Children were completely engrossed in our Earth Day science lessons. Ms. Rohini presented the concept of gravity and the magnetic pull of the earth’s surface using fun practical demonstrations. We experimented with pressure in various forms. We also enjoyed animal and plant science furthering our earth-friendly appreciation and growing good stewards of our precious planet….
The Three R’s; Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
I love that Montessori teaches invaluable lessons for life. Recycling common classroom items and reducing our water usage were top lessons this week. The children certainly grasped the crucial purpose; protecting our natural resources for all living things. We crafted new objects from old items to demonstrate repurposing. The children have taken their earth-friendly lessons…
Community
Our school classrooms are bustling little communities of learners, not only sharing a common space but also developing a special bond. It warms my heart observing how naturally the children take responsibility for each other and are genuinely concerned about others’ welfare. “May I help?” is a regular question we hear each day. Community is…
Montessori Environment: Purposeful + Prepared
Contribution by Sandra D’Amico The prepared Montessori environment is designed purposely to promote independent learning and exploration. This calm, well-ordered environment stimulates movement and activity. Children are free to choose and work on activities at their own pace. Here, they experience a combination of freedom and self-discipline as guided by the environment. The principles of…
Art in Our Montessori Classrooms
Art in our Montessori classrooms is woven throughout the curriculum and is one of the many ways children express themselves; it is a way for children to communicate their feelings. Through art children develop their fine motor skills and build concentration. In our Montessori classrooms, we provide open-ended art activities that help children explore and…
Helping Children to Help Themselves
We are often tempted to step in and “help” our young children with daily tasks. However, each time we do that we are sending a message that we don’t feel they are capable and thus are limiting our children’s desire to learn new skills. We encourage perseverance and boost problem solving when we allow children…
Exploring the World – One Sense at a Time
Maria Montessori studied children in their environment. She observed that children with physical disabilities limiting one or more of their senses were able to sharpen their remaining senses in order to take in information. She took that knowledge and designed the Montessori classroom and its rich sensory experiences. She purposely intended for each Montessori material…
Words of Wisdom
We teachers can only help the work going on, as servants wait upon a master. — Maria Montessori
Take a new path
Education should no longer be mostly imparting knowledge, but must take a new path, seeking the release of human potentials. — Maria Montessori
Keep the wonder alive
If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder… he needs the companionship of at lease one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in. — Rachel Carson
