ensō

We are often asked what Zo's name means...

If Italian?  It's "Ruler of the Home", or just simply, Henry.

If Japanese?  It's "Circle of Absolute", "The Void", or simply, The Moment.

We chose the more common spelling to make his life easier.

Yes.  Alot of people think Ferrari when they hear it.  

And yes.  It was the 2008 #1 boy name in FRANCE. 

A true international name...a Hapa name for a Hapa boy.

The ensō symbolizes a moment when the mind is free to simply let the body/spirit create. In Zen Buddhist art,  the character of the artist is fully exposed in how she or he draws an ensō. Only a person who is mentally & spiritually complete can create a true ensō .  Some artists will draw this symbol daily for Spiritual practice.   
Very Mr. Miagi circa 1980's.


Zo started to "sign his name" at alittle over 2 years old.  It was open scribbles at first, but now he's deliberately connecting the two end points at 3, closing the circle.  It's so very hip of him...having a name that's a symbol...like the artist formerly known as something that was formerly comprehensible.

A child's art does reflect on his character in many ways.  Either loose or tight, imaginative or literal, from scribbles to writing, a child's reflection of the world around him is simply fascinating.
Zigg-Zags started to appear in alot of Zo's doodles.
"That's a story mama...like ABC's".

A few of his playmates are now spelling their own names.  Just amazing.
Zo's not there yet, the letter "O" is his best letter, we're lucky that worked out.

Circles became "words."  And now, words became "people."
His latest chalk scribble is of the most beloved people in his life.
At least I would like to think so.

Slowly, the previous empty Void is now beginning to fill.
Words, images, characters...a once clean slate now has inhabitants.
Real or pretend, invited or intruded, these stories of the who we are, what we are, and how we are, are all around us...and in us.
In this lab, I see my subject self filling and being filled.
A mind empty.
A mind full.
The Merry-Go-Round of life has started.

Some Basics...

Here are some "Montessori Basics" as a foundation for future tool presentation posts.  Also see our tabs at top for the Philosophy and our general school tools and classroom.
Yup.  Totally drinking the Monti-Kool-Aid...gulp.

Natural Materials:
There is a preference for learning materials to resemble the natural organic world around us.  The idea is that children learn about their physical world BEST when handling things that come from their natural surroundings. 

This is a preference, not a must.

But whenever possible, materials like wood, glass, ceramic, metal, wicker, grasses, rocks, grains, sand, are placed in a classroom.

Also helpful are tools that show how the physical world works.
So hinges, zippers, buttons, lids, sprays, transparent boxes & jars, anything that reveal a function is great for learning the source of "Cause" and result of "Effects".

There is also emphasis on setting up a "Beautiful and Breakable" environment. 
The natural beauty of all the tools and the clean presentations will attract a child to come explore and learn.  The breakable nature of the natural materials will teach a child to value and take stewardship over his belongings and to treat the physical world with respect and understanding.

A Work Mat:
This is the start and finish of any work.
Mats provide a visual "space outline" for the child to work in.  Just like how a place mat functions for meal times, a work mat gives the child a clear sense of where his work area is.  It carves a boundary for the child to focus, and for other children to stay outside the work perimeter when a child is working.  Respecting another child's space and focus is of utmost importance in a Montessori environment. 

Mat Use:
Children are asked to get a mat from the mat basket, carry it to their work area, roll it out, put an activity tray on it, do the activity within the mat, clean up when done, roll the mat back up, and replace into the basket.
Mats can be any material, just easily rolled and carried.  Sizes are 24"x24" for table mats and 36"x48" for floor mats (approximates).

This simple "visual" FOCUS cue is ingenious.

Wood Trays:
Again, a matter of visual boundaries and practical method of transporting tools to a work mat.  Best to get wood or bamboo tray with cut-out handles.  This provides stability when carried by a child to a work mat.
You can find some fine materials at online stores such as:
http://www.alisonsmontessori.com or http://www.montessoriservices.com

Presentations:
This is when a teacher (director) is sharing a new tool/skill with a child. 
If you haven't noticed by now, Montessori is VERY detail oriented in their presentations.  The stress is on a CLEAN presentation to a child.  The theory is that the FIRST impression is the DEEPEST impression.  It is preferred that you practice any tools before hand, to minimize any mistakes during your presentation, since any mistake may be interpreted as part of a lesson and not an error.  Generally best to gather all materials needed for a presentation prior to starting to minimize student confusion.  So rule of thumb:  Don't show anything your child is not ready for (lack of interest), or that you have not prepared for.

That's the Kool Aid in a nut shell.

CLEAN BUCKET.

A small but invaluable item in your child's home life...the CLEAN BUCKET.

CLEAN BUCKET.

Messes are bound to happen.
Life's too lonely to clean up, ALL BY YOURSELF.
Let the kids in on the fun...give them the CB!
Trust me, they love it.

