Parenting

We know that part of our work as Montessori teachers is to observe children. We observe to understand their development, that we may better prepare for that development in the materials and lessons we offer in the environment. Before we introduce writing as a lesson, we need to observe the … Read more about Teacher Talk: Observing Writing

Observing in a Montessori classroom offers an insight into the rhythm and climate of the prepared environment, but it sometimes needs a little translation. Because so much of the peacefulness and productivity of the Montessori classrooms is tied to the preparation of those classrooms (including the … Read more about Visiting A Montessori Classroom

As Montessori learners develop the ability to measure and "tell" time, they are increasingly motivated to use these skills beyond daily routines. We know children are fascinated by large numbers, including large measurements of time across generations or even eons. In the Elementary classrooms, … Read more about The Timelines

While young children may not easily grasp the abstract concept of time, they are nonetheless inundated with references to the measurement of time. They observe that understanding time, knowing what time it is, knowing how much time something is going to take, and the like, seem to be very important … Read more about Telling Time

It's the American Thanksgiving, and across the country, families are gathering together to acknowledge the things for which they are grateful, to share abundant meals and family traditions, honoring the harvest and hearth, what we reap and what we sow. Today, I am grateful for Montessori, and for … Read more about Thankful: Montessori

For older children, who have a more developed sense of themselves separate from their parents and their ability to influence their environments, separation stress can take on a whole new intensity. Children who may have been transitioning between spaces with ease might suddenly seem anxious again, … Read more about Separation Stress in Early Childhood

Even though it's exciting to go back to school in the fall, transitioning from the laidback summer into an academic schedule can be a challenge for children and parents alike. Taking a few steps to ease this transition can help set your children up for success at school. Establish a New … Read more about Back to School Tips for You and Your Child

One of the best games to play as the parent of a Middle Schooler is, "Guess the Emotion that's Fueling this Behavior." Is it fear? Hunger? Sadness? Joy? Confidence? Exhaustion? Boredom? Is your adolescent's silence because they're upset about something? Or are they just thinking deeply? Are they … Read more about Still Waters Run Deep: Middle Schoolers and the First Day of School

The kids are home from school. Maybe you're still working, or trying to. Maybe you're juggling grandparents or babysitters or other parents, trading off time so that you can get done all the things you need to get done despite the fact that your children are on vacation.  Remember that old … Read more about Parenting on Vacation

It's a good time of year to take stock of the people who have helped your child to get this far: the teachers and classroom assistants, the school support staff and after-school guides who've walked with your child from those early, frightened days of school, the support staff around your school who … Read more about Modeling Gratitude For You Toddler

We carry a lot of roles as teachers, many based on the expectations we have of what we'll be to others: the giving nature, the self-sacrifice, the humility. But also: the exhaustion, the lack of appreciation, the demands placed upon that interfere with the care for oneself. We are afraid to slow … Read more about Teachers Need To Rest And Recharge

It's an old game in Montessori teacher education programs: can you give your "elevator speech about Montessori," that brief explanation of what we do that could fit into the length of time it takes for your elevator to reach its floor? Can you explain why you Montessori to grandparents, friends in … Read more about Misconceptions and the Elevator Speech