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Are you new to Montessori?! Do you feel sometimes overwhelmed by the amount of new information you need to process? Would you like to hear advice from Montessori parents, bloggers, and teachers on common mistakes Montessori newbies make and how to avoid them!?
If you’re new to Montessori, my advice would be to focus on creating a calm and organized environment for your child. This means having a designated space for each activity or material and keeping clutter to a minimum. It’s also important to observe your child and follow their interests, rather than trying to force them to engage in activities they’re not interested in.
It’s an amazing educational approach that focuses on child-led learning and development. Montessori classrooms are designed to be peaceful, respectful environments that foster independence, creativity, and critical thinking skills in children.
Remember, Montessori is all about following the child’s lead and allowing them to learn at their own pace. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help or guidance from more experienced Montessori parents or educators. They can offer valuable insight and support as you navigate this new approach to education and parenting.
As a new Montessori teacher, it’s important to remember that each child is unique and valuable. Take the time to observe and understand each child’s needs and learning style. Encourage independence and self-motivation by providing a prepared environment that allows for exploration and discovery. Remember to always model respect and kindness towards all children, and never underestimate their abilities or potential. Stay curious, stay patient, and never stop learning.
I invited people who successfully implemented the Montessori method into their parenting and teaching to share their opinion and expertise. We are here to help those who are at the start of their Montessori journey. Here is a piece of knowledge that you won’t find in manuals because we share our personal experiences something we have learned from making our own mistakes. We hope we can help you to avoid them, and have a smooth transition into the world of the Montessori method.
Pamela Green
Ananda Montessori | Facebook | Blog | Linkedin
I think one of the biggest missed opportunities for someone entering into the real world of a Montessori classroom is to not locate an experienced Montessori Guide to mentor with.
For me, my training was helpful, but the real inner work, the transformational work, happened during my mentoring which I received for 8 years, and continue to. It is important to not isolate yourself, to observe when and wherever you can, to ask for guidance, and to look to the child when you are uncertain of what to do.
One thing one of my mentors advised, and practiced while teaching was…if you are uncertain of what to do in a moment, sit down anyplace and anywhere with the children and sing. It opens your heart.
Jo Ebisujima
My Organized Chaos | Blog | Facebook | Instagram
From working with many parents just starting on their Montessori journey, I’d say the biggest mistake is to try and replicate a school in their home. Unless you are full-time homeschooling with a number of kids, you don’t actually need all that equipment.
Buying a few key pieces to start with, such as The Pink Tower, The Brown Stair, The Red Rods and The Knobless Cylinders are a great place to start. Many other activities can be put together using things that you have around the home.
The other problem which is interconnected with the above is when parents try to present activities without really understanding why and when. Expecting a 3-year-old to be interested because the manual says that they should be. Instead of learning to follow the child.
It’s easy to get sucked into reading blogs and pinning like crazy on Pinterest and then putting together amazing work for the child to do but if the child is not drawn to the work, or not in a sensitive period for that particular type of work. Then the activity will flop and the parents often feel frustrated or annoyed.
It’s important when you are starting out to sit back and observe, really watch your child and learn to see what lights them up, they all develop differently so accept your child is where he or she needs to be right now and take the cues for equipment, work, and activities from there.
Paulone
Inspire Montessori | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest
There are many but I would say, being too controlling. Freedom in the Montessori classroom is not easy to keep well balanced. We cannot let everything become free for all but we have to also be careful to not micromanage everything in the false hope of making normalization happen.
Jeanne-Marie Paynel
Voila Montessori | Facebook | Youtube | Pinterest
I often see this mistake in photos of Montessori bedrooms for the young child. The bed and the mirror should always be separated. The floor bed is for relaxation and sleep, the mirror is for active play and movement. It is important to create two different areas so as to not confuse the child.
The mirror and bar can often be placed in a communal area of the home, this will keep the child close to the rest of the family where we can observe them and they can observe us. The floor bed should be set up in a quiet area of the home, either in their own bedroom or in the parent or older sibling’s room.
A. M. Sterling
Sterling Production | Montessori at Home Guide Ages 0-2 | Montessori at Home Guide Ages 2-6
One of the biggest mistakes that parents or caregivers can make is having an environment that is not fully prepared for learning. This is so fundamental in harvesting a place for your children to grow and learn!
