November 2023 - Nurture with Yally

November 20, 2023November 20, 2023

Maria Montessori’s Timeless Quotes

Maria Montessori's Timeless Quotes

Throughout her decades of work, Maria Montessori offered many insights into child development and effective teaching methods. Her quotes and words of wisdom still ring true today and provide guidance to parents, teachers, and anyone interested in nurturing children’s natural desire to learn. The following quotes highlight some of Montessori’s key philosophies and beliefs about education.”

Montessori’s wisdom only seems to grow more relevant, offering lessons in fostering children’s natural desire to learn and become independent. Check out my other blog post about Maria Montessori by clicking here ‘THE MONTESSORI WAY: AN EXPLORATION OF MARIA’S CHILD-CENTERED APRROCH’

November 14, 2023November 20, 2023

The Montessori Way: An Exploration Of Maria’s Child-Centered Educational Vision

The Montessori Way: An Exploration of Maria's Child-Centered Educational Vision

Maria Montessori could have lived comfortably as one of Italy’s first female physicians but instead, she revolutionized how the world views early childhood education.

When she founded the Casa dei Bambini in 1907, no one expected children from low-income families to become so enraptured by learning. Yet this humble Children’s House was the launchpad for Montessori’s educational vision that would soon circle the globe.

Montessori understood that true education goes beyond the intellect. That it must nurture the whole child.

Her classrooms shimmered with discovery and purpose. Children scatter across the room choosing mesmerizing activities that call to their inborn curiosity. Pink Tower blocks and ready little hands for mathematical insight. Beautifully lettered Sandpaper Letters awaken an intrinsic desire for reading. Children teach themselves, led by their own developmental path.

The Influences Behind Montessori's Revolutionary Vision

In the 18th century thinkers like Rousseau and Pestalozzi promoted “natural education” letting children learn by experiencing the world, rather than strict discipline and rote learning and this influenced Montessori’s focus on hands-on learning.

Italian physicians studied child development stages and argued children learned differently than adults. Montessori was inspired by their work.

Theories by Piaget, Vygotsky and others in the 1920s-30s reinforced Montessori’s views on cognitive development stages and social learning. These theories are now foundations of early childhood education as we know it.

Montessori carefully observed children to see how they naturally learned best. This scientific observation led to her educational approach driven by children’s natural development.

Because more women entered the workforce in the 1900s, it created a demand for preschool education. Montessori methods appealed as a scientific childcare approach.

In the 1960s many looked to alternatives like Montessori that were child-centered rather than teacher-driven. This aligned with cultural trends questioning authority.

Studies showing Montessori students performing well in later grades gained interest from parents and educators.

While controversial in some aspects, Montessori reflected several key trends in educational philosophy. Allowing children freedom with structure resonated with many parents and educators, leading to its worldwide popularity.

The Montessori Method: Blending Science, Observation, and a Nurturing Philosophy

This is education built around the sovereignty of childhood. “Respect all the reasonable forms of activity in which the child engages,” Montessori urged, “and try to understand them.”

Its key principles include children having an innate desire to learn and develop themselves through purposeful activity. Teachers should foster this natural inclination.

Since children go through sensitive periods for learning key skills during their development. Teachers should recognize these periods and focus lessons accordingly.

Learning environments should be carefully structured with materials appropriate for the children’s developmental level and interests. Materials are designed to be visually appealing, hands-on, and self-correcting.

Teachers are guides helping children learn at their own pace, rather than top-down instructors. Children individually choose activities rather than learning as a class.

Mixed-age classrooms with 3-year cycles allow older children to teach younger ones because this fosters peer learning and cooperation.

Montessori schools typically have mixed age classrooms, hands-on learning materials, child-sized furniture, and a high degree of student self-direction. Subjects like practical life skills, sensory stimulation, mathematics, language, science, and culture are integrated.

The Montessori method spread worldwide and influenced many educational approaches. It remains a popular early childhood education model today emphasizing learning through exploration, independence and following the child’s interests.

From Italy to the World

In the 1910s and 1920s, Montessori traveled widely giving lectures and training teachers in her methods across Europe, India, and the US. She also continued opening Montessori schools internationally.

