There's A Book for That!

I’m back again with more book recs! As an educator, I often turn to books to help answer difficult questions or to start a conversation about a challenging situation.

The right books can illustrate real-world experiences in a way that children can understand and relate to. For parents, books can encapsulate what you want to say in a child-friendly way, offer a neutral introduction to a difficult topic, or be used as a springboard for a more extensive discussion. They also allow children to return and engage with a topic when they feel ready: often, this is not at the first read.

Over the years, I’ve collected titles for a wide variety of situations and topics. We’ll be sharing book recommendations with you in each newsletter going forward, so if you have some requests for topics, let us know!

For this issue, here are five of my current favorites for tackling changes that might be coming up in your child’s life.

Moving House by Anne Civardi

Great for Toddlers and Preschoolers, the simple text and eye-catching illustrations document what happens when a family moves to a new house, including packing and unpacking and meeting new friends and neighbors.

Ages: 2 - 5 years

Goodbye, Friend! Hello, Friend by Cori Doerrfeld

This sweet book focuses on the idea that when one experience ends, it opens the door for a new experience to begin. Following two best friends, it details the hard goodbye of a friend moving away.

Ages: 4 - 8 years

You Were the First by Patricia MacLachlan

Sentimental and caring, this book serves to remind first-born children that they will always be loved, even when welcoming a new baby. It also does double-duty, as appropriate, celebrating that one and only children are precious as well.

Ages: 4 - 8 years

The Next Place by Warren Hanson

This gorgeously illustrated book offers calming and inspiring reassurance to the loved ones left behind when someone passes away. The text is open-ended, allowing families to incorporate their own beliefs and values.

Ages 2 - 7 years old

The Koala Who Could by Rachel Bright

Kevin, our protagonist, doesn’t like change, but, as we well know, change is inevitable. This delightful story shows children that stepping outside of their comfort zone can bring great new experiences!

Ages: 2 - 5 years

By Head of School Pherooz Karani

Want to learn more? Read our next article:

BENEFITS OF PRACTICAL LIFE FOR TODDLER DEVELOPMENT

Comments

Další články

Magic mat

There are a few things typical to Montessori classrooms worldwide that might give the casual observer a pause. Picture it: you walk into a beautiful Casa environment, full of children working, many of them on mats rolled out on the floor. The students moving through the room know to step between mats, never on them. Of course, in the beginning of the school year it took many presentations, repetitions and reminders to instill this routine in the students.

Learning Mathematics in our Primary Classrooms

Maria Montessori often stated that not only does every human being have an innate drive to understand the environment around them, we all also naturally have what she called a “Mathematical Mind”. In the Montessori classroom, mathematical learning begins through indirect preparation long before a child is ever introduced to any Math materials.

IMSP Podcast: Meet Alumna Diana Peštová

It’s our pleasure to introduce you to this week’s guest on the IMSP podcast series: Diana Peštová. Born and raised in the Czech Republic, Diana now studies language and culture at the University of Amsterdam. Diana catches up with our host, Mariana, as she reflects on how IMSP helped her to think outside of the box. Passionate about writing, singing, and acting, Diana shares how Montessori education allowed her to explore her interests at her own pace.

Staff Interview with Joyce McCusker

How were you first introduced to Montessori education? What led you to seek Montessori training for…

IMSP Podcast: Meet Alumnus Caleb Miller

Introducing our first guest on the IMSP podcast series: Caleb Miller. After graduating from IMSP, he moved back to the United States, finishing his university degree. Caleb and our host, Mariana, chat about independence in childhood, the benefits of multi-age classrooms, and what advice he has for current IMSP Elementary students. While reflecting on his time at IMSP, Caleb looks towards the future as he pursues a career with a global focus. “That's one thing that Montessori, our school, planted in me,” Caleb tells us, “the desire to engage with the world”.