. Edison is 20 months-old in the documentary, and you follow him through the day. There are beautiful scenes of him pouring water for a friend during lunch, helping his dad wash the family car, and helping his mom make dinner. I was (and continue to be) blown away by what a 20 month-old can do when the environment is set up in a way that supports his or