Articles tagged with "Practical Life"
Lesson of the Day 40: Practical Life for Toddlers — Pouring,
April 26, 2026
Materials You'll Need A small tray (wooden or plastic) Two small pitchers or jugs (child-sized) Dried beans, rice, or water A sponge for cleanup Small tongs or tweezers A small bowl and spoon Recommended materials: Montessori Practical Life Materials Set — includes pouring jugs, spooning, and tonging activities Montessori Wooden …
Practical Life Activities for Toddlers
April 26, 2026
Practical Life Activities for Toddlers Practical life is the heart of Montessori for toddlers. These everyday activities — pouring, spooning, buttoning, sweeping — build concentration, coordination, independence, and a deep sense of “I can do it myself!” Maria Montessori observed that children who master practical life skills develop an inner …
Lesson of the Day 37: Baby Activities — Keeping Little Ones Amused (5-8 Months)
April 12, 2026
Baby Activities — Keeping Little Ones Amused (5-8 Months) ...b, b, b the baby sound, B makes a babble sound! Babies have such unique personalities! Some are calm observers, while others are busy explorers who sometimes seem bored. Here are wonderful Montessori-inspired activities for babies between 5 and 8 months …
Lesson of the Day 31: Sprouts and Grow It Again — Gardening Science for Kids
April 9, 2026
Sprouts and Grow It Again — Gardening Science for Kids ...g, g, g the growing sound, G makes a garden sound! I love farming and gardening! Whether it's sprouting radish and broccoli seeds for a salad or growing pots of baby lettuce year round, there's something magical about watching plants …
Montessori Fantasy and Reality
March 23, 2026
Montessori education has always sparked debate — and perhaps no topic generates more discussion than the role of fantasy and play. I've been reading an article by Dr. Mario M. Montessori, Fantasy and Reality in Children's Games, and I'd like to share some excerpts that clarify this important topic. Recommended …
Montessori Baby — From Birth to 12 Months
March 22, 2026
Babies are such delightful and mysterious creatures. One day your baby is lying on his or her back, and a few minutes later baby is two feet away on his or her tummy! The first activities we do with our babies are hold them, touch them, look them in the …
Cooking with Kids and Learning the Alphabet Too!
March 21, 2026
Cooking with kids has great rewards! You can teach the sounds of the alphabet while learning about math and kitchen science. Rap or sing the little song after each recipe. Let's cook and learn our ABCs! Each recipe in this A-to-Z collection pairs a fun, kid-friendly recipe with a letter …
Toddler Scope and Sequence — Practical Life Skills
March 21, 2026
Practical Life activities for toddlers are a great stepping stone for further learning. A child learns to master his or her environment by learning skills for independence — and mastery of these skills paves the way to intellectual learning. As Montessori wrote in The Montessori Method: "The children knew how …
Montessori Physical Education
March 21, 2026
Dr. Montessori had a unique and thoughtful approach to physical education for young children. She was concerned that preschool children — whose body proportions are still larger in the upper body — should be spared the rigors of strict physical workouts. She believed that a young child's legs could be …
Walking the Line
March 18, 2026
Ages: 2½ and up Walking the Line is one of the most beloved Montessori exercises for developing balance, coordination, and concentration. It's like a balance beam on the ground — simple to set up, endlessly engaging for young children, and wonderful for building grace of movement. Materials Painter's masking tape …
Practical Life
March 18, 2026
Practical Life for Life My favorite age of preschool development, believe it or not, is the (not so) terrible twos. In fact, I love the terrific twos. The twos are just made for Montessori practical life skills, exemplified by the "I can do it myself!" attitude of most two-year-old children. …
What Is Your Child's Talent?
