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 […]
Blog
Free Printable: February Idea Book
The February Seasonal Idea Book is ready! This resource includes ideas for your classroom that are easy to implement and designed to complement your existing Montessori materials. Whether youâre looking to add variety to your routine or bring in some seasonal inspiration, the activities in this book offer simple yet meaningful options. All materials featured here […]
Technology and Brain Development
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 todayâs 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
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
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
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 […]
The Montessori Pink Tower: Purpose and Activities
The Pink Tower is one of the most iconic Montessori materials used in the Early Childhood classroom. It is a set of ten wooden cubes, ranging in size from 1 cm to 10 cm, all painted pink. The cubes are designed to help children develop their visual and spatial perception skills, as well as their […]
Montessori: What is it?
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 […]
Sensitive Periods in Montessori Education
Sensitive Periods refer to specific time frames in a child’s development during which they are particularly receptive to certain types of learning. Maria Montessori observed that children have an innate ability to absorb information during these critical periods and they play a key role in how Montessori education is implemented. Fundamentals of Sensitive Periods Video: […]
The Montessori Elementary Science Curriculum
Maria Montessoriâs innovative approach to teaching Elementary Science emphasizes hands-on learning and self-directed exploration. By providing children with a carefully designed learning environment, Montessori educators aim to foster curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. Fundamentals of Montessori Elementary Science One of the key features of the Montessori Elementary Science curriculum is its focus […]
The 5 Components of Reading
There are five components of reading: vocabulary, phonemic awareness, phonics, comprehension, and fluency. History of the 5 Components of Reading Instruction Reading instruction in the United States has undergone a lot of changes over the years. In the 1980s and 90s, educators were divided on the best way to teach children to read. The “reading […]
The Scarborough Reading Rope in the Montessori Classroom
The Scarborough Reading Rope is a visual representation of the different strands that make up the process of reading, with the metaphor of a rope being used to demonstrate how all of these strands work together to create a strong, cohesive whole. It was created in the early 1990s by Dr. Hollis Scarborough, a literacy researcher, […]
The Montessori Elementary Classroom
The Montessori elementary classroom is a carefully orchestrated blend of resources, spaces, and educational philosophy. It fosters collaborative, imaginative, and inquiry-based learning, extending beyond traditional methods to celebrate each child’s path to knowledge and self-discovery. These environments are more than classrooms; they are intricately designed environments that connect with the potential of each young learner. […]
Phonological Awareness vs Phonemic Awareness
Phonological awareness is about being able to hear and manipulate units of sound in spoken words, including syllables, onset, rime, and phonemes. Phonemic awareness is about being able to hear and manipulate the smallest unit of sound, a phoneme. Phonemic awareness is a part of phonological awareness, and they both focus on the sounds that […]
From Dyslexia to Dyscalculia: Insights on Learning Disabilities
Serving our students with learning disabilities can seem intimidating – but it doesn’t need to be. The Montessori methodâs inherent adaptability is perfectly suited for working with children of varying ranges of abilities. This week’s podcast episode focuses on disabilities like dyslexia and dyscalculia, and how Montessori educators can meet the needs of the diverse […]
Montessori Human Tendencies
Montessori education is a distinctive approach that emphasizes a child’s natural development and innate desire to learn. A central component of this approach is an understanding of Montessori’s Human Tendencies, observable characteristics that guide a child’s natural development and shape their behavior. Throughout her international travels, Maria Montessori observed these Human Tendencies in children across […]
Big and Small Activities for Preschool
Understanding the concepts of “big” and “small” is a fundamental step in a child’s cognitive development. For teachers and parents looking for quick and easy ways to impart these ideas, here’s a list of engaging “big and small activities” that will not only educate but also entertain young learners. The Pink Tower & The Montessori […]
Montessori Math Curriculum
The Montessori Math curriculum builds a solid understanding of foundational mathematical principles through hands-on, concrete experiences leading to later practice with memorization and abstraction.Â
Montessori Food Preparation
