ARTICLES

Supporting Montessori 

Practitioners

When We Steal the Struggle, We Steal the Victory Jan 10, 2024

We must remember that the phenomenon of internal discipline is something which must be achieved, not something pre-existent. Our function is that of guides upon the road of discipline.  (Montessori, 1924).

Over the last few decades there has been a significant shift in how adults respond to childre...

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Challenge: Interruptions Dec 04, 2023

What is social life if not the solving of social problems, behaving properly and pursuing aims acceptable to all? (Montessori, 1988, p. 225)

One of the most challenging experiences for Montessori teachers is being interrupted by a student while giving a lesson or having a conversation with aanother...

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Act, Don’t Talk Oct 30, 2023

“She must acquire a moral alertness which has not hitherto been demanded by any other system, and this is revealed in her tranquility, patience, charity, and humility. Not words, but virtues, are her main qualifications.”(Montessori, 2000, p.151)

We talk too much.  Too often, we make a point, and t...

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Grace and Courtesy in a Post-Pandemic World Aug 19, 2023

SEL or Grace and Courtesy Skills?

Recently, I have been receiving several questions about SEL (social-emotional learning) programs as they relate to Grace and Courtesy lessons in the Montessori classroom.  My answer has been usually brief, “Grace and Courtesy lessons are SEL lessons.”  That is not ...

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Challenge: Circle Behavior – Part II Jun 20, 2023

The instructions of the teacher consist then merely in a hint, a touch-enough to give a start to the child. The rest develops of itself. ~ Maria Montessori, Dr. Montessori's Own Handbook

In the last article on addressing circle behavior, I discussed ways to addre

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Challenge: Circle Behavior – Part I May 17, 2023

By changing the center from the adult — and adult values — to the child, and his values, we should change the whole path of civilization. ~ Maria Montessori, Her Life and Work 

During a recent workshop, a participant asked about a very common concern.  How do I respond effectively to mi

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Getting on the Same Page Feb 17, 2023

Now the adult himself is part of the child's environment. ~ Maria Montessori, The Secret of Childhood

Have you ever noticed how sensitive children are to inconsistency between their parents?  It is not different in the classroom.  The most difficult year that I h...

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How Do You Know It’s a Class Meeting? Dec 14, 2022

An education capable of saving humanity is no small undertaking; it involves the spiritual development of man, the enhancement of his value as an individual, and the preparation of young people to understand the times in which they live. -Maria Montessori, Education and Peace, 1949.

 

Paula threw ...

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Doing Nothing, Really? Nov 07, 2022

General surveillance and individual teaching, given with precision, are two ways in which the teacher can help the child’s development.  In this period, she must take care never to turn her back on the class while she is dealing with a single child. Her presence must be felt by all these spirits, wa...

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Saying No…and Saying Yes Oct 03, 2022

If we are among the men of good will who yearn for peace, we must lay the foundation for peace ourselves, by working for the social world of the child. ~ Maria Montessori, International Montessori Congress, 1937

How many uncomfortable situations have you had that could have been avoided by simply s...

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The Art of Listening…Really Listening Apr 13, 2022

There is a part of a child’s soul that has always been unknown but which must be known. With a spirit of sacrifice and enthusiasm we must go in search, like those who travel to foreign lands and tear up mountains in their search for hidden gold. ~ Maria Montessori

Reflective Listening (From Positiv...

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Challenge: Profanity Feb 16, 2022

The liberty of the child should have as its limit the collective interest; as its form, what we universally consider good (behavior). ~ Maria Montessori

How do I address profanity?  It’s been rampant in my classroom this year.  Some children are bringing it to school from home, an...

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