Normalization in a Montessori Classroom

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

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 to initiate individual or collaborative work, to freely adhere to the rules of the classroom…

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The importance of real materials in practical life

Montessori classroom shelves displaying sensory materials such as color tablets and fabric swatches.

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 and Personal Hygiene, and Grace & Courtesy.” Natural Consequence Young Children are always interested in…

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Words + Movement = Reading

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

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 behavior but learning. Children are given the freedom to move around in the Montessori environment…

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Maria Montessori: What You May Not Know

Montessori classroom shelves displaying sensory materials such as color tablets and fabric swatches.

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, Maria didn’t have freedom to do what she wanted because her mother believed in discipline.…

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Tools in the Practical Life Area

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

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 activities is to develop a child’s independence, body control and coordination of movement, concentration and…

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Let’s Take Another Look at Metal Insets

A child using Montessori binomial cubes to learn about algebraic concepts through hands-on exploration.

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 with all the practice that is necessary to eventually writing on paper with a pencil.…

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Building the Mathematical Mind: Mastering the concrete before the abstract

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

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 things which enhance their ability to be exact and orderly, to observe, compare, and classify.…

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