Whether leaving home for a day at pre-school or for a week at summer camp, children can learn how to get themselves ready. Knowing how to perform the tasks of daily living is essential for children to become responsible and independent. As your child grows, your life as a parent will become easier and easier if you refrain ... Read More

"If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders."—Abigail Van Buren (the original "Dear Abby")It's still July, but it's not too early to think about the beginning of the school year. Taking a hint from the stores filled with school supplies and back-to-school specials, we c... Read More

In primitive societies, and even in quite recent times, children always participated in the life of the home. A sense of belonging, along with pride of accomplishment, help the child to grow up strong and secure. When we begin to draw the child into family chores, there are, of course, difficulties. But taking time to show ... Read More

"Music matters. Encourage your child to listen to all kinds of music and to clap, dance and sing along."—Tim Seldin, How to Raise an Amazing ChildFrom the soft chimes inside their soft, furry toys to the full orchestration of "Carnival of the Animals, " children learn how to distinguish different sounds, rhythms, and melodi... Read More

A Book Review by Kelly Griffith-Mannion, M. Ed.As a Montessori mom, I've just found the perfect best friend—a well-informed, articulate "Montessorian, " always ready to give me succinct, detailed advice on how to pull off the best parenting job ever! Well, all right. My new best friend is an invaluable book from the Sandpip... Read More

Glass at Home—by Tim Seldin, How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori WayWhenever possible, try to build a control of error into each activity so it becomes clear to your child when she has made a mistake. The rationale behind letting children use cups and bowls that break if they are dropped or misused is that children... Read More

"Solicitous care for living things affords satisfaction to one of the most lively instincts of the child's mind. Nothing is better calculated than this to awaken an attitude of foresight."—Maria Montessori, The Montessori MethodChildren can plant a seed now and nurture the seedling for next year.Planting an Arbor Day tree t... Read More

"And so we discovered that education is not something which the teacher does, but that it is a natural process which develops spontaneously in the human being."—Maria MontessoriMontessori Education Week: The Last Week of FebruaryThis time of year, we Montessorians celebrate the history and success of the Montessori method, ... Read More

Montessori Inclusion: Strategies and Stories of Support for Learners with Exceptionalities is a collaborative anthology featuring the voices of 20 distinguished contributors, offering a roadmap for accommodating children with special needs in mainstream classrooms. We interviewed three Montessorians who have been instrument... Read More

"You don't have to go far or plan a big, expensive vacation to see great stuff. In fact, some of the greatest places may be right around the corner."—Joanne O'Sullivan, 101 Places You Gotta See Before You're 12!Parents often have mixed feelings with the approach of vacation time. It's nice to have a more relaxed routine and... Read More