"...for it is in giving that we receive..." —Francis of Assisi (13th century)Tis the season when the true spirit of giving is often overtaken by a frantic schedule. Before that happens, let's find ways you and your child can create a more meaningful holiday. Your child's innate sense of generosity can be expanded as you foc... Read More

Inside the Montessori community and beyond, multi-age classrooms are a hot topic for parents, teachers, and school administrators. Multi-age class, combination class, double grade, split-grade class, mixed-age class, ungraded class, vertically-grouped class... Are we all talking about the same thing?Angeline Stoll Lillard, ... Read More

cos·mic 1. Of or relating to the universe, especially as distinct from Earth. 2. Infinitely or inconceivably extended; vast.Dr. Montessori recognized that all of science and history tell portions of the same story: the continuing creation of the universe. Cosmic Education tells that story. In a uniquely Montessori way, the ... Read More

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

"Influenced, perhaps, by my early experience at a Montessori school... I am all for encouraging children to work productively with their hands.... It is good to give them knives, for instance, as early as you dare.... to slice a hard-boiled egg neatly and then to fillet a fish. Talk to children as you plan menus. Let their ... Read More

In summer it's hot! But with no beach, pond or pool, At home water is cool.I have many fond memories of the hot, lazy days of summer. When air conditioning was rarely in every room, we would go to the "air-cooled" movie theatre for relief from the heat. I recall a fan blowing air over a block of ice at my grandmother's. She... 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

"I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn."—Albert EinsteinMany of us have seen a young child more interested in the wrapping paper than the gift; or watched as a child played with just a string and a popsicle stick or a large empty box. Maria Montessori observed the same phe... Read More

According to E.M. Standing, in Maria Montessori: Her Life and Work, Montessori Grace and Courtesy activities are a natural expression of communal life. They teach children how to interact with people in a respectful way. Learning how to politely greet others, interrupt respectfully, open and close a door quietly, sit and st... Read More

In order to survive, humans have basic needs which fall into both material and intangible categories. As parents, we strive to provide these essentials so our children will grow and prosper. The list of necessities is not long, but each one takes conscious time and effort to manage.The Montessori elementary curriculum inclu... Read More