Introduction In the Amazing Bean article, “Healthy Learning Through Play” the topic of bath time for kids is discussed. In the article the point was raised about the frequency of bath time for small children. Small kids don’t need to bath as often as adults. However, it is still a good idea to get them into the routine now rather than later in life. In the article it is suggested in order to teach the bath routine parents can organize it in such a way to make it unique to the day of the week. In order to do this the article states parents can designate a certain bath toys and related to be ..read more

Introduction Teaching children good problem solving skills is no easy task. Even adults struggle with the basic concepts of breaking a problem down and resolving a solution. Fortunately at the early stages of development you can take action to help your child learn good problem solving techniques. And a great toy to help is the Melissa & Doug “Twist and Turn Wooden Construction Set” #5151. In this article many useful teaching elements will be discussed which will help your child gain valuable problem solving skills. This article will show how the toy can be used to: Identify and anal ..read more

Introduction Do we learn how we “feel”? Or better yet do we learn our emotions by observation? Either way we must learn how to respond to the way we feel. We learn our expressions from those around us in our early years and then later modify them based on personal experiences. In this Amazing Bean review the Melissa & Doug board books “Good Night, Baby”, “Hugs” and “I Love You All Day Long” will be used as a teaching tool that may help to give your child those positive responses to emotion and a constructive way to express themselves. In the Amazing Bean article, “Expressing Self Th ..read more

Introduction Learning tea etiquette is a great way for your kids to practice good manners and hospitality. And an afternoon tea party with the Melissa & Doug “Wooden Steep and Serve Tea Set” #9843, is a great toy to use as an example. Beyond being a valuable teaching tool the little wooden tea set is also very decorative as well. And would make a nice display on the shelf in your home. Manners are important aspect of social interaction. Learning manners and mores of our own culture or other cultures are important for developing positive relationships. It all boils down to respect. I ..read more

 Introduction “Time and tide waits for no one” A variation on an old British Navy saying but it’s true. Time doesn’t stop for anything. And teaching this concept of time moving forward is an important lesson to learn for kids that are new to the world. Melissa & Doug have a great toy to help teach time, specifically the days of the month. The “My Magnetic Daily Calendar” #9253 is just the tool you need to give an important lesson but that is still fun for your children to use. This calendar incorporates some valuable Montessori Method thinking in its design and use. In the original l ..read more

Introduction Some form of laundry as been around for as long as humans have been wearing some form of garment. In the ancient Roman times men were responsible for the chore(1). The first irons were used by the Chinese who would stretch clothes and iron with a pan filled with hot coals(2). Laundry detergents for washing machines were first invented in Germany. And the machine, not the detergent is the primary cleaner of clothes(3). So for kids to learn about what it is that their parents do to keep their clothes clean is important for their development into adults. In this Amazing Bean toy r ..read more

Introduction Kids love to make noise. So it goes without saying teaching them to make “good” noise is most parent’s dream. Learning to play a musically instrument takes a lot of practice and patience. In order to practice takes self-discipline. In the Amazing Bean article on self-discipline it is briefly stated that to do something repetitively we must see the value. The reward for practicing an instrument is the ability to make good music. So to make this connection for your child there needs to be an introduction that isn’t necessarily academic and repetitive practice. A little lesson wit ..read more

Introduction Learning about the main food groups is essential to making healthy eating choices. And giving your children this knowledge early in life will greatly help them as they mature into adults. According to the Mayo Clinic’s website children ages 2 – 3 need 1000 to 1400 calories a day. Their protein intake should be between 2 – 4oz, fruits 1-1.5 cups, vegetables 1- 1.5 cups, grains 3 – 5oz and 2 cups of dairy a day. Children as well as adults should avoid added sugars and saturated fats. In the Amazing Bean article “Healthy Learning Through Play” many fun games and activities wer ..read more

Introduction Learning to tell time and about planning can be a fun and exciting adventure for you and your child. The Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Clock #8593 is just the toy to give a lesson in time and planning. In this fun and informative Amazing Bean article the following concepts and ideas around time and planning will be presented in fun activities: Analog vs. Digital Time The hands of an analog clock explained Time Zones Planning a day In the Amazing Bean article, “Planning and Organizing Play” many activities with time constraints or time keeping elements are discussed. An ..read more

Introduction Problem solving requires one to auto educate one’s self to achieve the solution. One of the five principles of the Montessori Method is Auto Education. Auto Education is the belief that children educate themselves through repetition. And repeatedly performing a task till it is done correctly is trial and error until the problem is solved. The Lego Duplo “My First Bricks” #10848 toy set is such a toy that allows a child to auto educate themselves through trial and error or control of error until they succeed in building the desired object. However, the reward comes when the chil ..read more