“My vision of the future is no longer of people taking exams, earning a secondary diploma, and proceeding on to university, but of individuals passing from one stage of independence to a higher, by means of their own activity, through their own effort of will, which constitutes the inner evolution of the individual.” — Maria Montessori, … Montessori Adolescent Programs: The Erdkinder
The Montessori prepared environment is an ever evolving place. Just as the teacher must follow the child’s lead when presenting lessons and activities, so too must the environment change to follow the interests of the child. The needs of the children are different from the beginning of the year to the end. At the beginning … Adding New Works to the Montessori Environment at the End of the Year
Earth Day is celebrated every April 22. It is a day dedicated to environmental awareness and is a catalyst for positive change in the way we think about the stewardship of our planet. As Montessorians, we know how very important the natural world is to the education of the child, how precious our beautiful … Montessori Earth Day Activities: Learning About Recycling with Modeling Dough
Do you remember learning to write in cursive? Along with memorizing my multiplication tables, the constant drills of handwriting practice haunt me to this day. I will never forget the humiliation of my teacher handing my parents worksheets for “extra practice” at home and how I tried to finagle my way out of them each … Should We Still Teach Handwriting in the Montessori Classroom?
Parent involvement and education is an important part of a well-functioning Montessori school. Happy families help with retention and, with the vast majority of Montessori schools relying on word-of-mouth recommendations, happy families also drive new enrollments. Many Montessori schools try to appeal to parents by holding before school and after school parent/teacher/administrator gatherings. These … Increasing Parent Involvement in Your Montessori School: The Answer May Surprise You
I recently returned from the 2013 American Montessori Society (AMS) annual conference held in Orlando, Florida. And while Orlando may be home to some great theme parks, the true magic that week was the connections made by Montessori teachers from around the world. Deciding to attend a conference, workshop, or even observe in another classroom … Professional Development for Montessori Teachers
In 2001, the U.S. National Reading Panel Report investigated the importance of vocabulary instruction in developing readers. It concluded that it is not enough to merely be able to decode words; there must be an understanding of those words in order to create meaning from print. Without understanding, there is no comprehension. Younger children … Developing Vocabulary in the Montessori Environment
When we refrain from guiding the subjugated child step by step, when, liberating the child from our personal influence, we place him in an environment suited to him and in contact with the means of development, we leave him confidently to “his own intelligence.” His motor activity will then direct itself to definite actions…Thus, passing … Worksheets and Workbooks in the Montessori Environment: Practicing Concrete Concepts
A NAMC student recently asked about the role of worksheets and workbooks in the Montessori environment. It seems that the parents at her school are demanding their students bring home more work. This need to show tangible evidence of learning is entrenched in modern society. But does it have a place in Montessori? What … Thoughts on Worksheets and Workbooks in the Montessori Environment
Are you a fan of Pinterest? Join NAMC in sharing great Montessori ideas, articles, beautiful photos, and take the time to share your stories and classrooms with us! Follow NAMC Now at Our NEW Pinterest Account If you’re not sure what Pinterest is or what all the hubbub is about, you can … NAMC is Now on Pinterest!