A properly set up environment is one that is free of clutter, distractions, and hazards and is accessible to your child regardless of age. This is something “Montessori Newbies” as well as skilled Montessorians must focus on constantly.
Get rid of distractions such as the television and iPads. Minimize electrical cords, cover electrical outlets, and keep the space clean. Use the child’s point of view to help you adapt the environment to the child. Help put things within reach of the child by lowering them or by putting stools in place so they can reach things like sinks to wash hands or the countertop so that they may help out with meal preparation.
Incorporate child-sized items like cups, utensils, tables, and chairs into their surroundings so that they can mimic you with ease.
Children are naturally curious, which creates the very foundation of their learning. Honor their curiosity by preparing the environment properly and gently guiding your child as he or she blossoms into their full potential.
Follow the child, as well, to not only help you prepare their environment but to acknowledge that they are impressively able to lead their own educational experience.
Congratulations “Newbies”, on discovering the world of Montessori!
-Ashley and Mitch Sterling (A. M. Sterling)
Renae Eddy
Every Star Is Different | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter
Many Montessori newbies tend to skip over the sensorial materials and instead focus on language and math skills with young children. Some also focus on practical life skills. People tend to forget that in order for children to succeed in the classroom, they need to understand the senses and awaken them for learning.
This occurs when introducing sensorial materials before introducing language and math materials. Thankfully fixing the problem is easy. Don’t forget sensorial materials and activities!
Christine O’Leary
Ultimate Montessori Parents Guide | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
I think one of the biggest mistakes new Montessori parents make is that they can find it difficult to stop interrupting their child. Over and over again parents tell me that they found it hard to stand back and observe their child at first without interrupting and directing and ‘suggesting’ and ‘helping’.
But once they do stop interrupting and instead learn to observe their child, they quickly see that there is a natural rhythm to the way their child works. Parents are often amazed and how deeply – and for how long – their child can concentrate when allowed to do so. Montessori requires a shift in thinking for parents and one of the big shifts is to ‘follow the child’.
Parents often tell me that they didn’t realise how much they interrupted their child needlessly to get the child to do something to the adult’s schedule – even when that wasn’t really necessary. A second mistake that parents often make is that they underestimate the change that is required in THEM.
Often Montessori parents experienced a different parenting style in their own childhood and it soon becomes apparent how hardwired those parenting habits are, particularly during times of time pressure or stress. The characteristics of a Montessori adult (patience, humility, and grace) can take some time to assume, but parents tell me the results are always worth it, thousand times over.
Claudia C.
Montessori is about structure. The misconception lies in a misunderstanding of the definition and role of the prepared environment and not understanding or realizing that the children shape their learning in the prepared environment.
M. Denison
I believe one common mistake Montessori newbies make is confusing routine with a schedule. When you are first starting out you learn that children like to have predictability in their day so it is tempting to sit down and write a minute-by-minute schedule, however, how realistic is this?
We are talking about children here. Events come up and sometimes your child is in the middle of a self-directed teachable moment but the clock says it is time to start lunch. Do you interrupt that precious self-exploration moment for the sake of sticking with a schedule?
I think it is best to have routines, no strict schedules. Rest time is followed by individual time or after breakfast, we go outside. Do not kill yourself on the minutes and set times. Montessori creates a beautiful environment that is fluid and adaptable based on the child’s current exploration and development.
Some days you have to read a book 5 times because your child is soaking it up like a sponge while tomorrow they may only choose to sit through one story. Today your child might spend two hours outside because they discover a locust and want to look at it and listen to it. On other days they might not even notice that turtle outside or be less than thrilled they are outside in 100F-degree weather.
Do not put so much pressure on yourself to follow a strict schedule. Montessori is a way of life directed by independence and exploration, not something foreign and unnatural. Strive for routine in will feel more genuine and keep your sanity.
Fatima
I think the common mistake we make in the beginning is trying to apply a philosophy we don’t even understand! We have to take time to read about it, review its differences from the way our parents raised us, and focus on every type of activity that is possible with DIY material, to grasp the whole process of each activity before investing in any expansive material. Thank you
Linda
New teachers should understand the context the children come from and not expect a child to be independent right away Many children come from homes where chaos is the norm. They bring that with them, and work on making connections, and trust relationships.
