Montessori education is based on a few key principles, the first of which is: Respect the Child.  In traditional Montessori environments, children are given the freedom and opportunity to learn by making choices for themselves, with a teacher guiding and observing the students as they learn by doing.  By its very nature then, Montessori is an inherently hands-on instruction environment. Given its inherently hands-on focus, can the Montessori model be effectively delivered online?  This question is made more urgent given the last two years of pandemic forcing most of the world into virtual interaction.  And the last two years have given us an instructive look at what happens when Montessori education is delivered online out of necessity.  Can we translate what we have learned in the emergency environment of a pandemic to build a more generalized idea of what elements of the Montessori experience can be effectively delivered online, and what...

When education becomes more than a cookie-cutter curriculum, it develops into a true learning experience. The Montessori Method embodies this idea with a proven system used in diverse cultures across the globe. Focusing on a child's natural curiosity and desire to learn about their world, Montessori programs create a learning environment like no other. Developed by physician and educator Dr. Maria Montessori, the method that bears her name has been used successfully for over 100 years. Dr. Montessori developed this method with scientific observations of her students from childhood to adulthood. With this information, she was able to develop a perfected style of education with three key components: Student Choice A Montessori trained teacher will create a classroom with a range of activity options and the ability to move freely about the room. This learning environment encourages student independence and freedom, while the limits retain a sense of order and prevent...

  Toddlers are some of the cutest, funniest, most adventurous, and creative humans on the planet. The time spent beginning to navigate through life is vital for their development. During that time, toddlers are learning to differentiate between what's right and wrong, discovering and exploring the big world around them. If you want to help your children in this journey, consider toddler daycare services in Mclean, VA. Understanding The Importance of Daycare The concept of daycare itself is a very important facet of a child's life. In most cases, its purpose is purely utilitarian: children are enrolled to be watched and cared for while the parents are at work. However, it has moved far beyond simply being a place to leave your kids while you earn your paycheck. In fact, daycare is also a place for your toddler to practice their socialization skills. These skills are very valuable, giving your toddler...

Children enrolled in Montessori School have plenty of opportunities throughout the day to spend time outside. This is because playing and working outdoors has many proven benefits for people of all ages. Consider how you feel after spending an afternoon in the park or yard. Most people feel refreshed, invigorated, and more able to focus. This applies to children as well.  In addition to the benefits listed above, outside play helps kids connect with nature, and truly appreciate the beauty of our world. It also gives young people the opportunity to run, jump, and shout, all things they may not be allowed to do indoors. Dr. Maria Montessori observed these things in her studies and placed a great emphasis on allowing children time in nature and offering them nature education.  For all these reasons, it seems only logical that young people should spend as much time outside as they desire. Therefore, taking your...

Sending your child to a Montessori School helps ensure they are getting a quality education during the school day. However, this does not mean you can't help enhance their Montessori experience at home. There are many ways to expand upon your child's education at home, but one of the very best ways you can do this is by involving your little one in the kitchen. Kitchen work helps fine-tune motor skills, teaches life skills, and gives children a feeling of pride and accomplishment.  Many parents are intimidated by the idea of giving their child kitchen tasks. The thought of their child acquiring a cut or burn makes them hesitant to involve their children in the cooking. While this is understandable, it is no reason to make the kids leave the kitchen when dinner prep begins. Here are a few ways very young people can help out with the cooking. Peeling and Slicing a...

As a Montessori school, we want the best for your child, and we do that by working to develop their interest and providing them with choice. We believe that the best way for your child to learn and grow is to emphasize their independence and their ability to make their own conscious decisions. We want to nurture children’s natural curiosity for the world and their environment, by fostering an environment where they feel secure in their own being. In terms of discipline, Montessori schools have a slightly different approach from more traditional types of schooling. A common misconception about Montessori education is that the focus on independence means children can do whatever they want, but that is certainly not the case. Children should be given the opportunity to explore, but Montessori discipline focuses more on shaping and encouraging positive behavior, rather than punishing bad behavior. Positive Discipline At its core, Montessori...

As many parents and teachers are coming to realize, creativity is a key part of a child’s development. Creativity promotes problem-solving and social skills and often leads to a more successful and fulfilling career. It’s no surprise, then, that many parents want to send their children to schools that cultivate creativity. Unfortunately, traditional education systems tend to promote rigidity rather than creativity. Children get into a routine–wake up, go to school, do homework, go to bed, and repeat. Worse, the traditional schooling system tends to promote stress and anxiety, which can dampen creativity and lead to lower levels of well-being later in life. The Montessori method of education seeks to change this dynamic. Instead of having children follow a strict curriculum, Montessori schools seek to develop the whole child. They promote self-directed and hands-on activities that promote self-confidence, social cohesion, a love of learning, and, of course, creativity. If you’re interested...

A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology found evidence that confirmed what many educators and researchers already suspected: Children enrolled in Montessori schools generally have higher levels of well-being as an adult. The Montessori method of education, which encourages children to develop a deep-seated love of learning through self-directed activities, has been growing in popularity around the world since Maria Montessori opened the first Montessori school in Rome in 1907. Today, over 500,000 American children are enrolled in Montessori schools. The study, conducted by a team of researchers at the University of Virginia, consisted of a survey given to 1905 adults aged 18 to 81. About half of the survey participants had attended a Montessori school as a child for at least two years, while the other half only attended conventional schools. What the study found was nothing short of astounding. Children who spent as little as two years in...

Many parents wish to incorporate Montessori methods into their child's life before he or she turns three and is eligible to be enrolled in Montessori School. Here are a few things mothers and fathers might consider doing in order to begin their babies' Montessori lifestyle right away.  Freedom and Independence Offer your baby freedom to explore his or her surroundings. Exploration leads to discovery and learning. Create a safe environment for your little one by covering outlets, anchoring tall furniture to the walls, and putting sharp (or otherwise unsafe) objects out of reach. Place your child's mattress on the floor and forgo the crib. This gives baby the opportunity to get up and play in the morning without needing to call out for mom and dad. Baby gates, play yards, and other "baby cages" should be avoided whenever possible. Speak To Them Talk to your little guy or girl as you would...

Growing minds need constant sensory input. This sensorial focus is at the heart of the Montessori education. It stimulates the child’s five senses: touch, taste, sight, smell, and hearing. It allows them to study and experience their world in a meaningful way.  Sensorial learning activities help children explore shapes, colors, textures, sounds, tastes, and smells. It is a fun way to learn that is also extremely beneficial. By using sensorial materials and practicing sensorial activities, children are given different avenues to classify and create order to their understanding, learning, and place in the world. It helps them build necessary skills, such as logic and cognition, while also helping enhance their memory by learning through experience.  Sounds great, right? But what does it look like in the Montessori classroom?  Montessori sensory materials are broken down into eight different groups:  Visual: This includes exercises in which children learn to visually discriminate between objects....