Montessori Blog

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 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: […]

Maria Montessori’s 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 […]

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 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 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 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 […]

Serving our students with learning disabilities can seem intimidating – but it doesn’t need to be.  The Montessori method’s 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 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 […]

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 […]

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 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, […]

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.  […]

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. […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

  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 […]

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