Montessori for Our Family: Sharing a Love of Lifelong Learning Together

In celebration of Montessori Week, we are happy to share some thoughts about Montessori from members of our NAMC family.

Kathleen —

In recognition of Montessori Week, we asked our two high- school age boys what they considered memorable from their Montessori education. Without much hesitation they both said the math materials — in particular the Golden Bead Material and the Binomial and Trinomial Cubes. Concrete, hands-on materials for learning abstract concepts — wasn't Dr. Montessori a genius?

In reflecting on our reasons for pursuing a Montessori education for our children, especially beyond the preschool/kindergarten years, the Montessori hands-on materials were certainly a large factor. More so, and what we came to preach to our peers, was the physical movement that a Montessori classroom offered our boys. No long rows of desks to sit at all day, but rather options to work sitting at a table, standing at an easel, or lying on the floor with a mat.

Montessori in Our Home: Living, Loving and Learning as a Montessori Family

In celebration of Montessori Week, we are happy to share some thoughts about Montessori from members of our NAMC family. 

 Lisha —

When I consider the impact Montessori has had on my life, I think about how my one and half year old daughter waits until her daddy has taken his last bite of an apple so she can throw it in the compost bin. How she gets spoons and bowls in the morning for her and her sister to eat breakfast. How she gathers everyone’s shoes at the front door so we can head out for the day, and how her older sister contemplated for 5 minutes whether to play or clean toilets before heading to bed. I think of all these daily occurrences, and I cannot help but smile and think how fortunate I was to understand and implement the Montessori method with my daughters from the day they were born.

Celebrate Montessori Week! Sharing Experiences and the Importance of the Montessori Method

The week of February 24–March 2 celebrates Montessori Week and marks the 106th anniversary of Montessori education. It is a time to come together as Montessorians to celebrate and recognize the amazing contributions of Dr. Maria Montessori in the lives of children around the world. Here are some of the most notable contributions that Dr. Montessori had on education and children's rights reform, as well as some inspiration for sharing your experiences with the Montessori community!

What Parents Look for in a Montessori School: Tips on First Impressions

When deciding on the right preschool for my niece, my sister and her husband considered several schools. One of their considerations was a local Montessori school. My sister said they had high expectations for their visit, knowing my commitment to Montessori. Unfortunately, their first impression did not encourage them to choose this school; they were disappointed in the school and the environment.

Families considering the best option for educating their young children are usually looking for the same things my sister and her family sought. Among other things, they want an environment that is clean and welcoming and teachers who are professional, knowledgeable, open communicators, and kind... and it is likely that families will assess whether you meet these criteria very quickly when they visit your school.

Using a Digital Camera in the Montessori Classroom

Mention the word ‘technology’ around Montessori teachers and there is a mixed reaction. Some love the idea of developmentally and pedagogically sound use of technology, and some strictly adhere to not using technology in the classroom, preferring to use traditional Montessori materials and lessons. Others still cringe at the thought of having to learn how to use technology in the classroom. But not all technology is about the Web 2.0, Windows 8, or mobile devices. Using technology in the Montessori environment can be as simple as using your digital camera.

Helping Parents Create an Effective Infant Toddler Montessori Home Environment

As Montessori educators, we know that the Montessori environment is key to helping children learn and develop, both at school and home equally. Parents looking to prepare their home environment to support the method may find themselves seeking advice, especially for their infants and toddlers. One of the wonderful things about a Montessori community is the relationships between parents and teachers; it is one that means you will be in a position to guide parents who may have questions! There are many excellent tips that you can provide for creating an effective Montessori home environment, especially for infants and toddlers, who have very different needs from older children.

Valentine's Day and Random Acts of Kindness Week: Activities for Your Montessori Classroom

While many teachers know that candy-filled and romance-centered Valentine's Day traditions are not a perfect fit for the Montessori classroom, there is no reason to skip the holiday altogether! By putting together educational and fun activities, Montessori teachers and students can enjoy Valentine's Day as a celebration of community and friendship...which is perfect, as the holiday falls within Random Acts of Kindness Week. We have taken the time to put together some easy, fun activities to highlight the wonderful and special friendships within your Montessori classrooms.

Connecting with the Natural World in the Montessori Environment

Children need to have opportunities to explore their environment
 and connect with nature

“So all we could do was to

Sit! Sit! Sit! Sit!

And we did not like it.

Not one little bit.”

~The Cat in the Hat, Dr. Seuss

This beloved children’s story says it all: children do not like to just sit inside. They want to be up doing things. The young child’s sensitive periods of movement and refinement of the senses actually demand that she be up and about, exploring her environment. In addition, the sensitive periods for order and language help her learn how her environment works and help her discover the names of everything around her.

The Purpose of Montessori Cosmic Education

Children in the second plane are full of wonder and curiosity about life

“Cosmic Education is intended to help each of us search for our cosmic task as a species and as individuals. To do this, we must understand ourselves in context. It is only against the background of our place in the universe, our relationships with other living organisms, and our understanding of human unity within cultural diversity, that we can attempt to answer the question, ‘Who am I?’” (Michael & D’Neil Duffy, Children of the Universe: Cosmic Education in the Montessori Elementary Classroom.)

The second plane of development (age 6–12) is full of wonder and awe as children discover answers to some of life’s most basic questions: Who am I? Where do I come from? Montessori’s Great Lessons attempt to give children the keys to discovering more about the universe and life on earth.