In this day and age, odds are that many of your Montessori upper elementary students are extremely familiar and comfortable with computers. They may even know the computer better than you! If you have computers in your Montessori classroom or school that your students will be using, I find it is helpful to do an … Introducing Computers to Upper Elementary Montessori Students: Resources and Tips
One of the hardest things I had to learn as a Montessori teacher coming from a public school background was to resist asking students questions that led to guessing or children second-guessing themselves. This type of questioning leads to wrong answers and misinformation, which puts the teacher in a correcting mode, not a teaching mode. … The Montessori Three Period Lesson: How To Present, With An Example
The end of the year is always a time of reflection, no matter where we live. Very often, this reflection centers on thanksgiving, good will and peaceful deeds. As we write about the celebrations surrounding this time of year as they relate to the education of young children, we are always reminded of how important … Christmas and Boxing Day Seasonal Activities and Reading for Montessori Classrooms
If I had to list one of my favorite movies of all time, it would be the 2004 animated film, The Polar Express, based on the Caldecott winning book by Chris Van Allsburg. It’s a coming-of-age story of a young boy on the cusp of adolescence fighting the child-like desire to believe in Santa Claus … A Montessori New Year's Resolution: Philosophy and Affirmation
The task set before themselves by masters has generally been to mould soft material and fill empty vessels, but we must set ourselves to see the marvels hidden in the child and help him to unfold them. ~ Maria Montessori, The Child, Society and the World As a Montessori elementary classroom teacher, I have often … Montessori Planes of Development: Lower Elementary Characteristics in the Second Plane
I loved going to the library as a child. The smell, the endless possibilities of books, and the freedom to pick any book and as many books as I wanted. I still love the library and I especially love sharing its wonder with children. While working in a Montessori elementary classroom, the other teacher and … The Library: A Wealth of Activities for the Montessori Classroom
I worked at a Montessori school that had a wonderful winter solstice tradition. On the last day before winter break, the entire school would gather for the “Festival of Light.” This day always fell close to, if not on, the day of the winter solstice. The festival began with a student lighting the solstice candle. … Winter Solstice Activities for Your Montessori Classroom
Depending on your location, winter might not be the greenest time of year outside, but it’s still a great time to be “green” inside your Montessori classroom. Appreciating the earth and taking responsibility for your environmental impact are both concepts fitting with the Montessori approach. Brainstorm ideas with your students. Ask what they do at … Going Green in the Winter: Six Simple Ideas for Montessori Classroom Environmental Awareness
When I taught in an elementary Montessori classroom, one of my Jewish students enjoyed giving a lesson to the class for every Jewish holiday. The best part of the lessons was her personal and personable approach to storytelling. Her classmates were completely engaged, asked tons of questions, and other, shyer, Jewish students would eventually join … Hanukkah Activities and Reading for the Montessori Classroom
Incorporating holidays into the Montessori classroom in a meaningful and memorable way can sometimes be a challenge, particularly now, during this highly commercial time of year. In many ways, winter celebrations are centered on community – what a great opportunity to inspire in your Montessori classroom a spirit of gratefulness and goodwill. Since there are … Meaningful Winter Celebrations With Scholastic Activities for the Montessori Classroom