By the 1930s, Montessori methods were well-established with over 1,000 schools worldwide. However, her schools were forced to close in countries including Germany and Italy due to political tensions leading up to WWII.

And after WWII, there was a resurgence in interest in Montessori methods, especially in North America. Maria and Mario Montessori contributed to rebuilding the movement.

**The Montesso*ri Mission Marches On***

After WWII, many Montessori schools had been closed under fascist regimes. Montessori and her son Mario(Adopted) worked to reopen and establish new Montessori schools as interest in her methods was renewed.

Teacher training centers were reopened to train a new generation of teachers in Montessori methods to staff the growing number of schools.

And new Montessori learning materials were developed, expanding beyond the original materials to encompass new subjects.

Mario Montessori oversaw teacher training and school establishment in India in the 1940s. This brought Montessori education to a massive new audience.

Techniques were updated based on new educational research and observations of children. But core tenets remained unchanged.

Grassroots interest drove rapid US expansion and over 200 schools opened between 1946 and 1960 as American parents embraced Montessori.

The Montessoris gave lectures on their educational philosophy across Europe and North America to spread awareness.

Books like Maria Montessori’s “The Absorbent Mind” detailed her approach and were translated into multiple languages for wide distribution.

In 1947, Maria Montessori was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her global work in early childhood education. She did not receive the prize but the nomination recognized her achievements.

Montessori has been described as determined and single-minded in pursuing her educational philosophy. She was tireless in lecturing, writing, and establishing schools globally.

Despite not having children of her own, she was very maternal with her students and took great interest in each child’s progress.

Montessori died in 1952 in the Netherlands at age 81. After her death, her son Mario continued promoting and developing Montessori education across the world.

**Influential books written by Maria Montessori and other authors about her educ*ational philosophy***

The Montessori Method (1909) – Her first book introducing her methods and experiences at Casa dei Bambini.

The Advanced Montessori Method (1917) – Details the expanded curriculum for elementary levels.

The Secret of Childhood (1936) – Discusses children’s physical, psychological and spiritual development.

The Absorbent Mind (1949) – Describes the mental powers of infants and young children.

Maria Montessori: Her Life and Work by E.M. Standing (1957) – An early biography of Montessori.

Montessori: A Modern Approach and Montessori in the Classroom by Paula Polk Lillard (1972) – Clear overview of the method with examples.

The Montessori Toddler by Simone Davies (2019) – Applies Montessori principles to children under 3.

The Montessori Way written by Tim Seldin and Paul Epstein, Ph.D.. It is a comprehensive guide to Montessori education, from the early years through to secondary school.

Maria Montessori: The Italian Doctor Who Revolutionized Education for Children by Margeurite Cootware (2017) – Biography for a young audience.

Today there are over 20,000 Montessori schools worldwide. Montessori left a lasting legacy as a reformer of education centered around the natural development of children with student-directed learning and carefully designed environments. She is considered a pioneer in progressive education.

On other posts we can explore more on setting up Montessori classrooms, setting up a Montessori home, finding books and resources, and exploring the approach.
Check out my other related post by clicking here ‘On Top Curriculum For Homeschooler: A Guide’

Posted on November 13, 2023November 14, 2023
Cold Outside? Time for Beef Stew!

Cold Outside? Time for Beef Stew!

Beef Stew

Yally

It's getting cold out! In weathers like this, there's nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a bowl of beef stew. The tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef, softened vegetables, and rich savory broth makes the beef stew the ultimate cold-weather meal.
As the stew simmers away on the stove, the aroma fills the whole house with warmth. That first spoonful is so deeply flavorful and soothing. The red wine or dark beer adds depth and complexity to the broth. And the options are endless - potatoes lend heartiness, carrots and celery add classic flavors, while mushrooms provide an earthy, meaty bite.
Beef stew is a blank canvas for improvisation. Swapping in different herbs, spices, vegetables or proteins means you can constantly change it up. From classic French-style beef bourguignon made with red wine to an Irish stew flavored with Guinness or an American beef stew with smoky barbecue sauce - the variations are endless.
When you're looking for the perfect dish to take the chill out of winter nights, nothing satisfies quite like a bowl of hearty, wholesome beef stew. It's a timeless comfort food that warms you up from the inside out. Can you say nostalgia?

