Beat The Winter Blues
Alison Petersen • January 28, 2026

Simple ways to feel sunny inside, even when it’s snowy outside.

In New England, winter can feel either fleeting or endless, depending on the weather. The days are short, the temperatures are low, and it often seems like there’s never enough daylight. To beat the winter blues, it’s important for families to have a plan to keep both adults and children emotionally and mentally healthy throughout the season.


Get Outside

There’s a saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” It’s true—outdoor gear exists for children and adults of all shapes and sizes. Investing in quality gear that lasts the season (and beyond) can make going outside easier and more enjoyable. If buying new isn’t an option, thrift stores or online second-hand retailers are great alternatives.

Spending time outdoors every day, no matter the temperature, is extremely important. While you wouldn’t want to stay outside all day in 10-degree weather, even a short time outdoors can make a big difference. Fresh air, sunlight, and a bit of winter breeze are essential for physical and mental well-being, especially during the winter months.


Visit Indoor Places

When the weather outside is too cold or snowy, spending time indoors can be just as fun and beneficial. Museums, libraries, community centers, indoor play spaces, and even local cafés or shops can provide a change of scenery, keep everyone active, and lift spirits during the winter months. Exploring new indoor places helps children stay curious and engaged, while giving adults a break from the cabin fever of long winter days.


Have Themed Weekend Days

Make weekends more exciting during the long winter months by creating themed days for the whole family. For example, you could have a “Movie Marathon Day,” “Indoor Adventure Day,” or “Creative Craft Day.” Themed days give children something to look forward to, encourage family bonding, and turn ordinary weekends into fun, memorable experiences—even when it’s cold and gloomy outside.


Start a Winter Garden Indoors

Even when it’s freezing outside, you can bring a little green into your home. Growing plants, herbs, or even simple sprouts in pots or small containers gives children a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. Watching something grow can lift spirits, teach patience, and brighten the home during the grey winter months. Bonus: you can use fresh herbs in cooking or decorate with colorful flowers to make the house feel cozy and lively.

Choosing Real Experiences Over Screens

By Alison Petersen • April 7, 2026
A Montessori approach to being screen-free is grounded in the belief that children learn best through real-world, hands-on experiences, especially in the early years. Rooted in the work of Maria Montessori, this philosophy recognizes that young children build understanding through movement, exploration, and meaningful interaction with their environment. Rather than passively receiving information from a screen, children are actively engaged—touching, manipulating, observing, and discovering. In a screen-free Montessori setting, learning is not rushed or overstimulated. Children are given the time and space to concentrate deeply, repeat activities, and develop a sense of mastery. They engage in practical life tasks such as pouring, sorting, preparing food, and caring for their surroundings—experiences that foster independence, coordination, and confidence. This approach also supports social and emotional development. Without screens, children are more present with one another, learning to communicate, collaborate, and navigate relationships in real time. They develop patience, resilience, and an authentic connection to the world around them. By minimizing screens, Montessori environments protect the natural rhythm of childhood—encouraging curiosity, imagination, and a lifelong love of learning grounded in real experience. What Does a Screen-Free Montessori Environment Look Like? Hands-on materials: Children learn through tactile, purposeful activities that engage the senses Practical life experiences: Pouring, cleaning, food preparation, and self-care build independence Uninterrupted work cycles: Time for deep concentration and meaningful engagement Movement and choice: Children are free to move, choose work, and follow their interests Rich social interaction: Conversation, collaboration, and conflict resolution happen in real time Connection to nature: Outdoor exploration, gardening, and seasonal awareness are part of daily life What We Encourage Instead of Screens Reading and storytelling Art, music, and creative expression Building, puzzles, and open-ended play Outdoor time and exploration Meaningful conversations and shared experiences These choices create an environment where children are not just entertained—but truly engaged, capable, and connected to the world around them.

The Pink Tower: An Iconic Material in Montessori Education

By Alison Petersen • February 3, 2026
The Pink Tower is one of the most recognizable and beloved materials in Montessori classrooms—and for good reason. Simple, beautiful, and deceptively powerful, it lays a foundation for a whole lot of learning.