A Montessori childhood from 0 – 24 years old Have you ever thought, “I don’t understand my child any more?" It’s like they have completely changed. Dr Montessori spoke about the four planes of development. A child passes from 0-6 to 6-12 to 12-18 and to 18-24. The child is almost like a new child in each of these planes. As parents we observe our child, offer love, respect, acceptance and understanding at any age…but we need to adjust how we are with our children as they pass through … [Read more...] about The four planes of development – a tool for parents
Montessori Principles
What is the research into Montessori? And does Montessori work?
For Montessori to be accepted as not just an alternative method to education, it’s so important that more and more research is coming out for us to scientifically understand the Montessori method that has been in use for more than 100 years. I am no scientist myself but I have compiled a list for you of the places you can find studies about the Montessori approach for you to dive into. Read on… And for those looking for a quick answer to the commonly asked “Does Montessori Work?", I love … [Read more...] about What is the research into Montessori? And does Montessori work?
Beyond rewards, bribes and punishment – a Montessori approach to building intrinsic motivation
In my last article on a Montessori approach to discipline, I mentioned that we don’t use rewards, bribes or punishment in a Montessori classroom. And there is not a teacher at the front telling everyone what they need to do. Yet if you observe in a Montessori classroom, there is a gentle hum of conversation and movement, and a lot of concentrated children who are motivated to work. So, not surprisingly, I received many questions about a Montessori approach to building intrinsic motivation in … [Read more...] about Beyond rewards, bribes and punishment – a Montessori approach to building intrinsic motivation
Everything you need to know about Montessori observation and why it’s helpful
Have you ever had the chance to ask a Montessori teacher a question, something that is really troubling you, and they’ve said, “Just observe." As a Montessori teacher who has done 250 hours of observation in my training and every day in the classroom for the last 15+ years, it’s absolutely the best advice we can give.But what does it actually mean? Let’s look first at what observation is, then what we can observe, and what our observations might mean. Hopefully it will be everything you … [Read more...] about Everything you need to know about Montessori observation and why it’s helpful