Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Montessori-Inspired Community Helpers Activities Using Free Printables

By Deb Chitwood from Living Montessori Now

We have a new unit that's perfect for the start of the school year! Our new unit has Montessori-inspired activities using free community helpers printables along with a new Montessori-inspired community helpers pack for subscribers to our free newsletter at Living Montessori Now! 


Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links (at no cost to you).

You'll find many activities for preschoolers through early elementary throughout the year in my previous PreK + K Sharing posts. You'll also find ideas for using free printables to create activity trays here: How to Use Printables to Create Montessori-Inspired Activities. 

At Living Montessori Now, I have a page with lots and lots of free printables.

Montessori Shelves with Community Helpers Themed Activities

Montessori Shelves with Community Helpers Themed Activities

You’ll find Montessori-inspired community helpers themed numbers, letters, and more (part of my subscriber freebie pack, so just sign up for my email to get the link and password … or check the bottom of your latest newsletter if you’re already a subscriber) 
 
Go to my Free Community Helpers Printables and Montessori-Inspired Activities at Living Montessori Now for the free printables and activity ideas you see on the shelf and collage above!

Free Montessori-Inspired Community Helpers Pack


Montessori-Inspired Community Helpers Pack for DIY Cards and Counters, Number or Letter Matching, Number or Letter Basket, Bead Bar Work, Hands-on Math Operations, Number or Letter Salt/Sand Writing Tray, Letter Tracing, DIY Movable Alphabet, and Creative Writing (subscriber freebie, so just sign up for my email to get the link and password – or check your inbox if you’re already a subscriber).

More Community Helpers Resources

Community Helpers Books for Kids  
Community Helpers Toys  If you'd like ideas for calendar-based themes throughout August and September, see my August Themed Activities for Kids and my September Themed Activities for Kids.

Be sure to go to my Free Community Helpers Printables and Montessori-Inspired Activities for lots of free printables and activity ideas.
 
I hope you have a wonderful school year!
  Deb - Signature
Deb ChitwoodDeb Chitwood is a certified Montessori teacher with a master’s degree in Early Childhood Studies from Sheffield Hallam University in Sheffield, England. Deb taught in Montessori schools in Iowa and Arizona before becoming owner/director/teacher of her own Montessori school in South Dakota. Later, she homeschooled her two children through high school. Deb is now a Montessori writer who lives in San Diego with her husband of 50 years (and lives in the city where her kids, kids-in-law, and grandkids live).
Posted by at 11:30 PM 0 comments
Labels: , , , , , , ,

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Children of Divorce: 7 Things They Need Now

A mother and father getting divorced are taking the time to sit quietly and allow their son to be hear during this crucial time for him
PARENTS WHO LISTEN MORE AND SPEAK LESS. A child's emotions, thoughts, and behavior may be unstable during this difficult time. They need to be able to express how they feel without their emotions being stuffed. Some of the things they say may be difficult for the parent to hear, so don't dismiss or minimize what is said or how they feel.

REGULAR ACCESS TO GRANDPARENTS. Relationships with your extended family may be complicated for you, but the kids still need them. Determine what access grandparents and other extended family members will have to your children, and remain open to the fact that these adults can be beneficial during this difficult time. It can often times be easier for children to express their feelings to grandparents and others.

The best parenting tool ever created!

Bill Corbett teaches a parenting class in Longmeadow MA to a group of active parents
PARENTS WILLING TO TAKE A PARENTING CLASS. I'm not referring to the inexpensive divorce class that most states require all divorcing parents to attend; I'm talking about a multi-session parenting class in which parents learn about the developmental stages of childhood and what constitutes normal and abnormal behavior. Receiving additional help from a class or even a parent coach can prepare you for the significant behavioral challenges that may arise from the divorce.

FIRM BOUNDARIES AND LIMITATIONS. Even though many children and teens will push the limits even further during a divorce, they require firm rules to know that the parents are still in charge and care. Firm boundaries create feelings of safety and love, especially during difficult times such as divorce. Avoid the urge to give in and bend rules, to avoid hearing the dreadful statement, "I want to go live with my Dad (or Mom)."

RESPECTFUL TALK ABOUT THE OTHER PARENT. Your issues with your ex are your

Mom is talking about Dad when he's not around and the hope is that she is speaking positively about him, even if the the divorce is tough

issues, not your child's. No matter how terrible of a person you feel your ex was to you or the kids, your children will most likely still see them as the wonderful, flawless parent they once were. You don't have to speak affectionately about them in front of the kids, just respectfully.

CONSISTENCY ON THE RULES OF ACCESS TO INAPPROPRIATE MATERIAL. Your son comes home from a visitation with the other parent with a new smartphone, tablet, violent video game, or any other object you usually don't allow him to have. Avoid thinking that he can keep it just because the other parent gave it to him. Please hold on to that item until the next visitation. You can't control what your child is exposed to in the other parent's home, but you can in your own.

