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Visiting a Montessori classroom

Visiting a Montessori classroom

Observing in a Montessori classroom offers an insight into the rhythm and climate of the prepared environment, but it sometimes needs a little translation. Because so much of the peacefulness and productivity of the Montessori classrooms is tied to the preparation of those classrooms (including the preparation of the adults within them,) observing them "in real time" means preparing yourself for the experience. First, expect that there will be rules for how to observe. If you

The Season of Misgivings

The Season of Misgivings

We're beginning a new calendar year, and here in the US, the start of the admissions season. For new parents, this means time to visit lots of schools, Montessori and otherwise. For parents of experienced Montessori children, it means revisiting their commitment to this model of education and, often, questioning whether their children might need to go to "real school" next year. Especially for parents whose children are approaching typical transition times, like Kindergarten

Visiting for Special Events

Visiting for Special Events

It's that time of year, when classrooms or entire school communities come together to celebrate the accomplishments of the year. You may be invited to visit your child's school for a shared performance or classroom tour, for a gallery walk of the children's artwork or a campus-wide celebration. You might be excited to see your child's class in action or to spend some time with other families. Remember, though, that these are days that, while exciting and festive, can be confu

Visiting a Montessori classroom

Visiting a Montessori classroom

Observing in a Montessori classroom offers an insight into the rhythm and climate of the prepared environment, but it sometimes needs a little translation. Because so much of the peacefulness and productivity of the Montessori classrooms is tied to the preparation of those classrooms (including the preparation of the adults within them,) observing them "in real time" means preparing yourself for the experience. First, expect that there will be rules for how to observe. If you

Visiting the Elementary Classroom

Visiting the Elementary Classroom

So, maybe by now you know that observing in your child's classroom is going to be its own special adventure. You'll see some things that make you curious, some that make you proud, and maybe one or two that make you think you might be a little wacky to have agreed to this Montessori thing. Visiting your child's Elementary classroom promises to be all these things and more. First, buckle up. If you're expecting the quiet, peaceful wonderment of the Early Childhood classroom, t

Visiting the Early Childhood Classroom

Visiting the Early Childhood Classroom

The first question most parents ask when they visit their child's Early Childhood Montessori classroom? "Why don't they do this at home?" When you're visiting your child's environment, don't be surprised if you see them doing things or caring for themselves in ways that, at home, you wish they'd do. While you might wonder why you have to keep reminding them to hang up their own towel in your bathroom, you''ll observe them preparing food for friends, from opening the refrigera

Visiting the Infant - Toddler Classroom

Visiting the Infant - Toddler Classroom

It's a time of transitions for many Montessori schools here in the US, when children are saying goodbye to familiar environments and preparing to join new ones. Even the children who will remain for another year in a multi-age classroom will have some change to accommodate, as the children who have moved on are replaced with younger children and as they assume new roles in the classroom. If your child is preparing for one of these moves, you might be spending more time than u

Treasure Hunt: Finding the Montessori School for your Family

Treasure Hunt: Finding the Montessori School for your Family

So, you've heard about Montessori and you've decided you want to know more about it. First things first: you google "Montessori" and the name of your home town (BTW: Thanks, Sergey & Larry for making that so easy for us.) You find a list of schools that include Montessori in their name. Now, what? How do you know which Montessori school is the right fit for your family? 1. Look for the accreditation. Montessori is an unregulated term, so it can be used by any organization wit

The Season of Misgivings

The Season of Misgivings

We're approaching the end of the calendar year and, at here in the US, the start of the admissions season. For new parents, this means time to visit lots of schools, Montessori and otherwise. For parents of experienced Montessori children, it means revisiting their commitment to this model of education and, often, questioning whether their children might need to go to "real school" next year. Especially for parents whose children are approaching typical transition times, like

Visiting a Montessori classroom

Visiting a Montessori classroom

Observing in a Montessori classroom offers an insight into the rhythm and climate of the prepared environment, but it sometimes needs a little translation. Because so much of the peacefulness and productivity of the Montessori classrooms is tied to the preparation of those classrooms (including the preparation of the adults within them,) observing them "in real time" means preparing yourself for the experience. First, expect that there will be rules for how to observe. If you

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