As we help our children learn to navigate the world, we are supporting their journey toward independence. In Montessori, we often emphasise the importance of independence. But did you know that independence isn’t the end goal? Our Children’s Journey Dr. Maria Montessori observed four distinct planes of development, each representing a stage in the human journey toward greater maturity, independence, and ultimately, interdependence. At each stage, children have specific developmental...
Read More
A common misconception about Montessori education is that it is entirely child-led. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Certainly, children feel like they are in the driver’s seat of their education, and that’s by design. Behind the scenes, Montessori-trained educators are skillfully guiding children through carefully sequenced lessons, ensuring they encounter and master all of the subject areas, strands, and standards they need. The true gift of a Montessori...
Read More
Thank you to all families helping with class art for the annual FMS Art Auction. With FMS parents enjoying this creative outlet, we thought was timely revisit the benefits of artistic expression for our children! Numerous theories and lots of research expound upon the importance of artistic expression. For young children and adolescents, art is an especially crucial form of personal expression. As such, children need to experience their own...
Read More
When Dr. Maria Montessori was observing children’s development, she wasn’t just focused on how they learn in the classroom. She was curious about the drives, instincts, and patterns that have shaped humans across time. These human tendencies are the forces that have guided our species since the very beginning, helping us adapt, survive, and thrive. When we recognise the human tendencies in children, we can create environments that don’t fight...
Read More
Last Saturday was the United Nations International Day of Peace. As a school educating for peace, we highlight this day in our calendar and remind families how peace, connection and concepts of humanity are woven into learning and life at FMS. Dr. Montessori believed that education should help children see themselves as part of a larger human family. By studying the universal needs that all humans share, children develop a...
Read More
One of the gifts of Montessori education is that we can truly focus on the whole child —cognitive, social, emotional, and physical. Our approach is not just about academics but also about nurturing life skills, emotional intelligence, and social relationships. The Montessori approach to child development revolves around the understanding that children are naturally curious, care deeply about others, and can be intrinsically motivated. When provided with the right environment,...
Read More
At the heart of Montessori education is a deep respect for human potential. The core of Montessori philosophy and practice originated when Dr. Maria Montessori, as part of her medical school training, worked with children who had developmental delays. Dr. Montessori observed that the children needed something different, so she provided them with materials and an environment that truly supported their development. The result? The children demonstrated remarkable growth. This...
Read More
In our culture, we often think of “will” in terms of willpower—gritting our teeth to do something difficult or pushing ourselves to achieve a goal. But in the Montessori approach, the will is something far more profound. We understand that, rather than being about discipline or determination, the will is the very force that propels children forward in life, guiding them from unconscious action to conscious choice. In Montessori, supporting...
Read More
In Montessori education, we emphasise community, not just as an abstract concept, but as a lived daily experience. From the very beginning of life, we emphasise carefully prepared environments that foster a deep sense of belonging and connection. What Is Community? The word community comes from the Latin communis, meaning “common, public, general, or shared by all or many.” In addition to shared space, in Montessori, we also think about...
Read More
Last week we welcomed FMS families and guests for a parent education workshop called, Beyond Preschool; an overview of the Kindergarten and Primary School Programs at FMS. Families were fascinated and impressed on the night, and eager to learn more. The summary below is provided for all families – existing and potential – to discover the wonders of an authentic Montessori Primary school education, and the benefits for children during...
Read More
