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…
Words of Wisdom
We teachers can only help the work going on, as servants wait upon a master. — Maria Montessori
Normalization
The signs of spring are emerging: chirping songbirds, fluttering butterflies and budding blossoms can be seen outside. With this time of year, we also witness a fresh energy in our classrooms. This is my favorite time of year. Teachers and I delight in the explosion of mastery happening in the classroom. Children’s reading, mathematics and…
Children’s Success AND Happiness: Social + Emotional Growth in Montessori
One of our original BMS families had three sons who each attended our school. Upon the youngest son starting with us, his brother (then in middle school) proclaimed that BMS was his “favorite school because it is so happy.” The reason that our classrooms at BMS, RMS and SMS are joyful is largely due to…
A Perfect Balance: Freedom & Structure
An interesting dynamic in the classroom, and often a misinterpreted one by outsiders, is the delicate balance of freedom and structure (also known in Montessori as freedom within limits). Because the classroom is orderly (arranged logically to inspire natural exploration and development), the children are free to choose the work they are drawn to. Enticing…
Multi-Age Classroom
Montessori classrooms are one-of-a-kind. Their unique qualities stem around the principle of providing a rich environment for each child’s individual growth, but also the growth of the classroom community as a whole. The social connection, the human trait of feeling empathy, affection and responsibility, blossoms naturally in our classrooms fueled by the relationships of children…
Science in the Montessori Classroom
Our children are naturally curious about the world around them. They love studying astronomy, nature, ecology, physics, and chemistry. Our classrooms and playgrounds are full of hands on materials to let the children explore and ponder. The outdoor classroom contains pumpkin washing, leaf rubbing, and even an insect collection with a magnifying glass. Activities like…
The Normalized Montessori Environment
Today, I got to spend a quality day at one of my schools. I felt like a proud mother basking in the sunshine of a “picture-perfect” Montessori classroom. Education is a complex process and the success depends on the seamless amalgamation of the child, teacher, leadership, parent body, and the environment. It is only September and…
