Getting on the Same Page
Now the adult himself is part of the child’s environment. ~ Maria Montessori, The Secret of Childhood Have you ever noticed how sensitive children are to inconsistency between their parents? It is not different in …
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How Do You Know It’s a Class Meeting?
An education capable of saving humanity is no small undertaking; it involves the spiritual development of man, the enhancement of his value as an individual, and the preparation of young people to understand the times …
Doing Nothing, Really?
General surveillance and individual teaching, given with precision, are two ways in which the teacher can help the child’s development. In this period, she must take care never to turn her back on the class …
Saying No…and Saying Yes
If we are among the men of good will who yearn for peace, we must lay the foundation for peace ourselves, by working for the social world of the child. ~ Maria Montessori, International Montessori …
The Art of Listening…Really Listening
There is a part of a child’s soul that has always been unknown but which must be known. With a spirit of sacrifice and enthusiasm we must go in search, like those who travel to …
Challenge: Profanity
The liberty of the child should have as its limit the collective interest; as its form, what we universally consider good (behavior). ~ Maria Montessori How do I address profanity? It’s been rampant …
Transitions: From Calamity to Cooperation
The teacher’s first duty is to watch over the environment, and this takes precedence over all the rest. ~ Maria Montessori Mia, a 4-year-old, was dismissed from circle. She traversed the classroom and went …
Making Amends: The 3 R’s of Recovery
“Errors divide men, but their correction is a means of union. It becomes a matter of general interest to correct errors wherever they may be found. The error itself becomes interesting. It becomes a …
Limited Choices
One of the first classroom management tools that many of us learned, to redirect or set limits with children, is limited choices. This month, I’d like to explore this topic in some detail. I have …
Let Routines be the Boss
Most children are back at school now. With the beginning of every new school year come the resetting of routines, and renewed hopes for effectiveness and cooperation from everyone. At home: making lunch the night …