March 16, 2026
We all are born with unique talents. Talents can be apparent or hidden, and they can change over time. Here is a fun, non-scientific quiz to help you discover your child's natural learning talent. This quiz is designed for young children. If your child is older, think back to how …
Lesson of the Day 20 — Sorting and Sizes
February 20, 2026
Sorting and Sizes ...s, s, s the sorting sound, S makes a super sorting sound! Sorting is one of the most natural things children do. Watch a toddler with a pile of blocks and you will see them start grouping — all the red ones here, the big ones there. …
Montessori Just for Baby
December 29, 2013
Montessori loved babies. She studied how babies grew and advanced in their home environment. She also studied why babies failed to thrive while in hospitals and institutions. She knew a loving and nurturing home was the best thing you can give your baby.The best aspect about this approach is that …
Early Practical Life
June 11, 2012
Toddler Practical Life Hands & MouthMy experience in the toddler classroom was probably the most difficult class to provide activities to keep the students happy and busy. The children ranged in age from 17 months to three years old. Developmentally, there is a big difference in this age group. Older …
Practical Life Activities
June 11, 2012
Maria Montessori wanted children to relate to real items and experiences because, like a scientist, they made their assumptions from real life — not from fantasy. The first real-life experiences in a Montessori classroom are found in the practical life exercises. Use your imagination to explore and teach practical life …
Presenting Materials
June 11, 2012
Presenting Materials: The Montessori Art of the First Impression In the Montessori classroom — and in the Montessori home — the way we introduce a material to a child matters profoundly. Dr. Maria Montessori understood that children absorb information with extraordinary clarity during their first encounter with something new. This …
Praise in the Montessori Classroom
June 11, 2012
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
Students Who Resist Learning 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. Common Reasons for Resistance The work is too easy or too hard — the child …
Handwork Activities
June 1, 2012
Handwork Activities in Montessori: Sewing, Weaving, Knitting, and Cutting In the Montessori classroom and home, handwork is far more than a charming pastime — it is a profound pathway to concentration, coordination, independence, and inner calm. Dr. Maria Montessori recognized that the hand is the instrument of the mind, and …
Play Groups
May 23, 2010
Starting a Montessori-Inspired Play Group for Preschool Children One of the most beautiful gifts we can give our young children is the opportunity to learn alongside other little ones. Starting a Montessori-inspired play group brings together the best of both worlds — meaningful socialization and purposeful learning in a gentle, …
Montessori and Religion
August 13, 2009
A large part of Montessorii's philosophy includes the goodness of a child's soul. Montessori was a devout and practicing Catholic and her beliefs are evident in her approach to educating children. Basically, Montessori believed in the innate ability of a child to love and respect life deeply. Here are some …
7 Mistakes Parents Make
August 1, 2007
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 …
Prepare the Environment for your Child
June 30, 2007
The Preparation of the Montessori Environment What is the right environment for a child to grow, learn, and develop? Maria Montessori seemed to understand that a child needed a place "where a kid can be a kid" to develop into the wonderful human being he or she was created to …
How to Prepare Your Classroom
June 30, 2007
Montessori Environment 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. It is set up for thinking and learning activity. Montessori understood that a child’s environment developed a child’s brain. It is perhaps one …
Home Classroom
June 30, 2007
When my kids were about 2 years old, I started with a small low cupboard and arranged some Montessori practical life & sensorial (and art) supplies plus a small table and chairs for our first classroom. Our first learning area was in the kitchen. The kitchen provided more "toys" for …
Every Other Day School
June 30, 2007
Every generation and culture has unique school experiences. Here is one from the past that might be interesting. When my mother started school in Norway 80 years ago, she went to school only every other day through 7th grade. She attended a small rural school. There were only 12 or …
How to Prepare to Teach your Child
June 30, 2007
How can I prepare myself to teach my child? One of the first things to do is find a quiet space to do the activities with your child with child sized chairs, table, bookcase for books and supplies, and a small area rug. Make a firm date and time every …
Food Recipes for Kids
June 30, 2007
Microwave Crunchy Party Mix ¼ Cup melted butter 2 teaspoons of either onion powder, garlic powder, for sweeter mix, use cinnamon and nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice. 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce- for the sweeter recipe use honey instead of Worcestershire sauce. 7 cups of square cereal, oarties, corn puffs, or …
Washing Up
June 30, 2007
Washing your hands is a great way to prevent illness. I encourage children to sing or chant a little song while they wash their hands. It helps them to wash their hands long enough to remove dirt and germs. They can sing or chant the ABC song or count all …
Montessori Potty Training
June 30, 2007
Sensitive Period for Potty Training (Toilet Teaching, Learning) When my oldest child was 18 months old, my pediatrician told me that the easiest time to start potty training was between the ages of 18 months to 2 ½ years old. I think that many toddlers are ready to learn at …
Dressing Frames
June 30, 2007
Age 2 ½ to 6 years old 8 Dressing frames- Buttons( large first, smaller ones later) Velcro Snaps Hooks and Eyes Zipper Buckles Shoe lacing Bows Material: Wooden Frames (each frame is 12inches by 12 inches) On each side is nailed or stapled a finished piece of material. The material …
Dessert Recipes
June 30, 2007
Giggling Gelatin These are always a big hit at any party. Creamy gigglers You’ll need: 2 ½ cups boiling water 2 large packages (8 oz) or 4 small (4oz) packages of your favorite flavored gelatin 1 cup cold milk 1 small (4 oz) package of vanilla instant pudding Stir, for …
How to Pick out a Preschool
June 30, 2007
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 …
My Child is out of Control, what can I do?
