The Montessori Method & Social Skills The Montessori Method was not specifically designed to help children develop social skills. Instead, the Montessori philosophy focuses on engaging children in their learning. Through building engagement, children learn collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking — all important components of overall social skills. Stages of Social Development To understand how […]
The Problem with Labels
All parents share a primary goal: we want our children to be successful and lead fulfilling lives. As a society we have a very precise definition of what success looks like: Successful people are smart, attractive, friendly, strong, and creative. Since we want our children to be successful, we are inclined to attribute these desirable […]
The Hazards of Screentime
By: Mauren Stark Schmidt TV and computers changed how we interact with one another and the world around us. Now, in the age of smartphones and tablets, our children have constant access to knowledge and an endless flow of entertainment at their fingertips. Unfortunately, with so many devices at our children’s disposal, they have lost […]
The Importance of Infant Education
Children are truly astonishing. Their minds are constantly growing and expanding, fuelled by their boundless curiosity and wonder. Though most parents believe that childhood education should begin at pre-school it really should begin much sooner, starting shortly after birth. What they often find even more surprising is the idea that education is much more than […]
Balancing “Setting Limits” with “Following the Child”: A Q&A with Cathie Perolman
On the surface the ides of “Following the Child” and “Setting Limits” might seem to be at odds, but in reality they go hand-in-hand when it comes to your child’s development. We sat down with Cathie Perolman, an experienced Montessori guide at the 3-6 level, to discuss how to balance these seemingly contradictory ideas. Question: […]
The Montessori Grandparent Way: Enjoy Some Science Inquiry Time Together
My annual weekend visit with my oldest granddaughter Blakely Jayne is one of the highlights of my year. At almost four she is cheerful, smart and highly inquisitive, and delights in learning about the world around her. Each year my son-in-law makes the long journey from Rochester, New York to Sarasota, Florida where I live. […]
Montessori Infant And Toddler Programs Are Based On The Concepts Of “Home And Family”
Being a baby is confusing. A baby must constantly navigate a world that is unknown to them and interact with large creatures that act in unpredictable ways. These large creatures (adults) make strange garbled sounds, and act as if the baby is supposed to understand what they are saying. Adults have the power to change […]
The Montessori System for Infants & Toddlers
New parents struggle with the idea of letting their baby be raised by others. Whether it’s a daycare program, a nanny, or even family members. This decision is a big one, as infants are sponges to the world around them. Baby brains and bodies are still developing and these formative years are vital to proper […]
5 Ways to Maximize Montessori: When Montessori Works Best
Montessori schools were developed in the early 1900s in Italy. Since then, these schools have been sprouting up around the world, teaching in a manner that suits the natural inquisitiveness of children. This method works best if certain conditions are met. […]
Bullying in Montessori
Bullying has become a subject of much discussion regarding schools in the modern age. While a few examples have made national headlines, it is unfortunately a far more common occurrence than many want to admit. It would be unjust to suggest that Montessori classrooms are bully free, yet the way that the Montessori classroom deals […]