Spotlight Little Hands Montessori

Spotlights

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Your background, your interests, your dreams?

I am originally from Philippines and have a background in Psychology, and after finishing my 0-3 AMI Montessori Diploma in Denver Colorado at The Montessori Institute with my trainer Judi Orion, we moved to New Zealand and lived there for 6 years. Having a toddler and 5 year old back then and living in one of the most beautiful countries in the world was amazing. We loved being outdoors! Then we moved to Sydney 3 years ago, and I can’t complain either.

Last year, I decided to start my own venture which is to offer Montessori Parent Child Program for children under 3. It’s challenging but fulfilling!

Q: Now that the hardest question is out of the way: What’s your favorite color?

I like all shades of blue :)

Q: Do you have a favorite book? How about a film?

That’s a hard question; I don’t have a particular favorite book but I have a few favorite authors such as Lee Child, Graeme Simsion and JK Rowling.

Q: When you close your eyes late at night, and imagine waking up and starting a new adventure: what is that adventure?

I want to travel around the world, one country a year and work with families how they can incorporate Montessori in their lives.

Q: What first appealed to you about Montessori?

Montessori is practical, scientific, brain based and it makes total sense. Montessori is often misunderstood but if you get a chance to delve in deeply, you will see how significant it is to the children, and to families.

Q: What advice do you have for new Montessori adults?

Read Montessori books such as the Absorbent Mind or Secret of Childhood, it’s quite deep and a bit challenging to understand. Then, find a Montessori school where you can observe. Observe the child, and how she concentrates. Notice how the classroom works, and watch how adults interacts with the children in the environment.

Q: Did you have a “Montessori Moment?”

In my 2nd year as a Directress I never imagine that a room full of toddlers can be so beautiful. It was so peaceful and calm as everybody were immersed in their own “work” it’s so amazing just to sit down with my cup of coffee and watch them unfold before me.

Q: What’s your favorite Montessori quote?

Every unnecessary help is a hindrance to development.

Q: What inspired you to share your Montessori story on your blog and social media?

There’s a lot of misconception about Montessori, and I want to reach out to many adults as I can advocating for authentic Montessori. People think that Montessori is just a method, and can only apply within the classroom, but it’s actually more than that. Montessori is a way of life.

Q: What advice do you have for new parents trying to incorporate Montessori at home?

Simplify. You don’t need all the toys or baby equipments you see from your friends or social media. You only need shelves, few wooden purposeful toys (depending on your child’s age), a room for movement and the most important is You!

Your baby needs you, you attention, love, and care. Savor each moment, as the first three years pass by so quickly.

Q: What do you think is the best introduction to Montessori?

Observe in an authentic Montessori classroom, see how the adult responds and watch how a child explores in their own uninterrupted way.

Q: What continues to inspire you about Montessori?

Parents. When I am able to inspire them to incorporate Montessori in their lives.

Children. Every adult who understand what a child is capable of can give so much confidence to them.

Q: In what ways do you envision the future of education?

Recognizing a child’s capability and potential as a whole and not just merely relying on assessments or tests imposed on them.

Q: Where do you see Montessori in the next 100 years?

Revolutionizing every corner of the world