A Montessori Home Tour: Nani of @nani.skinner

Calendar: This helps my son with our days of activity (library, music class, grocery shopping and church)

as well as for the days that we travel.

This week we are taking a peek into the home of the homeschooling, globe-trotting family of Nani (of the Instagram account @nani.skinner). She graciously answered my questions and virtually opened her home to share how she has created a prepared environment for her son, Lucas. Something I have always been curious about is how Nani makes travelling with a toddler look easy! She has great ideas on how to make the overwhelming thought of car rides and flights seem possible. I had a wonderful time getting to know her more. I hope you enjoy the home tour!

Tell me about yourself... I was born and raised in Colombia, South America. My family and I moved to the United States when I was 12 years old. I met my husband when I was 22 years old and we got married 6 months after meeting each other. We then moved to the United Arib Emirates and lived for 2 years. We moved back because we were ready to start a family and wanted to do it closed to ours. We had our baby boy June 9th, 2016. Since then, my husband and I both work from home and homeschool our son.

How old is your child? My son is 2.9 years old and his name is Lucas Patrick.

Closet: This is Lucas' closet space. He is able to pick and choose what he will wear everyday.

When did you first learn about Montessori? I first learned about Montessori when my son was 12 months old. I truly wish I would have known about it before he was born. I dream of having the opportunity to practice Montessori from birth.

This is in our kitchen, I made room for him to have access to plates, cups and silver ware. This does not only give him independence but it allows him to help up set the table and empty the dishwasher.

How have you created a Prepared Environment in your home? This is a very evolving question. Every time that I observe my child and he is needing or asking help with a task that he is capable off I change our environment. For now we have prepared his kitchen for him to have access to food and water. His bathroom, for him to be independent in the potty, washing hands and brushing teeth. His closet for him to reach and choose his clothes, mirrors around the house for him to be able to clean his face and brush his hair. Entry way for him to hang his coat and backpack. Tables around our apartment for him to work on tasks or eat.

Bathroom: This is Lucas' bathroom, I have printed step cards to help him remember

how to wash his hands.

What are your top 3 activities to do with your child or to watch your child do? Cooking Cleaning Playing music in his room