Montessori food preparation teaches children practical life skills through the use of child-sized tools and age-appropriate activities. By allowing children to prepare their own snacks and meals, food prep activities promote independence, concentration, development of fine motor skills, and healthy eating habits. Montessori education is a child-centered approach to learning that emphasizes independence, hands-on learning, […]
Montessori Elementary Math
Math in Montessori Elementary classrooms utilizes a unique hands-on approach to mathematical education and discovery. Rather than simply memorizing facts, formulas, and procedures, Montessori students are encouraged to explore math through games and activities that allow children to develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, and to learn to make connections and to see patterns. […]
Montessori Planes of Development
One of the key concepts in Montessori education is the idea of the Planes of Development, which refers to the different stages of growth and development that children go through from birth to adulthood. Each Plane of Development has its own unique characteristics and needs, and the Montessori approach meets these needs at each stage. […]
Practical Life in Montessori Elementary
The Practical Life curriculum in Montessori Elementary encompasses a wide range of activities that help students connect with the larger world around them. During the Elementary years, Practical Life extends beyond the groundwork established in Early Childhood with a focus on executive function skills, building responsibility, and becoming a contributing part of the community. Foundations […]
Grace and Courtesy in Montessori
Grace and Courtesy is a fundamental aspect of the Montessori curriculum. It is an essential part of Montessori philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of respect, empathy, and kindness. Grace and Courtesy lessons teach young children how to interact with others in a polite, respectful, and considerate manner. The Montessori Method of education recognizes that learning […]
Managing Overwhelm and Burnout as a Teacher
Being a teacher is both a privilege and a challenge. We have the opportunity to shape the lives of young minds, but the demands of the job can also be relentless. If you’re feeling burned out, you’re not alone. In this post, I’ll share some strategies that have helped me regain my energy and resilience […]
The Tundra Biome: Facts, Activities, Printables
Most people generally think of the tundra as a vast, icy area with very few living things. However, while the tundra is certainly cold and icy, itâs actually home to a surprising variety of plants and animals! Each of these living things has special adaptations to survive the challenging and chilly conditions of the tundra […]
Plants of the Tundra: Adaptations, Pictures, and Facts
Plants in the tundra biome have to deal with some of the harshest conditions on Earth. With long, cold winters and short, intense summers, these plants have adapted in unique ways to survive. In this article, we’ll explore some of the fascinating adaptations that tundra plants have developed to thrive in this challenging environment. One […]
Animals of the Tundra: Adaptations, Images & Facts
The tundra biome is one of the harshest environments on Earth, characterized by long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Despite the extreme conditions, many animals have adapted to survive in this unforgiving landscape. From polar bears to Arctic foxes, these animals have developed a range of physical and behavioral adaptations that allow them to […]
What are Biomes?
If you love exploring the great outdoors, you might have heard of the term “biome.” But what exactly are biomes? A biome is a big area of our planet where certain types of plants and animals live together because they like the same kind of climate. It’s a special area on Earth where everything fits […]
Types of Biomes
There are many different types of biomes, each with their own unique characteristics and inhabitants. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common biomes found around the world. What are Biomes? Biomes are large areas of land that share similar climate, vegetation, and animal life. One of the biggest factors that determines what […]
Executive Functioning Skills in Elementary
As Montessori guides, we know that executive functioning skills like planning, focus, and emotional regulation donât just happen automatically. In fact, they need thoughtful nurturing to fully develop. When we speak of executive functioning skills, weâre talking about the set of abilities that help us manage our thoughts, emotions, and actions effectively. This episode explores […]
Learning About the Human Body
Did you know that the human body is made up of around 30 trillion cells? From the internal systems that keep us going to the senses that help us explore the world, the human body is full of exciting information to discover. In this post, we’ll share a roundup of ideas for a human body […]
Beyond Early Childhood and Materials: Montessori Across the Planes of Development
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast Dr. Luz Casquejo Johnston is a seasoned Montessori advocate, with over 20 years experience in education. Having immersed herself in the movement since the 1970s as a primary student, she later returned as an adult to earn her AMS Lower Elementary I Credential. Dr. Casquejo […]
Have You Been Looking for a Music Album? (Introducing: The Music Bundle!)
