Montessori Blog

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

As a teacher, building relationships with your students is one of the most important things you can do to create a positive and productive learning environment. Whether you’re playing games in the classroom, board games, or outside games, these activities can be a fun and effective way to build relationships with your students.   Follow […]

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

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 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 […]

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 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 […]

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

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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.  […]

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 […]