(800) 655-5843 / 1 (941) 729-9565 | Fax 1-941-745-3111 info@montessori.org
HIGHLIGHTING Our Schools – Ghent Montessori

HIGHLIGHTING Our Schools – Ghent Montessori

by | MFA, TC March 2025

Ghent Montessori

As we head into our 46th year at Ghent Montessori School in Norfolk, Virginia, we look back and celebrate our incredible school community that is stronger than ever. We have supportive and committed families from many countries around the world who have come to GMS. We have an incredible staff with a shared vision. Our teachers have over 300 years of shared experience working with children, and our trained Montessori teachers have over 80 years of experience in Montessori education. We are inclusive and diverse, accepting children who have as many different learning styles and birth stories as there are children. We celebrate children as individuals and strive daily to meet their needs with joy and love. We are Ghent Montessori school, and we are proud of who we are!

Our History

Ghent Montessori School is the oldest Montessori School in the Hampton Roads (Virginia) area. GMS was founded by Sarah Frost in 1978 at First Lutheran Church in the Norfolk area of Ghent. In 1982, the first stage of our current building (610 Mowbray Arch) was built as part of the new community, Ghent Square. This location in downtown Norfolk, with the Chrysler Museum across the street on one side and the Harrison Opera House on the other, is crucial to the identity of the school today.

In 1994, Suzanne Pugin became Head of School and eventually purchased the school from Sarah and Larry Frost in 1996. In 2020, Ruland Gagne, a Hampton Roads native, took over as Head of School. She was a teacher in Lower and Upper Elementary at Ghent Montessori for 27 years. She holds an AMI Montessori degree, as well as a master’s degree in Early Childhood education. Ruland and Susan Colpitts together took over ownership in July 2021. Susan has a long history with the school; her husband, Norman, was an Upper Elementary teacher at the school, and they sent their three daughters to GMS in the early 2000s. Susan is currently the school’s business manager.

LOTS OF RENOVATING!

time, but we are not expanding. We are happy where we are and with this number of families. We will know them all and we take pride in this. Creating relationships and collaborating with our families to meet the needs of each child as an individual is important at GMS.

Embracing Transcience

The Hampton Roads area, which includes the Naval Station Norfolk, has one of the largest military populations in the world, with over 46,000 active-duty military. We embrace our military families, even though this can be seen as a challenge in a Montessori school, where we want families committed to Montessori for more than a few years. We believe that the children of our military families, who must move often, benefit from Montessori education. When so much in these children’s lives change with a move, it is nice for them to transfer to another Montessori school where their education will stay somewhat the same. We take the challenge and embrace it because it benefits these children.

Accreditation

Ghent Montessori has been accredited through the International Montessori Council (IMC) since 2015.

When Ruland took over as Head of School during the summer of Covid, she talked families of 75 children into staying. This 75 has grown in three years to 150 children with waitlists in most classes. In these three years, we have renovated the playground and the second floor to make room for another Lower Elementary classroom and a larger Upper Elementary. We also renovated our Toddler community, our Middle School, and the office. We also replaced windows, the roof, and all the flooring! This past summer, we added a top-notch security system. Currently, we have 150 children, 18 months through Middle School. We are committed to improving the school one year at a

International Montessori Council-accredited schools are committed to standards of exemplary integrity in their professional relationships with parents, students, faculty, and other Montessori schools. We have trained Montessori teachers (MACTE) in all our classes, and they are trained at the level they are teaching. We are proud of this accreditation and enjoy our relationship with IMC.

VISIT US!

We love our school and welcome you to visit if you are ever in the Hampton Roads area. Come see us at GMS. 

by Gavin McCormack

Love in Action: Small Gestures with a Big Impact

As parents, it’s easy to assume that our children know we love them. After all, we provide for their needs, cheer them on from the sidelines, and remind them to brush their teeth and do their homework. But love, while it may seem obvious to us, isn’t always as apparent to children as we think. In fact, research has consistently shown that when children feel genuinely and openly loved, it creates a ripple effect, shaping their confidence, resilience, and overall well-being.

So, how can we ensure our children not only hear our love but feel it deeply? And why is this so crucial to their development? Let’s explore the science and the simple, meaningful ways parents can demonstrate love in ways that matter most.

