Trillium Montessori

You are here: Home / Blog

Blog

Montessori Education: Beginners Guide

By

Montessori education, a revolutionary approach to learning developed by Dr. Maria Montessori over a century ago, stands out for its unique focus on the individual child’s natural development. Characterized by self-directed activities within a prepared environment and guided by specially trained teachers, this method nurtures children’s innate curiosity and desire to learn, fostering both academic […]

Things That Start with J

By

Teaching vocabulary with specific letters like “J” is a fun way to expand language skills and creativity in young learners. This guide is packed with “words that start with J,” making it a useful resource for teachers or parents.   Nouns that Start with J Verbs that Start with J Adjectives that Start with J […]

Things That Start with Z

By

Teaching vocabulary with less common letters like “Z” is a fun way to expand language skills and creativity in young learners. This guide is packed with “words that start with Z,” making it a useful resource for teachers or parents. Nouns that Start with Z Verbs that Start with Z Adjectives that Start with Z […]

Things That Start with Y

By

Learning words that start with specific letters is a fantastic way to build vocabulary and language skills in young learners. This blog explores “words that start with Y,” providing engaging examples across various categories for teachers or parents to use in lessons. Nouns that Start with Y Verbs that Start with Y Adjectives that Start […]

Things That Start with X

By

Teaching vocabulary with less common letters like “X” is an exciting challenge for teachers and parents. This guide dives into “words that start with X,” helping students expand their language skills while having fun exploring unique terms. Nouns that Start with X Verbs that Start with X Adjectives that Start with X Encouraging and Positive […]

Things That Start with W

By

Learning words by focusing on specific letters is a fun and effective way to build vocabulary for young learners. This guide explores words that start with W, offering examples in various categories for teachers or parents. Nouns that Start with W Verbs that Start with W Adjectives that Start with W Encouraging and Positive Words […]

Things That Start with V

By

Learning words that start with specific letters is a fun and effective way to help children build vocabulary. This guide focuses on things that start with V, offering a variety of examples for teachers or parents to use in language lessons. Nouns that Start with V Verbs that Start with V Adjectives that Start with […]

High Frequency Words

By

High frequency words are the most commonly used words in the English language, appearing frequently in texts, conversations, and everyday writing. Recognizing high-frequency words quickly helps build reading fluency, allowing students to focus on new vocabulary and sentence comprehension. Since many of these words don’t follow typical phonetic rules, memorizing them can significantly boost reading […]

Things That Start with U

By

Teaching vocabulary based on letters and sounds is an engaging way to build language skills in young learners. This guide focuses on “words that start with U,” perfect for teachers or parents. Nouns that Start with U Verbs that Start with U Adjectives that Start with U Encouraging and Positive Words that Start with U […]

Things That Start with T

By

Learning words by focusing on a specific letter is a great way to build vocabulary and language skills. This guide provides an engaging collection of “words that start with T,” perfect for teachers or parents. Nouns that Start with T Verbs that Start with T Adjectives that Start with T Encouraging and Positive Words that […]

Things That Start with S

By

Introducing words by letter is a great way to build vocabulary and encourage language development in young learners. This guide focuses on words that start with “S,” ideal for teachers or parents. Nouns that Start with S Verbs that Start with S Adjectives that Start with S Encouraging and Positive Words that Start with S […]

Things That Start with R

By

For teachers and parents, focusing on words that start with specific letters is a fun and interactive way to build language skills. This guide provides a rich collection of words that start with R, covering everything from nouns to plants. Nouns that Start with R Verbs that Start with R Adjectives that Start with R […]

Things That Start with Q

By

Building vocabulary by focusing on specific letters is a fun and effective way to help young learners expand their language skills. This list of words that start with Q is ideal for teachers or parents introducing new concepts in an engaging way. Nouns that Start with Q Verbs that Start with Q Adjectives that Start […]

Things That Start with P

By

Focusing on specific letters is a fantastic way to help young learners build vocabulary. This guide provides an array of “words that start with P,” ideal for teachers and parents. Nouns that Start with P Verbs that Start with P Adjectives that Start with P Encouraging and Positive Words that Start with P Short Words […]

