January, 2018

• 16 January

  Poetry for Children

  

  All over the world, poetry touches the hearts and minds of adults and children alike. In Chile, everyone – from teachers to truck drivers – knows the poetry of their country’s beloved poets. In Iran, the mystical poetry of Rumi and Hafez is recited by children in schools and woven …

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• 16 January

  Polish Up Your Polishing Activities!

  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. …

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• 16 January

  Bring the Montessori Lunch Program Back

  What could be more meaningful to a young child’s developing independence than mastering the skills required to meet a fundamental human need? Though the details of individual trainings and specific school structures may differ, teachers invariably set up their lunch programs to meet two key goals: fostering the children’s independence …

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• 16 January

  Cooking with Children in the Montessori Classroom

  

  Whether it is slicing bananas or hard-boiled eggs, chopping vegetables, or cracking walnuts, children love to prepare and eat food. I’ll never forget the “egg yolk-between-teeth” smile I’d see when a child completed the egg-slicing activity! Of course, serving food to their friends is an important aspect and one in …

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• 16 January

  Practical Life in the Garden

  

  Spring has sprung – it’s time to start growing things! Though lessons in all parts of the curriculum can apply to the spring season of growth, we’ll focus on the practical life activities of growing plants, caring for the garden, and enjoying the results. The possibilities are endless but depend …

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• 16 January

  Tools in the Practical Life Area

  

  Only the rare primary Montessori classroom has a work bench or woodworking tools in the Practical Life area. Some teachers who consider themselves “not handy” are unsure about teaching a skill that they do not feel accomplished in. Others may avoid introducing these activities because of a lack of space …

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• 16 January

  Sewing and Weaving in the Classroom

  

  As the new school year approaches, you undoubtedly are thinking of ways to rejuvenate some of your “tried and true” exercises, and create some new activities for those returning children who are still perfecting their basic physical movements. If you have not included sewing and weaving in the Practical Life …

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• 16 January

  Scissors Skills for Children

  

  We all know how young children love cutting with scissors, sometimes even cutting hair, clothing, and other important items. That’s one of the reasons why, in the Montessori primary classroom, we acquaint young children with the proper use of scissors and help them develop basic cutting skills. Preparing the Hand …

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• 16 January

  Let Your Children Help in the Kitchen

  

  When children come to a Montessori school, they are delighted to be able to do all those kitchen tasks that are sometimes deemed “too dangerous” for them at home. The Montessori curriculum is unique among preschools because making snacks, serving food, eating, and cleaning up are all everyday learning activities. …

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• 16 January

  Earth Day at Your “Green” School

  

  This is the year to make your school as green as possible! Create some new ways for you and your students to celebrate Earth Day. As April 22 approaches, get your students excited about doing even more to conserve our precious natural resources. The Basics It really makes a difference …

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