Why We Choose Montessori

 What made us choose Montessori? Edamame. Seriously.

Edamame was my daughter’s favorite snack when she was one year old. Isla happily gobbled up edamame when we were sitting on the kitchen floor together, opening up the pods, and popping them in our mouths. However, on the occasions that I opened the pods for her and had a little bowl of beans ready to eat, she usually didn’t touch them. As someone who studied human behavior, I’m endlessly curious about why people do the things they do. I realized that Isla enjoyed the process of opening the edamame herself, as she took pride in prying the beans out. She worked hard for her snack and enjoyed it more because of that. Without knowing it at the time, this was the beginning of my realization that Montessori was a great fit for our family.
By the time Isla was preschool age, we had our home set up with low shelves minimally stocked with wood blocks, open-ended toys, and art supplies. At three, Isla was an active participant in our household; helping to empty the dishwasher and organizing her shelf with her cup and plate, washing windows, chopping vegetables, picking out her clothes, etc. These actions were by no means chores - we simply invited Isla to partake in what we were doing and she usually decided to join.
Creativity and confidence have blossomed in our daughters (we have three now!) as they accomplish small things inside and outside our home. They know we trust in their abilities and, therefore, trust themselves.
At Center Grove Montessori, our daughters are provided with space to explore who they are as unique individuals. The ever-so-competent guides have created an aesthetically beautiful environment where independence is encouraged, creativity is fostered, respect is mutual, and children thrive.

About the Contributor: Lindsay holds a M.A. in Forensic Psychology and worked in the world of jury research before marrying her Army husband, Daniel. They have three daughters: Isla (6) and Sophie (4) who attend CGM, and Edie (almost 2) who hopes to attend CGM before the Army moves their family elsewhere. Lindsay enjoys plants, traveling, hiking, basket weaving, and bringing creative ideas to life.

What a "YES Day" Means to Us

Hours away from our first flight in two years, Joshua spiked a high fever. The plan was to go to Disney, a trip we had already rescheduled, but now needed to be rescheduled again.

Usually reserved for birthdays and surprise occasions, this unexpected turn of events deserved to have some fun. Joshua’s sick day became a YES Day (You pick Everything for your Special celebration). Sparks of joy hung out with disappointment as Joshua planned out the day’s itinerary and menu. He firmly declared it a pajama and a no-limit screen day. Breakfast was served in bed, a’ la carte with a side of “Nature Cat” on PBS. Our car lunch included a Frosty appetizer, paired with a favorite sandwich from Subway, and enjoyed during a spectacular water display at the local car wash. The afternoon itinerary comprised of playing favorite board games, building with magnetic tiles, and soaking in a hot bubble bath. After a late afternoon nap, this unforgettable day was capped off with a movie rental on big screen and lots of snuggle time.

Likely to be the flu, (PCR test negative for Covid) Joshua is learning how to manage feelings of disappointment and the importance of taking time to let the body heal.

Still running, taking deep breaths, and eating a boatload of chocolate.

About the Contributor: Brittany lives in Bargersville with her Husband, 2 children, and 1 bonus daughter. She values Montessori philosophy and for that reason, her children have been enrolled at CGM for ages 3-6 as well as incorporates the philosophy in her home. She has combined the philosophy along with Positive Parenting techniques to work with her children through various developmental stages.  She was a licensed, mental health provider prior to having children and maintains those credentials while currently dedicating more time to her role as Mom.