“The hands are the instruments of man’s intelligence.” – Dr Maria Montessori One of the things that distinguishes Montessori from more classical educational approaches is the way children are encouraged to learn by touching, feeling and doing. In traditional learning environments, children sit at desks and listen to a teacher. In…
This week I was talking with 3 separate sets of parents about frustrations in the home. In discussions with these parents a common theme emerged. Many parents want their children to do as they say, but not as they do. Parents want to live a rushed life without anyone telling…
One of the rules to be followed in a Montessori classroom is “Never interrupt the work of a fellow“. When we interrupt the work of a child or an adult, we are sending the message that what they are doing is not valuable, or at least not as valuable…
1. Make Sure the Child is Getting Enough Sleep: Most people don’t realize how much sleep babies and children need to support their growth and development. According to WebMD, children from 1 to 12 months need 14 to 15 hours of sleep, while 1-3 year olds need 12 – 14 hours…
This is what our Geography shelf looks like with the South America Materials Books about South America Photo cards from South America (Source: Montessori Printshop) 3-part cards to go with the South America A-Z printable book (Source: South America A-Z) The pack also comes with a clipart version of…
While Spring seems to be totally MIA here in Minnesota, I’m still trying to do my best to teach Henry that it will eventually be warm, sunny, and beautiful out again. And, with this extended winter, I need all the indoor activities I can get! So, is time for another…
I promise not to use food for anything else but consumption. And repurpose our water usage for nature. Sounds like a funny promise? Well, think hard, teachers….. For eleven years I have been using beans for my pouring work. Quinoa for my spooning work. Cereal for necklaces. Flour & Salt in…
The Pink Tower can be introduced from 2 years old (always without losing sight of the child as the smaller blocks can pose a chocking hazard), but we didn’t have it until now, so this was the first contact Alejandro had with it, he really liked it and I think…
The idea that people with autism lack empathy is a myth. Any parent of an autistic or autism spectrum child can tell you that. But, here it is, World Autism Awareness month, and so I’d like to do my part to raise awareness. With what scientists call “mirror neurons”, our…
“The tiny child’s absorbent mind finds all its nutriment in its surrounding. Here it has to locate itself and build itself from what it takes in. Especially at the beginning of life must we therefore make the environment as interesting and attractive as we can. “ – Maria Montessori (The…
