All children need a laptop. Not a computer, but a human laptop. Moms, Dads, Grannies and Grandpas, Aunts, Uncles – someone to hold them, read to them, teach them. Loved ones who will embrace them and pass on the experience, rituals and knowledge of a hundred previous generations. Loved ones who will pass to the … The Importance of Infant Parent Interaction in the Montessori Method
Even though I don’t teach during the summer when it would seem most likely to teach Montessori students about US Independence Day, every year it seems to find its way into our year. Students often associate US Independence Day with fireworks, picnics and popsicles. This association is helpful when you are teaching American History and … Exploring North American Independence With Montessori Activities
“Little children, from the moment they are weaned, are making their way toward independence.” Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind Maria Montessori understood that in order to be free, one needs to be independent. She also said that learning to be independent came before freedom. Teachers and parents that are new to Montessori sometimes misunderstand this … Parenting for Independence the Montessori Way: Fostering Self Discipline and Confidence
My Montessori students have always loved learning about the celebrations and traditions of other cultures. No matter what age, cultural celebrations are a hit with kids and a surefire way to help cultural and history studies come alive. I had not heard of dragon boat racing and the accompanying festival until this year, but I … Going Out, Montessori Style: Dragon Boat Festival Experiences and Activities
Songs, poems, dances, science activities, seasonal food, sunrises and sunsets – what a great way to enjoy and learn about the earth’s solstice! Whether you are in the Northern Hemisphere and celebrating summer, or the Southern Hemisphere celebrating winter, there are plenty of fun activities to mark the occasion in your Montessori classroom. The summer … Summer Solstice the Montessori Way: Classroom Curriculum Activities
The United States and Canada celebrate Father’s Day every year on the third Sunday in June. Many countries also celebrate fathers on this day, while others do it at different times throughout the year. The first Father’s Day was on June 19, 1910 in Washington. Mrs. John B. Dodd proposed the holiday because she wanted … Celebrating Father’s Day With Montessori Classroom and Family Activities
Flag Day in the United States is celebrated annually on June 14. It commemorates June 14, 1777, the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 that officially declared the Stars and Stripes as the national symbol. Legend has it that in 1776, George Washington asked Betsy Ross, a seamstress in Philadelphia, to make a flag from … US Flag Day, June 14: Montessori History Lessons and Activities
“Miss Michelle, can we go to…?” These types of questions always remind me of the importance of independence, even among the youngest of Montessori children. In a previous post, I reflected that “Maria Montessori recognized that children in the second plane of development (ages 6-12) are in need of a dual environment: that which is … Summer Vacation and Going Out: A Montessori Practical Life Experience
The Mystery Bag is a versatile and essential material in the early childhood and lower elementary Montessori classrooms. The Mystery Bag is simply a bag (or box) in which the Montessori teacher places objects that the students cannot see. The students then use their sense of touch to explore the object without removing it from … The Mystery Bag Sensorial Activity Ideas for the Montessori Classroom
Once a Montessori teacher has told the stories of the Five Great Lessons in the lower and upper elementary Montessori classrooms, she will often move on to the presentation of the Common Needs of People (sometimes referred to as the Fundamental Needs of Humans). This series of lessons is meant to show students that throughout … Celebrating Cultural Diversity in the Montessori Classroom – Heritage Survey Activity
