Montessori taught us to deeply respect children, not interrupting when they are concentrating, allowing them to discover their own mistakes rather than pointing them out, observing without judgment. However, the ability to transform old habits and apply Montessori philosophy in the classroom can be challenging. Montessori teachers appear to give …
Read More »The Art of Observation
Recently I observed something marvelous in a primary classroom. A child of almost three years was happily concentrating on using a crumber to sweep lentils into the masking tape square on her tray. As she practiced, lentils spilled all over the table and floor. The teachers observing the child noted …
Read More »The Uninterrupted Work Period Fosters Deep Concentration
Children as young as three-years-old, after several months in a Montessori classroom, are able to choose their own work and focus on and finish their tasks. Through observation and experimentation, Montessori discovered the importance of a two-and-a-half to three-hour uninterrupted work period. The last hour of a lengthy work period …
Read More »Maria Montessori: What You May Not Know
Welcomed by European royal families, entertained in the White House, and introduced to Mahatma Gandhi, Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison, Erik Ericson, and the world as the “great educator,” Maria Montessori transformed the education of young children. She developed her theories while working as a doctor in a hospital for …
Read More »40 Years of Montessori Services: An Interview with Founder Jane Campbell
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of Montessori Services, and we are pleased to share an interview with founder and owner, Jane Mills Campbell. Jane shares her memories about the history of the company, which is part of the fascinating story of the Montessori movement in America. …
Read More »Independence in the Classroom
The first few weeks of school are crucial, and set the stage for the remainder of the year. Even if you have taught for years, it’s a good time to rethink and refresh your lessons. By now, your orientation period may be over, but children can still benefit from a …
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