I think it’s fair to say that the older we get and the more we experience, the more we realize that there are a lot of things we don’t know — and that’s okay. Not knowing something is the catalyst for learning. It is the starting point for researching a topic, asking a question, attending … NAMC’s 20 Lessons from 20 Years: There Is No Shame in “I Don’t Know”
Exploring and absorbing the world beyond the classroom are integral components of the Montessori elementary experience. At the start of each year, we discuss going out activities with our elementary students. We discuss our field trip budget and the richness these experiences can provide us. As a group, we brainstorm a list of places we … Planning Going Out Activities in the Montessori Elementary Classroom
Our work is not to teach, but to help the absorbent mind in its work of development. How marvelous it would be if by our help, if by an intelligent treatment of the child, if by understanding the needs of his physical life and by feeding his intellect, we could prolong the period of functioning … Supporting Children with Sensory Issues in the Montessori Environment
In a world that often focuses on competition and personal gain, children benefit greatly from opportunities that encourage them to think and act considerately toward others. Montessori teachers try to integrate such opportunities in all areas of the classroom, including physical education activities. To do this successfully in physical education, Montessori teachers shift the focus … Ideas for Non-Competitive Physical Education in the Montessori Environment
In our fast-paced world, it is sometimes difficult to remember that waiting is okay. In fact, waiting is often beneficial in the long run. Whether you are opening a new school, learning a skill, or guiding a child to read, taking your time and having patience will lead to greater success. And waiting doesn’t have … NAMC’s 20 Lessons from 20 Years: It Is Okay to Wait
Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed. —Maria Montessori Words of Wisdom, p. 58. Two headlines recently popped up in my newsfeed, and as a parent of a young university student, I was curious to learn more. Former Stanford dean explains why helicopter parenting is ruining a generation … Suggestions for Montessori Parents: Helping with Homework
Cultural awareness means being aware of and appreciating the differences in people’s attitudes, beliefs, practices, customs, and social behavior. — NAMC, Five Great Lessons/Cosmic Education & Peace, p. 137. As Montessorians, we strongly believe in the importance of cosmic education, and we give students every opportunity to positively contribute to the world by being caring, … Celebrating the Unity in Our Diversity: Montessori Holiday Celebrations
Follow the child, they will show you what they need to do, what they need to develop in themselves and what area they need to be challenged in. The aim of the children who persevere in their work with an object is certainly not to ‘learn’; they are drawn to it by the needs of … Following The Child — Observing and Guiding Learning
— NAMC Staff As much as possible, NAMC’s web blog reflects the Montessori curriculum as provided in its teacher training programs, and as articles useful as a contribution to the global Montessori community. © the North American Montessori Center – originally posted in its entirety at Montessori Teacher Training.
When my Montessori elementary class returns from winter break, we usually begin the new year by discussing the tradition of making resolutions. Together, we talk about what a New Year’s resolution is, what it means to set goals, and whether the students set goals with their families. As a group, we set resolutions for our … New Year’s Resolutions the Montessori Elementary Classroom
