“Repetition is the secret of perfection” – Maria Montessori, The Discovery of the Child, p. 92 Remember the old adage, “practice makes perfect”? I am sure we can all agree on the importance of repetition in the Montessori environment. In fact, a recent search for “repetition” on the NAMC blog yielded the following results: … Repetition in the Montessori Environment
The ability to exercise control over one’s behavior amidst temptation is known as self-discipline. Dr. H. Stephen Glenn, of Developing Capable Young People, and Jane Nelsen, of Positive Discipline, both agree that children below the age of 7 or 8 are really incapable of self-discipline. (Glenn & Nelsen, 2000) In terms of Montessori, immediate gratification … Montessori’s Three Levels of Obedience: Developing Self-Discipline
“The environment itself will teach the child, if every error he makes is manifest to him, without the intervention of a parent of teacher, who should remain a quiet observer of all that happens.” — Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind, page 278. Dr. Montessori told us that we should not intervene or interrupt a child … Knowing when to Intervene in the Montessori Environment — Respectful Behavior
“The teacher should never intervene in an action when the impulse prompting it is good, neither with her approval nor with her help nor with a lesson or correction.” — Maria Montessori, Some Words of Advice to Teachers, 1925. How does it feel when you try something new and someone you know and trust comes … The Importance of Control of Error in the Montessori Environment
As Montessori teachers, we see daily evidence of the importance of language in early childhood development. We also observe how easily and avidly young children acquire language and build vocabulary. This inclination for language occurs because children are experiencing the sensitive period for language development from birth until about age six. From infancy, the need … Developing Citizens of the World: Teaching a Second Language in Montessori
“Our care of the child should be governed, not by the desire ‘to make him learn things,’ but by the endeavor always to keep burning within him that light which is called intelligence.” — Maria Montessori, The Advanced Montessori Method, p. 185. This week NAMC received an email from a graduate who recently learned that … Preparing the Montessori Environment for Children Who are Visually Impaired
Montessori teachers are experts at creating the prepared environment to maximize development, learning, and safety for all children. Making sure your Montessori environment is allergen free is part of that careful preparation. Food sharing is prevalent in human society. We make special foods to share with others on special occasions. When we dine at a … Preparing for Food Allergies in the Montessori Environment
I was speaking with a new Montessori teacher recently about her plans for the first weeks of school, and she expressed concern about having two children with severe food allergies joining her class. She had little experience with allergies and was unsure how to best meet their needs and keep them safe. According to Food … Food Allergy Awareness in the Montessori Environment: Recognizing Reactions
It was a quiet, contemplative moment in church on Sunday as the congregation waited for the organ to play the offertory hymn. All of a sudden there was a loud “SSSHHHH” from a parent trying to quiet his young child. From where I was sitting in the back, I watched heads turn abruptly as people … Encouraging Quiet in the Montessori Environment: Alternatives to 'Shush'
A new school year is upon us and it seems that the closer we get to the first week of school, the more questions arise about planning and organization. This week, one of our NAMC students asked about where to start her curriculum this year. She wondered if she should start over completely from the … Organizing Montessori Curriculum at the Beginning of the Year
