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Montessori Philosophy

Why Montessori in the time of COVID-19?

By Montessori Learning, Montessori Philosophy, Talking with children No Comments
We know parents have choices when it comes to their children’s education. We know these choices are not easy. There are many factors to consider, but  have you thought about why Montessori students could adapt so well to Learning from Home during COVID-19? Independence is a key factor.  Montessori education has been successfully serving children and families around the world for over a century. The basics remain - and for...
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How to Raise a Resilient Child

By Montessori Philosophy, Talking with children No Comments
Resiliency, or the ability to recover after periods of hardship or difficulty, is a critical skill for us all to have. There are so many factors that contribute to a person’s levels of resilience, and it can be nurtured and strengthened at any age. In this post we take a closer look at how parents can help their children develop this important ability. (The good news is, you’re already doing...
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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...
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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...
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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. ...
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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...
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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 ...
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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...
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A Montessori Dictionary

By Montessori Learning, Montessori Philosophy No Comments
Hollis Montessori have shared a 'Montessori Dictionary', helping families understand some of the common terms used in a Montessori environment. Absorbent Mind – A mind able to absorb knowledge quickly and effortlessly.  Montessori said the child from birth to six years has an “absorbent mind.”  Adaptation – Related to the idea of an absorbent mind (Haines, 1993) is a special power of the young child that can be called the power of adaptation.  This...
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Some Observations on History

By Montessori Learning, Montessori Philosophy No Comments
"It is the cultivation of the human personality of every individual that will form the new world.” Maria Montessori     The 2020 Treasure Article is an adaptation of a text that Maria Montessori wrote in 1948, during her second stay in India. She ponders on our outlook and interpretation of history — a topic that could not be more fitting in a time that is bringing so much new wisdom and new insights...
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