amazing!

I love the alphabet with the flowers! Could you point me to where I could find something like that? Such a great space!!

I love this. But where are the rest of the toys?

This is wonderful - sunny and bright - who wouldn't want to spend time there?

Adorable! Where did you get the pencil cups?

@Coleslaw1017: The flower alphabet cards are from eeBoo. They are in my daughter's room, too. They are so sweet, with little faries also. I think I got ours on Amazon, though I'm sure they are available lots of other places too.

can you share your thesis with us?

Jessie--I just spent some time on your blog and I'm fascinated! I don't have children--and probably never will--but I love to see the different ways children play and learn and interact. Your girls are very lucky! What a calm, happy place to grow up. It warms my heart, and reminds me of my own childhood, to see little ones playing without tvs or electronic devices around. I think those of us in our 30's or older are nostalgic for those days. Something as simple as a bowl or rocks can teach us so much!

Thanks for your sweet comments, it has been a joy.

Regarding where the toys are, they are rotated. I'd say 1/3 of their things are out at a time. Toys and materials are brought out according to their readiness and interest. The cards are Eeboo, I got them used on eBay.

My thesis is giant, but here is a link to an article I wrote to go along with my research.

http://educationofours.blogspot.com/2010/08/montessori-philosophy-in-home.html?m=1

Hi,

Thank you for the link you posted, I was about to ask for your thesis, like Bagelsmom. I'm off to read it !

Your playroom is lovely, I'm really feeling inspired.

I really like this, and the Montessori philosophy. Wish I had the space to do something similar. Taking a look at your article too!

Kit_Kat and I are on the same page- probably not having kids myself either, but I too worry that those of us in our 30s now were the last generation to grow up without constant electronic stimulation. I mean, I watched TV, but it was easier to detach from it, and my mom effectively limited my exposure. The younger generations certainly seem less "well" and, although I am wary of pie-eyed nostalgia about how good things used to be (I mean, c'mon, the 80s were super commercial, and we certainly grew up bombarded with messages about consumption- it wasn't perfect), it does seem like a lot of young people are a lot more stressed at a young age.
I'd like to hang out in your playroom.

It's my favorite place in our house. Minimal technology for them, except for CD players for music. We don't even have cable! My goal is to have children who can talk to people, not sit at social events with their head down facing some lit up contraption. I'm happy that my children are so creative with their time. Right on, Kit_Kat and Quietlikesnow!

Love that bookcase. Anyone know where it is from?

I second the question about where you found the wooden colored pencil cups! They are super neat!

Bookcase is from One Step Ahead, it can be personalized.

I got the pencil cups 2nd hand, so I don't know what company they are from. They are pencil cups for Montessori Metal Insets. Crafty types would have no problem making them. Here's a link to some that I have in my classroom:
http://www.nienhuis.com/en/set-of-11-colored-pencil-holders-1-2-3.html

Mommy Montessori, I love love love this room and I'm excited to read your article! I'm a former Reggio Emilia teacher and I love the whole Reggio/Montessori style and aesthetic. Possibly going to set up a playroom similar to this if my husband relents on giving up his mostly-ignored office. I have twin girls as well, but mine are just six months old :)

Oh my! Great space. So clean and organized. Quietlikesnow, I'm in my mid 40s and have 2 boys aged 6 and 4 1/2. We have every electronic device you can think of in my house but keeping screen-time to a minimum isn't as big a problem as you might think particularly when they're young. The key for us is providing the boys with a space similar to what Mommy Montessorii has done and also engaging them in learning/creative activities. You'd be pleasantly surprised at how often my kids choose to do crafts or other creative, hands-on activities over playing with their Leapster or computer. I just wish I could keep my kids' 'craftroom' as clean as organized as Mommy Montesorrii does. How do you do it?

We are pretty minimalist, so there isn't much out at a time. Otherwise, kids turn it into a free for all and then the task of clean up is too much for them.

Believe me, there are days where all this is covered in salt dough, fingerpaint, and 'projects'. If you look at the blog, you'll see how it looks in action. Not so perfect, but that fact that its being used so regularly makes it all worth while. Google "Montessori Prepared Environment" and you'll see what I mean! Thanks again, everyone.

Amazing!! Love it! I will use some of these ideas in my classroom- and pinterest it like crazy!! yiyiyiyiyiyiyiyiyiyi!