Realistic Parenting
When we become parents, we get to experience a range of human instincts we had never imagined previously. We understand on a deep, primal level that we are responsible for the safe and successful growth of our child as they move toward maturity. This is no small task, and sometimes just the thought of what […]
Booklist: Hygge Edition!
If you haven’t already noticed the slight chill in the morning air, the changing seasons are likely creeping into your thoughts. Winter is coming, as they say. This has us looking forward to cozy evenings curled up on the couch with our families. In recent years, the ideas of the Danish concept of hygge have […]
On the Topic of Competition
You may have noticed that in Montessori schools, we do not typically encourage competition between children. Our lack of traditional grading is one obvious marker of this approach, but you will notice that the lack of peer competition threads itself pretty much throughout the entire program. This is quite intentional, and we work hard to […]
Montessori Basics: How we Teach Handwriting
Handwriting or penmanship; no matter what you call it, it was likely an important part of your early education. Pressured by time and content constraints, many schools have abandoned explicit handwriting instruction. This is resulting in a generation of children who do not know how to write in cursive, and who sometimes even struggle to […]
Holiday Gift Giving Guide 2019
Believe it or not, the holiday season is rapidly approaching! Looking for some great gift ideas? Below are some links and ideas for gift giving ages infant- 10 yrs old! A Montessori gift guide for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers Montessori Friendly Gift Ideas from 6 to 10 Montessori Infant Mobiles Montessori infant environments traditionally […]
Montessori Basics: Reality vs. Fantasy
Our Montessori Basics posts are created in order to teach parents about Montessori philosophy and curriculum. Today’s post helps illuminate how one element of the philosophy drives the curriculum. We all know Montessori classrooms differ vastly from their more conventional, traditional counterparts, and views on how children developmentally react to fantasy and reality are one […]
How to Guide Your Child Through Their Emotions
Human emotion. We are so very lucky to each experience such a wide-ranging set of feelings, but that experience can be quite the roller coaster! As adults, our own emotions can sometimes get the best of us. How might we help our children find healthy ways to navigate through their own? Choosing a title for […]
2 Types of Assessment: Which One Do Montessori Schools Favor?
Assessment is a topic often discussed in the many corners of the education world. Whether a child is enrolled in their local public school, an independent school, or is homeschooled, assessment will most likely play a role in that experience. To what extent it plays varies greatly, however, as does the prevalence of the different […]
10 Amazing Podcasts
This month we are taking a break from our regular book list post and sharing something a little bit different. Are you into podcasts? Are your kids? If you’re not already, know that there is a whole world FULL of entertaining and educational screen-free media out there just waiting to be discovered. Podcasts are great […]
Montessori Basics: A Brief History
Have you ever wondered how Montessori got its start? You likely know the educational model is named after its founder, but the beginnings of this approach are fascinating. Read on for a brief history of Montessori education. Maria Montessori was born on August 31, 1870. She lived with her family in Chiaravalle, Italy, though they […]