Once a child is settled in let them explore and observe them. Don’t try to control the process. Don’t try to be the perfect Montessori teacher. It is all a process and we will grow with it if we pay attention to what is going on within ourselves. Have fun with the kids.
For Parents. Don’t expect the child to be an academic wonder. The Montessori is not about producing an academic astute child. Even though many times that is a result. Work on making your philosophy at home align with the Montessori philosophy. (No we don’t think you are in need of parent classes) But it makes the transition from home to school easier for your child. That is what we are aiming for, isn’t it? Making life easier?
Heidi B
I really believe it is important to explain our philosophy matter of fact~ NOT advertise or predict that someone’s child will be doing this and doing that to make it sound as if we are cranking geniuses, to appease a certain type of advanced academic-expecting parents.
We need to communicate that as we work with “the whole child,” that is what we do and that the works are all here waiting for the moment a child is truly ready for it. There should be no rushing into writing when a child has not developed fine motor control, no reading if they haven’t mastered phonics, etc.
Nereida
The biggest rookie mistake is to assume if you are prepared to do lessons that the children and the classroom will run efficiently. You do need to be prepared but you also need a Plan B to fall back on. That means being flexible and not being unwilling to forget what you had planned and doing something unexpected because that’s what the needed, especially when the day is not going according to plan.
Take advantage of your Teacher Assistants’ hidden talents and skills. The Assistant can be a great ally. Her classroom management, music, and other talents can create a bridge between you and some of the more difficult parent-teacher relationships. In some of my Parent-Teacher Conferences, the biggest thing some of my parents rave about is my Assistant’s French or Fish Tail braiding of their little girl’s hair and how happy this makes their child feel. This is so unexpected but so treasured by the parents.
Maggie
I find a lot of new Montessori teachers have a hard time taking the time out of their day to OBSERVE their classroom– what’s going on daily with the children and the overall ambiance of the classroom etc. Even if you take 10 min a day just observing it makes all the difference
I also notice that a lot of new teachers expect everything that they learned from their training to go exactly as they learned it– children in real life are different than reading it in a book.
The last thing I notice with newbies is they don’t have very good parent communication skills.
Sheryl
My own experience here in the states with “newbies” is the idea that Montessori is for those with money to afford private or charter schools. I know that some charters are publicly funded but often the association made to Montessori is to ‘that which is out-of-the-question for most families, monetarily and/or culturally.
Millie
I think my biggest mistake was not realizing how much time it really takes to prepare the lessons and the corresponding materials. Lessons need to be fun, educational and must have a common denominator with the interests of the child. Organization, and freeing time for research and prep were my tools for success.
Blydie
One of the biggest mistakes is not following your child – buying materials and laminating cards can become an obsession and observing and following your child are more important.
Ruchi
Before entering in Montessori world, newbies should understand it fully. Newbies should only use those educational materials which correlate to the curriculum. Before applying any Montessori method, it is very essential to understand the culture, environment, and surroundings in which kids are growing. You can not apply all the methods and tools at all the places at the same level.
Applying required modifications, and understanding individual differences is the basic necessity. I think this is one common mistake that parents, homeschoolers, or teachers make. I can say this by my personal experiences as a mother of two kids. I am neither very active on social media nor have my own website. Technology can only guide you but it can never be the only way to learn about Montessori.
Christine
Okemos Public Montessori at Central
1) Often I observe that new Montessorians may not have the practice of not shouting across the room. Though a bell or rain stick may be used to get the whole class’s attention, walking up to a child and waiting for them to be interrupted- then whispering in their ear is always a good habit rather than interrupting many just to speak to one. Ideally, waiting to speak to a child when they take a natural break is also encouraged.
However, a dead silent room all the time is not the goal- observing the children and providing an environment that fits their needs is- and if some need to whisper to work- that is ok as long as they are respectful to others. I have observed new teachers threatening students to lose recess if they are too loud.
2) Thinking that our album is a curriculum map (elementary). When you are unfamiliar with the scope and flow of the lessons, then it seems arbitrary to follow the lessons you observed in training (and you may forget)- so utilize what is out there from sites like AMS or Montessori Made Manageabe. Do not fear the Common Core State Standards. The majority of them fit nicely with what we cover anyway- educated yourself before reacting to them.
