It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas …Everywhere we go …(lyrics by Meredith Wilson, 1951) Nothing makes me smile more than hearing my Montessori students come through the door singing Christmas carols first thing in the morning. Their excitement and eagerness is contagious. I had one sixth grade boy ask if he could start … Symbols of Christmas – Montessori Curriculum
I find it very challenging at this time of the year to come up with a variety of Christmas crafts for my Montessori classroom. At the drop of a hat, I can immediately create a complete set of Montessori learning materials including 3-part cards, control and mute charts, and an ancient Egyptian timeline made out … Christmas Activities for the Montessori Classroom: Handy Tips and Tools
I recently posted the following journal topic on the board for my Upper Elementary Montessori students: What is the true meaning of the holiday season? Many children wrote that it is a time to come together and spend time with loved ones, and some wrote that now that they are older, they are beginning to … Season of Giving in the Montessori Classroom: Activities for Good
The aim of the children who persevere in their work with an object is certainly not to “learn”; they are drawn to it by the needs of their inner life, which must be recognized and developed by its means. – Maria MontessoriAs a trained Montessori teacher, I know that the first job of the teacher … Making Connections Between Montessori and Traditional School
Montessori teachers often find themselves required to teach subjects that are not part of the traditional Montessori curriculum. Other times, student interest drives Montessori teachers into a frenzy of research and preparation of new learning materials. I recently received my copy of the NAMC US History manual, and as with their other manuals was once again … Montessori Curriculum: NAMC US History Manual Review
My grandfather heroically served his country during World War II. Leaving behind a young, pregnant wife, it was years before he returned home to see his family. He carried a photograph of his little girl whom he had never met, held, or heard, in his wallet through the battlefields of Europe. He kept that wallet … The Importance of Veteran’s (Remembrance) Day: November 11
As a mom, I am frustrated when I ask my son what he did at school today and he replies “nothing”. As a Montessori teacher, I’m even more frustrated when I hear my students give that same response to their parents. I want to say “What do you mean you did nothing? We worked like … Montessori Conversations: What Did You Learn Today? Encouraging Dialogue
Halloween is a holiday that many Montessori schools and families struggle with. While children love dressing in costumes and trick-or-treating, Montessori adults worry about scary costumes and overloading on sugar-laden candy and treats. As a child, I looked forward to Halloween almost as much as Christmas. As a parent and teacher, I strive to make … Planning and Celebrating a Montessori Harvest Festival: Activities and Organization
After I completed my Montessori training, I was filled with wonder and excitement. I was eager to have my own Montessori classroom filled with normalized children who chose their own work, begged for more lessons, worked quietly and respectfully, joyfully cleaned up after themselves, and didn’t interrupt. Now I’m not saying that didn’t happen, but it probably wasn’t to the extent … Three Before Me and Correctly Interrupting: Serenity in the Montessori Classroom
One of the greatest gifts I’ve received is my Montessori training. When I look at Montessori education, it’s not always about what I, the teacher, bring to the classroom. Many times, it’s what I take away from my Montessori classroom and students. My family is in transition right now – my son has entered public middle school. … What I've Learned from Montessori – A Real Teacher's Perspective
