In my ongoing series of conversations with my Montessori friend, Jesse McCarthy, we talk about what characteristics we find important in a Montessori teacher. What 3 or 4 characteristics would you pick? The things that came up for me were: curiosityenjoying to be with childrenbeing able to set kind and clear limits when needed: andhaving mutual respect between the child and adult Listen to the conversation to hear what came up for Jesse and how you might like to try to embody some of … [Read more...] about Traits of great teachers & parents
Montessori Tips
Featured in the New York Times and ideas you can steal at home
Since I last wrote, I’ve been lucky enough to be featured in the New York Times talking about Montessori. It’s been so exciting to see Montessori in the mainstream media at last. If you missed it, here’s a link to the article: “Can a Playroom Makeover Make My Kids Over?" by Karen Barrows. “Just as Marie Kondo is helping people declutter and organize, Ms. Davies helps parents turn homes into places that are more functional for the family, instil autonomy in the smallest members of the … [Read more...] about Featured in the New York Times and ideas you can steal at home
What if my child avoids an area completely or only plays with one thing?
I’ve had many parents think that Montessori sounded great but then they get a little nervous thinking about the idea that a child with all that choice might avoid an area completely, or only play with one thing. It certainly takes a lot of trust to follow the child. To understand that children have a natural desire to learn. To explore. To challenge themselves. Particularly if we grew up with a traditional approach to education where we only learned what we needed to learn to pass the … [Read more...] about What if my child avoids an area completely or only plays with one thing?
Montessori activities vs open-ended play
Today I’m talking about why I’m not giving up on Montessori activities in exchange for open-ended play. My opinion, in short, is that there is room for both. When I observe toddlers, I see the satisfaction they get from mastering activities in our Montessori environment. As their guide, I’m always observing to see what they are working to master and offer them materials which allow them to practice these skills. This mastery is something I experienced myself on our recent holiday to … [Read more...] about Montessori activities vs open-ended play