3) Peace education MUST be regularly practiced in the room. This is also demonstrated by how you interact with children – they are always observing you too.
4) Montessori education is based on a PHILOSOPHY- just because you have the materials does NOT mean you are following Dr. Montessori. Read Read and Read and then talk to experienced Montessorians. Observe in other classes. Remember that it will take at least 3 years for you to get a comfortable feel of the cycle.
Silvia
Tiny Seeds in the Wind | Facebook
In Italy, Montessori newbies think that “the Montessori method” means “freedom” and that children can do all that they want because they need to explore all the possibilities to choose independently.
I’m a Montessori teacher and I have already understood that unfortunately many parents here don’t read Montessori books and take only some information on the web 🙁 .. I think that it’s very important to explain to them that, yes, the child is “free to choose”, but only in a Montessori environment, with the right material to work on and with an expert teacher who can support him in his development!
Lobna
When I was a newbie, I was still influenced by my culture and how I was raised, I applied the punishment method once (time-out) which I felt was wrong at the time. I asked my mentor what to do in such a situation especially I deal with juniors (2.5Y, time-out for those? come on… what was I thinking!!).
This usually happened in circle time when some refused to sit still cress cross apple sauce…. later I learned what to do. I shortened the circle time, engaged in more songs that require motion (I jumped and danced with them, it seemed to do miracles with those tiny humans), and whoever found it so hard to join our circle I left him to do whatever he wants. eventually, he/she joins the fun.
Mythili
Little Folks Montessori Pre-School
When I started school nine years back I was really worried about freedom and discipline or responsibility. Now I am convinced children to follow what they see around them and we need to be role models also repetitive reinforcement is necessary until they learn to do a task.
Personally, I would like to highlight a couple of points – don’t try to do it all on your own. Team up with other like-minded people. If you decide to homeschool, I suggest inviting your friends to join you. Work as a team.
Number two – children are naturally drawn to authentic people. I believe that before teaching children within the Montessori environment is necessary to understand what it is for YOU.
Personally cherish your moments of concentration, treat others with respect, set for yourself appropriate challenges and learn to follow your own passion in life, learn to embrace your mistakes, and get rooted in your own culture.
Once you understand the value of the Montessori principles in your life, your inner being will guide you to become the best Montessori teacher and parent you can be.
What else would you add to this list?
Thank you for choosing this path! We wish you all the best!
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Editable and customizable teacher planner with daily and weekly planner templates for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and lower elementary students based on key areas of Montessori scope and sequence. It can be used by teachers internationally with the option to choose Jan-Dec or Aug – July academic year. This planner includes a Yearly Planner one and two-page spread 2022, 2023, and 2024 dated calendars. Every year you will receive a notification with the updated version. You can easily go digital! Upload PowerPoint slides to your google drive or Dropbox account and access them from any device. Pick and choose what suits your individual needs, customize and make it work for you.
Montessori Editable Teacher Planner includes the following:
Note printout – laminate and use an erasable marker to write and wipe.
Class info forms:
Student Data
Class information
Birthdays and Celebrations
Parent Contacts
Transportation
Field trips
Student Health Information
Teacher Passwords
Anecdotal notes
Goals at a glance (for each student)
Shopping list
Go-to resources
Classroom Newsletter
Substitute teacher
Checklist
- Planner Templates
Year at a glance (two options to choose from – academic year starting Jan OR August)
Monthly plan – dated 2022, 2023, 2024 one and two-page spread calendars (these include reflection form at the end of each month)
Montessori quotes within the design
Weekly two-page spread
Daily Schedule
Two types of Weekly Schedules
Observation forms
Infant daily and weekly planner templates (Montessori scope and sequence areas)
Toddler daily and weekly planner templates (Montessori scope and sequence areas)
Preschool daily and weekly planner templates (Montessori scope and sequence areas)
Shelf work planner
Gardening planner
Room layout planner
Lesson planner template
My Sanity List
- Student forms:
Lower elementary students’ daily, weekly, monthly work plan form
Self-evaluation form
This planner comes in PDF (print and handwrite your information) and in PowerPoint (editable form). You won’t be able to edit your planner without PowerPoint installed on your computer. Alternatively, you can use Google Sheets online.