Want more cooperation in your classroom? Here's the best teacher tool ever!

PARENTS WITH EMOTIONAL SUPPORT. Seek out support groups in your community to get the help you need. Many churches offer a continuing workshop and support group called Divorce Care, which is open to anyone, even if you are not a church member. Your children need you to be emotionally strong and able to provide the support they will need to get through this difficult time.


The Author is an international speaker and the author of eight books, including the award-winning parenting book, LOVE, LIMITS & LESSONS: A PARENT'S GUIDE TO RAISING COOPERATIVE KIDS. Bill has three children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. You can learn more about his work at http://BillCorbettsBooks.com.

Affiliate Disclosure:
This blog has affiliate links, so we may earn a commission if you click on them and buy something. We only recommend products or services we believe will add value to our readers.
Posted by at 6:00 AM 0 comments
Labels: , , , , , , ,

Saturday, July 19, 2025

Montessori-Inspired Orca Activities Using Free Printables

By Deb Chitwood from Living Montessori Now

We have a new unit that's perfect for summer and a focus on oceans! Our unit has Montessori-inspired activities using free orca printables along with a new Montessori-inspired orca pack for subscribers to our free newsletter at Living Montessori Now! 


You'll find many activities for preschoolers through early elementary throughout the year in my previous PreK + K Sharing posts. You'll also find ideas for using free printables to create activity trays here: How to Use Printables to Create Montessori-Inspired Activities. 

At Living Montessori Now, I have a page with lots and lots of free printables.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links (at no cost to you).

Montessori Shelves with Orca-Themed Activities


Montessori Shelves with Orca-Themed Activities

You’ll find Montessori-inspired orca-themed numbers, letters, and more (part of my subscriber freebie pack, so just sign up for my email to get the link and password … or check the bottom of your latest newsletter if you’re already a subscriber) 
 
Go to my Free Orca Printables and Montessori-Inspired Orca Activities at Living Montessori Now for the free printables and activity ideas you see on the shelf and collage above!

Free Montessori-Inspired Orca Pack




Montessori-Inspired Orca Pack for DIY Cards and Counters, Number or Letter Matching, Number or Letter Basket, Bead Bar Work, Hands-on Math Operations, Number or Letter Salt/Sand Writing Tray, Letter Tracing, DIY Movable Alphabet, and Creative Writing (subscriber freebie, so just sign up for my email to get the link and password – or check your inbox if you’re already a subscriber).

More Ocean Resources and Activities


Ocean Science

More (Non-Human) Mammal Resources and Activities


Helpful Animal Classification Posts

 If you’d like ideas for calendar-based themes throughout July and August, see my July Themed Activities for Kids. and my August Themed Activities for Kids.

Be sure to go to my Free Orca Printables and Montessori-Inspired Orca Activities for lots of free printables and activity ideas.
 
Have fun the rest of the summer!
  Deb - Signature
Deb ChitwoodDeb Chitwood is a certified Montessori teacher with a master’s degree in Early Childhood Studies from Sheffield Hallam University in Sheffield, England. Deb taught in Montessori schools in Iowa and Arizona before becoming owner/director/teacher of her own Montessori school in South Dakota. Later, she homeschooled her two children through high school. Deb is now a Montessori writer who lives in San Diego with her husband of 50 years (and lives in the city where her kids, kids-in-law, and grandkids live).
Posted by at 11:30 PM 0 comments
Labels: , , , , , ,

Sunday, July 13, 2025

Children, Bugs and Nature


When a young child captures a specimen of nature in the backyard, one parent might tell them they can keep it in a jar, while the other tells them to take it out of the house and let it go. Instead, make this a learning opportunity for the child and a chance to demonstrate respect for nature. It's also a good time to reinforce time away from the screen and experiencing the world around them.

Allow them to keep the creature for a brief time and study it. Take some digital pictures of it and allow the children to decide which ones are their favorites to keep. Use an online application with your child to research information on the critter, what it eats, and the most favorable conditions for its habitat.  


When it's time to let it go, allow the children to decide where they’ll release it. You could use it as an excuse to visit your local state park to let it go there and look for other forms of nature.

You might be fortunate to have butterfly garden close enough for you and the children to visit. There are numerous butterfly conservatories and indoor butterfly gardens located across the United States. These facilities provide a year-round tropical environment where visitors can observe a wide variety of butterflies flying freely. 

A conservatory near us became a favorite place for me to bring my autistic granddaughter when I was running out of options to keep her busy. For the safety of the wildlife we were about to see, and to help secure her cooperation once we were inside, we would go over the rules they had posted by the entrance. The most important one was that everyone must remain on the walkway throughout our visit.

