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…
The Importance of Making Mistakes
Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes. —Mahatma Gandhi As a protective parent, I have been known to step in and share my personal wisdom in hopes of preventing my girls from making mistakes. My actions, though well-intended, can rob them of a valuable learning experience or…
Language Lessons in the Montessori Classroom
These lessons are specifically organized and conducted in a particular sequence that mirrors the acquisition of children’s knowledge. Lessons first flow from encoding symbols (letters). The phonetic sound rather than the letter name is emphasized. Then decoding of letter combinations (words) comes next. Advanced lessons for older children teach grammar and build vocabulary. You can give…
Sensitive Period
Dr. Maria Montessori developed her philosophy based on careful observations of the child. Much of her theory centered around the child’s “sensitive period” of development. During this particular period, the child is endowed with a special sensibility which urges him to focus his attention on certain aspects of his environment to the exclusion of others….
Follow the Child
“Follow the Child” is a key philosophy of the Montessori method of education. Maria Montessori (visionary leader, doctor, founder of the first Montessori school in 1907) observed children in their natural environment and discovered that all children instinctively follow a similar developmental path, albeit at their own pace. The key was to identify where the…
Sons
When I found out I was having a son I had this preconceived notion that rowdiness was learned. Rowdy boys watched WWE re-runs all day and had no discipline or structure in their life. I would never have a rowdy boy. He would always be polite. He would love sports – especially football – but…
