Montessori said that the sensitive period for order begins at birth, peaks during early toddlerhood, and generally lasts until around age five. Characterized by an inner need for consistency and repetition, the child in this sensitive period craves routines and predictability. Included in this is the child's physical environment where everything has its place.

There is a brilliant film entitled, 'Mother Nature's Child'.  It spoke about the relationship of the child with nature and its importance in the development of human beings.  The term "biophilia" literally means "love of life or living systems." It was first used by Erich Fromm to describe a psychological orientation of being attracted to all that is alive and vital.  Edward O.

Imagination...we would be lost without it! As humans, we have used our imaginations to enrich every aspect of our lives. Men and women have imagined new ways to use modern imagination build houses, grow food, communicate with each other, fly an airplane, cure or live with disabilities and illnesses, travel, play, and so on. Imagination is something we value, promote, and encourage in our culture. But how do we support its development in our toddlers?

Maria Montessori's most prominent work is her book entitled The Absorbent Mind. Throughout all her work she cites this phenomenon in children. It is the reason behind so much of what is incorporated in the Montessori classroom. The absorbent mind is best explained by the child's ability to acquire its native language.

"If a child's cycle of activity is interrupted, the results are a deviation of behavior, aimlessness, and loss of interest...So whatever intelligent activity we witness in a child - even if it seems absurd to us...we must not interfere; for the child must be able to finish the cycle of activity on which his heart is set."

Pampering is doing a task for your child when they are capable of doing it for themselves and without assistance. Since children possess an innate desire to do things for themselves, pampering children does more harm than good in the long run by creating weakness or reliance on others. Children develop the belief that others should do everything for them.

The Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins With a Single Step

For generations, Montessori teachers have practiced methods designed to inspire your child on his or her journey to adulthood. By setting goals together and building positive thinking, our accredited teachers have provided a social, emotional and academic framework that has enhanced each child’s overall maturity. 

But tell me! Specifically, HOW can I help my kids towards reaching social, emotional and academic maturity? How do I create, foster and sustain the BEST of what they are and can be?

I was reflecting with another teacher about some of the struggles I've been having on the playground (gunplay, monsters, etc.).  Although it's easy to be reactive and point fingers at what causes such behavior, I think getting to the root of the issue is a little more complicated.  Fantasy play is often mistaken for violent play - fighting off bad guys and "shooting" space aliens is no different than tucking in baby dolls or talking to stuffed animals.  Fantasy play is not usually an indicator t

What a Child Absorbs

During the first years of life, the child will absorb, like a sponge, whatever is in the environment: ugliness or beauty, coarse behavior or gentleness, good or bad language. As parents, we are the first models of what it means to be human.

Does your child start their day with a healthy breakfast?