As a Kindergarten teacher, I spent years collecting circle time songs and name games that always broke the ice with new classes. Here are nine never-fail favorites.

As Montessori teachers and parents, we follow the teachings of Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952). She was a medical doctor, a teacher, a philosopher, and an anthropologist. Her progressive view of children...

Let’s distinguish the genuine Montessori materials from the not-so-Montessori products and activities. Sometimes it’s hard to tell.

Excess praise can be damaging to our children's intrinsic motivation (working just for the pure pleasure of it - not to please anyone else), but what should we do instead? Constant "good jobbing" is a habit, and habits can be hard to break. But it can be done!

If you don't know about Montessori colored beads yet, let me introduce you. These babies are integral to the Montessori math curriculum, beginning with simple counting exercises for 3-6 year olds and...

It can happen overnight. One day your baby is happily playing on the floor with a toy while you attempt to tidy up the living room and the next day he's pulling at your legs, terrified that you will leave his...

I have found that most children have a natural affinity for poetry, and unfortunately, a lot of the books published for children fall short of nurturing this type of auditory discrimination. It seems like every...

Kittens are only kittens for a short time. Little nothings with sharp claws and silky fur. While growing up, I raised a lot of litters of kittens. Within just six months they have changed into long, sleek almost-adults...

Montessori homeschooling is often misunderstood. From lesson planning and park days to making your own materials, here are 7 things you should know about Montessori homeschoolers.

When you find out that Montessori exists and how amazing it is for children, you want it, and you want it now! I completely understand. Even growing up Montessori with all of my mother's knowledge...

Let's get some Montessori water activities on your practical life shelf! This shelf can be either real or hypothetical...

Plants are a Montessori essential! Not only do they help you breathe more deeply and feel more peaceful, they provide opportunities for the child to learn about the Earth. And it all happens right in your very own home.

"See my picture? I made it for you. Do you like it?" When a child comes to you with excitement to show you some of his work, it can be difficult not to respond with praise. On the tip of the tongue is a...

When I look at this photo of Maria in 1913, I smile at her old fashioned lacily modest neckline, her coiffed hair, the folds of dark fabric which enveloped her frame. I wonder if she was overweight by early...

Walk into any quality Montessori school in the world, and you will see some of the most beautifully prepared learning environments imaginable. Wooden materials, carefully arranged shelfs, observant...

With all the Montessori love going on these days in the online world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hunt for the next “must-have” toy to add to your shelf. To those of you who have found yourself in a spiderweb of confusion about what is and is not Montessori and whether you need to invest in all those recommended toys, here is what to do instead.

When you enter a Montessori classroom, you will likely first notice how pretty the shelves are with the "works" displayed in simple trays or baskets.  If you stay and watch, you will notice that many...

Today's Montessori Stereognostic challenge: Select a few objects from around the house and lay them on a rug.  Get a blindfold, dishcloth, bandana, playsilk, or scarf. Tie it around your head so...

One of my favorite things about teaching the 3 - 6 age group using Montessori philosophy is the heavy focus on cultural studies, including geography...

A thrift store is a Montessori parent's best friend!  Here’s a shopping list of must-have items to go hunting for. When you get back home, you’ll be ready to set up a shelf for work!