Print Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

1.5 lbs beef stew meat cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion diced
3 carrots peeled and sliced
3 stalks celery sliced
3 cloves garlic minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup dry red wine , Guinness or Rum
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Pat the beef cubes dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches if needed, add the beef cubes and brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer browned beef to a plate.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pot. Add the onions, carrots and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the onions are translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 2 minutes. Whisk in the Red wine or Guinness, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let simmer for a few minutes.
Pour in the beef broth and tomato paste. Add the bay leaf and thyme. Return the browned beef along with any accumulated juices to the pot.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 1.5-2 hours, until beef is very tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve stew hot with crusty bread.

Notes
There are lots of options for additional ingredients you can add to beef stew to make it even more flavorful.
Vegetables
like Potatoes,
Carrots,
Parsnips,
Turnips,
Sweet potatoes,
Mushrooms,
Pearl onions,
Shallots,
Red or green bell pepper,
Corn, and Olive.

Herbs
like Thyme,
Rosemary,
Oregano,
Parsley.

Spices
like Paprika,
Cumin,
Chili powder,
Cayenne pepper.
The nice thing is that the prep is very quick, so most of the time commitment is hands-off simmering time that allows the flavors to meld. With 20 minutes of prep and 2-3 hours of stewing time, you'll have the perfect cold-weather comfort food.

Posted on November 8, 2023November 14, 2023
The Immersive World of Outernet

The Immersive World of Outernet London

Now Building, Tottenham Court Road, London

Outernet London is an innovative entertainment district using technology to make art, culture, and experiences come alive in breathtaking new ways.

This hub of immersive experiences uses high-tech projectors, spatial sound, haptic floors, interactive sensors, and cutting-edge lighting to blur the lines between the physical and digital.

Experience extraordinary broadcast content, live events, brand launches, product drops, celebrity endorsements, and a world-class program of art exhibitions.

Some of their offerings let you walk through art exhibits in 3D space, interact with musical light sculptures, dine with customized visuals and scents, or attend a comedy show performed all around you.

Outernet is pushing creative boundaries, letting people engage with entertainment in new multisensory ways. Their team continually dreams up innovative experiences that offer perspective shifts alongside fun.

Londoners don’t have to travel far to step inside incredibly detailed, interactively responsive worlds. Outernet brings them right to the heart of the city, blending community connection with arts, culture, and memorable moments worth sharing. It’s a glimpse into a future where technology transforms imagination into reality.

Immersive Butterfly Trail Experience

I recently had the chance to explore their butterfly trail – a free immersive experience transporting you into a tropical paradise filled with hundreds of exotic butterflies from around the world. It gave me a taste of what makes Outernet so special.

While some offerings like the butterfly trail are free, most aim to make art and culture vividly immersive through the imaginative use of technology. I will definitely go back, and I will gladly pay for the experience.

This is me at the Butterfly trail, Now Building

Outernet also provides subscription passes giving access to a rotating selection of high-tech experiences starting at £40 per month.

The technology that powers these experiences is multi-faceted

It’s high-resolution projectors and 360-degree screens create detailed visuals that surround you.

Spatial sound systems make you feel like you’re inside the action. Audio seems to come from all directions.

Haptic technology like floor vibrations and tactile surfaces lets you physically experience the events.

Interactive sensors track body motions and gestures, allowing virtual elements to respond in real-time.

Cutting-edge lighting adapts colors and effects to complement the experience.

All that technology aids in the experience. Where you can interact with musical light sculptures and visualizations. High-tech sensors allow the lights to respond to your movement.

Multi-sensory dining experience where your meal interacts with custom visuals and scents. Food tastes differently when all your senses are engaged.

The combination of these technologies allows Outernet to craft deeply immersive worlds that come to life around you.

Last but not least!

Some details on upcoming paid events and experiences

Immersive Comedy Show (starts at £15 per ticket) – Experience a comedy show in 360 degrees with comedians performing all around you and visual effects enhancing the jokes.

