Happy Arbitrary Orbital Marker is another way Bad Astronomy Blog says “Happy New Year.” I love this site=It’s not boring!
Also, I am hooked on taking out the telescope to take a look at the night sky every New Year’s Eve. It may be cold, but I like looking at the big picture of the universe. It realigns my purpose in the journey of life, like Montessori’s purpose for Cosmic education or the Great Lessons. She believes a child as young as 6 years old can understand this purpose of life.

Since it has been seen to be necessary to give so much to the child, let us give him a vision of the whole universe. The universe is an imposing reality, and an answer to all questions. We shall walk together on this path of life, for all things are part of the universe, and are connected with each other to form one whole unity. This idea helps the mind of the child to become fixed, to stop wandering in an aimless quest for knowledge. He is satisfied, having found the universal centre of himself with all things’
(Clio 1989 p 5 – 6) Montessori’s View of Cosmic Education

Happy New Year!

Birthday party themes are perfect for a New Year’s Party for kids. The sillier the party, the better. For a sleep over party, use a teddy bear theme party. Have lots of activities that both parents and kids can play. These paper bag hats are perfect for New Year’s.

Here we go again! Another Colorado snow storm. We always get hit hard when it is an “Albuquerque low.” It’s time to get out the shovels and show the kids how much fun shoveling snow can be! It’s a good Montessori practical life activity for even older kids.

Start with a small kids sized shove for preschool kids. Even a large sand box shovel will work for a young child.
Dress warmly in layers and provide water. It’s easy to get dehydrated doing this physical workout.

Show where you are going to pile the snow from the driveway or sidewalk.
Hold the shovel so it is balanced in the palm of your hand. Grasp with your other hand, palm up, on the handle. Keep a distance between your hands for more leverage. Take a small layer off the top of snow and push in a pile. Keep your legs slightly apart and bend knees while doing this.

Take a break to make hot chocolate and watch the snow fall some more.
Young kids should have fun with this activity. Don’t make them shovel heavy snow, they just want to work & copy you.

My kids loved making this paint made from Ivory Snow flakes-
Use butcher paper-the shiny side up-for fingerpainting. This recipe is from Visual Arts at allthedaze.com-

Creamy Soap Flake Fingerpaint

What to do during the longs days of winter, after all the holiday fun and cheer? Snowflake cutouts and coloring are fun activity for any age kid. Get some white paper, scissors, glitter and glue for hours of fun.

It’s not always easy to know what to do with your toddler. Here are some Montessori activities to consider. Happy learning!

Here is an easy hands-on activity you can do with your child.

Buy a bead Christmas tree garland at any craft, box or dollar store.

Printout these arrows–

Print out the blank arrows for counting by 5’s
The others have 10’s already printed on them.

Just count down the beads and put down the correct number arrow marker.

For a writing exercise-use this graph type paper to do skip counting. Cut the paper in thirds, tape together to make a long ribbon of paper.

Write down the number “1” -count down to ten and write the number “10” and so on. I would do the activity verticle rows-it’s easier to visualise. Start with the 10’s-most kids find it easier! Of course, do what is best for your child.
Kids love to see how long they can make the paper ribbon.