Our children often are not
allowed to freely explore the natural
world. When this happens
they miss out on the wonder, the
problem-solving opportunities,
the tranquility, the power, and
the connectedness to our earth.
Montessori has a lot to say about
nature and connectedness. Here
are just a couple quotes from her.
How often is the soul of man—
especially in childhood—deprived
because he is not allowed to
come in contact with nature.
There is no description, no image
in any book that is capable of
replacing the sight of real trees,
and all of the life to be found
around them in a real forest.
This book is filled with ma p -
ping, tracking, and
journaling activities for
the elementary years.
Here are some highlights:
Find your own
“sit spot”; put on your owl
eyes to track a rabbit; learn a
fox’s habits; get to know a tree;
put on your deer ears to hear
bird language; and map your
favorite places. This is a great
resource for parents, kids, and
teachers.
Right Now,
I Am Fine
by Dr. Daniela Owen
illustrated by Gülce Baycik
I found this book recently and
had to review it for you. It is
just what some of you may be
looking for during this time of
Covid, social unrest, and political
campaigns.
Our children are taking
in a great deal of difficult
and worrying information from
the news, from overheard conversations
among adults, and from
their peers. You recognize that
something is different about
your child’s sleeping or
eating habits, their attitudes,
or their general
crankiness. This
book might help children from
about five- to eight-years old.
It starts on the first page by
saying, “Sometimes bad things
happen in the world…” Then
the author names the feelings—
scared or worried. After that she
tells readers how those feelings
might make our bodies react—
knots in our stomachs, difficulty
breathing, or lack of ability to
concentrate on other things.
Then she gives readers some
tools to get calm and recognize
that “Right now, I am fine.”
She includes deep breathing,
self hugs, dropping shoulders,
closing eyes and letting go of
worrying thoughts. She is honest
about bad things that may
still be going on in the world
but she encourages the reader
to let go for just a little while.
She also suggests other things
to do to relax; drawing a picture;
looking out at nature;
reading a fun book; playing a
game with a family member;
or cuddling a pet or a favorite
stuffed animal.
The illustrations depict children
from diverse ethnic and racial
backgrounds, as well as different
genders. They are large and
colorful. They clearly show feelings
and how to do the activities
described by the author.
Dr. Owen ends this book with,
“Then remind yourself … Right
now, I am fine.”
You can purchase this book for
home or school from Amazon.
com or other book sellers.
BOOK REVIEWS
Calling all
teachers,
parents, &
children!
We would love
to publish your
reviews of your
favorite books.
Please send them
to: lornamcgrath@
montessori.org.
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