Things That Start with O

By

For teachers and parents of young learners, focusing on words with a specific letter and sound can help build strong vocabulary and language skills. This list of words that start with O is ideal for preschool or elementary students! Nouns that Start with O Verbs that Start with O Adjectives that Start with O Encouraging […]

Things That Start with N

By

For teachers and parents of young learners, organizing vocabulary by letter is a great way to engage children in language learning. Here’s a list of words that start with “N,” from parts of speech to foods and science terms, perfect for preschool and elementary students. Nouns that Start with N Verbs that Start with N […]

Things That Start with M

By

For teachers and parents, introducing vocabulary by letter can be an enjoyable and educational way to build foundational language skills. This guide provides a variety of words that start with “M,” from parts of speech to science terms, perfect for young learners. Nouns that Start with M Verbs that Start with M Adjectives that Start […]

Free Printable: December Idea Book

By

The December Idea Book provides a collection of Montessori-aligned activities to help you bring the season into your classroom. It’s like a photo album of ideas, offering practical and engaging ways to introduce sorting, phonological awareness, early math, and more. This resource includes ideas for practical life, language, and cultural lessons that are easy to […]

Things That Start with L

By

Teaching vocabulary by focusing on specific letters can make learning both engaging and memorable for young learners. Here’s a guide to words that start with the letter “L,” perfect for teachers or parents. From nouns to foods and animals, this list covers a variety of categories to help build foundational language skills. Nouns that Start […]

Things That Start with K

By

For educators and parents, focusing on vocabulary with a specific letter and sound can make learning both fun and memorable. This list of things that start with the letter “K” is designed to help introduce new words across different categories, from nouns to animals and plants, perfect for young learners. Nouns that Start with K […]

Things That Start with I

By

For educators and parents, focusing on vocabulary with a specific letter and sound can make learning both fun and memorable. This list of things that start with the letter “i” is designed to help introduce new words across different categories, from nouns to animals and plants, perfect for young learners. Nouns that Start with I […]

Things That Start with H

By

If you’re a teacher or parent, using vocabulary grouped by specific letters can be a fun way to help young learners expand their language skills. Here’s a list of things that start with the letter “H” across different categories, from parts of speech to foods and animals. This list is designed to make teaching vocabulary […]

Things That Start with G

By

For teachers, exploring vocabulary with a specific letter can be a fun way to help students expand their language skills. This guide includes words that start with “G,” covering everything from nouns and verbs to animals and plants. Perfect for young learners, these lists are designed to make lessons both educational and enjoyable! Parts of […]

Things That Start with F

By

If you’re a teacher looking for vocabulary resources or ideas for classroom activities, here’s a helpful guide to words that start with the letter “F.” This list covers everything from nouns and verbs to foods and countries, giving you ready-to-use examples that fit various subjects and learning activities. Parts of Speech that Start with F […]

Things That Start with E

By

Whether you’re working on a school paper or just exploring new words, this guide will help you discover things that start with the letter “E.” We’ve organized these words into categories like parts of speech, foods, instruments, places, and more to make your research easier and more interesting! Parts of Speech that Start with E […]

Things That Start with D

By

Whether you’re writing a school paper or just curious, this guide to things that start with “D” will help you find useful words across a variety of categories. From parts of speech to foods and animals, here’s a list of interesting words that all begin with “D.” Parts of Speech that Start with D Nouns […]

Things That Start with C

By

When you’re researching for a school project, knowing words that start with a specific letter can be helpful. Here’s a guide to things that start with “C,” organized by categories like parts of speech, foods, places, and more. Whether you need nouns, verbs, or scientific terms, this list has got you covered! Parts of Speech […]

Things That Start with B

By

When writing or researching, sometimes you need a list of words that all start with the same letter. Here’s a guide to things that start with “B,” organized by parts of speech and categories such as foods, places, and even plants! Parts of Speech that Start with B Nouns Verbs Adjectives Encouraging and Positive Words […]

Things That Start with A

By

When you’re working on a project or paper, sometimes you need a list of words that all start with the same letter. Here’s a handy guide for things that start with “A,” divided into categories like nouns, verbs, adjectives, foods, animals, and more! Parts of Speech that Start with A Nouns Verbs Adjectives Short Words […]