Music Festival Pop-Up (tickets from £20) – A digital music festival with 3D projected stages and live performances from top artists. Dance with an avatar crowd.

Wonderland: An Immersive Experience (tickets from £27) – Step into a futuristic wonderland filled with illusions, mazes, augmented reality effects, and moments of mystery.

Garden of Earthly Delights (exhibit tickets £18) – An immersive recreation of the surreal artwork by Hieronymus Bosch. His fanciful world comes to life.

Alternate History Experience (tickets from £22) – A “time travel” adventure where you journey to alternate histories and solve challenges. Educational and thrilling.

Upcoming shows and exhibits change frequently. Check out their website here https://www.outernetglobal.com/

It’s an opportunity to take a peek into the future of how technology will transform arts, culture, and community.
What do you think?

Posted on November 1, 2023November 4, 2023
Cozy and Relaxing PS5 Games to Play with Your Kids

Cozy and relaxing PS5 Games to play with your Kids

Gaming has become a universal form of entertainment in modern society, yet parents often view gaming as an unproductive pastime. However, recent research suggests moderate gaming can actually provide cognitive benefits for kids and adults alike. While historically game consoles conjure images of multiplayer combat titles, the medium has expanded to offer thought-provoking experiences across diverse genres.

Games can improve hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and even spatial awareness. The interactive nature of games engages our minds in ways passive media cannot.

American Psychological Association article on how video games improve cognition https://www.apa.org/monitor/2014/02/video-game
Scientific American article on learning benefits of gaming for kids- https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/can-video-games-help-kids-learn/

Of course, moderation is key – setting limits on playtime is still important. But with a thoughtful approach, video games can complement a balanced lifestyle. Rather than dismissing them entirely, parents should consider engaging with their kids by embracing family-friendly games. Shared gaming may reveal this pastime is more enriching than we presumed.

Here are some cozy, relaxing, peaceful, unwinding, minimal-effort PS5 games.

Sky: Children of the Light

Social relaxation game where you soar through breathtaking landscapes. No objectives or fail states.

Social adventure game that can be played solo or with others. Explore beautiful landscapes together. The objective is to spread light and hope through realms that have fallen to darkness.

No combat, death, or other traditional gameplay elements. The focus is on exploration. Soar through floating islands, misty forests, ancient ruins, and more stunning environments.

Rated E for Everyone by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board).

Everything

Experience being various objects and creatures in surreal interactive simulations. Contemplative.

Developed by David OReilly, known for abstract animated films and games. Explore procedural generated environments filled with interactive objects and creatures. You can become anything in the simulation – animals, plants, natural and manmade objects. Play as things ranging from galaxies and horses to pickup trucks and eyeballs.

Over 3,000 things to be. philosopher Alan Watts’ speeches about existence provide narration. Music by Ben Lukas Boysen helps set a meditative, philosophical tone. No set goals or objectives. Wander and experiment at your own pace.

Unfortunately the game Everything does not have an official rated age range

Abzu

A beautiful underwater exploration game with dreamlike visuals and swimming mechanics. Calming atmosphere, I love this!

Developed by Giant Squid, the small indie studio formed by Matt Nava, art director for Journey. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of vibrant ocean environments brought to life. Inspired by scuba diving and director Matt Nava’s love of the ocean.

Relaxing swimming controls to gently navigate through reefs, kelp forests, and ruins. Hundreds of realistic marine species to discover, some inspired by real creatures. Interact with sea life like sharks, whales, dolphins, fish, and glowing jellyfish. Soothing ambient score by composer Austin Wintory enhances the underwater tranquility.

Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and up by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board).

Flower

A serene, wordless journey guiding flower petals on the wind. Soothing ambient soundtrack. This one is my favorite to play with my family.

Developed by Thatgamecompany, creators of poetic games like Journey and ABZU. You play as the wind, guiding flower petals through lush, sun-drenched fields. Simple motion-based controls to steer the petals using the controller. Intuitive for all ages.

No text, dialogue, or clearly defined objectives. Experience is subjective. A peaceful piano soundtrack enhances the tranquil atmosphere. As you spread petals, you restore life and color to the environment.

