Montessori

I would love to take this opportunity to share some information on "What a prepared environment" means in Montessori terms: Dr. Montessori observed that children thrive when their surroundings are carefully arranged to meet their needs at each stage of development. She called this the prepared environment.

A prepared environment encompasses the furniture, activities on the shelves, the adults present, and the intangible atmosphere of a room or space.

In the Montessori philosophy, having meals with family holds great significance for toddlers, as it nurtures their holistic development respectfully and naturally. Here’s why this is important, explained in a Montessori-inspired approach:

The Importance of the 3-Year Cycle and What to Expect

Montessori is not all about academics.  The academic success we see in each child is merely the icing on the cake.  The foundation underneath the icing is as important.  The child works very hard in building this foundation throughout the 3 years they are in the classroom.  Only when a child goes through their 3-year cycle can we truly see their success in the

What to Look for in a Montessori Program in Santaluz, San Diego

Let's emphasize the importance of observation in our learning environment. The foundation of the Montessori educational practice is based on observation. It is through the observation of children that Maria Montessori acquired the knowledge and elaborated the teaching method as well as the materials that hold her name today.

Learning social and emotional discipline skills that teach our children positive outcomes are one of the foundations of Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy on how to create well-rounded young people. 

Montessori teachers use specific discipline skills that address behavioral concerns they’ve observed. Negative behaviors include aggression, defiance and motivational issues.

It's worth emphasizing that Practical Life activities are essential for the development of our little ones.

It's easy (and natural) enough to pay attention to children's "academic" performance. However, Practical life activities are the foundation of the Montessori Methodology. They are the activities of everyday life and are involved in all aspects of life. They are of the most significant importance in assisting a child to reach their potential.

As adults, we have the knowledge and the adequate language to express our feelings. This is referred to as our emotional language. We can also decipher the emotions going through us; we understand when we are sad versus angry and don't usually confuse the emotions. 

Children, on the other hand, are still learning about it. They may use words or express themselves in ways they know will incite a reaction. Depending on the reaction, the child will then understand what the emotion is supposed to be. So the question is, what reaction should we be giving? 

In a Montessori environment, preliminary exercises refer to activities and exercises designed to prepare young children for more advanced learning experiences. These exercises are an essential part of the Montessori curriculum and are often introduced to children early in their education. 

One of the most important things we can do as teachers to help ensure the children’s success is to offer them a prepared environment. Let's focus on what that means.