Using Non-Traditional Materials in a Montessori Aligned Way: Part 1
As Montessori has gained in popularity, toy makers have capitalized on the growing interest amongst parents and caregivers. By including the word “Montessori” in the name of their not-so-Montessori products and activities, toy manufacturers and retailers have been able to increase sales, appealing to parents hoping to provide their child with high quality materials that […]
Montessori Puzzle Progression
Puzzles are often a popular activity with very young children – and for good reason. Not only do they captivate the interests of toddlers and preschoolers, puzzles offer great benefits for cognitive and fine motor development and many are aligned with Montessori. What makes a puzzle Montessori aligned? Puzzles are considered aligned with Montessori if […]
Montessori Inspired, Montessori in the Home, Montessori Homeschooling, and Montessori Classrooms – A Comparison
The Montessori Method has transformed from a pedagogy into a way of life. With that, Montessori has moved from classroom spaces into homeschooling methodologies and a lifestyle for many parents/caregivers and their children. No one approach is better than the other; the most important thing is the ability to meet the needs of your child, […]
What to do with gifts from others that are not Montessori aligned?
As members of our community, it is likely that you have adopted a Montessori way of life in some capacity and are attempting to implement the philosophy in many areas of your home, including introducing more aligned activities to your child. It is important to note that even if you receive gifts that are not […]
The History of Montessori
On January 6,1907, Dr. Maria Montessori opened Casa dei Bambini–Italian for “Children’s House.” Casa was a childcare center in San Lorenzo, a poor, inner-city district of Rome where Dr. Montessori would work with some of the area’s most disadvantaged, and previously unschooled, children. As an Italian educator, physician, and scientist, Dr. Montessori used her skill […]
10 Guiding Principles of Montessori
Montessori is a complex, in-depth pedagogy that took Dr. Maria Montessori years of scientific observation and deliberate practice to develop. She adjusted the environment and developed carefully crafted materials to meet the student’s needs. Yet, the heart of the Montessori Method was not in the materials themselves, but in a set of founding principles Dr. […]
Top 10 Montessori Gift Ideas
With the holiday season approaching, gift giving is at the forefront of lots of caregivers’ minds as they ponder about the perfect gift for their little one. As the number of Montessori aligned activities constantly rises, it can be a challenge to determine which ones your child might like best. We’re here to help! We […]
Keeping Montessori at the Heart of the Holidays
The holiday season can be an exciting, busy, and sometimes stressful time for many families. It is a special time of the year when extended family members and friends get together to celebrate, enjoy one another’s company, and create memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Yet, despite our best intentions, we sometimes allow […]
Explaining Death to Children – The Montessori Way
One of the most difficult aspects of death is explaining to a child what has happened and why. Death is a natural part of life and when it occurs, we need to go through the grieving process. This is difficult for everyone; we all go experience grief in our own way. Children in particular grieve […]
Handling Restaurant Trips like a PRO!
Your picture perfect family date night out to a restaurant with your partner, a baby and a toddler went so smoothly. Everyone enjoyed a nice mess free meal over some chit chat…hold on…am I dreaming? Sorry to shatter your dreams of having a night out for dinner with the family but someone needed to snap […]
The Prepared Environment
The first aim of the prepared environment is, as far as it is possible, to render the growing child independent of the adult.” -Dr. Maria Montessori, The Secret of Childhood Imagine a space filled with beauty and wonder that inspires a sense of calm and is designed to meet your every need. Known for its […]
Finding a Montessori Caregiver
Finding a caregiver you feel as though you can trust can seem very overwhelming, anxiety-producing, and intimidating. Add to that a desire to find someone who can continue to implement the Montessori values and principles utilized in your home and the task can seem nearly impossible! Yet, caregivers are necessary and helpful for many families. […]