Bella's Casa is a learning community for parents, as well as an Etsy store selling hand made Montessori materials for infants and young children. Jae Jun, the creative force behind Bella's Casa, is a Montessori teacher and a monther. She created Bella's Casa as a resource for all parents who want to create (or enhance) learning spaces and activities that will grow a child's mind and instill confidence. She offers mobile-making classes in the Atlanta area, as well as offering an e-course for parents on creating a Montessori environment in the home for babies and very young children.
Meg: What is your background as an educator, and how did you come to love the Montessori philosophy?
I have my Montessori training for ages 3-6 (AMI certificate), and I have taught this age group for over a decade in Atlanta, Georgia, and New York City. In my classroom experience, I experienced first hand the privilege of supporting the children’s education as an “aid to life” as I partnered with hundreds of families to best support the unique needs of their child.
I am passionate about all aspects of Montessori. I am especially inspired by how Montessori encourages responsibility, nurtures self-discovery, promotes independence, inspires a love of learning – all with a foundation of respect. Above all, I honor Montessori’s vision of creating “a peaceful world through the children.”
Meg: Bella's Casa is such an inviting space - how did you start it and what plans do you have for the future?
As a teacher, I worked closely with parents. The longer I taught, the more I saw the importance of the parents’ role in their child’s education. I came to see that the parents had a dynamic effect on their child’s experience in the classroom – and that connecting and partnering with the parents was equally important as educating the children in the classroom!
In my work as a teacher, part of my role included consulting with and educating parents. Just over a year ago, I decided to leave the classroom to focus on raising my daughter, Chelyn. As a parent myself, I fully realized – now more than ever – the role the parent plays as their child’s teacher. I have observed (and experienced firsthand) the struggles and concerns that parents encounter. My training and experience gives me a unique and helpful perspective as I support and partner with parents to best support their child.
My ultimate goal in the future is to provide phenomenal support to parents with information, resources, inspiration, and material-making gatherings.
Photo from How We Montessori
Meg: What is your favorite learning material to make?
It has to be the visual mobile series. I remember seeing my daugher's facial expressions, having an absolute blast watching them. It's a must for all babies!
Meg: If you could recommend three books on early childhood education to parents, what would they be?
3. Joyful Child/Child of the World- These are beautiful catalogs/books available from Michael Olaf. I used these catalogs as a valuable resource when consulting parents. My parents love them!!!
Leave a comment to be entered to win! Winners will be drawn on Monday, September 19th. Also, Bella's Casa is offering free shipping on all orders! Coupon code: AUG 2011. Thank you, and good luck!
Comments closed! Congratulations to Jessica.
