Montessori-ing

You may have noticed, or not, that some of the things I have been trying to do with Cedrik are along the lines of Montessori.  I have fallen in love with the Montessori method.  There are only a few things that I am not at all trying to adhere to (they cross with my love for attachment parenting techniques--baby wearing, co-sleeping, etc).  Since starting to do these methods more often, Cedrik is starting to concentrate longer and do things on his own.  Jordan is so great.  He seems to trust me implicitly with finding new parenting techniques.  I am not really sure why, but he is always up for trying something new.   

Another accomplishment: Cedrik has ceased being scared to poop in the toilet!! HOORAY! 

Here we tried a transferring activity with rose petals and tweezers.  He was much more interested in the tweezers but did like watching me demonstrate how to move them from one plate to the other. 

This was just something I saw on a pinterest.  He hasn't quite figured out that the tape is a road for his trucks, but he does move (and toss) his trucks around the kitchen now--much easier than the carpet.

I have one friend.  Well, one friend who is also a Montessori fanatic...at least I think she is.  It helps to have someone to bounce ideas off of.  Also, neither of us can afford to deck out our house with Montessori "equipment" so it's nice to have someone else that "feels my pain."  We decided to start doing grace and courtesy lessons.  The first lesson we decided to try to teach the kids (her son, 3, Cedrik 20m, and her daughter, 17m) was introducing themselves politely.  Her son, Connor totally grasped the concept.  Cedrik has been introducing himself at breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, but won't say anything.  He'd rather just shake our hands.  This activity is geared towards older children, but it was still fun.  Afterwards, Adrienne (the mom/my friend)...and the rest of us made chocolate banana muffins.  They were great and all of the kids enjoyed helping make them...notices the boys' faces.  Next we will be learning how to shut doors quietly.

If you don't know what Montessori is, or want to read some great books here are some ideas (all at the library):
How to Raise an Amazing Child, The Montessori Way, Tom Seldin
Montessori from the Start: The Child at Home, from Birth to Age Three, Paula Polk Lillard
The Child in the Family, Maria Montessori