Montessori in community?! When I run workshops and ask what people know about Montessori, the most popular answer is “giving children independence.” Yes, independence is an important aspect of Montessori. We create a school or home environment where the child is so capable from such a young age, they learn to do things for themselves, have the satisfaction of mastering an activity that is giving them just the right challenge, they are learning skills how to look after themselves, others and … [Read more...] about Montessori is community, not just independence
Lots more Montessori inspiration
Let’s meet Juli Williams and her Montessori homeschooling family
I'm delighted to introduce you to Juli Williams and her family who I met via Instagram. She lives with her husband and two kids, a 6 year old girl and 4 year old boy. She describes herself as a minimalist, Latina, living in Florida, and simplifying Montessori education at home. I am sure you will be inspired - the photos exude joy in learning to me! And I love reading about how they incorporate their culture into their home. Read on... 1. How did you find out about Montessori?I found … [Read more...] about Let’s meet Juli Williams and her Montessori homeschooling family
What is false fatigue in Montessori?
I love this graph from from Spontaneous Activity in Education by Maria Montessori. What you’ll see is a 3-hour work cycle in a classroom in (I believe) a 3-6 classroom. In this graph the children arrive at 9am. For the first 30 minutes you have the children arriving, settling in, greeting and observing each other. Then from 9:30 to 10am you see the children often selecting work they know already, an easier work. Around 10am you see a dip - this is “false fatigue.” This is where the … [Read more...] about What is false fatigue in Montessori?
My child always wants to be first – the competitive child and Montessori
Does your child always want to be first? Do they always want to win? I see this behaviour a little bit in some younger children but more around children from 5 years and up. Let’s have a look what we can do in our homes when we see competitive behaviour. Montessori and the lack of competition Montessori is known for its non-competitive peer learning environment. In the classroom, even from the youngest ages, we nurture working together as a community. Things that encourage less … [Read more...] about My child always wants to be first – the competitive child and Montessori