Nature journaling isn’t just a drawing activity. It’s an opportunity to foster observation, patience, curiosity, and gratitude. It supports the work of Cosmic Education by placing children in relationship with their environment, helping them see that they are part of a much larger, interconnected whole. Even a single fallen leaf or an ant carrying food […]
Elementary Language
Guiding Spelling in the Montessori Elementary Classroom
Spelling is one of those areas of the Montessori elementary environment that often raises questions for educators. Unlike more defined aspects of the curriculum—such as math or geometry—spelling can feel ambiguous. Some schools implement explicit spelling programs with weekly lists and assessments, while others leave the approach entirely up to the classroom guide. Even among […]
High Frequency Words
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 […]
Montessori Elementary Language Curriculum
Language is a remarkable human invention that allows us to share ideas, build community, and make sense of the world. In the Montessori elementary curriculum, language is seen as more than just a way to communicate. It’s also a powerful tool for personal growth and connecting with others. Maria Montessori understood that language plays a […]
Montessori 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]