Nido: The Most Important Time in Your Child’s Life

“We should not look at newborn infants as small, helpless human beings, but as persons who are small in size, but with an immense mental capacity, and many physical abilities that cannot be witnessed unless the environment assists in the expression of life.”
– Dr. Silvana Montanaro

The Infant Community at Healthy Beginnings Montessori House is affectionately referred to as the Raspberry Room. Like all of HBMH’s classrooms, our Nido environment is rooted in the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori. In fact, the word Nido comes from the Italian word “nest” and is meant to convey the warmth and security of a home.

Through the environment’s simplicity and order, the room is safe, secure, stimulating, and most importantly full of . The preparedness of the teachers allow students to learn at their own pace, using their senses to explore and discover the world.

IMAGINE…

Age appropriate materials and aids that induce concentration, movement, language, and cognitive development

“Open” classroom, absent of inhibiting items such as playpens, “bouncing” seats, activity saucers, swings and walkers

Floor Beds, which permit movement such as slithering from day one; crucial to their development

Gently touched and spoken to softly, as a whole individual, in an environment with low baby-to-teacher ratio

Calmness is nurtured by following your babies natural rhythm of development

Trust is cultivated by understanding how your baby communicates information

We invite those with little ones between the ages of 6 weeks – 18 months to stop by for a tour, and witness the beauty of our Montessori Nido!
P: 972-881-8200
E: carli@healthybeginningsmontessori.com

Setting the Table; an Exercise in Practical Life

Setting the dinner table can be defined by many adults as a “chore”, but for a child, it is a purposeful, meaningful, and fulfilling work that stimulates all of their senses. The child learns self-control, and develops a healthy self-image because the work is real and necessary. Works such as this teach “care of environment”, as they prepare the table for their friends.  With very little instruction from the Guide, the child knows exactly where to place each place mat, plate, utensil, cup, and beautiful, fresh flowers. They understand that this is important work, and gain self-confidence as they see the outcome of their efforts; a room full of happy children eating and socializing in a well prepared environment.

Source: Michael Olaf, the Joyful Child, www.michaelolaf.com