Once you and your child are back at home and the creature they once had in a jar, or saw while on an outing, is gone, use any digital photos you took and ask them questions that encourages them to talk about the experience. What did they like most, what was their favorite and what made them smile. Have them draw pictures or use art clay to recreate what they remember. 

Temporarily capturing a little piece of live nature to touch and see can be so enriching for our kids with a little bit of coaching.  It’s also a great opportunity to guide them away from screen time for a while and help them to open their eyes to the true beauty around them. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Bill Corbett is the author of 8 books, including the book, LOVE, LIMITS AND LESSONS: A PARENT'S GUIDE TO RAISING COOPERATIVE KIDS. You can see more of his work at http://BillCorbettsBooks.com.


Posted by at 9:43 AM 0 comments
Labels: , , , , , ,

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Montessori-Inspired Summer Scavenger Hunt Activities Using Free Printables

By Deb Chitwood from Living Montessori Now

June 20 is the first day of summer, and I have a fun new unit at Living Montessori Now! It's a summer scavenger hunt unit (the last in our series of seasonal scavenger hunt units)! Our new unit has Montessori-inspired activities using free summer scavenger hunt printables along with a new Montessori-inspired summer scavenger hunt pack for subscribers to our free newsletter at Living Montessori Now! 

You'll find many activities for preschoolers through early elementary throughout the year in my previous PreK + K Sharing posts. You'll also find ideas for using free printables to create activity trays here: How to Use Printables to Create Montessori-Inspired Activities. 

At Living Montessori Now, I have a page with lots and lots of free printables.

Montessori Shelves with Summer Scavenger Hunt Themed Activities

Montessori Shelves with Summer Scavenger Hunt Themed Activities

You’ll find Montessori-inspired summer scavenger hunt themed numbers, letters, and more (part of my subscriber freebie pack, so just sign up for my email to get the link and password … or check the bottom of your latest newsletter if you’re already a subscriber) 
 
Go to my Free Summer Scavenger Hunt Printables and Montessori-Inspired Activities at Living Montessori Now for the free printables and activity ideas you see on the shelf and collage above!

Free Montessori-Inspired Summer Scavenger Hunt Pack



Montessori-Inspired Summer Scavenger Hunt Pack for DIY Cards and Counters, Number or Letter Matching, Number or Letter Basket, Bead Bar Work, Hands-on Math Operations, Number or Letter Salt/Sand Writing Tray, Letter Tracing, DIY Movable Alphabet, and Creative Writing (subscriber freebie, so just sign up for my email to get the link and password – or check your inbox if you’re already a subscriber).

More Summer Resources

Amazon Affiliate: Summer Science      If you'd like ideas for calendar-based themes throughout June and July, see my June Themed Activities for Kids and my July Themed Activities for Kids. 

Be sure to go to my Free Summer Scavenger Hunt Printables and Montessori-Inspired Activities for lots of free printables and activity ideas.
 
Have fun this summer!
  Deb - Signature
Deb ChitwoodDeb Chitwood is a certified Montessori teacher with a master’s degree in Early Childhood Studies from Sheffield Hallam University in Sheffield, England. Deb taught in Montessori schools in Iowa and Arizona before becoming owner/director/teacher of her own Montessori school in South Dakota. Later, she homeschooled her two children through high school. Deb is now a Montessori writer who lives in San Diego with her husband of 50 years (and lives in the city where her kids, kids-in-law, and grandkids live).
Posted by at 11:30 PM 0 comments
Labels: , , , , , ,

Monday, May 19, 2025

Montessori-Inspired Axolotl Activities Using Free Printables

By Deb Chitwood from Living Montessori Now

Axolotls are such cute amphibians (and loved by so many kids and adults) that I just had to have an axolotl unit! Our new unit has Montessori-inspired activities using free axolotl printables along with a new Montessori-inspired axolotl pack for subscribers to our free newsletter at Living Montessori Now! 


You'll find many activities for preschoolers through early elementary throughout the year in my previous PreK + K Sharing posts. You'll also find ideas for using free printables to create activity trays here: How to Use Printables to Create Montessori-Inspired Activities. 

At Living Montessori Now, I have a page with lots and lots of free printables.

Montessori Shelves with Axolotl-Themed Activities

Montessori Shelves with Axolotl-Themed Activities

You’ll find Montessori-inspired axolotl-themed themed numbers, letters, and more (part of my subscriber freebie pack, so just sign up for my email to get the link and password … or check the bottom of your latest newsletter if you’re already a subscriber) 
 
Go to my Free Axolotl Printables and Montessori-Inspired Axolotl Activities at Living Montessori Now for the free printables and activity ideas you see on the shelf and collage above!

