This article has been shared by Dr Judith Locke, Clinical Psychologist, registered teacher and author. Judith recently delivered a keynote at our NSW Combined Montessori Schools Professional Development Day, ‘When help becomes unhelpful’. Her session was well received, endorsing the many benefits of a Montessori education focusing on growing children’s independence. Please see more about Dr Locke, links to her books and social media following this article... Help them...
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Understanding human development at each stage is crucial to fostering optimal growth. This belief forms the foundation of Montessori education, which is deeply rooted in the developmental needs of children. Each stage or plane of development, comes with unique needs and capacities. Understanding them allows us to better support children in their educational journey. As we prepare to welcome families to FMS for our education evening, Beyond Preschool, we invite...
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This week, our 9-12 students had their second Equine Assisted Learning experience (EAL) for the year. The EAL program at FMS is part of our 9-12 leadership and personal development program. The program is coordinated by 9-12 class assistant Meghan, whose business, Growth Edges, specialises in equine therapy and personal development for schools, groups and individuals. The program provides invaluable skills in leadership and personal growth for our 9-12 students,…
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This week at Forestville Montessori School, we invited the wonderful Kei from Montessori Dance to share insights about teaching dance in a Montessori environment. Movement at Montessori A key element that differentiates Montessori schools from the mainstream is our child-centred approach, emphasising the development of the whole child. Maria Montessori, the founder of the Montessori approach, believed that education should cater to all aspects of a child’s development—intellectual, physical, social,…
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Last Friday, as part of the Combined Sydney Montessori Staff Development Day for 2024, FMS staff were treated to a live presentation from clinical psychologist, Dr. Andrew Fuller. Dr Fuller is a psychologist, author and (very entertaining) speaker. He specialises mental health and wellbeing for young people and their families, working with schools, communities and individuals in Australia and around the world. According to his website, Dr Fuller ‘puts the…
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At the start of a new school year, our focus turns to routine, academics and extra-curricular activities. For children however, one of the most important aspects of returning to school is friendship. School friendships can, and should, be a source of great joy and inspiration for all children. Unfortunately, we know this is not always the case. Friendships at school have a profound impact on the child’s sense of security, confidence…
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The holidays are a wonderful time to start rituals as a family. If you have a few you already practice, this read will give you some more to add to your list.The extended time we have with our children over the summer holidays is a great opportunity to create family and holiday rituals. In his book, Ritual: How Seemingly Senseless Acts Make Life Worth Living, anthropologist Dimitris Xygalatas explains how…
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Aleta Ledendecker was a Montessori teacher for nearly 40 years. She started her own Montessori school and taught early childhood through adolescents. Aleta was also a Montessori teacher trainer. She is now retired and has three grandchildren. In honour of Grandparents' and Special Friends’ Day Aleta shared some thoughts about Montessori and grandparenting. As a former Montessori teacher, how has Montessori shaped the way you grandparent? A new world of love…
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It seems like this is as good a time as any to talk about how our children interact with the news. The news simply wasn’t designed with children in mind, and although it is certainly an important part of our lives, we have to remember how it may affect our kids. We hope this guide will give you some helpful tips. Potential Problems Before we jump into the problems, we would…
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We celebrated Harmony Day this week and it felt good to be together as a community. Let’s take a moment to think about the reason we celebrate: respect and ultimately that means love. And what better way to experience love on a daily basis than to live a life of kindness? Your children learn kindness by watching others, including their friends, their educators and you. When we take the time to…
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