The Music Course Bundle Sale starts now! Now through November 9th you can save 40% on this amazing bundle of courses! â ïžUS tax exempt organizations, please remember to purchase on the tax-exempt site. If you have not already been approved as a tax exempt buyer, please complete the form found on this page: âhttps://courses.trilliummontessori.org/p/taxâ. The […]
Montessori Literacy and the Science of Reading: Insights from Zil Jaeger
There is a whole world of research available to educators about the science of reading, and ideas on how to apply it to Montessori literacy principles. This week on the podcast, we are talking about ways to reframe our thinking when it comes to literacy, how to help our students who don’t have a strong […]
Bringing Joy and Levity to Montessori Spaces
In this week’s episode of the podcast, Letty is talking to Lisa Thauvette about why we should bring joy and levity into Montessori education, how itâs linked to student learning, how to incorporate play in the classroom, and how joy can be felt among the adults in the community as well. Lisa is a former […]
Christmas Words that Start with Y
The holiday season is a wonderful time to expand our vocabulary with festive words. While we often hear about common Christmas words, there are some unique and interesting ones that start with the letter “Y.” These words can add a fun twist to your holiday lessons and activities. In this article, we’ll explore a variety […]
Christmas Words that Start with N
The holiday season is a wonderful time to expand our vocabulary with festive words. While we often hear about common Christmas words, there are some unique and interesting ones that start with the letter “N.” These words can add a fun twist to your holiday lessons and activities. In this article, we’ll explore a variety […]
41 Christmas Words that Start with E
While we often hear about common Christmas words, there are some unique and interesting Christmas words that start with the letter E. The holiday season is a wonderful time to expand our vocabulary with festive words and these words can add a fun twist to your holiday lessons and activities. In this article, we’ll explore […]
Why Planning and Record Keeping are Essential for Montessori Schools
In this week’s podcast episode, Letty is talking to Elizabeth Slade of Public Montessori in Action, which aims to ensure fully-implemented Montessori education for children, families, and educators of the global majority. They are discussing how planning and record keeping tools help increase a program’s fidelity to high quality Montessori implementation. Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast […]
Christmas Words that Start with J
Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and special traditions. For teachers looking to expand their students’ holiday vocabulary, Christmas words that start with “J” can offer a fun and educational way to explore the season. From familiar festive terms like “jingle bells” to meaningful words like “Jesus” and “joy,” this list is perfect for […]
Christmas Words that Start with H
The Christmas season is full of heartwarming traditions, joyful gatherings, and meaningful words that capture the spirit of the holiday. In this post, weâll explore Christmas words that start with the letter “H.” These words reflect the kindness, joy, and togetherness that define the season, helping elementary teachers bring the festive spirit into the classroom. […]
Christmas Words that Start with W
The holiday season is filled with joy and wonder, and many words starting with the letter “W” perfectly capture the festive spirit of Christmas. From cozy traditions to delightful decorations, these words help us celebrate the season in meaningful ways. This blog post introductes teachers and their students to a collection of Christmas words that […]
Christmas Words that Start with O
Christmas is a magical time of year filled with wonderful traditions and festive activities. From holiday decorations to sweet treats, there are many Christmas words that start with the letter “O.” In this blog post, weâll explore these “O” words and how they relate to Christmas. Each word is accompanied by a simple description and […]
Christmas Words that Start with C
The holiday season is full of special words that capture the magic, warmth, and togetherness of Christmas. Whether it’s cozying up by the fire, baking cookies, or gathering with loved ones, each word brings to mind festive traditions and moments of joy. In this post, we’ll explore Christmas words that start with “C.” These words […]
Christmas Words that Start with X
Finding Christmas words that start with the “X” may seem tricky, but there are some great options that can add fun and intrigue to your classroom discussions. Below are a few festive Christmas words that start with “X,” with explanations and example sentences to help elementary students learn the meanings behind them. Here Is A […]
Christmas Words that Start with P
