Montessori Language Arts: Poetry Activities for the Summer Time

Poetry can be an indispensable tool in your Montessori teaching tool box. I have found that Montessori students of all ages can enjoy poetry. It is not as intimidating as other forms of creative writing such as short stories and plays. Poetry can be used as a way to fill an unexpected block of time, a transition activity, an activity to get the day started, or a way to culminate a thematic study.

Once you have introduced a style of poetry (ex. haiku, acrostic, or cinquain), you simply need to write a reminder of the format (or hang a poster) where all students can see and they are off and running. It quickly becomes an independent activity.

Writing poems as a group can also be fun. In addition to creative writing skills, the process can help develop

Independence Day and Cosmic Education Activities for the Montessori Classroom

The philosophy of modern history lays emphasis on the meeting and mixing of peoples, groups with tendencies to merge into larger groups, nations at last to start organizing the unity of humanity. – Maria Montessori, To Educate the Human Potential.

Independence Day in the United States celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776 in Philadelphia. Each year on July 4, many US citizens mark this national holiday with picnics, parades, speeches, and fireworks.

This year you can celebrate Independence Day (see links below for ideas) and use this national holiday as a springboard for exploring Independence Days and National Days in other countries with your Montessori students and children. With Independence Day as a theme, you and your Montessori students can have a whirlwind tour of the globe and world history.

Canada Day, July 1 – Montessori Activity Ideas

On July 1, Canada celebrates a national holiday marking the country’s independence. Canada Day commemorates the adoption of the British North America Act on July 1, 1867, which was renamed the Constitution Act in 1982, and sets the foundation for the Canadian Constitution. This act created the Canadian federal government and united Canada as country (with four provinces.) Canadians celebrate Canada Day for similar reasons and in many of the same ways that US Independence Day is celebrated.

Canada Day is July 1st: A Perfect Time for Culture Studies in the Montessori Classroom!

Here are some previous NAMC blogs to give you some ideas for celebrating with your Montessori children and students:

• Montessori Curriculum Ideas for Canada Day
• Exploring North American Independence in the Montessori Classroom

As much as possible, NAMC’s web blog reflects the Montessori curriculum as provided in its teacher training programs. We realize and respect that Montessori schools are unique and may vary their schedules and offerings in accordance with the needs of their individual communities. We hope that our readers will find our articles useful and inspiring as a contribution to the global Montessori community.

Montessori Curriculum Explained: Language Arts Materials, Activities and Philosophy

Language is the central point of difference between the human species and all others. Language lies at the root of that transformation of the environment that we call civilization…Language is an instrument of collective thought…Hence, language is truly the expression of a kind of super intelligence. ~ Maria Montessori, The Absorbent Mind.

Montessori believed that language is innate and it is in the nature of humans to express themselves both orally and through the written word. The Montessori Language Arts curriculum, therefore, starts the moment the child first enters the environment. Enjoy this in depth look as we explain Montessori Language Arts curriculum materials, activities, and philosophy.

Summer Solstice – More Montessori Activity Ideas for the Classroom

June 21 is the Summer Solstice, and a great time to celebrate the season with creative Montessori activities encompassing history, geography, astronomy, and the arts. Last year, we gave you some information and ideas in Summer Solstice the Montessori Way.

Here are some further ideas to spark the imagination of your Montessori students!

Summer Vacation Ideas for Montessori Families

Though summer can be a time of relaxation and rest for a Montessori student, for a parent, summer can be daunting! As a parent of a Montessori student, it is important to find the balance between the freedom and bliss of summer without losing the routines and knowledge for which you and your child worked so hard during the school year.

Of course it is acceptable to ease up on schedules and routines during the summer months. Bedtimes and rising times can be moved around and numerous opportunities for spontaneous activities can present themselves. Simply remember to start easing back into your school year schedule and other transitions a couple of weeks before Montessori school starts again in the fall. Read on for a list of great ideas that the Montessori family can enjoy together over Summer vacation.

Montessori Twos Activity and Presentation: Observing Nature Close Up

This Montessori Twos activity is an excerpt from the NAMC Twos A manual that offers a sensory exploration in the outdoor environment. You will find the full step by step Montessori presentation so you can share this wonderful activity with your students or children!

Primary Goal
Expanding experience of the natural world.

Secondary Goals
Developing sensory skills; developing language; developing practical life skills; developing the ability to observe quietly; developing respect for other living things.

Montessori Curriculum Explained: Math Materials, Activities and Philosophy

This system in which a child is constantly moving objects with his hands and actively exercising his senses, also takes into account a child's special aptitude for mathematics. When they leave the material, the children very easily reach the point where they wish to write out the operation. They thus carry out an abstract mental operation and acquire a kind of natural and spontaneous inclination for mental calculations. ~The Discovery of the Child, Maria Montessori.

The Montessori math materials are perhaps some of the most inviting and beautiful works in the Montessori classroom. Visitors to my Montessori classroom, young and old alike, gravitate to the math shelves, wanting touch and learn how to use the materials. “Show me this. How does this work?” they ask. Adults usually sigh and wistfully say, “I wish I had learned math this way”. Enjoy this in depth look as we explain Montessori Math curriculum materials, activities, and philosophy.

Montessori Books to Inspire: Summer Reading Suggestions for the Montessori Teacher

Summer is almost upon us. Maybe you are already dreaming of all the things you will do: clean the house, garden, take a trip, catch up with friends, sleep. I always look forward to having the opportunity to read. Of course, I spend a good part of the summer reading books for fun and pleasure, but I try to work in some books related to teaching and Montessori education. By reading these, I find that I rejuvenate my professional self and begin to plan and get excited for the upcoming year. Following are a few ideas for summer reading.

Whether you read one or some of these books on your own, with a teaching friend, or collectively as a staff, you will find ideas and inspiration for the next school year.

Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius, by Angeline Stoll Lillard
Read about the research behind eight insights that are the foundations of Montessori education and how they are applied in the Montessori classroom. Topics include the impact of movement on learning and cognition, extrinsic rewards and motivation, and order in environment and mind. Lillard also shares information from research studies that show how students learn best. Not only will this book help to excite your appreciation and knowledge about the Montessori method, it will arm you with information that you can use to answer and inform questioning parents.