Media: Anna Lee Tedx Talk

Home: "How We Montessori" Blog

I have long enjoyed the comprehensive, aesthetically beautiful, and philosophically on-point how we montessori blog. Written by Kylie, mother of Caspar and Otis, the blog chronicles how this Canberra - based family implements the Montessori philosophy at home. In addition to providing home practices, the blog shares other families' Montessori stories, endorses high-quality Montessori products, and generates funds for the spread of education and the Montessori philosophy worldwide. Sponsorship dollars received by "how we montessori" are donated to A Girl & Her World - a foundation that supports education for girls in Fiji. Kylie also co-authored a book called Kids in the Kitchen: Simple Recipes that Build Independence and Confidence the Montessori Way , proceeds of which go to Montessori For All and their progress toward building free, public Montessori schools in Texas. This blog is not to be missed.

Classroom: To Parents, On Pick-Up

Dear Parent, I know you love and know your child better than anyone. However, when you pick her up from Montessori school, remember this: The Montessori classroom is her space, and you can respect this by waiting for her to emerge with her belongings. You are teaching your daughter that you honor boundaries and, in an adult world, she has her own place . When she emerges from the classroom holding her coat rather than wearing it, wait for her to put it on instead of doing it for her. You are teaching your daughter to be independent and helping her build confidence in herself and her skills. When she shows you a picture she made, try to frame your response in interest rather than praise. "Can you tell me what this is?" or "I see you used lots of colors," rather than "I love it" or "You're so good at coloring." You are teaching your daughter to value her work and the process of creating it, rather than to seek external r...

Training: Movement Activities

This weekend I had the opportunity to attend an AMI training session for Assistants with sessions on movement and transitions in the classroom. Jennifer Shields, the Primary Teacher Trainer, who presented on movement emphasized its importance in childhood development and the Montessori environment. Movement is one of the major acquisitions during the first plane of development, which stretches from birth to age six. During this time, "neurons that fire together wire together," and a substantial amount of brain development must occur. In the Montessori environment, children's work is intrinsically tied to movement. Whether children are walking in the classroom (control within group), walking the line (whole body coordination), carrying materials (order), or using materials (hand-eye coordination; absorb concrete concepts); their movement serves not only as a means to an end, but as a primary vehicle for absorbing new ideas. Montessori dire...

Minds on Montessori

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