Parts of a Leaf

By

Leaves are essential to the survival of plants, acting as the primary site for photosynthesis, where energy from the sun is turned into food. Although leaves may appear simple, they are made up of various specialized parts, each with its own important role. In this post, we’ll focus on four key parts of a leaf: […]

Parts of a Tree

By

Trees are some of the most vital organisms on Earth, providing oxygen, habitats, and resources for humans and wildlife. Understanding the parts of a tree is crucial in grasping how these incredible plants function. Here’s a breakdown of the main parts of a tree, along with definitions and interesting facts. Scroll down to find our […]

Arctic Animals

By

The Arctic is one of the coldest places on Earth, but despite its freezing temperatures and icy landscapes, it is home to a variety of unique animals that have adapted to survive in this harsh environment. From powerful polar bears to clever Arctic foxes and massive whales, these animals have developed amazing ways to live […]

Types of Snakes: Pictures, Facts, Adaptations

By

Snakes are fascinating reptiles found all over the world, and they come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. These slithering creatures are often misunderstood, but they play important roles in ecosystems by controlling pest populations and serving as prey for other animals. In this guide, we will explore some of the most well-known types […]

Antarctic Animals

By

The Antarctic is one of the most extreme environments on Earth, but despite its harsh conditions, it is home to a diverse range of animals that have adapted to life in the cold. From majestic whales to playful penguins and fierce seals, Antarctic animals have fascinating adaptations that help them survive the icy waters and […]

Types of Whales: Facts, Pictures, Adaptations, Printable

By

Whales are some of the largest and most fascinating animals on Earth. They belong to the order Cetacea, which includes all whales, dolphins, and porpoises. There are two main types of whales: baleen whales and toothed whales. Baleen whales filter food from the water using baleen plates, while toothed whales have teeth and hunt their […]

Mammals That Lay Eggs

By

Most mammals give birth to live young, but there are a few unique mammals that lay eggs. These special creatures are called monotremes, and they belong to an ancient group of mammals that have retained this egg-laying ability. There are only five species of monotremes in the world today, all of which are native to […]

Types of Jellyfish

By

Jellyfish are fascinating and ancient creatures that have been drifting through oceans for millions of years. Despite their name, jellyfish are not actually fish; they are invertebrates and belong to the phylum Cnidaria. These gelatinous animals come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, and some species are known for their beautiful glow. Let’s explore some […]

Types of Bears

By

Bears are large, powerful mammals known for their strength and adaptability. While most bears share certain characteristics, such as being omnivores and having thick fur, each species has unique traits that help it survive in different environments, from icy tundras to tropical forests. There are eight types of bears around the world, and this guide […]

Kodiak Bear

By

The Kodiak bear (Ursus arctos middendorffi) is a subspecies of the brown bear and is one of the largest bear species in the world. Native to the Kodiak Archipelago in Alaska, these bears have lived isolated from other bears for about 12,000 years, leading to some unique adaptations. Despite their massive size, Kodiak bears are […]

Sun Bear

By

The sun bear, also known as Helarctos malayanus, is the smallest species of bear, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in unique features and behavior. Native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, this bear is often recognized by the orange or yellow crescent-shaped patch on its chest, which resembles the […]

Montessori Schools Affected by Hurricane Helene

By

Hurricane Helene has left a trail of destruction across the Southeast, with many communities reeling from the damage, including several Montessori schools. These schools, which serve as important centers of learning and support for children and families, are now struggling to rebuild. Classrooms were flooded, educational materials destroyed, and families displaced, making it a critical […]

Macaroni Penguin

By

The Macaroni Penguin (Eudyptes chrysolophus) is a striking species of penguin, easily recognized by the bright yellow-orange crest of feathers that flare from the top of its head. These medium-sized penguins are native to the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions and are one of six species of crested penguins, with large populations on islands such as […]

List of Christmas Words

By

Whether you’re integrating festive themes into lessons, creating holiday-themed activities, or simply spreading some classroom cheer, words can be a powerful tool to engage young learners. The vocabulary of Christmas offers an opportunity to explore new language, share traditions, and add a festive touch to classroom learning. In this post, you’ll find an organized list […]

