Teaching Kindness and Respect in a Montessori Classroom

A child preparing a snack as part of Montessori practical life activities, fostering independence.

By: Connie Parker Being a part of a Montessori classroom is more than just academics, there is a social aspect to the classroom that is just as important. Children in a Montessori classroom learn to be a part of a community, where getting along with others is extremely important. Montessori teachers reinforce the values of kindness…

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Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten Emotionally?

A child working independently with Montessori pink tower cubes to develop spatial awareness.

By Kristi Ockuly As a Montessori teacher for more than twenty years, and as a mother of five, I can attest to the fact that all parents wonder about the experience their young children will have in school. If they are in preschool, parents wonder about elementary school. Elementary school parents wonder about the middle…

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Mindfulness in a Montessori Environment

Children developing fine motor skills through Montessori lacing and threading activities.

by Andrea Beier There is no doubt that almost everyone has heard of the term “mindfulness” in the last few years.  It seems there has been quite an explosion of interest in the concept; complete with varying definitions of what mindfulness even is. I became interested in the term as a friend of mine was…

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Montessori in the Home

Montessori practical life area where children learn to care for their environment by watering plants.

By Francina Lelei As parents, we all want what is best for our child.  We want them to grow and be healthy, learn and be smart, and love with empathy and compassion. However, a child is not born knowing how to do all these things.  The child must be taught and shown how to navigate…

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Developing the Whole Child in Montessori Preschool

Montessori teacher observing a student completing a pouring activity with precision.

At a Montessori preschool, the primary focus is on developing a well-rounded individual. Montessori educators aim their attention at developing what is called the “whole child,” meaning physical, social, emotional, and cognitive aspects. Unlike traditional preschools which just focus on a child’s cognitive abilities, the Montessori approach to education values the human spirit and takes…

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How Montessori Differs from Daycare

Students learning about geography with Montessori continent maps and flags.

As you look at different childcare options for your child, you may notice that a Montessori preschool has some key differences that set it apart from your traditional daycare. Each classroom in a Montessori preschool is unique, even though they are all part of one educational system. Some core philosophies that set a Montessori preschool…

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Preschool Math in the Montessori Environment

Montessori teacher observing a student completing a pouring activity with precision.

By Erin McFarland Math in the Montessori environment is one of the richest subject areas. Maria Montessori was a great mathematician and scientist. She became one of the first woman doctors in Italy. She used this scientific approach to study children and determine how to fashion materials that met their needs. She realized that in…

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Two Common Misconceptions about a Montessori Classroom

A child preparing a snack as part of Montessori practical life activities, fostering independence.

Two Common Misconceptions about a Montessori Classroom by Sheri Papke   1) The classroom is too permissive, and the children do no productive work or; 2) The classroom is too strict, and the children are not able to play or use their imaginations The teacher who understands the importance of freedom and discipline can help…

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Why Practical Life in a Montessori Preschool

Preschool children working on practical life

THE ROLE OF THE PRACTICAL LIFE AREA IN A MONTESSORI PRESCHOOL AND THE IMPACT ON DEVELOPMENT OF 3 YEAR OLD Practical Life exercises very simply put are the exercises of everyday living. These exercises found in a Montessori preschool are those that assist a child in becoming more independent in his daily activities.  The Practical…

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5 Steps To Choosing Childcare, DayCare or PreSchool

Mom Teach

Step 1: Start Early Start looking as far in advance as you can. No matter what type of care you are considering – a child care center or care in someone else’s home – finding the right child care option can take some time. Step 2: Make a Call Begin your search by calling your…

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