Explore forests, cityscapes, windmills, and rocky canyons across six dreamlike levels. Designed to provoke positive emotions like joy, peacefulness, and harmony. Supported VR on PS4 expands the calming immersion.

Flower is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB. According to their guidelines: E games are suitable for gamers ages 6 and up.

Journey

An emotional narrative adventure traversing stunning desert landscapes. Focus on nonverbal storytelling.

Developed by thatgamecompany, creators of thoughtful games like Flower and ABZU. Wordless narrative about a robed figure traveling through ancient ruins to a distant mountaintop. Explore the ruins of a once-thriving civilization now barren but still beautiful.

Ambiguous narrative left open to interpretation about life, death, and transcendence. Can play alone or randomly encounter other players online without communication. Simple controls and no tutorials allow you to immerse yourself completely. Haunting musical score by Austin Wintory creates emotional weight.

Received many Game of the Year awards for its innovative multiplayer and art direction.

Journey is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB, according to their guidelines

Lost Words: Beyond the page

Developed by Sketchbook Games and published by Modus Games Narrative adventure game set between the pages of a young girl’s diary and fantasy land. You play as a girl named Izzy, who is coping with the loss of her grandmother through her writing.

Smoothly transition between writing in Izzy’s diary and interacting in the storybook world. Simple platforming and environmental puzzles to progress Izzy’s tale. Charming storybook aesthetic is brought to life with colorful scenes and imaginative worlds.

Reflective narrative about childhood, grief, and coping with change and loss. Excellent voice acting conveys the emotion of Izzy’s poignant journey. The relaxing orchestral soundtrack complements the whimsical yet bittersweet tone. Received many awards for its artistic presentation, moving writing, and subtle gameplay.

There is no graphic violence, blood, gore, or profanity. Gameplay involves simple platforming and puzzles in fantasy environments. The narrative deals with emotional topics like grief, loss, and coping. Visuals are artistic and fantastical, with a storybook aesthetic.

Lost Words: Beyond the Page is rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and up) according to the ESRB's guidelines.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure

A cute and colorful 3D platformer starring the lovable Sackboy. Great for younger kids.

Part of the LittleBigPlanet franchise starring the iconic character Sackboy 3D platforming adventure with fun, cartoony visuals and humor Single player story mode or local co-op for up to 4 players Varied levels ranging from forests, jungles, oceans, mountains and more

There are power-ups and costumes to find throughout levels Simple, responsive controls suitable for younger players Charming music and Sackboy’s expressive sounds add to the lightheartedness Boss battles involve dodging attacks and hitting weak points and additional mini-games and challenges outside the main story

Sackboy: A Big Adventure is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB

Behind the Frame

Another one of my favorite is Behind the Frame. You get to play as Christy, a young aspiring artist who gets a job restoring paintings for a museum.

While working, Christy mysteriously gets transported into the world within the paintings. Touching narrative with themes of passion for art, personal growth and friendship.

Explore paintings ranging from still lifes to landscapes to recreate them. Simple painting mechanics allow you to recreate key elements of each painting. Relaxing experience focused on appreciation of art rather than challenges. Hand-drawn visuals in an art nouveau and art deco style.

Behind the Frame is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB, according to their guidelines

It Takes Two

It Takes Two is a co-op adventure game. Developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts The story follows estranged couple Cody and May who are magically turned into dolls and must work together in co-op to navigate challenges and save their relationship

Seamless drop-in/drop-out co-op, or play locally with a friend Variety of locations like workshop, greenhouse, campsite, and more imaginative contraptions and abilities to traverse obstacles as a team.

Boss fights require cooperating to expose weaknesses Whimsical humor and a heartfelt story about reconciliation Received critical praise for enjoyable co-op gameplay and story

It Takes Two is rated T for Teen by the ESRB due to suggestive themes related to marital conflicts

Don’t mimic existing games. Lead players somewhere they’ve never been.” – Kim Swift, designer of Portal
As I understand this quote, not rehashing familiar content and instead breaking new ground with innovative experiences that are calming, relaxing, and thought-provoking is a better way to go. Hope this cultivates a healthy and mindful gaming relationship for your family too.