So in the child, besides the vital impulse to create himself, and to become perfect, there must yet another purpose, a duty to fulfill in harmony, something he has to do in the service of a united whole. – Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind, p. 57. The lessons in grace and courtesy are a cornerstone … Montessori Grace and Courtesy: Lesson Resources for Infants, Toddlers & Preschoolers
It [Education] is not acquired by listening to words, but in virtue of experiences in which the child acts on his environment. ~ Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind Dr. Montessori understood that learning is always more meaningful when a personal connection is made between a new concept and life experience. When a student is able … Montessori Environmental Living Programs Explained: Stewardship and Cosmic Education
March is Women’s History Month in the U.S. (In Canada, Women’s History Month is celebrated in October.) As a Montessori teacher, this is a wonderful opportunity to share important history with your students while incorporating activities across a variety of other curriculum areas. Montessori students of any age will enjoy hearing about Maria Montessori. This … Studying Maria Montessori for Women’s History Month in the Montessori Classroom
This year Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors, will be celebrated on or around March 1. It coincides with the full moon day of the Hindu lunar calendar month called Phalgun. It is also known as the Festival of Colors or the Spring Festival celebrating the joy of the season and the triumph of good … Holi Festival of Colors: Colorful Spring Activities for the Montessori Classroom
Practical life activities in the 3-6 Montessori classroom nurture concentration and self-discipline, develop and encourage motor skills, and allow the Montessori student to gain independence. The Montessori classroom is ripe with opportunities to learn and practice language skills in all areas, including time spent walking on the line or at circle time. The Walk the … Montessori Walk the Line Activity: Helping Reading and Writing Development
One should not aim at being possible to understand, but at being impossible to misunderstand. ~ Quintillion, Roman Rhetorician, the first century C.E. The main purpose of language is to let others know what we are thinking by communicating our thoughts, ideas and feelings, analyzing previous experiences, and generating new ideas. The ability to order … Montessori Values Explained: The Importance of Precise Language in the Prepared Environment
In our previous Montessori Leadership Guide article, we introduced the concept of describing your Montessori school’s identity – the characteristics and nature that uniquely define your school from any other. If you have begun this process, you are on your way to further exploring and defining the values and goals of your Montessori school. Today … Montessori Leadership Guide: Mission Statement and Guiding Principles – Your School Compass
A few years ago, my family and I were fortunate to spend the Christmas holiday at Disneyworld, ‘The Happiest Place on Earth’. Sadly, for many children, it was not a happy place. Time and time again I heard parents yelling, shouting, and even screaming at their children. What should have been a magical time was … Montessori Values Explained: The Importance of Tone and Voice Level in the Prepared Environment
This is the time of year when many Montessori schools are preparing to promote Fall 2010 enrollment. We turn our attention to updating and revising communications vehicles such as websites, brochures, newsletters and advertisements. We set out housekeeping plans to upgrade or update physical space. We look at scheduling regular open houses for prospective parents. … Montessori Leadership Guide: Building a Montessori Community
I have looked into your eyes with my eyes. I have put my heart near your heart. ~ Pope John XXIII (1881-1963) One of the greatest joys of a new parent is when their baby makes and maintains eye contact with them. At birth, babies tend to look at the borders of objects and will … Montessori Values Explained: The Importance of Eye Contact in the Prepared Environment