Please note, that the Montessori scope and sequence are not included in the planner. You can access a free Curriculum Scope and Sequence PDF from the Montessori Private Academy website.
Purchase this resource here or
find it on Teachers Pay Teachers
Montessori Learning and Living - Books and Learning Resources
The Joyful Child: Montessori, Global Wisdom for Birth to Three
Montessori guidelines presented here have held true all over the world, no matter what the culture of the child, for over 100 years and prove to be as true in 2021 as ever. It is the goal of this book to help parents look for, discover, appreciate, and support the mental, physical, and emotional needs of the child in the first three years of life, in their own culture.
THE MONTESSORI FAMILY, THE ULTIMATE STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR AGES 0 TO 5 Create an Empowering Montessori Home Environment and Help Your Child Grow Their Independence, Creativity and Confidence
Then you probably support the concept of Montessori, a unique educational philosophy that fosters the growth of the whole child.
No wonder studies show that across a range of abilities, children at Montessori schools significantly out-performed those given a traditional education.
Practical Guide to the Montessori Method at Home: With more than 100 activity ideas from 0 to 6 (Montessori Activity Books for Home and School)
The Practical Guide to the Montessori Method is aimed at parents who want to integrate the Montessori philosophy at home with their children.
An international besteller in education and homeschooling, translated to four languages.
It includes:
A basic introduction to the principles of the Montessori philosophy,
Numerous illustrated examples of how to apply it at home, classified by subject and age, and explained clearly and concisely,
The Red Corolla: Montessori Cosmic Education for Age 3-6+
This is the perfect book for families helping with their children's education during the Covid epidemic. Homeschooling, or helping provide a balanced well-rounded education in an enjoyable way.
These "culture" lessons are taught in Montessori teacher-training course—physics, biology, history and geography, and the art. They are presented here in great detail and lay the foundation before age six for the older child’s search for his Cosmic Task.
The Montessori Toddler Activity Book: 60 At-Home Games and Activities for Curious Toddlers
Some of children’s most important social and emotional developments happen during their toddler years. Encourage learning and inspire discovery at home with this toddler activity book based on the Montessori method, a child-centered and scientifically based approach to engaging kids in their own development. From moving to music to creating a suncatcher and playing card games, this wide range of fun activities for toddlers will foster independence and build confidence.
Child of the World
The word "Montessori" is not legally protected and is used sometimes in ways that have little to do with authentic Montessori practices. In this book the author, who has almost fifty years of AMI Montessori teaching and consulting experience and work as an oral examiner for teacher-training courses, briefly presents authentic Montessori practices for ages 3-6 (the primary class), ages 6-12 (the elementary class), and ages 12-18. Here are ideas for using Montessori principles in the home. One mother put it very well, "This book is deep yet simple. Even my husband had the time to read it and now we are using the ideas together, a happy couple."
The Montessori Baby: A Parent's Guide to Nurturing Your Baby with Love, Respect, and Understanding
It’s time to change the way we see babies.
Drawing on principles developed by the educator Dr Maria Montessori, The Montessori Baby shows how to raise your baby from birth to age one with love, respect, insight, and a surprising sense of calm. Cowritten by Simone Davies, author of the bestselling The Montessori Toddler, and Junnifa Uzodike, it’s a book filled with hundreds of practical ideas for understanding what is actually happening with your baby, and how you can mindfully assist in their learning and development.
Montessori Homeschooling, One Family's Story
A fifteen-year experience of day-by-day, year-by-year, learning how to create an authentic Montessori education at home through elementary, middle, and high school. The main guide or teacher during these years had taken AMI teacher training courses for 0-3, 3-6, and 6-12 and had taught for many years. Even though this is not to be thought of as an instruction manual for Montessori homeschooling it is hoped that the book will be helpful for parents and teachers wanting to understand the value of a unique educational path, rather than thinking that all children should be educated exactly the same way (in both traditional and Montessori schools).
The Montessori Toddler: A Parent's Guide to Raising a Curious and Responsible Human Being
It’s time to change the way we see toddlers. Using the principles developed by the educator Dr. Maria Montessori, Simone Davies shows how to turn life with a “terrible two” into a mutually rich and rewarding time of curiosity, learning, respect, and discovery.