Love as the Foundation for Lifelong Success

Numerous studies highlight the transformative power of love on a child’s development. Children raised in an environment rich in affection, are more likely to become resilient, self-assured, and emotionally healthy adults.

Resilience and Emotional Strength: A child who feels loved is better equipped to handle challenges. They see failures as temporary and are more willing to persevere through adversity. Love provides them with a psychological safety net to take risks and learn from mistakes.

Confidence and Self-Worth: Parental love reinforces a child’s belief in their own value. Knowing they are cherished gives them the courage to explore the world, form meaningful relationships, and pursue their goals.

Mental and Physical Health: Love also has physiological benefits. According to the Harvard Centre on the Developing Child, loving relationships reduce stress hormones in children, leading to better brain development and longterm health.

Success and Achievement: A study in the Journal of Child and Family Studies found that children who feel loved and supported are more likely to excel academically and socially. The encouragement of a loving parent fuels a child’s motivation and sense of purpose.

The science is clear: love is not just a “nice-to-have.” It is essential. But how do we, as busy parents, juggling countless responsibilities, ensure we are expressing our love in ways our children truly feel?

10 Practical Ways to Show Love That Children Can Feel

Children thrive when they experience love in tangible and meaningful ways. Here are ten simple yet powerful ways to ensure your child feels cherished every day:

1. Show Physical Affection: Children crave physical closeness. Hugs, kisses, cuddles, and even a gentle hand on their shoulder can reassure them of your love. These small gestures speak volumes and create a sense of security.

2. Say It Out Loud: Never underestimate the power of saying, “I love you.” But don’t stop there. Verbal affirmations like, “I’m proud of you,” or “You’re so important to me,” nurture their self-esteem and remind them they are valued.

3. Listen with Intention: When your child speaks, give them your full attention. Put down your phone, make eye contact, and engage with their stories or concerns. Active listening makes them feel heard and understood.

4. Prioritize Quality Time: Whether it’s playing a board game, reading together, or simply talking about their day, dedicating undistracted time to your child strengthens your bond and communicates their importance in your life.

5. Celebrate Their Efforts: Recognize their achievements, no matter how small, and comfort them in their failures. Encouragement and support remind children that your love is not conditional on success but is unwavering.

6. Teach with Patience: Discipline is an opportunity to teach, not punish. When children know that guidance comes from love, they are more likely to learn and grow without fear or resentment.

7. Surprise Them: A little surprise can make your child’s day. Write a note for their lunchbox, make their favorite meal, or plan an unexpected outing. These acts of love leave lasting impressions.

8. Be Present: In our digital world, undivided attention is a precious gift. Put down the distractions, and show your child that they have your full focus. Being present is one of the most direct ways to show love.

9. Create Special Traditions: Family rituals, such as bedtime stories, Sunday pancakes, or a weekly game night give children something to look forward to and create cherished memories of love and togetherness.

10. Empathize with Their Feelings: Acknowledge and validate their emotions, whether they are happy, sad, or frustrated. Saying, “I understand why you feel this way,” helps them feel secure and supported.

Why Love Must Be Obvious

While we may believe that love is implied, children interpret the world differently. They thrive on explicit and consistent demonstrations of affection and care. Unlike adults, they cannot always infer love through actions like providing food or keeping a tidy home. They need tangible expressions of love to feel it in their hearts and minds.

When love is not obvious, children may misinterpret our busyness or distractedness as disinterest or even rejection. Over time, this can lead to feelings of insecurity or a lack of self-worth. By making love clear and abundant, we give our children the tools they need to flourish.

The Ripple Effect of Love

As parents, showing love is one of the simplest yet most profound gifts we can give our children. It sets the stage for their emotional and physical well-being, their success, and their capacity to form loving relationships of their own.

By taking small, intentional steps to demonstrate love daily, we lay a foundation for our children to grow into resilient, confident, and compassionate individuals. Love, after all, is not just the bond that connects us; it’s the force that shapes our future.

So today, take a moment to hug your child, tell them how proud you are, or simply listen to their stories. Let them know, in every way possible, just how much they mean to you. Because when children feel deeply loved, they truly have the world at their feet. 

