Sssssssshhhhhh…don’t tell my husband, but I fell in love last week. It’s happened again, just as it does this time every year. Only this time, it was on a much grander scale. You see, class started last week and I have thirty new children to love. Thirty? Yes, I changed Montessori schools and just … Things to Love About the First Day of School in a Montessori Classroom
When my son met the new executive director of our new Montessori school two weeks ago, I was very pleased when he made the first move to shake hands. His voice dropped ½ an octave and he got a very serious expression on his face as he said “It’s nice to meet you.” As … Montessori Philosophy: Grace and Courtesy Make a Difference
My son grew up this summer. After spending five weeks with his grandparents, he came home not only taller, but a new personality had emerged. He left on vacation an elementary child and came home a “tween”… a pre-adolescent. As a mother, I’m torn. On one hand, I am excited to see him approaching maturity and … Similarities Between Toddlers and Adolescents: A Montessori Look at Growing Up
It seems like just last week that school was out. Sentiments ranged from tearful goodbyes from students who were leaving, to cheers of happiness, accompanied by “See you next year”. My students were off to camps, visiting grandparents, the seaside, the mountains, the pool. . . They were ready for lots of fresh air, sunshine … Summertime Planning for the Montessori Classroom
As a parent, you want to be able to choose the best education possible for your child. But, with so many options available, what is the best choice? After all, the decision will impact your child for the rest of his or her life. So, why, with all these choices, should one choose Montessori? The … Why Choose Montessori: Educating the Human Potential
The American Montessori Society (AMS) states that “The aim of Montessori education is to foster autonomous, competent, responsible, adaptive citizens who are life-long learners and problem solvers”. (Montessori Education: Key Concepts and Practices, 1990) Autonomous: auto (self) + nomos (law) = “self-ruling or self-regulating” Montessori said there are three types of autonomy: Intellectual Autonomy, … Why Choose Montessori: Intellectual, Behavioral, Emotional Autonomy
Why choose Montessori for your child? Before you can answer why, it is important to understand what Montessori is. Mark Powell wrote an article in Montessori LIFE (Winter 2000) called Can Montessorians and Constructivists Really Be Friends?, which provides a good background into what traditional educational systems are and what is different about Montessori. The … Why Choose Montessori? Montessori vs. Constructivism: An Explanation of Montessori Philosophy
“What’s so important about pouring water over and over and over?” I once heard a mother ask. Indeed, what is the importance of pouring water, besides it being a very popular activity in the Montessori practical life area? Pouring water from one pitcher to another, a pitcher to a glass, and a pitcher to three … Pouring Water – A Montessori Practical Life Curriculum Activity
Ahhhh…summer! Trips to the park, the museum, the pool, the mountains, and the beach. Play dates and sleepovers. Vacations to amusement parks and national parks. Most parents and children don’t give a second thought to school, unless it is in regards to summer homework…. or unless your child is enrolled in Montessori! This said, Montessori is … Nurturing Independence in Montessori Students During the Summer Months
Here is the final piece in NAMC’s series on the Montessori planes of development. The fourth plane, from 18-24, is known as the plane of maturity or adulthood. More stable than the third plane, it is now possible for the young adult to pursue studies that interest them in the context of making a difference … The Fourth Plane of Development: Ages 18-24 – Montessori Philosophy
