Montessori Principles Archives

Montessori musings on “Less is more”

I’m not the first to say it; and I won’t be last. But “less is more" certainly fits well with the Montessori approach in your home. 1. Setting up our spaces Are you struggling with toys everywhere and kids refusing to pack them away? I use it a lot when…

Teaching children skills Montessori-style

Have you ever wondered how Montessori teachers make it look so easy to teach children new skills? If you’ve seen a Montessori class in action you would most probably have noticed a couple of things which help kids a lot. Montessori teachers are renowned for slowing down their movements and…

Setting limits Montessori-style

When my son was a toddler he hated leaving places. So I would begin to dread when it was time to go home. I’d be thinking, “how am I going to get him to leave soon?" No matter how long we stayed, there were always tears. And did I mention…

Musings on the absorbent mind

Today I’m planning something a little different for this blog post. Usually I offer advice and practical suggestions on ways to get cooperation from your children, or how to understand your child better. Today I’d just like to muse a bit. Ok with you? I’m curious if this will resonate…

Choosing a Montessori school

In answer to all your questions, here is a short 3-minute video to give you 10 things to look for when choosing for a Montessori school. https://www.youtube.com/embed/UHsysBrO3wU Choosing a Montessori school Hi, I'm Simone Davies, I'm a Montessori teacher and a Montessori mother and I know how difficult it can…

Points of interest

Usually in my newsletters and blog posts, I address the most commonly asked questions I hear from parent. Not today. It’s something I rarely even get asked about. But it’s something that I have learned as a Montessori teacher that I want to share with you. Maybe it’s meant to…

I don’t get this Montessori thing. When should I step in to help?

I don’t get this Montessori thing. When should I step in to help? The sun is back! And I’m so happy to be back to classes with the kids. It was a delight to work with a new toddler to make orange juice together. The toddler stood back to watch…

Montessori FAQs: Part 3 of 3

Here is the final instalment of our Montessori FAQs. 1. I’ve heard Montessori schools are very strict and children are not allowed to play around. Is that true? There are indeed rules in Montessori classrooms, however, there should be just enough rules so everyone can get along, and not too…

Montessori FAQs: Part 2 of 3

Today I answer more of those frequently asked questions about Montessori education. If you find this series useful, feel free to share it with your friends. 1. How does a child transition to a traditional school after being at Montessori? It is a common concern from parents that their child…

Montessori FAQs: Part 1 of 3

Montessori FAQs: Part 1 of 3 Everything you wanted to know about Montessori education This is the first part in a 3 part series answering the questions I get asked most often about Montessori education. I hope you find this series useful. 1. Is Montessori suitable for every child? I’ve…

Entertaining children all day

Help! What can I do to entertain my child all day? There are indeed lots of lovely toys for children among the swathes of less useful ones. However, that is a topic for another day. Today, we are going to look at the idea that we do not need to…

Why I think Montessori education is like playing a computer game

Why I think Montessori education is like playing a computer game I bet that seems like a strange comparison – Montessori education which is all about hands-on learning likened to playing computer games. Indeed, in some regards the two are at polar opposites. Montessori is about engaging children with real…