The power of wind

We had some perfect days for exploring the power of wind... 

I haven't planned for any of this, but when I saw Miss R giggling while watching a plastic bag escaping from the neighbour's garden, I couldn't help myself but bring out a stash of bags for the children. An they were running around with them, parachute scooting, and letting them go so that they would fly across the street.

Children thought that plastic bags were absolutely hilarious. Not so funny if you are a mummy trying to catch them over and over again.

Experiences

“Education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment.” (Maria Montessori)

My little boy reminds me of Dr Montessori's words every single day... 

I am not scared

Please stop asking my children if they are scared while touching spiders, stick insects, cockroaches or baby crocodiles... And don't call them brave either...

If they were scared, they wouldn't touch... What has bravery to do with stroking some harmless animal anyway?

And yes, they will become scared if every person asks the very same question...

Children by nature are extremely curious and not scared at all. Perhaps just refrain from any comments...

...

Dear stranger, why do you call me a boy?

Is is because of my goretex boots? You know, I like to walk in puddles and mud...

Is it because of that bruise on my forehead? You know, I just fell over while exploring...

Is it because of my coat? You know, this used to be my brother's coat...

Is is because I've been running up and down the church for an hour? You know, some girls are wild too...

Is it because of my short and tangled up hair? You know, I like to paint and bake and get incredibly messy...

Is it because my face is covered in mud? You know, I just kissed a mud puddle...

Is it because of my loud squealing? You know, I got excited about the bus passing by...

Is it because you would expect a clean face, framed in pink and glitter? You know, I like to dress up and play tea parties, but I don't want to be pretty and neat and quiet all the time...

So dear stranger, I ask you again, why do you call me a boy?

You know, I am a happy little girl... A wild one...

Barefoot tree climbing

I do not cease to be amazed by children discovering the world around them... So simple and enjoyable...

Barefoot tree climbing on a very cold autumn morning...

Swimming in autumn leaves... 

Why adults don't do the same?

My little girl...

My little girl doesn't wear white tights, glittery shoes and fluffy coats...

Her hair is rarely neat and tidy, and her fingernails aren't clean...

My little girl crawls in mud, eats sand, kisses puddles of water, paints her face and kneads playdough...

Her clothes are usually stained, her hair is tangled up and her fingernails reveal evidence of the most recent exploration...

But she is a happy little girl 

Handprints on the patio door

There is something immensely beautiful in children's play, rosy cheeks, muddy hands and handprints on the patio door...

Priceless...