Types of Penguins

By

Penguins are fascinating creatures that live primarily in the Southern Hemisphere, known for their iconic black and white tuxedo-like plumage and excellent swimming skills. While all types of penguins share certain traits, such as being flightless and thriving in cold or temperate waters, each species has its own unique characteristics. Let’s take a closer look […]

Winter Words

By

As the winter season approaches, incorporating seasonal vocabulary into your classroom can make learning engaging and fun. Below is a list of winter words organized into thematic categories, perfect for sparking discussions, inspiring creative writing, or adding a touch of the season to your lessons! Weather and Elements Clothing and Accessories Activities and Sports Nature […]

Fall and Autumn Words

By

Fall and autumn bring a season of vibrant colors, cozy moments, and the excitement of change. It’s a time when the air turns crisp, leaves crunch underfoot, and nature prepares for winter’s rest. Whether it’s the taste of warm apple cider, the sight of pumpkins on porches, or the scent of bonfires on cool nights, […]

Sea Lions vs Seals

By

Sea lions vs seals: what’s the difference? When you hear the words “sea lion” and “seal,” you might think they’re the same animal, but these two marine mammals have several differences that make each unique. Both belong to the pinniped family, meaning “fin-footed” animals, which also includes walruses. However, sea lions and seals have distinct […]

List of Halloween Words

By

Halloween is a fun and spooky time of year filled with costumes, candy, and all things creepy! Here’s a list of Halloween words grouped by theme to help you learn more about this exciting holiday. These words are perfect for classroom activities, spelling lists, or just for fun! Spooky Creatures Costumes and Accessories Scary Places […]

Sea Urchins

By

Sea urchins are fascinating marine invertebrates found in oceans around the world. With their spiny, round bodies and slow movements, they play an important role in the marine ecosystem. These unique creatures are part of the echinoderm family, which also includes starfish and sand dollars. While they may seem simple, their behavior, diet, and interactions […]

The Life Cycle of a Pumpkin

By

From seed to fruit, the life cycle of a pumpkin offers many opportunities to learn about seasons, nature, and the way that plants grow. In this post, we’ll explore the six stages in a pumpkin’s life cycle and share some fun facts about this plant. The Six Stages of the Pumpkin’s Life Cycle Pumpkins have […]

River Otters

By

River otters are fascinating, playful creatures that inhabit rivers, lakes, and coastal areas around the world. Known for their sleek bodies, sharp intelligence, and love for water, river otters are a joy to observe in the wild. They are part of the weasel family, and their adaptations allow them to live in aquatic environments, making […]

Life Cycle of a Frog

By

Frogs are among the most unique creatures in the animal kingdom, known for their incredible transformation as they grow from tiny eggs into fully developed adult frogs. The life cycle of a frog shows how living creatures can grow and change dramatically. Frogs go through four main stages: egg, tadpole, froglet, and adult frog. This […]

The Life Cycle of a Chicken Free Printable

By

The life cycle of a chicken is a fascinating journey that transforms a tiny egg into a full-grown rooster or hen. Chickens undergo several stages of development, each with its unique changes and milestones. Understanding the life cycle of a chicken can help you appreciate how these birds grow and develop from their earliest days […]

What are Invertebrates?

By

Did you know that some animals don’t have a backbone? A backbone is a line of bones that runs down our back and helps us stand up tall and strong. But not all animals need one! The animals that don’t have a backbone are called invertebrates. Invertebrates can be very small, like tiny beetles, or […]

Types of Foxes

By

Foxes are some of the most intriguing and adaptable creatures in the animal kingdom. Known for their intelligence, cunning, and beauty, foxes belong to the Canidae family of mammals. These small to medium-sized omnivores are found across a wide range of habitats, from the icy tundras of the Arctic to the arid deserts of Africa, […]

Jaguar vs Leopard

By

Jaguar vs Leopard: What’s the Difference? When we think of big cats, jaguars and leopards often stand out. Both are powerful, stunning, and enigmatic creatures, but they are distinct species with unique characteristics. This post will explore the key differences and similarities between jaguars and leopards, helping you distinguish between these remarkable animals. What is […]

Alpacas vs. Llamas

By

Alpacas vs llamas: two amazing animals from South America. They have both been important to people for thousands of years. Even though they look alike, they have many differences and both animals play important roles in their regions. In this post we will  explore how they differ in size, behavior, and uses. What is the […]

