“If education is always to be conceived along the same antiquated lines of a mere transmission of knowledge, there is little to be hoped from it in the bettering of man’s future”Maria Montessori (1870-1952) The phrase “concrete to abstract” is heard frequently in the Montessori community. In fact, I’ve read many Montessori progress reports that state that … Montessori Philosophy: Moving from Concrete to Abstract
Children and adults alike are fascinated by hummingbirds. Creating a backyard or outdoor environment habitat that attracts both hummingbirds and butterflies is the perfect Montessori outdoor experience! It combines Practical Life (gardening, art, photography), botany (plant identification), and zoology (animal observation and identification, habits and habitats). Here are a few fascinating facts about hummingbirds that … Montessori Summer Activities: Growing a Hummingbird and Butterfly Habitat
“Any child who is self-sufficient, who can tie his shoes, dress or undress himself, reflects in his joy and sense of achievement the image of human dignity, which is derived from a sense of independence.”– Maria MontessoriSuccess in life is directly correlated to the degree in which people believe they are capable as well as … Montessori Practical Life Activities, In the Classroom and at Home
In the United States, Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. This was officially adopted on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly celebrated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, picnics, and various summer activities. This … Fourth of July Celebrations and Activities for the Montessori Classroom
Looking for something to do this summer? Why not take a thought from the First Great Lesson (The Beginning of the Universe and the Earth), and go star gazing across the clear, dark summer sky? Before you venture out, it might be a good idea to review the concept of how in the beginning, there … Montessori Summer Activities: Star Gazing and The First Great Lesson
I was browsing through the newspaper the other day and came across an ad for a nanny for a 2-month-old baby girl. In addition to the parents’ request for a description of experience, credentials, and references, they also asked for a statement of philosophy. I thought this was a good idea. A statement of philosophy … Montessori Statement of Philosophy 0 to 3, Infant / Toddler
My Montessori students are bemoaning the fact that this coming Thursday is our last day of school. “Miss Michelle, I wish the school year would never end. I just want to keep learning.” I look at them stunned and wonder if I thought that as a child. “Please, can you give us summer homework?” Now, … Summer Reading for Montessori Students: Activities and Challenges for All Levels
I woke up in the middle of the night last night, worrying about next year!!! This Montessori school year hasn’t even ended yet and I am dreaming about making new Montessori materials for next year. Of course, then I started thinking ‘what am I going to do for the next 9 days until school is … Activities to Countdown to Summer in the Montessori Classroom
When I was in middle school, one of our art lessons was to carve a very porous grill brick into something spectacular. Using paring knives, my classmates and I were deep in concentration making masterpieces with a material that emitted the odor of rotten eggs. Mine, though just as foul smelling, was of a more … Celebrating Father's Day with Montessori Classroom Activities
Practical Life Activities are a major part of the Montessori preschool program. By about five years of age, though, children need and want more than simple activities such as organizing and cleaning. The sensitive period of order has passed and they are now moving into the next stage where they favor more elaborate activities such … The Importance of Practical Life Activities in the Montessori Elementary Classroom
