Does Montessori have boundaries?
One of the most-cited phrases used about a Montessori education is "follow the child." So, just how much do we actually do that? And, how is that even safe? We Montessorians often speak of independence.…
rain, rivers, lakes and falls
Water has been on the minds of everyone lately. Until just last week, our rain barrel was full almost every day, and the children loved playing not just in the rain, but afterward with the…
Math Is Everywhere
As we move around our playground, we keep finding math lessons! Dr Montessori observed that "Children display a universal love of mathematics," and we have definitely found that this spring. From simple quests like "go…
Practical Life – Outdoors
All year long, we've been expanding our outdoor classroom, and this month was no exception. We've brought outside a full compliment of Practical Life materials for kids of all ages. These activities, such as pouring…
We Are All One
"But what do humans do?" Khuloud asked during today's lunchtime discussion about the sun and trees and what they "do." After a moment to reflect, a 5-year-old responded "To not pollute the Earth!" Dr Maria…
Happy Birthday, MLK
Monday might be his holiday, but today MLK would have turned 92. In honor of this event, and so that our young students might be aware of why Monday is a holiday, this morning we…
‘Tis the Season
Our holiday materials are back It's December, and that means cooler weather and new works on our shelves. After a month of smashing golf tees into pumpkins and learning the parts of a turkey, now…
Halloween Fun
This morning everyone arrived in costume for some Halloween fun with witches & skeletons, turtles & sharks, Batman & Violet, and even a unicorn and an entomologist! We can't lie, we missed our usual costume…
Our fantastical loose parts
This fall, enjoying the outdoors is our #1 prevention tactic against "the virus"--as the children call it. As such, it seems appropriate to use this space to discuss just how our playground operates. What's cooking?…
On the Playground – now more than ever
More and more we'll see our Montessori materials being used outdoors. Over the years, we have been spending more and more time outside on our playground. It's little secret that Rick and Khuloud love the…
Play is the Work of the Child
Children often choose imaginary play before moving on to what we think of as our "academic" materials. We adore Mr. Rogers. His long-running show, and its spin-off Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, are the only TV shows…
A Time for Independence
This month, with our self-isolation due to the coronavirus outbreak, we understand that children are staying at home. These are trying times for us all, when simply leaving home can be a stressful experience. We…