Practical Life is the starting point in the Montessori Toddler and Primary Environments. It’s usually where a child begins, perhaps with tidying, or pouring, or sweeping. Why do we have these materials? What is the purpose of Practical Life? If the purpose were cleanliness, we would probably do it ourselves. If the purpose were having […]
Let’s sing the ABC’s! It’s not uncommon for children to come to school “knowing their letters.” Perhaps they can name one or two, they know how to sing the song as generations have before them (with ellemenopee right in the middle), and perhaps can identify “S for Sam! That’s my letter!” All of these are […]
As we begin Summer, we couldn’t be more pleased to bring you this Spotlight of Angela Chang, trained Montessori guide turned “Stay-at-Home-MOMtessorian,” and author of MOMtessori Life. After all, just as much learning happens outside the classroom as within its walls. Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Your background, your interests, your […]
Children are learning all the time. In the classroom, at home, before they start school, at the grocery store. From the moment a child wakes to falling asleep at night, as Maria Montessori said, “The things he sees are not just remembered, they form a part of his soul.” A child is internalizing everything around […]
Maria Montessori developed this educational system through lots and lots of observation of young children. She noticed qualities common among children under six, and one of these qualities she called Maximum Effort. As is so often the case, this term seems a bit mysterious, but once there’s an understanding, it’s crystal clear. Maximum Effort is […]