Free Montessori-Inspired Axolotl Pack



Montessori-Inspired Axolotl Pack for DIY Cards and Counters, Number or Letter Matching, Number or Letter Basket, Bead Bar Work, Hands-on Math Operations, Number or Letter Salt/Sand Writing Tray, Letter Tracing, DIY Movable Alphabet, and Creative Writing (subscriber freebie, so just sign up for my email to get the link and password – or check your inbox if you’re already a subscriber).

More Amphibian Printables and Activities

Amazon Affiliate:
Axolotl Products for Kids on Amazon 

Montessori-Inspired Amphibian Pack for DIY Cards and Counters, Number or Letter Matching, Number or Letter Basket, Bead Bar Work, Hands-on Math Operations, Number or Letter Salt/Sand Writing Tray, Letter Tracing, DIY Movable Alphabet, and Creative Writing (subscriber freebie, so just sign up for my email to get the link and password – or check your inbox if you’re already a subscriber). 

Montessori-Inspired Frog Pack  for DIY Cards and Counters, Number or Letter Matching, Number or Letter Basket, Number or Letter Salt/Sand Writing Tray, Letter Tracing, and DIY Movable Alphabet  (subscriber freebie, so just sign up for my email to get the link and password - or check your inbox if you're already a subscriber) 

Helpful Animal Classification Posts

 If you'd like ideas for calendar-based themes throughout May and June, see my May Themed Activities for Kids. and my June Themed Activities for Kids.

Be sure to go to my Free Axolotl Printables and Montessori-Inspired Axolotl Activities for lots of free printables and activity ideas.
 
Have fun with axolotl activities!
  Deb - Signature
Deb ChitwoodDeb Chitwood is a certified Montessori teacher with a master’s degree in Early Childhood Studies from Sheffield Hallam University in Sheffield, England. Deb taught in Montessori schools in Iowa and Arizona before becoming owner/director/teacher of her own Montessori school in South Dakota. Later, she homeschooled her two children through high school. Deb is now a Montessori writer who lives in San Diego with her husband of 50 years (and lives in the city where her kids, kids-in-law, and grandkids live).
Posted by at 11:30 PM 0 comments
Labels: , , , , , , ,

Friday, April 18, 2025

Montessori-Inspired Teacher Activities Using Free Printables

By Deb Chitwood from Living Montessori Now

With both Teacher Appreciation Week and Teacher Appreciation Day in May, this is a perfect time for a teacher theme! Our new unit has Montessori-inspired activities using free teacher printables along with a new Montessori-inspired teacher pack for subscribers to our free newsletter at Living Montessori Now! This unit is designed to celebrate teachers as community helpers.

You'll find many activities for preschoolers through early elementary throughout the year in my previous PreK + K Sharing posts. You'll also find ideas for using free printables to create activity trays here: How to Use Printables to Create Montessori-Inspired Activities. 

At Living Montessori Now, I have a page with lots and lots of free printables.

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links (at no cost to you).

Montessori Shelves with Teacher-Themed Activities

Montessori Shelves with Teacher-Themed Activities

You’ll find Montessori-inspired teacher-themed themed numbers, letters, and more (part of my subscriber freebie pack, so just sign up for my email to get the link and password … or check the bottom of your latest newsletter if you’re already a subscriber) 
 
Go to my Free Teacher Printables and Montessori-Inspired Teacher Activities at Living Montessori Now for the free printables and activity ideas you see on the shelf and collage above!

Free Montessori-Inspired Teacher Pack



Montessori-Inspired Teacher Pack for DIY Cards and Counters, Number or Letter Matching, Number or Letter Basket, Bead Bar Work, Hands-on Math Operations, Number or Letter Salt/Sand Writing Tray, Letter Tracing, DIY Movable Alphabet, and Creative Writing (subscriber freebie, so just sign up for my email to get the link and password – or check your inbox if you’re already a subscriber).

Teacher Appreciation Resources

Teacher Appreciation Books  
Community Helpers Toys  If you'd like ideas for calendar-based themes throughout April and May, see my April Themed Activities for Kids and my May Themed Activities for Kids.

Be sure to go to my Free Teacher Printables and Montessori-Inspired Teacher Activities for lots of free printables and activity ideas.
 
Have fun celebrating teachers!
  Deb - Signature
Deb ChitwoodDeb Chitwood is a certified Montessori teacher with a master’s degree in Early Childhood Studies from Sheffield Hallam University in Sheffield, England. Deb taught in Montessori schools in Iowa and Arizona before becoming owner/director/teacher of her own Montessori school in South Dakota. Later, she homeschooled her two children through high school. Deb is now a Montessori writer who lives in San Diego with her husband of 49 years (and lives in the city where her kids, kids-in-law, and grandkids live).
Posted by at 11:30 PM 0 comments
Labels: , , , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...