Fundamental to the Montessori classroom, and more valuable than academic lessons, are the lessons which help children learn social strategies. These strategies help navigate friendships and collaboration with others, benefitting children throughout their life. Grace and courtesy is an integral part of the Montessori curriculum beginning in the early childhood classroom and continuing through the…
Collaboration in the Montessori Classroom
Collaboration is such an important facet of the Montessori classroom. On any given day, you could witness our younger friends paired up with their eagerly awaiting Elementary counterparts to learn from their expertise. Recently, our Elementary Students have been clamoring at the opportunity to be a reading buddy to our Kindergarten friends. This is a…
Gratitude
As Thanksgiving approaches, we begin reflecting in earnest on all the things in our lives that we need to be grateful for and our Elementary children are doing just that. It is quite amazing to watch these children ponder on their young lives and conclude that they have much to give thanks for. It is…
The Art of Geography
The theme of this year’s Children’s Art Exhibition, “The Art of Geography”, captures the global nature of our Montessori classroom. Every child yearns to understand their place in the world and to respect the diversity of people and cultures in our global community. Imagination, coupled with the stroke of a paintbrush, allows our children to…
Montessori Conflict Resolution
Conflict can be one of the best teaching tools! It is in the moment of conflict that children experience real emotions. With patience and practice, these social situations can lend themselves to magical opportunities to develop problem solving skills. It is second nature for an adult to step in when children are arguing. In a…
Making a difference
The opportunity to watch a child develop their social, cognitive, and/or problem solving skills is one that we as educators do not take lightly. It is the gift that we do not take for granted. Some days seem like many others, but on those extra special occasions when we see a child open up and…
Preparation for life
The education of even a small child, therefore, does not aim at preparing him for school, but for life. — Maria Montessori Preparing a child for life is an immense responsibility, and one parents and dedicated educators do not take lightly. Throughout my tenure in education, I have witnessed the pendulum swing several times. Long…
Words of Wisdom
If teaching is to be effective with young children, it must assist them to advance on the way to independence. — Maria Montessori
…this is montessori
independence real world experiences multi-aged peers choice movement this is real life this is a joyful child this is montessori — Aubrey Hargis
The Power of Observation
A Montessori teacher has particular skills in understanding where each child is in his/her development, needs and interests. Different from traditional teaching where all children are generally at the same level, Montessori children progress at their own pace. It is the power of specialized observation by the Montessori teacher that provides the unique information for…
