"The real preparation for education is a study of one's self. The training of the teacher who is to help life is something far more than the learning of ideas. It includes the training of character, it is a preparation of the spirit."—Maria Montessori, The Absorbent MindThe spiritual preparation of the teacher can include w... Read More

How does your classroom mark holidays? Which do you celebrate in class? How do you decide? There are as many perspectives on holidays in the Montessori classroom as there are teachers! As a community, we've come up with so many unique and creative ways to address "special days." Yet classroom holidays are still generating a... Read More

cos·mic 1. Of or relating to the universe, especially as distinct from Earth. 2. Infinitely or inconceivably extended; vast.Dr. Montessori recognized that all of science and history tell portions of the same story: the continuing creation of the universe. Cosmic Education tells that story. In a uniquely Montessori way, the ... Read More

"Any child who is self-sufficient, who can tie his shoes, dress or undress himself, reflects in his joy and sense of achievement the image of human dignity, which is derived from a sense of independence."—Maria Montessori, The Child in the FamilyWhile recently visiting a Japanese-immersion Montessori classroom I was impress... Read More

How often I wished for some "peace and quiet" as a multi-tasking parent! Some moms say they retreat to the bathroom for time alone, only to find their children knocking or calling through the door. How can we keep our own inner composure and help our children learn to be thoughtful of others and content with themselves? In ... Read More

"There is no limit to the equipment of the 'Children's Houses' because the children themselves do everything. They sweep the rooms, dust and wash the furniture, polish the brasses, lay and clear away the table, wash up, sweep and roll up the rugs, wash a few little clothes, and cook eggs."—Maria Montessori, Dr. Montessori's... Read More

"In this way...children perfect themselves in writing without actually writing."—Maria Montessori, The Montessori MethodAs Montessori teachers know, the Metal Insets are the direct preparation for writing. This activity follows extensive indirect preparation using the Practical Life and Sensorial materials. Children perfect... Read More

"The first Christmas after Miss Sullivan came to Tuscumbia was a great event. Everyone in the family prepared surprises for me; but what pleased me most, Miss Sullivan and I prepared surprises for everyone else."—Helen Keller, The Story of My Life Helen Keller was only seven years old, yet she had already grasped a universa... Read More

We work toward "...the establishment of harmony, between the work and activities of home life and school tasks, making both work together for the education of the child."—Maria Montessori, The Montessori MethodA number of years ago, as I was frantically preparing reports for parent-teacher conferences, my colleague mentione... Read More

"Influenced, perhaps, by my early experience at a Montessori school... I am all for encouraging children to work productively with their hands.... It is good to give them knives, for instance, as early as you dare.... to slice a hard-boiled egg neatly and then to fillet a fish. Talk to children as you plan menus. Let their ... Read More