Thoughts on Worksheets and Workbooks in the Montessori Environment

A NAMC student recently asked about the role of worksheets and workbooks in the Montessori environment. It seems that the parents at her school are demanding their students bring home more work. This need to show tangible evidence of learning is entrenched in modern society. But does it have a place in Montessori?

What makes Montessori different from conventional methods of education is the use of concrete materials that guide the child to inquire and construct their own knowledge. While conventional classrooms use manipulatives, in Montessori, the children use the materials to discover the laws of nature and learn on their own. Manipulatives used in a conventional setting are only used after the teacher has told the child the laws, and the manipulatives are used to practice, not discover.

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Older Children With No Montessori Background: Integrating New Students into Montessori School

Our blog, Is It Too Late for my Child to Attend a Montessori School? inspired a Montessori teacher to ask what to do with accepting third year students (at any level) who lack a Montessori background and may only be able to do first year work. She wanted to know if she should give them work they may have missed from previous levels. She had tried it, but her students were unhappy and thought the work too young for them.

Her question is certainly valid. While it is important to follow the child, we must also keep in mind the child’s plane of development.

Montessori Easter Activities: Ukrainian Easter Eggs in Culture and Science Curriculum

Easter is a wonderful holiday to be celebrated in the Montessori classroom; there are beautiful signs of spring, bright colors, energetic children, and the excitement of the school year ahead. If you are searching for Montessori Easter activities, why not introduce your class to Ukrainian Easter eggs? Also called Pysanky, they are a unique art form that celebrates a rich culture. This post has Ukrainian Easter egg information and activities that can be used in both preschool and elementary classrooms, as well as a complimentary printable that you and your students will love working with!

Introducing Computer Applications in the Montessori Environment

It seems everywhere we turn these days, we find an “app” for this or that. And while some believe there is no place for modern technology in the Montessori environment, others are busy creating online applications that are specifically geared toward the Montessori method. So, before labeling all technology as bad and ruling out new pedagogical tools, let’s look at how to decide if there is true Montessori value in these applications.

Montessori's Sensitive Period for Order

About the time my son was two years old, I noticed an interesting trend when it came to cleaning his room each night. I would help him put his things away and he followed behind me making sure everything was exactly in its place. His trains had to be in a certain order on his train table, in a nice, neat line, and the rest of his toys, books, and even clothes had to be just so.

Montessori tells us that the sensitive period for order begins at birth, peaks during early toddlerhood, and generally lasts until around age five. Characterized by an inner need for consistency and repetition, the child in this sensitive period craves routines and predictability. Included in this is the child’s physical environment where everything has its place.

Is It Too Late for my Child to Attend a Montessori School?

When I was searching for a Montessori school for my son, I was surprised to encounter schools that refused to take him because he had not attended a Montessori school previously. I felt like he was being excluded and punished because he did not start preschool at age three. Even though he could already read, these schools were adamant: they did not accept students who did not start Montessori at age three or earlier.

St. Patrick's Day Montessori Activities for Fine Motor Skills with Complimentary Printable

St. Patrick's Day is a wonderful time to bring a bright pop of green into the classroom to shake off the winter doldrums! To help celebrate the Irish spirit with your Montessori students, we have created some easy to make, fun to do activities that will help to challenge and develop fine motor skills. Read on for instructions and a complimentary PDF printable to help you prepare a Lucky Clover Garden and a St. Patrick's Day matching activity, using items you likely already have in the classroom!

Choosing a Montessori School for Your Child: Tips for Finding the Right Fit

As a certified Positive Discipline parent coach, I ask parents to imagine a time 25 years from now: Your child pulls into the driveway ready to share time and a meal with you. What kind of adjectives would you use to describe your child? The responses are overwhelmingly positive. Not once have I heard a parent say they want their child to be stressed, depressed, co-dependent, or unhappy. In fact, all parents agree that they wish their children to know happiness, respect, independence, and love.

Choosing a Montessori education for your child is a good step toward helping him become be an independent and happy adult. But how do you know if the Montessori school you are considering is the right one for your child? Although they embrace the same methodology and philosophy, each Montessori school is different. Finding the one that best fits your child’s needs, personality, and learning style requires some careful reflection. Let’s look at some factors to consider when looking for the right Montessori school for your child.