Gavin McCormack is a Montessori teacher, former Montessori school principal, and the co-founder of Upschool.co, a global platform providing free educational courses for children and high quality training for teachers. With ten years of Montessori teaching experience and 25 years in total, Gavin is committed to fostering lifelong skills through purposeful, real-world learning.

Gavin has travelled the world to bring the best the planet has to offer to children everywhere. His educational expeditions have taken him to some of the most remarkable locations on Earth, including Mount Everest, Antarctica, Costa Rica, the Arctic Circle, Iceland, the Chitwan Jungle, and soon Greenland. In each of these places, along with the team at Upschool, he has filmed educational content, collaborated with local communities, and developed courses that connect children with the wonders of the natural world and the lessons it holds.

He has received multiple accolades, including a nomination for Australian of the Year and a ‘Best Contribution to Education’ award at the GESS Dubai Awards. He is an author of children’s books and a practical guide on Montessori education for parents. His TEDx talk and presentations at global conferences focus on the importance of hands-on, meaningful learning experiences. Through initiatives like the ‘Write a Book to Change the World’ course and global projects such as ‘The Wonderful World of Trees,’ Gavin empowers children to apply their knowledge to realworld challenges, fostering a sense of purpose and hope for the future.

Return to Table of Contents
Real Life Story: A Determined Mom

Real Life Story: A Determined Mom

by | MFA, TC May 2024

by Becky Noble

I have been a strong supporter of Montessori education since before Ben was born, having read several of Maria Montessori’s books and applied those methods when working with my employer’s young children.

When it was time for Ben’s dad and me to decide on a kindergarten for Ben, we considered a few options. Ben’s dad had been in public school throughout his education and felt that, if it was good enough for him, it was good enough for Ben. He was, however, willing to look at private schools as well. I recall visiting at least three schools, including the public elementary school closest to our home, a Christian School, and Countryside/NewGate Montessori.

Even though I expected lower standards at the public school, I was floored when the teacher told us that not every student was expected to know the whole alphabet by the end of the kindergarten year. Ben and his preschool classmates all knew the alphabet and had started reading by that time. Although the education level at the Christian School seemed to be up to my expectations, the classrooms were noisy and cluttered.

When we visited Countryside/NewGate, I knew that was where Ben would flourish. The quiet, orderly classrooms provided an ideal place for a young child to learn. I appreciated the respect with which each student was treated, and the way conflicts were resolved. I found the three-year age span in the classrooms to be an excellent way for a student to experience being a beginner, learning from the older students, and to work his/her way up to being a leader among the students, helping the younger ones. I was also happy to hear that each student could progress at his/ her own pace, not being held back to the level of the lowest common denominator.

Yes, there were some sacrifices made to have Ben attend Montessori school all the way through high school. Ben’s dad and I separated two months after Ben began Montessori school. I faced all the challenges that single parents face: reworking my schedule to accommodate Ben’s needs; trying to make ends meet; figuring out the financial aspect; etc. It was a very difficult time, but I was determined to provide Ben with what I considered to be his best educational opportunity. Looking back on it now, that was one of the most valuable things that I have gone through. I learned to be resourceful and to stand by my principles when it came to raising Ben.

Ben’s dad and I contributed to a portion of the tuition, but the bulk of it was on my shoulders. Even though it was a stretch to pay each month, I was not willing to lower my standards and deny Ben the opportunities he had at Countryside/New Gate School. The school helped with a generous contribution in the form of a scholarship. I believe paying at least a portion of the tuition gave me a bigger stake in my child’s education and I tended to be even more involved in it. When my new partner, Michael, came into our family full-time, he was active in projects and events at the school as he saw and supported the value of the education that Ben was getting. Ben graduated from NewGate School in 2005.

Now that Ben is grown, married, and the father of two beautiful girls, Michael and I support Ben and Kara’s choice to enroll Aurora and Felicity in a good Montessori school. I’m delighted that both girls are doing so well in that environment.

