Have you ever noticed a child oblivious to an adult who is trying to communicate? The adult tends to raise their voice and talk at the child in order to get the child’s attention. More often this strategy does not work. Children tend to become accustomed to the high volume and directive adult tone. In…
Spontaneity
Spontaneity is the ingredient that allows a child’s curiosity and excitement to explode. Education is not something which the teacher does. It is a natural process which develops spontaneously. —Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind Our Montessori students taught us that the best-laid plans are easily put aside when: Someone brings a snake skin to circle…
Roots and Wings
There are two gifts we should give our children; One is roots, and the other is wings. — Author Unknown
Words of Wisdom
Education must aim at improving the individual in order to improve society. — Dr. Maria Montessori
Words of wisdom
It’s not only children who grow. Parents do too. As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours. I can’t tell my children to reach for the sun. All I can do is reach for it, myself. — Joyce…
Avid Readers
Our Montessori children have a great love for books. They joyfully gaze at each page, anticipating the next. They read individually, in pairs and in groups. They love to be read to, and younger children especially appreciate when older classmates read to them. It is a beautiful sight to observe children reading together! The skill…
The Art of Storytelling
The teachers and I adore being captive audiences for our children. Not a day goes by when a child doesn’t stop me and ask to share her/his experiences from the weekend, a trip, etc. I could happily pull up a chair and indulge in their enthusiasm all day. It is priceless to watch their expressions…
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…