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Aid to Life, Montessori Beyond the Classroom
In "Aid to Life, Montessori Beyond the Classroom," the author shares stories based on fifty years of Montessori work in thirty countries, first as a teacher of children from 2-13 in Montessori schools, then discovering new ways to use Montessori principles in a variety of situations—all aimed at inspiring, and providing practical ideas, to parents and teachers today.
The Universal Child, Guided by Nature: Adaptation of the 2013 International Montessori Congress Presentation
"Traveling with Susan Stephenson through her book The Universal Child, Guided by Nature was a pleasure. Montessori practices applied to all cultures today, highlighted by Maria Montessori’s words, the author’s experience in many countries, and the eloquent photographs, generated in me a great enthusiasm to continue my journey through this path. Thank you for being a source of inspiration."
Montessori and Mindfulness
This book is based on 50 years of work in 30 countries, teaching, and observing and consulting with schools. Mindfulness is an ancient practice in the East, a great need for health and happiness in the West, and an everyday practice in Montessori schools. The author tells her own story of 45+ years of meditation and working in the Montessori field, and gives detailed suggestions for both parents and teachers to aid the development of this skill in themselves and in the children they live with.
Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom: Preparing an Environment that Fosters Respect, Kindness & Responsibility
Positive Discipline, developed by Jane Nelsen and based on the work of Alfred Adler and Rudolf Dreikurs, is designed to help young people become responsible, respectful, and resourceful members of their communities. In this book, Nelsen and Chip DeLorenzo bring together Montessori and Positive Discipline for the first time, offering a methodology for addressing behavior in the classroom that is consistent with the core Montessori belief of respect for the child.
Toddler Discipline for Every Age and Stage: Effective Strategies to Tame Tantrums, Overcome Challenges, and Help Your Child Grow
Make it easier to manage your little one’s most challenging behaviors with these highly effective toddler discipline tools. This standout among parenting books helps you learn how to effectively support your toddler as you deal with day-to-day difficulties.
Written by mother of two and child development expert Aubrey Hargis, this guide to parenting toddlers teaches you about the behavioral challenges you’ll face and the ways you can address them while fostering important life skills like curiosity, respect, independence, and confidence.
At the Heart of Montessori IV: The Pre-School Child 3-6 years
The At the Heart of Montessori series provides a thorough and easy-to-follow explanation of Maria Montessori's philosophy and educational method for all ages from birth to adolescence. These books will be of special interest to Montessori teachers or trainee teachers, acting as a support to, but not as a substitute for, Montessori teacher training. In addition parents, teachers and others who wish to find out about how children develop and how to help them as they grow, will find the books useful and interesting.
At the Heart of Montessori II: Core Principles in Action
The At the Heart of Montessori series provides a thorough and easy-to-follow explanation of Maria Montessori's philosophy and educational method for all ages from birth to adolescence. These books will be of special interest to Montessori teachers or trainee teachers, acting as a support to, but not as a substitute for, Montessori teacher training.
The Family Virtues Guide: Simple Ways to Bring Out the Best in Our Children and Ourselves
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The most important job parents have is to pass basic virtues on to their children, and this invaluable book is designed to help make that job a little easier. Compiled by The Virtues Project, an international organization dedicated to inspiring spiritual growth in young and old alike, this multicultural, interfaith handbook shows parents and teachers how to turn words into actions and ideals into realities.
Montessori Made Easy: Practical Life Lessons: A Guide for Parents, Teachers, Preschools, and Child Care Centers for Creating Activities and Teaching ... Skills Using Simple Inexpensive Materials
Montessori Made Easy: Practical Life Lessons is a guide for Parents, Teachers, Preschools, and Child Care Centers. It is filled with ideas, pictures, and information for creating and teaching Montessori Practical Life skills. All of the materials and activities are simple, inexpensive, and you can put them together yourself. In this book you will find, "Montessori Made Easy."
The Child Is the Teacher: A Life of Maria Montessori
A fresh, comprehensive biography of the pioneering educator and activist who changed the way we look at children’s minds, from the author of Oriana Fallaci.
Born in 1870 in Chiaravalle, Italy, Maria Montessori would grow up to embody almost every trait men of her era detested in the fairer sex. She was self-confident, strong-willed, and had a fiery temper at a time when women were supposed to be soft and pliable. She studied until she became a doctor at a time when female graduates in Italy provoked outright scandal. She never wanted to marry or have children—the accepted destiny for all women of her milieu in late nineteenth-century bourgeois Rome—and when she became pregnant by a colleague of hers, she gave up her son to continue pursuing her career.
