Practical Life
Care of self and the environment, grace and courtesy, and control of movement.
Praise in the Montessori Classroom
June 11, 2012 · Concept / Article
Praise in the Montessori Classroom How we respond to a child’s work matters deeply. In the Montessori approach, we encourage children by acknowledging their effort and process rather than offering empty praise. Descriptive vs. Evaluative Praise Instead of saying “Good job!” try describing what you see: “You carried that tray …
Students Who Resist Learning
June 9, 2012 · Concept / Article
Students Who Resist Learning Resistance is communication — observation and a prepared environment reignite curiosity. Every teacher encounters children who seem uninterested, defiant, or resistant to lessons. In the Montessori approach, we see resistance not as a behavior problem but as important communication from the child. Dr. Maria Montessori observed …
Play Groups
May 23, 2010 · Concept / Article
Montessori Play Groups: Building Community and Learning Together One of the most rewarding ways to enrich your child’s Montessori journey at home is by starting a Montessori play group. Whether you’re a homeschooling family seeking socialization or simply looking for meaningful, screen-free activities to share with friends, a well-organized play …
7 Mistakes Parents Make
August 1, 2007 · Concept / Article
Worrying About Your Child Too MuchMany parents worry about their children --Whether they are developing normally, how they perform, if they cry too much, are they going to be able to survive in school and life. Children are hardier than we think, of course, this doesn't mean that we shouldn't …
How to Prepare Your Classroom
June 30, 2007 · Concept / Article
How to Prepare Your Classroom The Montessori environment is a combination of the classroom, teacher, outdoor classroom and garden, and all other facilities. It should be welcoming, attractive, and orderly — set up for thinking and learning activity. Montessori understood that a child's environment develops a child's brain. It is …
Why does my child bite other children?
June 30, 2007 · Concept / Article
Why does my child bite other children? I know that this can be really embarrassing for parents. Many times the child who bites is the victim and not the aggressor. A child who is being overpowered by other children physically often times bites in self-defense. Also, when language is delayed …
What is your Child's Learning Talent?
June 30, 2007 · Concept / Article
What is Your Child’s Learning Talent? One of the most beautiful principles at the heart of Montessori philosophy is following the child. Every child arrives with a unique constellation of gifts, curiosities, and natural inclinations. Our role isn’t to mold them into a predetermined shape — it’s to observe, listen, …
Montessori for Special Needs
June 30, 2007 · Concept / Article
Montessori and Special Needs: A Method Born from Inclusion Many parents discover Montessori education and feel an immediate resonance with its gentle, child-centered approach. But what some may not realize is that the very foundation of the Montessori method was built on work with children who had been dismissed by …
How to Pick out a Preschool
June 30, 2007 · Concept / Article
When looking for a preschool or daycare, there are eleven questions that every parent must ask themselves about each school. Print out this list, and look it over before and after you visit each school. Is the classroom child oriented? When you first see a classroom sometimes you are impressed …
How to reduce stress in your family
June 30, 2007 · Concept / Article
In the Montessori philosophy, a peaceful, well-ordered environment is essential for the whole family to thrive — not just the children. Maria Montessori taught us that order, simplicity, and purposeful activity create calm and security. When financial stress enters the home, it disrupts that carefully prepared environment and affects everyone. …
My child cries every day before going to school. What can I do?
June 30, 2007 · Concept / Article
Understanding School Separation AnxietyDear parent, if your child cries every morning before school, please know that you are not alone — and that this is one of the most common concerns I hear from families. It can be heartbreaking to walk away from a tearful child, but with a Montessori-inspired …
My Child is out of Control, what can I do?
June 30, 2007 · Concept / Article
Sometimes parents ask, “Why does my child hit and push other children?” In fact often, my child won’t share or even take turns. They wonder if their child might even be a bully. If you’re feeling this way, please know that you are not alone — and the fact that …