Coral Reef Animals: Facts, Pictures, and Adaptations

By

Often called the “rainforests of the sea” because of their incredible biodiversity, coral reefs support a vast number of plant and animal species in the ocean biome. Coral reefs are especially rich in unique fish and invertebrate life. From microscopic zooplankton to apex predators like sharks, let’s take a look at the diversity among coral […]

Rainforest Animals: Facts, Pictures, and Adaptations

By

Rainforest animals live in a vibrant and diverse ecosystem with many unique species. Each animal has adapted to the rainforest biome in fascinating ways. In this blog post, we will explore some amazing rainforest animals, their adaptations, and fun facts about them. We will also discuss efforts to protect these incredible creatures and their habitats […]

Desert Animals: Adaptations, Pictures, and Facts

By

Desert animals are amazing examples of how life can adapt to extreme conditions. These creatures have special ways to survive the intense heat, scarce water, and huge temperature changes in desert environments. From camels to scorpions to the fennec fox, desert animals have unique traits and behaviors that help them live in such harsh places. […]

How to Support Teachers: Insights from the Community

By

Supporting Montessori teachers effectively is essential for fostering a thriving educational environment. Teachers play a critical role in shaping the minds and hearts of their students, and their well-being directly impacts their ability to perform this role effectively. However, support for teachers goes beyond merely providing resources; it encompasses emotional, logistical, and professional aspects. To […]

Temperate Forest Animals: Adaptations, Pictures, and Facts

By

With moderate weather and a wealth of plant life, the temperate forest biome provides an ideal habitat for a wide range of animals. From invertebrates like moths and millipedes to apex predators like cougars and bald eagles, temperate forest animals have developed a variety of adaptations to make the most of this biome’s rich resources. […]

Plants of the Wetlands: Facts, Pictures, and Adaptations

By

Wetlands are incredible ecosystems filled with diverse plant life. These areas, often found near rivers, lakes, and coasts, are home to a wide variety of plants that have adapted to thrive in wet, marshy environments. The rich plant life in wetlands includes tall trees, grasses, flowers, and vines, all creating a complex web of life. […]

Wetland Animals: Adaptations, Pictures, and Facts

By

Often teeming with living creatures, wetlands feature all kinds of animals from tiny invertebrates all the way to large apex predators. To navigate the unique challenges presented by semi-aquatic environments, wetland animals have developed a wide range of strategies and adaptations. In this post, we’ll explore some of those adaptations, discuss the environmental factors that […]

Plants of the Rainforest: Facts, Pictures, and Adaptations

By

Rainforests are incredible ecosystems teeming with diverse plant life. These dense forests, found near the equator, are home to a wide variety of plants that have adapted to thrive in warm, humid environments. The lush green canopy of the rainforest is formed by tall trees, while beneath it, countless other plants create a complex web […]

Montessori Push Pinning Activities

By

The Montessori pushpinning or pin punching activity is a practical life exercise designed to develop fine motor skills and concentration in young children. In this activity, a child uses a small pushpin or punch tool to create holes along the outline of a shape or pattern on a piece of paper. The child places the […]

Preschool Themes for June

By

Looking for preschool themes for June? From ice cream to sunshine to treasures found on the beach, June is a fantastic month to engage preschoolers with themes that celebrate both the arrival of summer and special events. Whether you’re in school year round or just looking for fun themes to keep your preschoolers engaged this […]

Plants of the Temperate Forest: Facts, Pictures, and Adaptations

By

The temperate forest is home to a wide variety of plants, each with unique adaptations to survive and thrive. In this post, we’ll explore some of the fascinating plants you can find in these forests. From towering trees to delicate ferns, you’ll learn about the amazing diversity and resilience of temperate forest plants. Temperate Forest […]

Preschool Themes for Fall

By

Looking for preschool themes for fall? As the leaves begin to change and the air becomes crisp, fall presents a bounty of opportunities to explore new topics that are both educational and entertaining for young minds. This season is an excellent time to engage children with the natural world through sensory-rich experiences and exciting discoveries. […]

