Words, Words, Words: Oral Language in the Montessori Classroom

By Chelsea Klipstein Spoken language is a notable part of everyday life in a Montessori Children’s House classroom. Through language, we have the ability to express and communicate ideas, thoughts, needs and emotions. Language acquisition…

Normalization in a Montessori Classroom

By Melissa Bright Normalization in the Montessori classroom is not the forced act of conforming to the environment; rather it refers to the concentration, independence, and focus of the child through their choices. Children learn to find…

The importance of real materials in practical life

By Archana Dalal  One thing that sets Montessori schools apart from other preschools is practical life activities. According to Dr. Maria Montessori, practical life is “The Montessori term that encompasses domestic work to maintain the…

Fostering the Love of Books During National Reading Month

By Kristi Larsen Caring for and Choosing the Right Books Imagine your favorite childhood book. What was the name of it? Why did you like it? Was it based in reality or fantasy? Did you introduce your students or your own children to it?…

Sensorial Sounds: What are they and why do we use them?

By: Krista Schroeder Sensorial sounds are everywhere in our Montessori environment. Children explore their environment through their senses and sound is often used in a variety of ways while they are in the preschool classroom. “The first…

Words + Movement = Reading

By: Connie Parker Within a Montessori classroom, movement is found everywhere. It has great importance in mental development, provided that the action which occurs is connected with the mental activity going on. Having purposeful movement…

Freedom in the Montessori environment

By Brooke Gosse In the Montessori environment, work time starts the moment the child walks into the classroom. Dr. Montessori stated that the children come into the classroom with a purpose, already knowing what work they want to start out…

Maria Montessori: What You May Not Know

By Yelena Raskin Dr. Maria Montessori was born in the small town of Chiaravalle.  Her father was a military man, and her mother was a lady of peace.  Maria Montessori had a very close relationship with her mother.  As a child, Maria didn’t…

Tools in the Practical Life Area

By Amber Evans An essential part of the Montessori method is practical life. These activities are an increasingly challenging series of motor tasks involving real life goals. In addition to helping children master everyday tasks, the aim…

Let’s Take Another Look at Metal Insets

By Yelena Ostrovsky Metal insets serve a real and concrete purpose in the Children’s House. The metal inset work has 11 different stages, ranging from basic tracing to the more challenging design and embellishment work. Each stage provides…