9 Never Fail Name Games and Songs for Circle Time
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.
I've Got 5 Minutes. Explain Montessori to Me.
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...
I’m Sorry, But It’s Just Not Montessori
Let’s distinguish the genuine Montessori materials from the not-so-Montessori products and activities. Sometimes it’s hard to tell.
Break the "Good Job" Habit with These 21 Alternatives
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!
These DIY Colored Beads Are Going to Knock Your Montessori Socks Off
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...
My Baby Doesn't Want to Be Alone! Ever! And That's Normal.
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...
Kids Deserve Good Poetry: Daffodils
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...
Human Development is Messy. Montessori's Four Planes Helps.
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...
7 Things You Didn't Know About Montessori Homeschooling
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.
What You Need to Know About Montessori Albums
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...