Praise for Tamera North's 101 Ideas! "I found Tamera's book really empowering for educating my child. It's like a toolbox of learning activities that are easy to pull together at home. I enjoyed finding the materials (either at home, in dollar stores, or secondhand stores), and seeing how my son engaged with each of the activities, building in complexity. I've been drawing on the book for over a year and my son has really increased his focus and discipline." - Tahirih Bartlett "Tamera's book has been an incredible learning tool for my seven-year-old daughter. She has tried all of Tamera's materials included in the book, and playing with them has become her favorite part of the day! It's truly amazing to witness the focus, and motor skills the activities developed in my child. I think Tamera's book is a must-have for parents who wish to see their children excel in all the developmental stages. Thank you, Tamera, for creating this book!" - Alexandra North "The days are long but the years are short." I have heard this phrase used many times to describe motherhood. But this book has turned those long days into days of joy and fulfillment as a mom. My three-year-old son has thrived under the Montessori way of learning. He is not only independent but such a huge help in our home. He loves to be involved in simple tasks whether it's helping me in the kitchen, or helping my husband in the shop, he loves to help, and it brings a smile to our face every-time! Watching him learn and grow through the simple activities in Tamera's book has brought so much joy to our hearts, and the bond my husband and I have made with our son through the activities and concepts is priceless." - Tamaris Ashley Borysiuk Tamera's Inspiration As I put down the bin to take out the materials one by one, piece by piece, my little niece was standing quietly observing my movements. She came closer to me, and placed her tiny little hand very lightly on my arm. Her gentle gesture captured my attention and pausing momentarily I looked down at her, my eyes locked to her big blue eyes. In that sweet still moment, I felt that she had something very important to tell me. With a strong but gentle firm tone in her voice, and with her eyes transfixed on mine, she said with great emphasis, "Teacher, I really, really LOVE your materials!". To this day I cannot explain what happened to my core in that moment of time. I had never heard a 3 yr old speak so firmly and passionately to me. With so few words, I felt that she was trying to tell me that her very spirit found the materials essential to the development of her well being and at the same time telling me how grateful she was. Those seven little words, "Teacher I really really love your materials," inspired an awakening within me. I knew then without a doubt that this book had to be completed and published. It had been languishing for too long and now I felt a great urgency to finish it and get it ready. Asha to this day is my number one fan, begging her mother daily, to borrow and bring a material home with her when she is picked up at the end of the day. She was inconsolable if there was any resistance toward that goal, eventually winning our consensus with,"Yes, Asha, of course you can borrow it for the night." And with smiles on all our faces, she would leave full of happiness with her precious package in hand, only to return it the next day to go home with another one."
About the Author: Tamera North co-owns the Montessori Day Care Centre in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan Canada. Over the years, she has created a plethora of activities using everyday objects to implement the Montessori philosophy. A professional photographer, Tamera cataloged these activities with simplicity and clarity. Tamera's passion has been to share these simple, but powerful activities with young families. This book is the fulfillment of her desire to help parents understand the true nature of the child.