June 30, 2007
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. Children, who exhibit this behavior. often times are leaders who like to push limits. You can't do …
The Three Period Lesson
June 30, 2007
Teach your child new concepts and names of objects using this approach. With slow and deliberate movements show your child 2 of the concepts you wish to teach, such as: big-small, tall-short, wide-narrow, light-heavy, smooth-rough, soft-hard-etc., using the appropriate objects. For example to teach the concept of big and small …
Art Recipes
June 30, 2007
FUN DOUGH (teacher approved as the best recipe!) Mix together in a large bowl: 2 ¼ Cups of all-purpose wheat flour 1 Cup salt 2 Tablespoons Cream of Tartar ¼ Cup vegetable oil Stir in and quickly beat: 1 ½ Cups Boiling water Divide into several sections and add a …
Montessori for Special Needs
June 30, 2007
Montessori Method for Special Needs Children Many parents are surprised to learn that the Montessori method has its very roots in special needs education. Dr. Maria Montessori began her groundbreaking work with mentally challenged children in Rome in the late 1890s. She observed that these children thrived when given hands-on, …
Sensitive Periods for Learning
June 30, 2007
The Absorbent Mind Maria Montessori believed that every human being went through a quantum leap in learning during the preschool years. She felt this was especially true from birth to the first few years of life. The years when a child learns language is surely a profound and mysterious process …
My child cries every day before going to school. What can I do?
June 30, 2007
My child cries every day before going to school. What can I do? When my children were young they needed to get up early and spend some time with me playing and enjoying a leisurely breakfast. Children can actually feel rejected if they are rushed out of the house to …
How to reduce stress in your family
June 30, 2007
Money can be the main cause of tension and strife in a family. One of the best ways to promote harmony and happiness is to control your money and not let your money control you. Here are some money saving ideas that may be helpful to your family. Sit down …
Montessori's Thoughts on Babies
June 30, 2007
I have been going through my lectures by Miss Child from the early 70's at the St. Nicholas Training Center. I am still amazed at Montessori's advanced ideas about newborn babies. Over 70 years ago Montessori had the same ideas concerning newborn babies as are being published today. Here are …
Why does my child bite other children?
June 30, 2007
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 the Montessori Method
June 30, 2007
"I have studied the child. I have taken what the child has given me and expressed it and that is what is called the Montessori method." Dr. Maria Montessori. The Montessori Method is a way about thinking about who children are. It is a philosophy that respects the unique individuality …
What is your Child's Learning Talent?
June 30, 2007
What is your child's talent? We all are born with God-given talents. Talents can be apparent or hidden, and they can change over time. Here is a fun, non-scientific survey to help you figure out your child's natural strengths and learning style. This quiz is designed for young children — …
Drink Recipes
June 30, 2007
Drink Recipes: A Refreshing Montessori Practical Life Activity There is something truly magical about watching a child carefully measure ingredients, pour with steady hands, and stir a creation that is entirely their own. Preparing drinks is one of the most accessible and joyful practical life activities you can offer your …