montessorian

a notebook for my musings on school and education

[cosmicnotion-blog]

Apartment Therapy / 5 Habits to Steal from Preschoolers for a Happier Home

[thedraughtsman]

The magnificent Maria Montessori, sketchbook page, rapidograph on paper.

[weefeelblog]

HOW TO MAKE A LIGHT UP SHOEBOX THEATER

Happy Monday! We love DIY projects that involve being creative, so when we saw this one we thought it would be perfect to share! It is also a great way to teach kids about feelings - instead of the winter theme, try a happy, sad, or mad face. Then act out how you are feeling today! 

[bobbyjgeorge]

"We have been trained or conditioned by society to see children in a certain way. There is a different way to see children. To get rid of preconceived ideas about childhood. About certain things we do about judgement of the child. Criticising the child or looking at the child as someone inferior or someone small."

Silvia Dubovoy (via bobbyjgeorge)

[cosmicnotion-blog]

It is necessary to make use of this psychological state, which permits the viewing of the things in their entirety, and to let him note that everything in the universe is interrelated. Thus when the child wants to understand the causes of a whole complex of effects, the world, which he has before him, can fill the normal need. But it is not always as easy to present the whole as it is to present a detail. Then it does not suffice for the teacher to limit herself to loving and understanding the child. She must first love and understand the universe. She must therefore prepare herself and work at it.

Maria Montessori, p. 20, From Childhood to Adolescence

[cosmicnotion-blog]

The world is acquired psychologically by means of the imagination. Reality is studied in detail, then the whole is imagined. The detail is able to grow in the imagination, and so total knowledge is attained. The act of studying things is, in a way, meditation on detail. This is to say that the qualities of a fragment of nature are deeply impressed upon an individual.

- Maria Montessori, p. 18, From Childhood to Adolescence

[montessoriapps-blog]

Christ the King Kindergarten is a Montessori school in Hyogo, Japan where the beautiful environment has been designed and constructed from the ground up in a modern architectural masterpiece. The building has the “children’s house” at its core, wrapped with a middle layer of community gardens and a third layer that provides indoor and outdoor play spaces.

[woodfireink]

Handmade Moon Phases Felt Garland by Alyparrot.  Her shop has a whole host of Montessori toys & fiber art!

[cosmicnotion-blog]

Great idea to have on display when teaching moon phases. I could also offer this as a practical life work so the children can make their own!

[cosmicnotion-blog]

Montessori training teaches that children should be so engaged in working they're never done. Whether focusing or moving, there's always learning taking place.

This has been a great struggle for me. I have high standards for my students, and I want their academic progress to match or exceed their counterparts in "traditional" schools. Furthermore, the students' parents expect their children's education to be rigorous and adequately prepare them for the rigors of high school and beyond.

However, I think that it is of utmost importance to teach students how to follow their interests and do the work that inspires them and engages their body and spirit. In a climate of academic achievement and standards, how do we support student interest and intrinsic motivation while also making sure that they are well-rounded students prepared for higher education?

Is it that I must do a better job of contextualizing knowledge to highlight the interrelatedness of all topics of study? Is it that I must make more works across curriculum areas that follow the interests of each child?

Where do I get the time, energy, and other resources for all of this?

[cosmicnotion-blog]

Montessori Lower Elementary students are in the second plane of development- the plane of childhood. This list talks about common characteristics teachers will see.

Characteristics of First Graders The average first grader is absorbed with herself and learning to understand herself as a person. She enjoys being the center of attention. First graders…

enjoy being first in line

have an unending supply of energy

may act silly, critical of others, or defiant

are learning to control their emotions and may cry easily

become attached to their teacher

enjoy routines

are developing their imagination and enjoy imaginative play

Characteristics of Second Graders By second grade, students are more composed. They are continuing to learn about themselves and others. Second Graders…

are beginning to reason

worry and are self-critical. They may express a lack of confidence

demand more of their teacher's time

Characteristics of Third Graders The average third grader is curious and emotional, becoming easily inspired or upset. They recognize the needs of others. Third graders…

tend to be extremely active and are sometimes impetuous

are quick to laugh and can be silly

are able to assume some responsibility for their actions

may take on more tasks or projects than they are capable

are self-critical

Montessori teachers and parents can help children in the early Second Plane of Development by helping them to:

develop a positive, realistic self-concept

respect themselves and their unique identity

understand, respect, and build relationships with others

gain awareness of feelings and how to express them

participate in groups

learn from their mistakes