Skip to main content

Who Was Mario Montessori?

By Montessori Philosophy No Comments
This article is part of a series that we will share throughout the 2021 school year to celebrate our 40th anniversary as we reflect on the past, present, and future of Montessori education here at FMS.  Did you know that the first teacher in 1981 at Forestville Montessori School for the primary years was Paul Seibel?  Paul trained at the International Centre for Montessori Studies in Bergamo Italy.  The Centre was established for primary training...
Read More

Meet our FMS Alumni – Lucy Allen

By Montessori in Action No Comments
Lucy Allen, an FMS Alumni, shares how her time at Forestville Montessori School helped develop her love of learning as well as a sense of who she is, her strengths and interests. Hear more about Lucy's experiences following her primary education at FMS. “As a student, you’re not asked to leave your thoughts, experiences and who you truly are at the door.  Each and every child is celebrated in all...
Read More

What Kind of Learning Do We Value?

By Montessori Philosophy One Comment
Human beings are creatures of habit. Habits are comfortable, and it is generally easier to continue doing things the way they have always been done. Change is messy, confusing, and often pretty challenging.   Here at FMS, we believe in the importance of examining our habits periodically. We think it’s critical to ask ourselves: “Why are things done this way?” “What is our motivation for taking this particular path?”  We think it’s vital...
Read More

Montessori and Peace Education

By FMS Values, Montessori Philosophy No Comments
Our world is often a tumultuous and scary place.  How can we help our children feel safe and cared for, while preparing them to lead the way as adults?  How can we cultivate empathy, kindness, gratitude, and the sense of community that helps people work together?  Montessori education has been addressing these issues for over a hundred years.  Sometimes the lessons are direct; at other times they are more subtle. ...
Read More

Book List: Help Me Do It Myself

By Helpful Hints, Montessori Learning No Comments
“Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.” -Dr. Maria Montessori   One of the most critical values of Montessori education is the fostering of independence. Our children need our support, but we are tasked with the gradual release of this support. Doing so is a challenge, for no two children are exactly alike and we are required to observe carefully and be flexible in...
Read More

Choose to Challenge

By FMS Values, Montessori Learning No Comments
"Choose to challenge" is the 2021 International Women’s Day theme, celebrated on Monday 8th March.  If there’s one woman in history who did just that it’s Maria Montessori.  We would like to share a little bit about the woman herself, the course this remarkable educational movement has taken, and where we are today.  Education, Service, and Drive, From the Start  In a seaside town in Italy, Maria Montessori was born in August of 1870....
Read More

What is Cosmic Education?

By Montessori in Action, Montessori Philosophy No Comments
As your child nears the end of their early childhood years and edges toward primary, you may begin hearing the term cosmic education. Ever wondered what Montessorians are referring to when they say this? The short answer is that cosmic education is the term Maria Montessori gave to the primary cultural curriculum (and by cultural, we mean history, science, and geography).   As you may have guessed, to truly understand cosmic education, it takes much more than a short answer! Read on...
Read More

7 Major Ways Montessori is Different

By Montessori in Action, Montessori Philosophy No Comments
There’s no doubt about it: Montessori is different. From the moment you step foot into our school, you know it’s unlike any conventional school.   We like it that way. We know what we’re offering is special, and the families who seek out our school are usually looking for something different.   What, exactly, makes Montessori special? Read on to learn just a few of the many ways.  1. Freedom Within Limits ...
Read More

From Hand Washing to Entrepreneurship 

By Montessori in Action, Montessori Philosophy No Comments
Practical life is one of Montessori education's core components, and it’s one of the vital elements that make it stand out from other models. The work comes in a variety of forms, too. Educators give direct lessons, children are afforded time and space to practice, and much of the learning is built authentically into the daily routine.   What practical life looks like throughout the different stages of childhood is where things get...
Read More

6 Effective Ways to Be an Engaged Parent

By Parenting No Comments
Research has shown time and time again that parent involvement is critical to children’s success. Click here for more information. We all want to take an active role in our child’s education, but sometimes it can be a challenge to discern just where our efforts are best spent. Below we touch on six critical areas that all parents can focus on to make a big difference.  1. Make Connections  Consider the whole school...
Read More