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Maria Montessori herself said, “The greatest sign of success for a teacher… is to be able to say, ‘The children are now working as if I did not exist.’” You have prepared the environment with the child’s inner needs foremost in your mind. Now you’re probably thinking ahead to the day when your classroom will be normalized. Normalization Begins With Practical Life Normalization: When the children freely choose their work, concentrate, and are working blissfully on their own as members of a respectful, peaceful community. …

The Quest for All-Natural Shoe Polish It began with a phone call from a teacher, as so many Montessori Services research and development adventures do. She asked if we knew of a wholly non-toxic alternative to the commercial shoe polish teachers had been using in their activity sets for years. Jane Campbell and Krissy Beoka (the Montessori Services merchandising team) already had an inkling of what finding an all-natural shoe polish might hold… but their duty was clear. The pair had completed a similar …

Was your child eliminated from the spelling bee and came home in tears? Have you heard of an athlete who took steroids to win? How did you feel when you were chosen last in a game because you were not as “good” as the others? All of these events reflect our preoccupation with competition. The concept is deeply rooted in our nation’s education, sports, politics, and even in families. Author Alfie Kohn, in his well-researched book No Contest, the Case Against Competition, writes how …

Start a New Family Tradition: Family Fun Nights! With so many family get-togethers and school holidays on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to explore ideas for activities whole families can enjoy together. How about a balloon race? Or an “opposite” night? Family fun doesn’t have to be complicated or cost a fortune. Among the many resources available for filling long winter evenings, one stands out: Family Fun Nights: 140 Activities the Whole Family Will Enjoy. We’ve reprinted a note to parents from …

For young children, every bush is a forest, every rivulet a waterway, and every unfamiliar adult environment a trip to the moon! This year, consider skipping the exotic locale and long travel time. Your family can find plenty of summer fun right in the neighborhood. Even the most mundane locations offer fascinating treasures to uncover – a farmers market, an engineering marvel, even your humble neighborhood pet store! Involve children in planning your mini-vacation. Use some creativity to transform simple ideas into real adventures. …

Retomando mi historia, orgullosamente recalco el punto en que les contaba que soy profesora. Y por qué lo hago? Porque estoy segura que esta profesión parte de la pasion, cuando uno decide ser docente lo hace con convicción, por vocación y con cierta dosis de desapego pues indudablemente nuestra formación no es solo por crecimiento personal, se hace también con proyección a quienes irán a ser nuestros estudiantes en un futuro. Ahora que si mientras leyó esta descripción se sintio identificado y no es …

Outdoor play in winter is not the carefree puddle-stomping of summer, to be sure, but the extra supervision needed can also be an opportunity for extra family time. Start by dressing children for success. Choose coats and hats with closures children can manage on their own and show them how to put on any unfamiliar outerwear garments in advance. When an expedition is imminent, lay garments out in putting-on order to help make sure the new thermals go on first. Cold-Weather Puddle-Stomping: Pond, Puddle …

It just might have happened like this: One hot, dry afternoon in Madras, India in 1939, Maria Montessori was talking with a group of children in the shade of a great, old Banyan tree. A boy, about ten years old, proudly proclaims the wisdom of his Indian civilization, one of the oldest in the world. Perhaps he even wonders out loud how much he can learn from Dr. Montessori and her far less ancient culture. Later, over afternoon tea, Montessori reflects on the boy’s …

Explore the “universal language” of music with your children Children have a wonderful capacity to appreciate and make music. Early exposure to a music of all types has intrinsic value — it can tell a story, set a mood, and reflect the character of a culture. Music stimulates the part of the brain associated with pattern recognition and mathematics, helping to lay the foundation for later academic success. Music with Your 18-month to 6-year-old Music matters. Encourage your child to listen to all types …