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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Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten Socially?

Montessori art corner where children are painting using natural brushes and materials.

By Kristi Ockuly As a Montessori school 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…

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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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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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