Blog
Before the age of two, the child undergoes a series of developmental changes making them ready for a new social environment. Although the parents are still the most important people in their world, children now need an expansion of their social horizons: the experience of a peer group, of beingsocially independent. This is a big and valuable step: learning...
A picture is the first content of a book that a child can „read“. Thanks to pictures, a child can understand a story without knowing how to read, interpreting the main figures/animals, the environment, and the situations from the visuals. From illustrated facial expressions and body language the child can also tell emotions. Enjoying a good book raises a love and...
The purpose of the Grace and Courtesy curriculum in Montessori is to offer our children the best possible assistance on this path. Explaining and modeling clearly, we share the most harmonious ways of behaving, relating and communicating, and help children practice and master them. Step by step, from the simplest skills (like saying “excuse me” or shaking hands)...
What does it mean to be a Montessori parent? Can it be balanced with busy lives, complicated schedules, limited budgets and varying resources?
On the development of foundational mathematical skills and concepts, why the mainstream notion of math education fails most students, and what can we do about it as parents and educators.
It is true that Montessori classrooms lack the traditional “pretend play” toys and equipment, like play kitchens and play tools, play castles or stuffed animals. This is not because we don’t value imaginative play – quite the opposite. But we prefer to give the children different tools and opportunities for it.
In this new year, help your child on their path to global citizenship.
So much of what we discuss here on this blog – and in Montessori in general – focuses on the child: studying, understanding and responding to their needs. However, what of the other side of the conversation: the parents, and other adults in the child’s life?
In Montessori, we believe in each child’s innate goodness, their potential for peace and grace. How do we approach the small child who is anything but – the child who hits and hurts others?
“Children should be seen, not heard” is a proverb dating more than five centuries ago, yet it is an attitude many of us still subscribe to today. What to do with the child who, in their need to be heard, is willing to shout and fight?
International Montessori School of Prague
Michaela Tučková