Light years ahead of her time, Maria Montessori developed a theory of education that continues to thrive more than a century after she opened her first school. Perhaps your children attend a Montessori school, or maybe you home school with inspiration from her method. Noticing how children were challenged by the expectation... Read More

"We especially need imagination in science. It is not all mathematics, nor all logic, but it is somewhat beauty and poetry."—Maria Montessori, The Montessori MethodChildren naturally absorb the logic and the beauty of physical science as they interact with the environment: pushing a truck up an incline, observing light refl... Read More

"Kahoho kuhuma madzi is the Giriama/Kenyan name for toddler. It means 'a youngster who can be sent to fetch a cup of water.'" —David F. Lancy, Child Helpers: A Multidisciplinary Perspective As a struggling new mother, Michaellen Doucleff was frustrated that her two-year-old was slapping her. Doing research for a story... Read More

In order to survive, humans have basic needs which fall into both material and intangible categories. As parents, we strive to provide these essentials so our children will grow and prosper. The list of necessities is not long, but each one takes conscious time and effort to manage.The Montessori elementary curriculum inclu... Read More

"The teacher's happy task is to show [children] the path to perfection, furnishing the means and removing obstacles, beginning with those which she herself is likely to present (for the teacher can be the greatest obstacle of them all.)"—Maria Montessori, The Absorbent MindMontessori taught us to deeply respect children, no... Read More

Start a New Family Tradition: Family Fun Nights!With so many family get-togethers and school holidays on the horizon, there's never been a better time to explore ideas for activities whole families can enjoy together. How about a balloon race? Or an "opposite" night? Family fun doesn't have to be complicated or cost a fortu... Read More

"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

"An environment for creative art work is provided by planning the place and the materials, by teaching simple skills, and by accepting and motivating children."—Regina Barnett, Let Out the Sunshine, A Montessori Approach to Creative ActivitiesWe all know how young children love cutting with scissors, sometimes even cutting ... Read More

"If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders."—Abigail Van Buren (the original "Dear Abby")It's still July, but it's not too early to think about the beginning of the school year. Taking a hint from the stores filled with school supplies and back-to-school specials, we c... Read More

"...the function of both directress and environment is to assist the child to reach perfection through his own efforts." —E.M. Standing, Maria Montessori, Her Life and Work It's a new year, so let's take a fresh look at the prepared environment and our school routines. Maria Montessori realized the importance of a t... Read More