This Monday was the autumnal equinox, or the first day of autumn (fall) for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere. As part of the physical geography curriculum, we’ve been studying the hemispheres in our Montessori classroom; looking at how the seasons change due to the tilt of the Earth on its axis. As part of our … Autumn Activities in the Montessori Classroom: Apple Print Placemats
I was sitting around talking at lunch the other day and the question arose: What made you decide on Montessori? The stories varied from one Montessori teacher to another. One was raised in a Montessori environment and school. One replied to an ad for an assistant and went on to get her training. It made … Why I Teach Montessori – A Real Teacher's Perspective
It is not enough for the teacher to love the child. She must first love and understand the universe. She must prepare herself, and truly work at it.-Maria MontessoriThere’s an old saying “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”. That is certainly the case for Montessori teachers. We know that having … Montessori Teachers: Making a First Impression and Enjoying the First Day of School
I’ve been a Montessori teacher for several years and each year I find myself being asked about the necessity for mixed age grouping. These questions usually stem from parents with children who are rising to the next level or who have not yet experienced the Montessori method.Mixed age grouping refers to the three-year age (level) span … Answers to Real Questions About Montessori Mixed Age Grouping
I woke up in a panic in the middle of the night. School starts in three weeks! What am I going to do that first week of school? I’ve been a teacher for most of my life, and a Montessori teacher for the last four years. And every year, I get the same nervous jitters. What will … Montessori Classroom Activity Ideas for the First Day of School
When I was a young girl, my sister and I, being typical siblings, would sing, play and ‘fight’ in the car. I can remember when my mother was feeling frustrated, she would ask “Who wants to play ‘Giraffe?’”. The object of the game was to see who could act like a giraffe the longest. Since … Montessori Foundation Activities – The Silence Game
“Going out” into the world isn’t something that only happens in the Montessori classroom. It happens in our Montessori homes, as well. Every time we take a trip to the grocery store, to the park, or go on vacation, our children are learning about the world around them. We model not only our values, but our enthusiasm, … You and Your Montessori Child: Getting Back to Nature
For several years, I struggled with creating a spelling program for my upper elementary Montessori students. I wanted to build a spelling program that had meaning for the students and not just teacher-created lists of words to memorize. The first Montessori school at which I taught had a spelling program that was designed around phonograms … Spelling in the Montessori Upper Elementary Classroom: Ideas for Better Linguistic Learning
“I would therefore initiate teachers into the observation of the most simple forms of living things, which all those aids which science gives; I would make them microscopists; I would give them a knowledge of the cultivation of plants and train them to observe their physiology; I would direct their observation to insects, and would … Montessori Philosophy: Nature- Nurturer to the Whole Child
Summertime is the perfect time for outdoor projects. Maria Montessori believed that young children ought to be engaged in meaningful work using their hands. Woodworking is a great way to introduce and isolate skills one step at a time while creating meaningful work that will be enjoyed for years to come. Using real, child-size tools … Montessori Summer Activities: Woodworking- Teaching Montessori Students Respect and Responsibility
