“The greatness of the human personality begins at the hour of birth.” (Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind, page 4.) Dr. Montessori believed that education must begin at birth, and she regarded the first two years of life as vital. She noted that without the facility for language, children use an innate sense to learn … Traditional Montessori Materials in the Infant/Toddler Environment
I first learned about Montessori education when I enrolled my son in our town’s Montessori program. What began as a decision made in desperation quickly turned into a passion for all things Montessori and I set about searching for a Montessori training center. I was disappointed to learn that the majority of Montessori training centers … Montessori Distance Learning Programs – Deciding if Training is Right for You
Sequencing and patterning activities help children build necessary skills to be successful readers such as: left-to-right sequencing, visual discrimination, decoding, and pattern recognition. Using sequencing cards in your Montessori environment helps children understand that stories follow a logical progression, while at the same time building on their oral storytelling skills, both of which are precursors … Develop Oral Language and Logic with Sequencing Activities
July 4th, 2013 marks the 237th Independence Day for the United States of America! To celebrate the Fourth of July in the Montessori environment, NAMC is providing a fun US Flag building and counting exercise that can be adapted to different ages and skill levels. Montessori Flag Building and Counting Activities for The Fourth … Montessori Flag Building and Counting Activities for The Fourth of July
Every Montessorian has heard the phrase, “Follow the child.” It reminds us that we learn how to guide each child from the child himself. We know that observation is our strongest tool for preparing material and the environment, as well as for effectively helping our students enjoy successful learning. Maria Montessori developed these key principles … The Secret of Childhood: An Infographic on Montessori's Well Known Work
My idea of summertime is relaxing near a large body of water, preferably the ocean, with an iced tea and a book and highlighter in my hand. Highlighter? That’s right. In addition to catching up on the latest novels, I spend my summers continuing my Montessori education. The Benefits of Continuing Education Just as many … Continuing Montessori Professional Development in the Summer Months
As the second installment of a four part series, this article features activities that are inspired by the International Montessori Congress keynote focus on The Natural Child. While the overall theme of the Congress is “Montessori: Guided by Nature,” there are much more than just environmental implications to the topic. While a natural child is … International Montessori Congress Inspired Activities: The Natural Child
As a teacher tutor and mentor for NAMC, one of my greatest joys is responding to student questions about Montessori philosophy and methodology. Today, one of my Infant/Toddler students asked a question about the Montessori infant mobiles. She really loves the mobiles, but is upset that her two year old was not exposed to them … Beyond Montessori Sensitive Periods: Missed Opportunities
The 2013 International Montessori Congress being held in Portland, Oregon is drawing closer. To celebrate this year’s Congress theme, “Montessori: Guided by Nature,” we have been inspired to curate a group of activities related to the keynote speeches over the four-day event. “Montessori: Guided by Nature” is a wonderful theme, and an excellent jumping off point … International Montessori Congress Inspired Activities: Origins and Potential
A NAMC student recently wrote asking for help with children who feel entitled and who have very little patience with others. She has tried role playing, the Peace Corner, and separating the children, but she fears that the challenging children are influencing other students. Feeling frustrated with the situation, she contacted me for additional ideas. … Focusing On Desired Behavior: Friendship as a Theme for the Montessori Classroom
