Ruth Barker - The Parenting 5: Practical and Independent Little People

THE PARENTING 5

The Parenting 5: Practical and Independent Little People

First Published by Toddler Education Services Pty Ltd

Copyright Ruth Barker 2013
The moral right of the author has been asserted.
All rights reserved.
Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of the publication may be reproduced, stored in or transmitted, in any form or by means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the publisher of this book.

Text/cover design Georgina Collis, Inspiration Please
Photography Sarah Long, Longshot Images

Edition: 1st
ISBN Print: 978-0-646-90510-5
ISBN E book: 978-0-9923103-7-0
Order number: 90510
RC-RAEU

National Library of Australia

These books are dedicated to all
the beautiful children that I have worked with
in the past 26 years. You have taught me all
that there is to be found in life.

In particular to:
Francis and Conor
Isabella
Anna
And all of the children from
Toddler Education Services (2001 to 2011)
and Montessori 1:1 to the current day.

In memory of my own mother
Olive Florence Sally Barker, who nurtured
me for the first ten years of my life.

And with love to my husband, Kevin Grover,
who encourages me to share all that I am.

Ruth Barker was raised on a remote wheat and sheep property in Western Australia. She knew she would work with children from a very early age, as she would teach her toys in the shearing shed.

Ruth went to Swanleigh Boarding Hostel in Perth where she was a Sunday school teacher, before going on to Edith Cowan University to study a Degree in Social Science, majoring in Child Development and Family Studies with a minor study in Applied Science (Consumer).

She spent a number of years working with children in the United Kingdom where she fell in love with the ideas of Dr. Maria Montessori. Ruth returned to Australia to study a Diploma of Montessori Education (Preschool).

From 2001 to 2011 Ruth was the Directress of a small preschool program in Adelaide, South Australia. In 2012 she closed it to begin Montessori 1:1, a successful business working with toddlers and young children making the transition to school. She specialises in the one to one mode of engaging children and showing parents and carers how to prepare environments in the home and childcare setting.

Ruths passion is in early literacy development and helping children with special needs.

She writes regularly on the Montessori 1:1 Facebook page and on the blog:

Our Domestic Montessori.

https://www.facebook.com/Montessori11

http://ourdomesticmontessori.blogspot.com.au/

Ruth has worked with hundreds of children in many applications over the past twenty-six years. Here are some of the testimonial statements:

Ruth has a real gift for working with children and a passion to match.

N. Davis

Ruth is calm, patient and delights in watching the children discover and learn for themselves. She guides them but allows them to teach themselves. She respects and loves them and that allows them to flourish, be encouraged and nurtured.

M. Rose

This extraordinary educator facilitated some significant learning for my children. Ruth is a committed, creative and dedicated educator.

S. Habel

A very innovative Montessori program that I will want to hear more about, as your environment and materials Ruth are just beautiful. I so admire what you are doing. You are inspiring!

J. Bowman Author, Montessori At Home!

The Parenting 5 books derive from prior studies, as well as vast personal work experience. Ruth has an avid interest in the philosophies of Dr Maria Montessori, the latest neurological research from the Centre on the Developing Child at Harvard University and from Psychologist, Jodie Benveniste. Many of the ideas from these three sources are used throughout.

Welcome to The Parenting 5. Over many years parents and carers have asked for practical guidance in the home or childcare setting, preferably without the jargon that comes with early childhood philosophies and behaviour management theories. The Parenting 5 comprises of five books to support parents and carers in developing environments that will assist preschool children to reach potential. Each book offers the application of advice through simple words and photography.

The books consist of:

1. Practical and Independent Little People

2. Sensory Motor Play for Little People

3. Developing Language and Literacy

4. Developing the Mathematical Mind

5. The World Around Them

Experience throughout the early years lays the foundation for both neurological and physical wellbeing. An excellent early environment delivers readiness for life. Never again is there a period that is so influential on the make up of the human being.

Children come into the world with unlimited potential for delight and immediately commence the awe inspiring task of self-construction. The prime matter for this great work they find in their environment.

Renilde Montessori. The Common Sense of Montessori Pedagogy.

The first 6 yrs of life are when the majority of our brain architecture is formed. The exceptionally strong influence early experience on brain architecture makes the early years of life a period of great opportunity and great vulnerability. Critical aspects of brain architecture begin to be shaped before and after birth and many fundamental aspects of architecture are established well before a child enters school.

Centre on the Developing Child at Harvard University.

Young children have innate traits that allow development to occur without much influence from the parent or carer. Children draw information incessantly from their environment to build neural pathways. This is done through a need to be independent, to show attention and concentration, a desire for self motivated exploration, for perfection and to be creative, amongst other tendencies. All the adult need do is provide a prepared environment that allows this natural process to manifest.

Preschoolers require pursuits they can actively engage with their hands. The Parenting 5 books emphasise activity through life skills and sensory/motor experiences as the most important modes for early development.

Time spent in front of television or computers is shunned, as this does not build good brains or strong bodies!

Towards three and a half to four years there is a neurological shift towards abstraction and the ability to understand symbolism. Should the children show an interest, this is the time to begin numeracy and phonetics. A small component of screen time may be introduced, if so desired, as long as it is realistic and supports learning.

Human relationships based on a culture of common beliefs, values and clearly defined limits for behaviour, which are effectively demonstrated by all members of the family or group, are important to development too.

Please also note a strong emphasis on economics and promoting a sustainable environment throughout the books. The focus is with providing an environment on a budget and by using common household items rather than many expensive commercial toys to initiate activity.

Enjoy!

Every endeavour should be taken for children to be provided with a safe and healthy environment. Parents and carers are encouraged to supervise at all times.

Ruth Barker takes no responsibility for any unsafe practices as a result of the use of these books.

The books include the use of small parts as an aid to learning. A safe and healthy environment occurs when children are constantly watched and cared for.