How To Raise An Amazing Child the Montessori Way, 2nd Edition
A parent's guide to building independence, creativity, and confidence in their children using Montessori learning techniques, written by Montessori president Tim Seldin.
An international bestseller, How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way adapts Montessori teachings for easy use at home. Packed with Montessori-based preschool activities and educational games that build confidence and independence through active learning, this authoritative illustrated guide helps raise self-reliant and creative children. Celebrate physical and intellectual milestones from birth to age six with activity checklists, and encourage development through proven child-centered teaching methods.
The Absorbent Mind (Unabridged Start Publishing LLC)
The Absorbent Mind was Maria Montessori's most in-depth work on her educational theory, based on decades of scientific observation of children. Her view on children and their absorbent minds was a landmark departure from the educational model at the time. This book helped start a revolution in education. Since this book first appeared there have been both cognitive and neurological studies that have confirmed what Maria Montessori knew decades ago.
The Montessori Method
The Montessori Method by Maria Montessori immediately captivated social reformers and educators around the world. First published in Italian in 1909, The Montessori Method has been translated into twenty languages, including the 1912 English translation. Its ideas were new and innovative compared to the traditional Lancasterian method in which large groups of children recited the teachers' words, word for word in unison.
Montessori Today: A Comprehensive Approach to Education from Birth to Adulthood
Paula Lillard, director of a Montessori school ranging in age from 18 months to fifteen years, provides a clear and cogent introduction to the Montessori program for the elementary and later years. In detailed accounts, Lillard shows how children acquire the skills to answer their own questions, learn to manage freedom with responsibility, and maintain a high level of intellectual stimulation by using the Montessori method. This is an essential handbook for parents and teachers who have chosen the Montessori alternative for the older child.
I think it is difficult to judge if a child is normalised and really working in the environment. I did a work and time study at a couple of different schools where I worked, and the children work from 10 minutes to 15 minutes on the short exercises once they were comfortable in the environment. When they move from one exercise to the next, they practice the cycle of work and through learning the skills in each exercise they become normalised.
Once they are normalised it is fun to go on to the other exercises where they work for 1 hour and 2 hours at a time.
I can’t remember where I saw it written but 15 minutes is that time period where concentration is enough for the child to learn something new. This can be an indicator to show whether you can introduce a new exercise.
One advice I would give is not to relax about you can do lots of material, because for families with little kids the time and energy that demands the house keeping, interruptions of the kids, breast feeding, time for the husband, and just for you, can drive you crazy and too tired to follow kids specially when they are not normalized. I bought a package of the must things to have and even some nice things to have. It costed me 600 dollars. A preschool monthly fee just 5 hours per week costs 230 dollars and just for one kid so I thought that having all the important material for the whole preschool, for the cost of 3 months of a private and regular preschool, it’s worthy. It gives me a material that my kids can enjoy all day long, until they are 6, and not just for some hours, gives me time to organise the environment, time for myself and to spend with my family and avoid stress about the next week. For variation or to complete certain areas I found a cohomeschooling who makes puzzles or printables and helps me to take care of a group of babies (hers and mines) or the big ones when I am with my babies. Besides I have 3 kids so they will enjoy a preschooling great material and assuring the experience of socialization with other kids at the same time. 🙂
This is such a helpful and practical advice! Thank you Karen, for sharing it!
Thank you, Erica, for sharing your experience! I love the idea of cohomeschooling with other families who have similar values and ideas!
This is a much needed advice when i just started Montessori with my child!!!! Thank you for sharing!!!
AllThatsMom
I am experiencing the same problems and difficulties. But I adopted the same tactics and life become easy for me.and chiĺd became normalised too.
This is such great advice. I really need to work on bettering my child’s environment.
You are very welcome, Richa!
I am thrilled you found it helpful, Tiana! Thank you for visiting!
This is very helpful. My son has started going to a Montessori school and I have been wanting to have a more Montessori inspired home environment since even before he started to go to school. These are some good things to consider!
Thank you for stopping by, Megan! I am glad you found it helpful!