Christmas is a magical time of year filled with festive traditions, joyful celebrations, and heartwarming moments. As teachers, sharing the spirit of the season with students can be a fun and educational experience. One way to bring holiday cheer into the classroom is by exploring Christmas words that start with the letter “P.” These words […]
Christmas Words that Start with G
The holiday season is a wonderful time to expand our vocabulary with festive words. There are many interesting Christmas words that start with “G.” In this article, we’ll explore a variety of Christmas words that start with “G,” including their meanings and cultural origins. Let’s dive into the magical world of “G” words for Christmas! […]
Christmas Words that Start with F
The holiday season is filled with lots of vocabulary to teach students! Here is a list of Christmas words that start with the letter “F,” each with a brief description and an example sentence. These words are perfect for elementary teachers looking to expand their students’ vocabulary during the holiday season. Here Is A List […]
Christmas Words that Start with i
Christmas is a magical time of year, and many words associated with the holiday season start with the letter “i.” Below is a list of Christmas words beginning with “i,” perfect for introducing your students to festive vocabulary. Here Is A List Of Unique Christmas Words That Start With “i” To Expand Your Childâs Christmas […]
Christmas Words that Start with V
The Christmas season is a great time to expand students’ vocabularies with words that capture the spirit of the holiday. Below is a list of Christmas words that start with the letter “V,” perfect for elementary school lessons. Each word includes a simple description and an example sentence to help students understand and use these […]
Christmas Words that Start with D
While we often hear about common Christmas words, there are some unique and interesting Christmas words that start with the letter D. The holiday season is a wonderful time to expand our vocabulary with festive words and these words can add a fun twist to your holiday lessons and activities. In this article, we’ll explore […]
Christmas Words that Start with K
The holiday season is a great time to introduce students to new vocabulary. Here is a list of Christmas words that start with the letter “K.” These words can help elementary students expand their understanding of the season and bring a festive touch to your classroom lessons. Below is a list of Christmas words that […]
Christmas Words that Start with S
For teachers looking to incorporate Christmas-themed vocabulary into their lessons, here’s a list of Christmas words that start with the letter “S.” These words can help enrich students’ language skills while keeping the holiday spirit alive. Each word comes with a brief description and an example sentence suitable for elementary students. Here Is A List […]
Christmas Words that Start with M
The holiday season is filled with magic, memories, and moments that start with the letter “M.” For teachers, exploring Christmas words that start with “M” can be a fun and educational way to engage students in holiday-themed activities. Below is a list of “M” words associated with Christmas, along with simple descriptions and example sentences […]
Christmas Words that Start with U
When it comes to celebrating Christmas, there are plenty of words that start with the letter “U” that can help students expand their holiday vocabulary. Whether it’s a festive activity, a Christmas tradition, or simply a word that captures the spirit of the season, these words can be a great addition to your classroom. Below […]
The Inspiring Journey of New Montessori School Owners in Atlanta
In this episode of Montessori Talks, we discuss the inspiring story of Najee and Sesealy Owens, the new owners of Decatur Montessori School in Atlanta. They share their experience transitioning from other work to embracing the Montessori world and the challenges they faced during the pandemic. by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast […]
Christmas Words that Start with Q
The holiday season is a wonderful time to expand your students’ vocabulary with festive words. While “Q” might not be the first letter that comes to mind when thinking of Christmas, there are plenty of unique and interesting words that start with “Q.” Below is a list of Christmas words that start with the letter […]
Christmas Words that Start with R
The Christmas season is full of rich vocabulary that can help students learn new words and celebrate the holiday spirit. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of Christmas words that start with “R,” including their meanings and cultural origins, perfect for your classroom activities. Here Is A List Of Unique Christmas Words That Start […]
Christmas Words that Start with L
Introducing students to Christmas-themed vocabulary is a great way to enhance their language skills while embracing the festive spirit. The holiday season is a wonderful time to expand our vocabulary with festive words and these words can add a fun twist to your holiday lessons and activities. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of […]
