Welcome to Something Sweet & Neat! My name is Sandy, and I'm not only a proud Mama of three but also a Montessori Early Childhood teacher with a deep commitment to the Montessori approach. I call the great state of Texas my home.
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My venture into the world of Montessori education began when my children and I became part of the Southampton Montessori community. It was there that I discovered my deep affection for the Montessori philosophy. Over time, I have been fortunate enough to create two entirely new classrooms from the very beginning, and in doing so, I've had the delightful opportunity to connect with a multitude of dedicated mentors and colleagues who have since become cherished friends.
In addition, I served as a field consultant for the Houston Montessori Center before embarking on the mission to create a unique learning environment for my little one, affectionately known as Sweet A. Her nickname was coined by my friends on Instagram, where I've been sharing our Montessori homeschooling adventures.
For more day-to-day updates, I invite you to check out our Instagram page at somethingsweetandneat. Thank you for joining us on this Montessori journey!
I launched this blog a few months before Sweet A's second birthday with the intention of chronicling my day-to-day experiences. It also served as a creative outlet for expressing my passion for education, engaging activities, cultivating child-friendly environments, and celebrating the joys of life in general.
Today, I am thrilled to share with you my most cherished discoveries and to be your go-to source for both educational and fun inspiration, always focusing on the simplest and aesthetically pleasing aspects of our work.
Every day, women, mothers, and teachers visit Something Sweet & Neat as a wellspring of inspiration for their daily lives, encompassing educational endeavors, the creation of conducive workspaces and exploration areas for children, and the joys of family life. Whether you're a recent follower or have been with me since the beginning, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for being here. I truly appreciate the opportunity to connect with so many wonderful individuals like you.
PERSONAL
WHAT CREDENTIALS DO YOU HAVE AS A MONTESSORI EXPERTISE?
In college, I pursued a major in Journalism and a minor in English Literature. Following my college studies, I embarked on a journey to become a certified Early Childhood Montessori Directress. I've dedicated over a decade of my life to the Southampton Montessori School, where I took on the remarkable task of constructing and setting up two entirely new classrooms.
Beyond my work in the classroom, I also excel as a creator of digital materials and activities tailored for the Montessori educational environment. Even in the comfort of my home, I uphold the Montessori methods and principles with my own children, emphasizing the importance of grace and courtesy just as I do in the classroom. Montessori philosophy remains an integral part of my life, both personally and professionally.
BLOGGING
WHAT IS THE STORY BEHIND YOUR BLOGGER BEGINNING?
I launched my blog shortly after Sweet A reached the age of 2. As a Montessori teacher, I faced the challenge of not finding suitable methods to foster and nurture her early learning requirements. In response, I made the decision to create a space within our home that closely resembled a Montessori classroom, complete with a variety of lessons tailored specifically to meet her educational needs.
WHAT IS YOUR GOAL IN HELPING YOUNG MOTHERS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN?
I consider myself fortunate to have received training the Montessori philosophy, and my aspiration is to pass on my knowledge and insights to young mothers with little ones. Many of them face challenges in keeping their children engaged in activities, especially during the sensitive periods of early childhood. I aim to offer guidance and advice to those who wish to see their children develop essential skills during this crucial stage of development.
WHAT IS MONTESSORI?
The Montessori philosophy has its origins in Italy and was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, a mathematician, scientist, and educator who initially worked with children having various disabilities. Dr. Montessori created lessons and exercises specifically designed to encourage and cultivate skills that were lacking in these children. These early "schools" were held in the homes of women who came together and collaborated in this innovative approach to education.
While the Montessori method initially represented a non-traditional teaching approach, it gained recognition and acceptance over time. Eventually, its influence spread to other countries, including India. The hallmark of the Montessori philosophy is its core principle of "Following the Child," which places a strong emphasis on tailoring education to the individual needs and interests of each child.
WHAT IS OCCI?
OCCI stands for Orderliness, Concentration, Coordination, and Independence. Practical Life is one of the first area that is introduced to a child and the lessons encourages and develops OCCI.