Skip to main content
Category

Montessori Philosophy

On the Topic of Competition

By Montessori Philosophy No Comments
You may have noticed that in Montessori schools, we do not typically encourage competition between children.  Our lack of traditional grading is one obvious marker of this approach, but you will notice that the lack of peer competition threads itself pretty much throughout the entire program.  This is quite intentional, and we work hard to give children a foundation built on competition with oneself, rather than with others.    It is...
Read More

Montessori vs. Daycare: 5 Key Differences

By Montessori Learning, Montessori Philosophy No Comments
Many families rely on childcare while their children are still young. Figuring out the best place to drop your little one off every day is a big decision. Parents want to ensure their child spends their days safe, comfortable, and happy, and under the watchful eye of well-trained and competent adults.   Daycare is the obvious choice for many parents…that is, until they become aware of other options.  If you’re reading...
Read More

Montessori Basics: Geography

By Montessori Learning, Montessori Philosophy No Comments
Geography: a science that deals with the description, distribution, and interaction of the diverse physical, biological, and cultural features of the earth's surface. Geography is a commonly taught subject in most schools, with children learning about maps, the globe, and various countries and land features. Montessori schools do this as well, but as with most subjects, we tend to take things a bit deeper (even for our younger students). This...
Read More

2 Types of Assessment: Which One Do Montessori Schools Prefer?

By Montessori Learning, Montessori Philosophy No Comments
Assessment is a topic often discussed in the many corners of the education world.  Whether a child is enrolled in their local public school, an independent school, or is homeschooled, assessment will most likely play a role in that experience.  To what extent it plays varies greatly, however, as does the prevalence of the different styles of assessment.  With NAPLAN happening this week, we thought it was a good time...
Read More

5 Simple Ways to Show Her You Care on Mother’s Day

By Montessori Philosophy, Parenting No Comments
Everyone loves to feel appreciated.  With Mother’s Day coming up this Sunday, it’s a great time to think of how you might show the mums in your life what they mean to you.  Here are five simple ideas to celebrate and care for the woman who cares for everyone. Remember to have a card ready. You could absolutely buy a Mother’s Day card; there are plenty of great ones out...
Read More

Montessori Materials: The Stamp Game

By Montessori Learning, Montessori Philosophy No Comments
This post is one a series throughout the school year, where we share information about a different Montessori material. Doing so will help parents who are curious about what goes on in our environments, but it will also give unique insight into Montessori principles and how the method was developed in the first place.  Today we talk about the stamp game. A beloved mathematics material that is used by children...
Read More

Practical Life for Older Children and Teens

By Montessori Learning, Montessori Philosophy No Comments
When people think about Montessori schools, some of the most prominent materials that come to mind are the beautiful practical life opportunities in our Pre Primary (3-6 Years) environments. There are small wooden trays with pouring and transferring works. There are whole lessons dedicated to the arrangement of flowers. The children prepare their own snacks and wash their own dishes. They use special frames that teach them to tie, buckle,...
Read More

Montessori: A Woman Who Flourished in the Face of Adversity

By Montessori Learning, Montessori Philosophy No Comments
Dr. Maria Montessori: You probably know her as the woman who created a unique method of educating children. You may know she was from Italy and was one of the nation’s first female physicians. What you may not know is she was a woman who consistently faced adversity throughout her life and still managed to cultivate incredible progress.  During Dr. Montessori’s childhood, literacy rates were very low across Italy. She...
Read More

Practical Life for the Holidays

By Montessori Basics, Montessori Philosophy No Comments
The holiday season is nearly upon us, and no matter how you celebrate, this time of year is often steeped in family traditions. The foods, smells, decorations, songs, and gifts echo in our memories for a lifetime. As a parent, it can be magical to experience the holidays through your child’s eyes; everything is so exciting and full of wonder.   Many families involve their children in preparing for special days...
Read More

4 Montessori Quotes That Give Us Perspective

By Montessori Basics, Montessori Philosophy No Comments
I’ve often said that Maria Montessori has a quote for everything.  When you start to read her vast body of work, it’s no wonder.  Dr. Maria Montessori was a scientist and physician, first and foremost. She stumbled her way into education when she observed the mistreatment of children put into her care. She recognised that adults (especially at the time) did not give children the credit and respect they deserved, and this launched...
Read More