It's a simple recipe:
1)  A Bucket or container of any sort
2)  A Hand held dust pan & broom
3)  A Spray Bottle (or two...for visitors, BIG hit)
4)  A Sponge(s)
5)  A Rag

We've had many playdates where the CLEAN BUCKET was the "Star of the Show".  We have them spray the table to clean up between craft projects or snack time.  They are also allowed to spray down the blackboard easle.

Cleaning Action: Video Clip (Click Here!)

It's amazing how much the kids really enjoy this housekeeping business. 
Let's just hope it doesn't wear off any time soon...

Cousin Teamwork...

Polishing away...

LeLe soaking the chalkboard...

Zuzu wringing the sponge...

Verver working on the table...

At another playdate, E joins in!

Books for Breakfast!

Ever wonder why...
when you walk down a supermarket isle, your child knows exactly which cereal to ask for?

The answer is simple.
It's a simple matter of product DISPLAY.

These marketing geniuses have got it down to a science.

How to get a child's attention?
Bright colors, large letters, and cute cartoon characters.
And the TOP trade secret?
Turning that cereal box to show off that fancy colorful FRONT side.

That's right.  Front.
Not sideways like library books on the shelves, but Front.

Bigger surface to catch the child's eye, FAST!

Which got me thinking...
If we display our Children's books like they display cereal, the books would be flying off the shelves like the cereals are flying into our shopping carts, no?  The options can be quite simple and inexpensive.

Book Ledge Display

 As Shown in Photo: 10 Minute $10 Book Ledge (Click Here)

Skout's Design Tip:  Instant Book Ledge!

1)  Buy a few linear feet of rain gutter from the local hardware store.

2)  Paint any color you want

3)  Nail/screw directly into wall at Child's eye level.

4)  There you have it!

One of my favorite Blogs, Penny Carnival, gives a Tutorial on making your own fabric "Book Sling."

Penny Carnival:  Book Sling

Canvas Sling Book Dispay

Another option is the canvas sling bookshelf.  Companies that make these display shelves are:  KidKraft, Tot Tutors, and One Step Ahead.  This is a $38 option that offers more book storage as well as accommodate over-size books.

Wall Hanging Book Bin

Wall book bins, or book racks are ideal next to a rocker, in a playroom or between bunk beds.  Perfect for the select bedtime collection that gets rotated out periodically.  Same idea as the book sling.




These new products give the home library that same "Cereal Appeal!"
By using the front display method, a child can see the front cover art, title, author, and some details regarding a storybook much faster than just looking at a slim binding.

As for us, we still have a bunch of Zozie's books displayed the "traditional way" in his room.  But for his homeschool area, we wanted something special for his Chinese books.

So before getting out the hammer, sewing machine, or placing an order online...it's always nice to save some money and re-purpose an unused item at home. We found the perfect display bin for Zo's classroom..an unused wicker laundry basket!

Our Front-Display Chinese Book Basket

Zozie has always loved reading.
Reading before bed, reading in bed, reading after bed.

True to the Montessori recommendation, we set up a quiet reading corner in his classroom for him.

For the "Reading Corner":
1)  Child-size chair or floor cushions
2)  Light (lamp or sunlight)
3)  Books close by (on shelf or in basket)

There was no explanation needed.

Like a moth to a flame, Zo found his Little Quiet Book Nook...

Browsing the selections...

Found a nice seat.

A Few Weeks Later... he's still at it.
It's certainly nice to have books for breakfast. 

Le Grande Foyer

What's a FOYER?

Foyer [IPA: fwa'je,ˈfȯi(-ə)r]
An area just inside the main exterior door for the removal of wraps, overshoes, and other exterior apparel.
An anteroom:  an entrance hall of a home or reception area.

Foyers also happens to be the name of a village in the Highland local government council area of Scotland, lying on the east shore of Loch Ness.

Go figure.

I like foyers.
Sometimes called a Vestibule.

This is a gathering place, second in importance to the kitchen, in my opinion.
The transition space of outside vs. inside.
The holding zone.
The receiving line.
The place where you shed the world and relax into your sacred space.
The spot where you gear up and head out smiling at the universe, yet again.

Whatever it's called, I really really love it.
It is one of my favorite anatomical parts of a home.

Back at our place, we have carved out a Foyer for us, and for Zozie.
This has made the transition of leaving and entering our home much smoother...
"Ready to GO, mama!"
His shoes are on, wearing his coat with Elmo bag in tow.

We used the back of a chest to create an entrance divide.
We set up a dedicated shoe rack to display his shoes to select from.
The upper level is for hanging bags & hats. 
A small "shoe stool" is present for Zo to practice putting on his own shoes.
And last, a simple nail in the wall for him to hang his coat, upon entering.

Le Grande Foyer...

It's amazing.
Even when there is NO space, you can always find a place for your Foyer.
That extra breathing room in life.  A small clarity.  So needed.
It's nice to return Home...and KNOW where everything IS...or isn't.

May we all find that calmness in our transitions in life, our own flowing Foyer.
Grande or petite.

Why Do This?

Ever notice that kids know to hang up coats, put backpacks away, push in desk chairs, play independently, and clean up activities.......AT PRESHOOL?
 
