Children are human beings to whom respect is due, superior to us by reason of their “innocence” and of the greater possibilities of their future. What we desire they desire also. —Maria MontessoriDr. Montessori’s Own Handbook, p. 77. How do children perceive your Montessori classroom when they first arrive? Try this experiment: Step into the … Take a Child’s Point of View when Designing your Classroom Entrance
The secret of good teaching is to regard the children’s intelligence as a fertile field in which seeds may be sown, to grow under the heat of flaming imagination. Our aim therefore is not merely to make the children understand, and still less to force them to memorize, but so to touch their imagination as … Using Literature Circles in the Montessori Upper Elementary Environment
In education, STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math. STEM is a fairly new idea in traditional education, but that isn’t the case for Montessori schools. Let’s look at what STEM subjects have in common:• Critical Thinking• Innovation• Creativity• Flexibility• Problem solving• Data analysis• Collaborative learning• Constructive learning These concepts are the very backbone … Montessori and STEM Education
Since it has been seen to be necessary to give so much to the child, let us give him a vision of the whole universe. The universe is an imposing reality, and an answer to all questions. —Maria MontessoriTo Educate the Human Potential, p. 5. Montessori education is not segregated by topic, curricular area, or … Educating the Whole Child in the Montessori Environment
Dr. Montessori determined that young children experience a sensitive period for music development between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. There are many benefits to developing a child’s musical ability. In addition to fostering a love of music and the arts, developing musical abilities builds skills related to math and language. It has … Music Education in the Montessori Early Childhood Environment
Meant to inspire and ignite the child’s imagination, the Five Great Lessons are a catalyst for the Montessori elementary curriculum. Told too quickly, the lessons become meaningless, causing the children’s imaginations to jump from one concept to another. When we imagine, we are using abstract thought to think of things that cannot be seen. The … Montessori Five Great Lessons: A Catalyst for Learning
The Five Great Lessons are thought to be the catalyst of the Montessori elementary cultural curriculum. From the origins of the universe to the story of human communication, the Five Great Lessons provide the keys to learning about science, history, geography, and economics in the Montessori elementary environment. If these lessons are so important, why … What’s the Rush? When Presenting the Five Great Lessons, Slow Down
“Oh, I know you!” Those were the very first words I said to my newborn son, just moments after giving birth to him almost 22 years ago. I held him in my arms, looked him in the eye, and realized that I really did already know this beautiful tiny baby. Throughout our two days in … Talking to Infants the Montessori Way
Our greatest natural resource is the minds of our children. —Walter Elias Disney Going on a family vacation is an exciting prospect, especially when the destination promises to be the “happiest place on earth.” When planning a visit to a theme park like Disneyland, remember to think of the trip from your child’s perspective. It … Montessori Away From Home: Family Theme Park Vacation
NAMC is happy to welcome a guest writer for this edition of our blog. Ashley Taylor is a freelance writer, photographer, and advocate for people with disabilities. She created DisabledParents.org to provide information and resources to other parents with disabilities. When she isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. Congratulations! … Parenting With a Disability
