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 […]
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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.
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, it’s 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 about Tundra Plants
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 don’t just happen automatically. In fact, they need thoughtful nurturing to fully develop. When we speak of executive functioning skills, we’re 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! ⚠️US 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: https://courses.trilliummontessori.org/p/tax. 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 it’s 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, we’ll 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, we’ll 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 Child’s 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, we’ve 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, we’ll “dive into” 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. We’re […]
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 “lesson” 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 – 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, we’ve 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 “off.” A new teacher had taken over the class, and the energy in the community felt different…both 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, that’s 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 Piché is MACTE-credentialed (Primary, Elementary I–II,) 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 students’ 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, it’s easy to see that the amount of transformation the […]
Exuding an Air of Confidence…Even if You Aren’t 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.” ― 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 it’s […]
The Elementary Classroom Planning Bootcamp is Right Around the Corner!
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast It’s 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 you’re 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 […]
Confessions of a Reluctant Botanist
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast I remember the first month of my first year of teaching. I was at a school that was not only new to me but a new school altogether. We had two modest classrooms that were located in a church, with the hopes of one day being […]
The Tired Teacher
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast At the time of this writing, it is springtime in parts of the world, which often tends to be an extra-tired time for teachers. However, even if you are in the Southern Hemisphere and are entering into the fall months, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re […]
What Does Building Relationships with an Elementary-Aged Child Look Like?
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast Throughout the history of education, there are initiatives, movements, and even sayings that come and go. Some of them stick and become interwoven within the fabric of education, and some fizzle out after a while. Examples of recent buzzword terms and concepts that have been all […]
Human Tendencies as Witnessed in the Elementary Child
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast Maria Montessori observed that human beings did not possess the same kind of instinctual behavior that other animals do. Instead, she observed in people from various cultures throughout the world what came to be referred to as Human Tendencies. These Human Tendencies are a driving force that […]
Balancing Freedom and Responsibility in the Elementary Classroom
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast One of the hardest aspects of guiding a Montessori classroom is helping the children understand how to balance freedom with responsibility. In fact, this very concept is often woefully misunderstood! It often is the tendency that beginning teachers will veer in one direction or another favoring […]
How to Ensure Students are Repeating Math Materials and Concepts to Attain Proficiency
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast When considering both the hallmarks and benefits of the Montessori elementary classroom, one of the first things that generally comes to mind is the idea of freedom to choose work. This is one of the aspects of a Montessori environment that sets us apart from other pedagogies […]
How to Spark Further Interest in Writing in the Montessori Elementary Classroom
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast While many teacher training programs do a brilliant job at introducing the Montessori materials, it can often be the case that whatever is offered as the approach to writing with elementary children isn’t as robust or comprehensive. As a result, teachers often enter the class not […]
The Montessori Elementary Environment is Different from the Early Childhood Environment…and There Are Reasons For That!
by Letty Rising When the topic of Montessori education comes up with people who know a little bit about it, often what is described is a 3-6 classroom. After all, this is the age of development where Maria Montessori started her work with the children in Rome when she was fresh out of medical […]
Going Beyond the Montessori Elementary Albums
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast When fresh out of Montessori teacher training, you have at your handy disposal at least two armfuls of curriculum binders, often called “albums” which hold the entirety of the Cosmic Curriculum for you to present to your students. Whether you wrote your own albums composed of […]
Get Ready to Dust Off Those History Question Charts!
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast Do you have History Question Charts on your shelf in your elementary environment? If so, are they being taken out and used regularly by students in your class? Do you not know where to begin, or how to keep the interest in this valuable tool alive? […]
How Do We Know When It’s Time to Present the Next Lesson?
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast Most Montessori elementary training programs offer a plethora of information and resources to equip the emerging teacher with lessons to deliver, the philosophy behind “why” we do as we do. After all, this isn’t called Cosmic Education for nothing! We are introducing our students […]
We’re Hiring: Tech VA
Part-Time Tech VA We are in need of some assistance behind the scenes at Trillium and we would love to see some applications from BIPOC candidates for this role! This is a part-time, 1099 role, approximately 5-10 hours/week. You will be supporting our operations manager, Candace Barnard, with a variety of behind-the-scenes tasks such […]
Is it Okay to Interrupt an Elementary Child at Work?
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast This is a question that comes up all the time with elementary teachers! It is a Montessori truism that we protect the child’s work cycle from interruptions. We talk with our colleagues about resisting the urge to do the following: Pulling children out of […]
How Do We Know When Elementary Students are Ready for Abstraction?
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast One of the most inviting aspects of the Montessori approach is our beautiful materials. Other than the idea of following the child, the enticing materials are one of the main reasons why people are drawn to Montessori environments. And, how could anyone refuse these beautiful, […]
What to Do When Your Lesson Falls Flat
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast If you’ve been teaching in a classroom for any length of time, you will know that even the best laid plans sometimes yield cringeworthy results. In Montessori training, we see our teacher trainers modeling how to present these interesting and fascinating lessons that […]
Time for a Reset! Revisiting Systems, Routines, and Agreements
by Letty Rising Follow the Trillium Montessori Talks podcast When coming back from a long school break, it is often the case that any progress that has been made to normalize has gone out the window. It might in fact be the case that a part or all of the classroom community […]