Christmas Words that Start with T
Christmas is a time filled with joy, traditions, and special moments. The holiday season is a wonderful time to expand our vocabulary with festive words and these words can add a fun twist to your holiday lessons and activities. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of Christmas words that start with T, including their […]
Embracing Bilingual Education in Montessori Schools: Challenges, Successes, and the Future
In this week’s podcast episode, we delve into bilingual Montessori education, exploring its challenges, successes, and future. Our special guest is Marikay McCabe, an educational leader and researcher from Spain working with a team on an exciting bilingual project focusing on building bilingual programs in elementary schools. by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks […]
Christmas Words that Start with B
The holiday season is filled with joy, wonder, and a wealth of new vocabulary for young learners. This list of Christmas words that start with the letter “B” is designed to help teachers introduce their students to festive language. Each word is accompanied by a simple description and an example sentence to make learning fun […]
Christmas Words that Start with A
Introducing students to Christmas-themed vocabulary is a great way to enhance their language skills while embracing the festive spirit. The holiday season is a wonderful time to expand our vocabulary with festive words and these words can add a fun twist to your holiday lessons and activities. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of […]
Christmas Words that Start with Z
The holiday season is a wonderful time to expand our vocabulary with festive words. While we often hear about common Christmas words, there are some unique and interesting ones that start with the letter “Z.” These words can add a fun twist to your holiday lessons and activities. In this article, we’ll explore a variety […]
The Journey of Dahlia Montessori and the Power of Multilingual Education
Today, we are joined by two proponents of multilingual education from The Dahlia School of San Francisco, a Wildflower School. For those unfamiliar, Wildflower is a network of small micro-schools located throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and other regions. Our guests today are Lindsey Barnes, the founder of Dahlia Montessori, and David Hernandez, the school’s […]
Debunking the Montessori Three-Hour Work Cycle
In this episode of Montessori Talks, Letty Rising interviews Jana Morgan Herman, an experienced Montessori educator and the National Director of a teacher training center for Endeavor Schools. Jana’s recent article in Montessori Life, titled “Mandate or Myth: The Uninterrupted Three-Hour Work Cycle,” challenges a commonly accepted Montessori concept and has sparked a debate within […]
The Rainforest Biome: Resources for the Classroom
Did you know that rainforests cover only 6% of the Earth’s surface but are home to more than half of the world’s plant and animal species? The rainforest biome is an important part of the Earth’s ecosystem, providing oxygen, regulating the climate, and supporting many, many species of plants and animals. Learning about the rainforest […]
Learning About Mammals
From the freezing tundra to the scorching desert and even in the ocean, mammals can be found all over the world. Some of the most well-known mammals include cats, dogs, bears, monkeys, whales – and humans! In this blog post, weâve gathered a variety of resources to support a unit focused on learning about mammals. […]
Co-Teaching in a Large Upper Elementary Classroom
In this interview, we learn from a pair of insightful Montessori educators who skillfully manage co-teaching in their sizable classroom. Contrary to the widespread belief that co-teaching can be as demanding as a marriage, these teachers have successfully honed their approach to foster collaboration and prioritize student-focused instruction. by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks […]
A Guide to Montessori Homeschooling
Parents who embark on a homeschooling journey often find that they need the wisdom and support of mentors who can help guide them so that they can in turn guide their own children. Join us this week on the podcast for a guide to Montessori homeschooling. by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast […]
The Ocean Biome
Did you know that the ocean covers about 70% of the Earth’s surface? Or that there’s enough salt in the ocean to completely cover all the Earth’s land surfaces? The ocean is an amazing place! In this blog post, weâll âdive intoâ ideas to support a unit study of the vast ocean biome. We’ll give an […]
Learning About Fish
Did you know that there are over 30,000 species of fish in the world? Or that some fish can change their color to blend in with their surroundings? Fish are fascinating creatures that can be found in various bodies of water around the world. Learning about fish is an excellent way for children to expand their […]