Montessori and Ecological Consciousness P2P Summit

By

The Montessori and Ecological Consciousness Summit is designed to explore the intersection of Montessori education and environmental stewardship. Learn from over 20 experts and educators and gain valuable insights, practical strategies, and expert guidance to enhance every child’s connection to the natural world. Are you looking for ways to nurture your learners’ natural curiosity about […]

Montessori vs. Reggio Emilia

By

This article explores the similarities and differences in Montessori vs. Reggio Emilia. It’s worth noting that Montessori is used for all ages, while Reggio Emilia is mostly used for children under 6. So, we will mostly compare Reggio and Montessori for preschool-age children.  Both Montessori and Reggio Emilia prioritize critical thinking, social skills, and experiential […]

Farm Animals: Preschool Activities and Facts

By

Farm animals provide an engaging and educational topic for preschool students. By learning about the different creatures found on farms and ranches, children can build language skills, understand biology concepts, practice counting and sorting, and much more. Scroll down for more farm theme preschool activity ideas. This blog post will introduce some of the most […]

Preschool Themes for Summer

By

Looking for preschool themes for Summer? From celebrating the summer solstice and planting gardens to exploring the ocean and more, these themes provide opportunities for hands-on fun for your young learners. Explore the Season: Preschool Themes for Summer Summer Solstice Transportation Ice Cream Gardens and Forests: Preschool Themes for Summer Camping Fungi and Mushrooms Planting […]

May Themes for Preschool

By

Looking for May themes for preschool? May is a great month for exploring new themes and topics related to spring with your preschoolers. With warmer weather and longer days, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors and learn about the plants and animals that come to life during this season. You can plan […]

Montessori Behavior Management

By

In Montessori education, behavior management empowers children to self-regulate within a prepared environment. The prepared adult guides rather than enforces, fostering a classroom atmosphere where children learn to make positive choices and develop crucial social-emotional skills. This approach minimizes conflicts and encourages a peaceful, cooperative environment, helping children build the foundations for respectful and empathetic interactions.
Read More

Plants of the Desert

By

When people hear the word desert, a barren, sandy expanse often comes to mind. However, although the climate tends to be harsh, the desert biome is actually a rich ecosystem, home to a wide range of living things. In fact, desert plants across the globe have evolved remarkable strategies to thrive where water is scarce […]

Classroom Administration: Behind the Scenes

By

Effective Montessori classroom administration harmonizes the prepared environment with the prepared adult. This approach ensures that the physical space and the educator’s role complement each other, supporting children’s independence and growth. From classroom setup and maintaining records to fostering parent-teacher relations, these practices create a well-ordered and nurturing environment where children can thrive and reach their full potential.
Read More

The Montessori Cultural Curriculum

By

The Montessori approach is based on the belief that children learn best when they are given the opportunity to explore and discover the world around them. The Montessori cultural curriculum includes lessons on geography, botany, zoology, science, art, and music. In addition to helping children develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world around […]

15 Benefits of Montessori

By

Montessori education, with its emphasis on a prepared environment for the development of the whole child, offers numerous benefits that contribute to the overall growth and development of children, from birth through adulthood. Many people first become interested in Montessori education because of the unique and beautiful materials they see in classrooms or online. These […]

Montessori Practical Life Activities

By

Montessori ‘Practical Life’ activities focus on the care of the child’s own person (personal dressing and grooming), care of the environment (cleaning, caring for plants and pets, preparing food), development of fine and gross motor skills, and learning courteous behavior and conflict resolution. The Benefits of Practical Life Activities Independence, Confidence, and Self-Care The activities […]

Montessori Curriculum for Early Childhood

By

The Montessori curriculum nurtures a child’s natural curiosity and independence across areas like Practical Life, Sensorial, Math, Language, and Cultural studies. In a prepared environment, the prepared adult facilitates hands-on, self-directed learning, encouraging exploration and mastery of foundational skills. This holistic approach supports both academic growth and the development of social-emotional skills, laying the groundwork for lifelong learning.
Read More

Montessori vs. Waldorf Education

By

In this article we look at the similarities and differences between Montessori vs. Waldorf education. Montessori, known for its focus on independence and sensory-based learning, contrasts with Waldorf’s emphasis on imagination, arts, and natural rhythms in education. But there’s a lot more to the story! As someone who has been deeply immersed in the world […]

