Mom's Time Out
(montessori tutoring)
Our Environment
“We then see in the humble ability to love, the true measure of maturity. The means by which the child influences us—the respectful and trusting love – will then be our great power in the educational sphere.” -Maria Montessori, God and the Child
Dr. Montessori
Maria Montessori’s observations and conclusions about the development of children still is as relevant as it was back in the early 1900’s. They are supported by modern child psychologists, parents, and teachers who have seen great benefits in a child’s development when this method is implemented authentically on a regular basis.
-“The Absorbent Mind”-Dr. Montessori believed that children are constantly absorbing the people and environment that surrounds them. Thousands of new neural pathways in the brain are created each second. Therefore, it is vital to observe the child to see what they are interested in doing, especially as they go through times Dr. Montessori called “Sensitive Periods”- Transient periods when a child is motivated to participate in an activity with a spontaneous desire to master a skill or concept. When he or she is engaged in such an activity, he or she will show deep concentration. Young children are often drawn to activities that meet their developmental needs …they possess an “Inner Teacher”. Montessori identified six specific phases that a child goes through in their early development: Sensory Awareness, Language Development, Order, Attention to Detail, Motor Skills, and Social Relationships. Through guiding the child through these phases, we can effectively establish lasting personal, social, and educational habits that set the stage for their lifetime...this is why Dr. Montessori claimed that the period of birth to age six is the most important developmental period of ones life!
-“Teach Me to Do It Myself”- Dr. Montessori was adamant about not completing a task for a child who feels that they can complete the task themselves. This fosters great confidence, self-awareness, creativity, and independence that lasts their whole life.
-“The Prepared Environment”- The appropriate environment is essential for the child to grow and learn and so Montessori environments are very ordered…with materials neatly placed on trays or in baskets, on open, low, and accessible shelves. The child can see the materials and then pick those that he/she has an interest in. This freedom to choose activities fosters authentic development…the environment adapts to meet the needs of the child, the child does not have to go against their inner teacher to adapt to the environment.
Our Method
At Mom’s Time Out, we have created an environment which is organized into different areas- Spiritual, Language, Math, Practical Life, and Sensorial.
Spiritual: First and foremost, we provide a Catholic, Christian environment where we learn about our faith in Jesus Christ. We have a small atrium where we teach Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. We welcome children of all faiths into our environment, and those children who are not Catholic or Christian are free to choose other activities. Additionally, we will be teaching the little ones about how to grow in virtue and how to treat others with love and respect within the Montessori Grace and Courtesy curriculum.
Language: We provide a reading area for our children, as well as a table where they can practice their writing skills according to the Montessori method.
Math: We provide hands on math activities at Mom's Time Out, with a focus on manipulating different materials to learn fundamental concepts.
Practical Life: We provide an area where children are learning practical life skills...among them being preparing their own snack, pouring, transferring, cleaning and polishing, as well as folding, carrying, balancing, and cutting exercises to foster care of the environment and care of self.
Sensorial: We provide an area where children are free to develop their tactile sense, auditory sense, olfactory sense, visual sense, sense of taste, and sense of touch using materials such as the Pink Tower, Cylinder Blocks, Sound Cylinders, Smelling Bottles, etc.
Cultural: We provide an area where children learn about geography and the different traditions, cultures, people, and animals of the world.
*Materials are regularly rotated to provide variety, challenge, and mastery of various activities.
Co-Founders
Mom's Time Out was created by Jenny and her daughter Maggie. Both Jenny and Maggie are mothers who realize the great blessings and gifts of their vocation, but also the challenges that all mothers face as they struggle to raise faithful, confident, and virtuous children and as they work to find a balance between spending valuable time with their family and spending much needed time by themselves to rest and grow as wives and mothers.
Maggie, now a mom of four, graduated from Benedictine College in 2011 with degrees in Theology, Elementary Education, and Secondary Education. In the Spring of 2023, Maggie completed her Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Benedictine as well and serves as an adjunct professor of Montessori Education at the college. She was blessed to teach middle school Theology and History at two different archdiocesan schools before settling down to marry her husband Alex and raise her children. During this time, she worked as a part time youth minister. Over the past ten years, she has received training in the Montessori Method and continues to learn more and to incorporate her training into the design and setting of her home in Prairie Village.
Jenny, now a grandmother as well, has spent her life dedicated to her family and to her work. After graduating with a B.A. degree in Public Relations from Central Missouri State University and marrying her husband Nick, she spent many years in business and advertising, as well as working at various Catholic Churches and schools. She also has used her creativity as a vocalist, calligrapher, and artist to assist in producing church and school musical programs throughout her life.
Jenny and Maggie are professionals who are dedicated and excited to create Mom's Time Out for you, a loved one, or a friend. We are located in Prairie Village, KS. We hope you will consider our tutoring program for your child(ren)! Please fill out the Contact Us form here to learn more or to schedule a visit!