What about at HOME?
Hey hold up...what's going on here?!?

Like in many of life's awkward situations... "no, no, it's not you."
But in this case... yes, it's probably you.
Rather, it's us.

We tend to live in our homes from our own adult perspective.
At preschool, our children's environments are designed to be used by them.
Furniture is scaled down, bins and shelves have labels, each space has an identity of it's own.
A place for everything, and everything in it's place.

With road markers that clear, it's not hard to know how to drive and where you are going...ON YOUR OWN.
"Can you get colors (markers) for me, mama?" 
"Right there top shelf in the cups, sweet pea".
Cha-Ching!  Didn't have to get up for that one, nice.

It's no surprise that well designed spaces effect people's interface with their world environment.
Having kids puts a new perspective on this...

Mama's little helper

Missed a spot...

All Clean!

To have ownership or stewardship over something is invaluable to a child.
Something to call their own.
Something for them to take care of.
Something that triggers creativity, independence, and engagement...naturally.

Nagging is over-rated.
I'm tired and I'll gladly let the classroom be the teacher sometimes...
Man, I need a back massage.  Can my classroom give me that too?  Darn.

So anyways... Why Do This?
LESS work for you, MORE fun for them.
Get me some of THAT, pronto.

Beautiful & Breakable...

It's a real hit....Zozie is loving his new work place.
"I go Mon-tee-so-ree Skoool," he says.

First things first, we made everything kid size, kid level, kid accessible.

It's amazing how placing everything on his level completely changed his participation in his own daily routines.

"Give children beautiful & breakable things."  ~ Maria Montessori

This always made sense to me.
We care and value things that break, things that are not permanent, things that are fragile and fleeting.  With food and with life.  The gentleness with which we treat that perfect bubble that's about to form on that wand...  How else would we learn the physics of the world and our impact on it?

We started in the kitchen, life of the home party.
Ceramic bowls, plates, mini glasses, silverware, bibs, and placemats were provided for Enzo to set his own table, which is also a miniature of our usual dining table.  Everything was placed on a low shelf with complete open access, along with his snacks.  We gambled that if he had full access to his snacks, he would cease to see them as "special" and would not always be begging for them.  True so far...knock on wood.

Self-Serve Dishes & Snack Bar!

Now back to the dishes.
The fear may be that he might break something...Everything.

But how nice is it to handle actual metal, ceramic, and glass while eating?
Just ask ourselves how we eat when we are dining in a sit down restaurant with real china versus doing take-out with a plastic fork?  We can always get sloppy later...but can also just start Zo off "proper", if there is such a thing.
We stocked up at C&B Outlet so there's no loss should there be a casualty.  Plus, seeing the cause & effect of a glass breaking when dropped is a lesson in itself to a child, right?  How weird is it to see a plastic cup bounce back when you've thrown it?  No really, that's weird.

Enzo in action: Breakfast Set Up (Video: Click Link)

We all know this...Life breaks, and it's beautiful.

The Perch...on Fairmount

So we live in a box.
Literally.  A 700 sq ft rectangular apartment above a carport.  On Fairmount Ave in the city of El Cerrito.  It's a city just north of Berkeley, and we are ourselves, just alittle north of the earth...ground, dirt, whatever you want to call it.  We live on a Perch, overlooking the neighbors fences, with a sweet view of the Bart coming in and out of it's station, day in, day out.  All those people with places to go and things to do.  That view has mesmerized Zozo since we moved in at 7 months old.  His first word?  Not Mama or Papa, but TRAIN, in baby sign language.  A little tight in our place, but we deliberately chose this lifestyle.  Reduce expense, reduce income.  Living in a compact space = lower rent = Mama no work = time with Zo.  Plus, "cozy" is what you call this nowadays, right? 

So let's think outside our box.
In my PreZo life as an interior space planner, my brain is wired to always be whipping up the "Layout of the Month."  Humm...the sofa here, the chest there, let's turn that around...no, no, no, scratch that...from the top!
With limited amount of living space, the options are actually limitless!  A box is the best open canvas.  Lucky dogs...us.

As Zo grew in our little abode, his mobility increased but the size of our living area did not.  The challenge was to carve out a dedicated area for Zo's budding curiosities and lessons for them.  He has a place to sleep, to eat, to play, to bathe, but no place to work.  I know, I know.  "Work" sounds so serious.  I just mean things besides "Playing"....Practical life stuff, so simple, yet so hard at times. I wanted "work" to be just another part of life, not something to dislike or to push against.

So here we are...our very small "Great-room" was about to see it's most dramatic transformation yet!  The dining room will find it's new home by the living room.  Our home office is now snuggling nicely next to our bed in the master room.  And the old dining space, a 6x10 rectangular box (60SF), is now Enzo's new classroom!

                                                                   VOILA!  It is done.

For the classroom set up "Breakdown"...click on "Z school" at the top of the blog page, thanks!

Looks like we are not the only ones...for a related article on this same theme:
http://wondertime.go.com/life-at-home/article/create-a-playroom.html