The Montessori Advantage: What is Redshirting?

My sister’s birthday falls on December 25^th and she missed the cutoff date for kindergarten by just five days. My parents faced the dilemma of holding her back or putting her in a private kindergarten to keep up with her peers. Fast forward 32 years. My sister is now facing a similar dilemma herself as she decides whether my niece should spend a bonus year in preschool strengthening her social skills.

Holding kindergarten age children back a year is known as redshirting. Originally a term used in college sports, parents began redshirting their children to have the advantage of being the oldest and, therefore, smartest children in class. Statistics show that boys and affluent children are twice as likely held back as their peers. However, what do you do when nearly a quarter of the students in some kindergartens have been redshirted? (60 Minutes, 2012)

Money in the Montessori Classroom: Montessori Practical Life Coin Activities

When my son was a toddler, I began teaching about money by being very upfront about how I was spending money. When we went grocery shopping, I would tell him, “Today, we are only buying milk, bread, and peanut butter. That is all the money we have today.” Then, when he saw something he wanted, I would tell him, “Remember, today we are only buying milk, bread, and peanut butter.” Not only did this help him learn how money was spent, but it helped alleviate some of those moments when the candy or toy aisle was too tempting. I also started doing this on our trips to the mall: “Yes, we can go in the train store and you may play with the train table. But we are not buying any trains today.” Once I set up the guidelines, shopping trips were much more enjoyable as we both knew what to expect.

Learning about money is an important aspect of mathematics and economics. And economic and financial integrity is part of learning to be a responsible and productive member of society. For these reasons, presentations related to the concept of money are often presented in the Montessori classroom starting with the early childhood program.

Montessori Encourages Toddler Independent Play: Facilitating vs Directing

“The environment itself will teach the child, if every error he makes is manifest to him, without the intervention of a parent or teacher, who should remain a quiet observer of all that happens.” —Maria Montessori, The Secret of Childhood.

In the previous blog on fostering independence with toddlers, we focused on giving limited choices and allowing the children to do more for themselves. After all, Maria Montessori said it best, “Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.” This same principle can be applied to play time.

Fostering Independence in Toddlers the Montessori Way: Limited Choice and Other Tips

The idea of independence in toddlers may seem oxymoronic. How can a toddler, who is not that removed from infancy be independent? In fact, many parents often bemoan the rapid growth of their young child: “If only she could stay a baby forever.” There is no way around it — babies soon become toddlers. And knowing how to nurture happy, independent toddlers makes life easier for all involved!

Boys Need to Move: Providing Opportunities for Movement in the Montessori Classroom

“Ninety percent of the world’s Ritalin is prescribed in the United States.” (McDonald, 2009)

One spring day, a young boy from the Montessori adolescent class came to give me a note that had been stapled shut and was marked “For your eyes only.” I thanked the boy, who told me his teacher was expecting a reply. I opened the note and was surprised by the message:

I remember thinking, “Here is a teacher who really understands boys.” Justin was having a hard time concentrating and keeping still that day. Rather than punish him or try to make him sit and work, the teacher gave Justin the opportunity to move, get a change of scenery, and come back settled and ready to work.

Montessori Adolescent Programs: The Erdkinder

"My vision of the future is no longer of people taking exams, earning a secondary diploma, and proceeding on to university, but of individuals passing from one stage of independence to a higher, by means of their own activity, through their own effort of will, which constitutes the inner evolution of the individual." — Maria Montessori, The Erdkinder

In response to our recent posts on the different ages and levels of Montessori, one reader wanted to know more about the Montessori adolescent program. As his son completes his 6th year in the Montessori elementary environment, he is faced the dilemma of so many Montessori parents when their child finishes upper elementary: Now what?

Adding New Works to the Montessori Environment at the End of the Year

The Montessori prepared environment is an ever evolving place. Just as the teacher must follow the child’s lead when presenting lessons and activities, so too must the environment change to follow the interests of the child.

The needs of the children are different from the beginning of the year to the end. At the beginning of the year, students come in with eager anticipation of the year ahead. Toward the end of the year, the warmer weather ushers in a playful spirit as minds start to wander towards summer picnics, swimming pools, and vacations. You can address these needs and keep students focused on their work with a few subtle changes to your Montessori environment.

Montessori Earth Day Activities: Learning About Recycling with Modeling Dough

Earth Day is celebrated every April 22. It is a day dedicated to environmental awareness and is a catalyst for positive change in the way we think about the stewardship of our planet. As Montessorians, we know how very important the natural world is to the education of the child, how precious our beautiful home is, and how we can all make a difference in the preservation of nature. This Earth Day, try making your own non-toxic, easy modeling dough to cut back on packaging waste, and use it with fun activities that will help present the concept of recycling to your class. We have included a great step-by-step recipe and a complimentary printable for you to use with your Earth Day activities.