The Desert Biome
Did you know that most desert regions receive less than 10 inches of rain per year? Plants and animals in the desert biome have developed some amazing strategies to survive in this harsh, arid climate. For example, the camel is able to survive for long periods without water thanks to the ability to store fat […]
A Journey to Virtual Montessori Homeschooling
The future of education is constantly shifting. Hybrid models that split the students’ time between the Montessori classroom and homeschooling are giving way to entirely virtual homeschooling models utilizing the Montessori method. Christine Sithichai, a veteran Montessori guide with 20 years of classroom experience, is sharing all about her journey from a brick-and-mortar school to […]
Creating Confident and Competent Writers
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast Writing opportunities present themselves in the elementary classroom in a variety of ways. Some students are naturally inclined writers, and others might lack the confidence to write. In our newest podcast episode, Letty Rising is chatting with Madeline Walk, Elementary Content Editor at Trillium Montessori. Weâre […]
The Fundamental Needs of Humans: Ideas for Deeper Exploration
The Fundamental Needs of Humans lesson sparks great interest in children because, even though many of the other elementary lessons and materials may seem unfamiliar to a child who has never been exposed to them, we can all relate to and identify our own personal and individual needs. The Fundamental Needs of Humans chart provides […]
The Temperate Forest Biome
With a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees (and often featuring dramatic changes from season to season!) the temperate forest biome is a fascinating ecosystem providing a home for a diverse range of plant and animal species. In this post, we’ll explore this beautiful biome and share useful resources for putting together a forest unit […]
Learning About Reptiles
From chameleons that can change color to crocodiles that can hold their breath for hours, reptiles are a captivating group of animals that can be found all over the world. Learning about reptiles can help children to broaden their scientific knowledge and vocabulary, as well as deepen their appreciation for the natural world. In this […]
When Less is More: A Case for Giving Fewer Lessons
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast One of the unique challenges of being a Montessori guide is deciding how many lessons to present on any given day. What is the ideal number? 4? 7? 10? And what constitutes a âlessonâ to be included in this number? And what about how many lessons […]
The Wetland Biome
Have you ever spent time in a wetland? The wetland biome is full of fascinating plants and animals that are adapted to living in and near water, like cattails, water lilies, salamanders, frogs, turtles, and herons. The wetland also plays an important role in helping keep our water clean â more about this below. In […]
Handling Classroom Transitions
Anyone who has been a teacher knows that classroom transitions can be tough. Children often find it challenging to transition between physical places, activities, and objects of attention. Having to stop one thing and start another can lead to the manifestation of unwanted behaviors. by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast Thanks to […]
ChatGPT for Teachers in Montessori Elementary Classrooms
ChatGPT for Teachers – Montessori elementary teachers can use ChatGPT as a resource for their classrooms to support student learning and development. From generating sentences and paragraphs to creating word problems and lists of procedures, ChatGPT offers a wide range of possibilities, making it a valuable assistant teacher. With some practice, teachers can learn to […]
The Grassland Biome
Did you know that many grasslands depend on periodic wildfires to maintain balance in the ecosystem? A grassland is a large, open region containing many grasses and other low-growing plants. The grassland biome is found on all continents except Antarctica. In this blog post, weâve collected resources for a unit study on grassland plants, animals, […]
Montessori and Visual Thinking Strategies
Today we’re talking about Montessori in the public sector and Visual Thinking Strategies. Our guest is Katie Brown, the Director of Research and Professional Development at The National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector. by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast Katie Brown is the Director of Research and Professional Learning […]
Interview with Rachel Kimboko, Executive Director of DC Wildflower Public Charter School
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast Rachel Kimboko is the Executive Director of Stakeholder Engagement at DC Wildflower Public Charter School. She holds an AMI elementary diploma and has worked in Montessori public and private settings, both as a teacher and as a school leader. Letty: Tell me about your role at […]
Celebrating 10 Years of Trillium!
