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…
New Addition to the Family
Any change in a child’s life brings new feelings and challenges. This is especially true when a new sibling enters the picture. A child’s routines are interrupted and even changed for good in some respects. Teachers and parents can work together to help the child adjust to family transitions. Age appropriate stories help to prepare…
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…
The Work Cycle
The classroom “work cycle” … it is such a mundane name to refer to such a magical period of time in our children’s day. This extended uninterrupted period of time fosters independence and confidence. The work cycle is where children can choose their activities from what they have been presented, can join a small group…
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
The Greatest Obstacle to Discovery
The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance — it is the illusion of knowledge — Daniel J. Boorstin