Montessori Elementary Language Curriculum

By

Language is a remarkable human invention that allows us to share ideas, build community, and make sense of the world. In the Montessori elementary curriculum, language is seen as more than just a way to communicate. It’s also a powerful tool for personal growth and connecting with others. Maria Montessori understood that language plays a […]

Montessori and Preschool Art Activities: An Overview

By

Preschool Art Activities: Cutting Using hands and tools to change the shape of objects, especially paper Examples: Tearing Paper This is exactly what it sounds like: using fingers to tear paper into smaller pieces. This activity seems quite simple but contributes to the development of hand-eye coordination. Tearing paper also helps strengthen the hand muscles […]

Montessori Art

By

In this category, we’ll explore the role of art in Montessori education, offer suggestions and resources for setting up a successful art space in a Montessori environment, share a list of common art activities found in Montessori primary programs, and discuss strategies for addressing common challenges in Montessori art activities.  Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian […]

Setting Up The Montessori Art Area

By

When setting up a Montessori art area, ensure that materials for art activities are accessible to children with minimal adult intervention. If an art activity or technique has been presented, then the supplies for that activity should be made available for children to select freely. Montessori Shelves: Organized to Encourage Independence Many Montessori art activities […]

Montessori Art Curriculum

By

The Montessori art curriculum plays a vital role in young children’s growth and development. Montessori art activities aid in the development of fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive abilities such as problem-solving and critical thinking. Montessori art activities also foster creativity and imagination, allowing children to express themselves freely and explore their ideas visually.  […]

Guiding a Classroom with Fewer Older Students

By

Whether you are teaching a lower elementary class, an upper elementary class, or the full span that includes both lower and upper elementary, it can often be the case that there is only a small group (or even maybe just one or two!) of older children in your class.  Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast Parents […]

Montessori vs. Traditional Education: the Ultimate Guide

By

In this article, we compare Montessori vs traditional education systems, focusing on the key differences that set them apart. Whether you’re considering Montessori for your child or just curious about how it differs from conventional schooling, this article offers valuable insights into both approaches at various stages of child development. What’s Missing Throughout the years, […]

Montessori Elementary: Planning and Record Keeping Overview

By

In a Montessori Elementary classroom, planning and record-keeping form the backbone of a personalized and dynamic educational experience. Effective planning provides a structured yet flexible framework that honors the principles of freedom and choice. Planning and record keeping are among the most important yet elusive tasks you will tackle as a Montessori Elementary teacher throughout […]

Montessori and Preschool Themes

By

Below you’ll find our big list of preschool themes that work well with the cultural area of the Montessori classroom. You’ll find practical ideas for adding hands-on, developmentally appropriate activities to your environments. Themes Seasonal Themes for Preschool Autumn Themes Winter Themes Spring Themes Summer Themes Science Themes for Preschool Animals Plants & Fungi Ecology […]

Technology and Brain Development

By

How does technology affect brain development in children? How can we mindfully incorporate technology into Montessori classrooms? Is social media inherently bad for adolescents? In today’s episode, Letty is joined by Dr. Luz Casquejo Johnston to discuss technology in relation to Montessori education, particularly for upper elementary and adolescent students. Luz shares insights into child […]

Free Montessori Printables

By

Looking for our free Montessori printables? We’ve gathered them into this handy list! Use the links below to navigate to the information page for each of our printables. All of our printables are stored in the Free Resource Library. You will receive a password to access the library once you sign up (free). Want to […]

Why Montessori is Bad

By

Montessori schools often come under scrutiny for their unconventional methods. Critics are quick to highlight what they perceive as glaring flaws in the Montessori approach, painting a picture of an educational system that seems almost too radical to be effective. From the outside looking in, Montessori education appears to challenge every traditional notion of what […]

Montessori Language: An Overview of the Materials and Curriculum

By

The Montessori approach to language and literacy development in early childhood is grounded in the belief that children learn best through hands-on, experiential learning. In a Montessori classroom, children are encouraged to explore language and literacy through a variety of activities and materials.  Montessori schools place a strong emphasis on developing literacy skills in young […]