Blog
Words, Words, Words: Oral Language in the Montessori Classroom
By Chelsea Klipstein Spoken language is a notable part of everyday life in a Montessori Children’s House classroom. Through language, we have the ability to express and communicate ideas, thoughts, needs and emotions. Language acquisition allows children to become active…
Normalization in a Montessori Classroom
By Melissa Bright Normalization in the Montessori classroom is not the forced act of conforming to the environment; rather it refers to the concentration, independence, and focus of the child through their choices. Children learn to find their internal motivation…
The importance of real materials in practical life
By Archana Dalal One thing that sets Montessori schools apart from other preschools is practical life activities. According to Dr. Maria Montessori, practical life is “The Montessori term that encompasses domestic work to maintain the home and classroom environment, Self-Care…
Fostering the Love of Books During National Reading Month
By Kristi Larsen Caring for and Choosing the Right Books Imagine your favorite childhood book. What was the name of it? Why did you like it? Was it based in reality or fantasy? Did you introduce your students or your…
Sensorial Sounds: What are they and why do we use them?
By: Krista Schroeder Sensorial sounds are everywhere in our Montessori environment. Children explore their environment through their senses and sound is often used in a variety of ways while they are in the preschool classroom. “The first of the child’s…
Words + Movement = Reading
By: Connie Parker Within a Montessori classroom, movement is found everywhere. It has great importance in mental development, provided that the action which occurs is connected with the mental activity going on. Having purposeful movement is what drives not only…
Freedom in the Montessori environment
By Brooke Gosse In the Montessori environment, work time starts the moment the child walks into the classroom. Dr. Montessori stated that the children come into the classroom with a purpose, already knowing what work they want to start out the…
Maria Montessori: What You May Not Know
By Yelena Raskin Dr. Maria Montessori was born in the small town of Chiaravalle. Her father was a military man, and her mother was a lady of peace. Maria Montessori had a very close relationship with her mother. As a child,…
Tools in the Practical Life Area
By Amber Evans An essential part of the Montessori method is practical life. These activities are an increasingly challenging series of motor tasks involving real life goals. In addition to helping children master everyday tasks, the aim of practical life…
Let’s Take Another Look at Metal Insets
By Yelena Ostrovsky Metal insets serve a real and concrete purpose in the Children’s House. The metal inset work has 11 different stages, ranging from basic tracing to the more challenging design and embellishment work. Each stage provides the child…
The Art of Observation: Why this is a teacher’s most important skill
By Francina Lelei “Wait while observing. That is the motto for the educator. Let us wait, and be always ready to share in both the joys and the difficulties which the child experiences. …Let us have endless patience with his…
Building the Mathematical Mind: Mastering the concrete before the abstract
By Brenda Nelson What is the Mathematical Mind? According to AMI’s (Association Montessori International) website, the glossary of Montessori terms describes the Mathematical Mind as, “All babies are born with mathematical minds, that is, they have a propensity to learn…