Happy New Year, Everyone! Wow, it’s 2023! I wrote my first blog post on January 1, 2013. That does not feel like a decade ago! But a lot has happened during that time and I am so grateful to all of you for being part of this journey. Want to take a walk down memory lane with me? This […]
2022: A Look Behind the Scenes
My last newsletter of the year is usually a recap of the milestones of the past 12 months. While we’ve had an eventful year here at Trillium, I’d like to take this time to give you a behind the scenes look at my personal year and thank the people who made it possible. Many of […]
Fostering a Connected Community: Helping Your Students Branch Out from their Preferred Work Partners
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast Once when I was a school administrator, there was an elementary classroom that I observed as being slightly âoff.â A new teacher had taken over the class, and the energy in the community felt differentâŠboth inside the classroom and out at recess. I noticed that there […]
Flexibility without Compromise: How to be a Responsive Teacher While Adhering to Montessori Essentials
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast The notion of flexibility without compromise seems, at first glance, contradictory. Like many terms used in Montessori circles that are joined together and also seemingly paradoxical, such as freedom and responsibility, structure and choice, and follow the child vs order and procedure, there is an endless […]
The Pencil Problem
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast There are very few topics in the elementary classroom that I hear more about than the continuous struggle about how to manage pencils. Never mind the colored pencils, thatâs a whole other topic! Today we will just stick to regular lead pencils that the children use, […]
Leadership in the Montessori Elementary Classroom with Peter Piché
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast Peter PichĂ© is MACTE-credentialed (Primary, Elementary IâII,) Montessori educator who founded and designed the Secondary I Montessori program at Montessori Community School in Durham, North Carolina, after attending Great Work’s Orientation to Montessori Adolescent program. In addition to getting his professional leadership coaching certification from the […]
An Interview with Jess Gagne on Favorite Lessons, New Students, and More!
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast Jess is an Elementary Lead Guide and poet in Brooklyn, NY. She has worked with children of almost all ages in a variety of settings to facilitate holistic growth and the building of a strong and supportive school community, and has also consulted for the WNYC […]
Scientific Exploration in the Elementary Years: An Interview with Zoe Rising
Affiliate links may be used in this post at no cost to you. Learn Libre (formerly known as Montessori Laboratory) is a Montessori science program designed to help educators and caregivers nurture and encourage their studentsâ interest in the magnificence of the universe. Learn Libre was founded by Zoe Rising and Rich Worley who […]
Working With What You Have: Tips on Guiding an Under-Resourced Classroom
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast The world is rapidly changing all around us. When I think of the Timeline of Humans, and just how long it took for change to take place from the beginning of human life until now, itâs easy to see that the amount of transformation the […]
Exuding an Air of ConfidenceâŠEven if You Arenât Feeling It!
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast Confidence is considered an essential trait that we hope for all children to develop. When we think of a confident child, we can imagine a child who throws up a hand and takes a risk to answer a question they may not have the answer to, […]
How to Be a Strong Elementary Guide
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” â William Arthur Ward I came across this quote recently, and it prompted me to think about the variety of methods we use to teach children. Sometimes itâs […]
The Elementary Classroom Planning Bootcamp is Right Around the Corner!
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast Itâs feeling like summertime across much of the northern hemisphere, and while some of you might be in the throes of lazy summer days, sipping iced tea on a lounge chair by the pool, many of you are starting to break into a sweat […]
Time to Reflect: Questions to Ask Yourself to Improve Your Craft
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast When considering elevating your teaching practice, there are really two major paths towards self-improvement. One is external feedback from colleagues who can let you know if youâre on the right track or might need to make some adjustments. The other is self-reflection. The great thing […]
Is it Ever Okay to Praise a Child?
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast In Montessori training, most of us have been cautioned about offering praise to children. This flies in the face of what many of us grew up with, as it was implicitly communicated that praise was to be used as a measure of counteracting the […]
How to Respond to Questions from Elementary Children
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast I once gave a workshop to a group of parents, and when I talked about how elementary-aged children are knowledge-seekers who are interested in knowing about everything, I saw flickers of joy and delight on their faces as they imagined their children absorbing the totality of […]