Becky Noble grew up in rural Pennsylvania, traveling around the country with her family every summer. For four years after graduation, she sailed the European coast and Caribbean, overseeing the galleys and teaching math and world history aboard the schooners of the Flint School. She transferred to their Sarasota, Florida office to help build ActionQuest travel adventure and Lifeworks community service programs that would eventually become Global Expeditions. She recently relocated to Franklin, Tennessee to be close to Ben and his family. When not spending time with her granddaughters, Becky now runs an online business and is a watercolor artist who enjoys sharing her knowledge with young people.

Return to Table of Contents
Highlighting Member Schools: Countryside/NewGate School Sarasota, FL

Highlighting Member Schools: Countryside/NewGate School Sarasota, FL

by | MFA, TC May 2024

In the early 1980s Kitty Williams (now Bravo) and her former husband, Farmer Steve Williams, lived on 5 acres of land with their two young daughters in their small, old-Florida home on Ashton Road in Sarasota, FL. Farmer Steve dreamed of an organic farm, while Kitty dreamed of a Montessori school; both dreamed of making the world a better place. They established Countryside Montessori School, in January of 1984, on a side porch of their home, with just five children, and Steve farmed the land. During that winter and spring, the garage was remodeled, and they applied to the zoning department for permission to officially have a school on the property. In August of 1984, the garage classroom opened with about twenty children: ages 2 years 11 months to 6 years old. By the fall of 1985, the porch had been enclosed and a second Primary classroom was opened, bringing the total enrollment to about forty students.

By 1987, the school expanded to include an Elementary program with just a few first graders continuing from the Primary class. A Toddler classroom was established in a small building on the roadside that had been Farmer Steve’s produce store. Within a year, the Elementary class expanded to first through third grades with Primary moving to the small classroom that was once the produce store.

Countryside kept growing, and in 1989 they built a spacious classroom with natural light for the expanding Elementary class. Now the school had three Primary classes, one Lower Elementary class, and a group of very enthusiastic, committed parents.

During the 1990s, the dream kept growing and the Williams restructured the school as a non-profit with the hope that they could continue through the high school years. With the help of some parents, they acquired the portable buildings, which they remodeled to expand the Elementary program. By the fall of 1993, they had three Primary classrooms, two Lower Elementary classrooms, and one Upper Elementary classroom.

On the school’s 10th Anniversary, after a decade of growth and dreams, Kitty and Steve, along with a dedicated group of families and staff, began to partner with the Montessori Foundation and became the Foundation’s “lab school.” So many things were accomplished during the 90s. They changed the school’s name to NewGate School (gate being an acronym for “global awareness through education”). After changing the name to NewGate School, they purchased one hundred acres of land for future development of a second campus, and added a Toddler class, another Upper Elementary class, and a 7th & 8th Year class (Middle School) at Ashton.

The dream wasn’t done yet! In the 2000s, NewGate opened its second campus on Clark Road and added the high school. In their 20th Anniversary year (2004) two beautiful things happened. First, a peace pole was erected in a lovely place in the center of the Ashton Road Campus in honor of Kitty’s work in Montessori for world peace. Second, NewGate had its first high school graduate! Big dreams were accomplished, and big challenges presented themselves. However, faith and determination did not wane and NewGate pushed forward with renewed assistance from the Montessori Foundation. When the Clark Road Campus closed, all students returned to the original campus on Ashton Road.

By the time the 30th Anniversary came around the school’s recovery was well underway, and in 2016, a new campus for the Secondary students was purchased in Lakewood Ranch. Now, in 2024, NewGate’s 40th Anniversary year, we have three campuses: the Ashton Road Campus; the Lakewood Ranch Campus; and the Global Campus (a virtual campus for Secondary students from around the US and the world). We serve children and adolescents from Toddlers through High School.

NewGate is proud to be the “lab school” of the Montessori Foundation (MF). Being the lab school of the Foundation means trying new ideas based on our tried-and-true Montessori principles. We have spent a lot of time developing models and systems for other schools to use as they grow and expand organizing new programs to enhance the already existing Montessori curriculum; creating a model for Montessori Secondary schools; sponsoring teacher training programs; and cultivating a community of respectful adults who mentor and guide children and adolescents by doing their best to live out the principles of peace.

Written by Lorna McGrath, NewGate Board member, with the help of Kitty Bravo, Founder of the School, and Lauren Speed, ‘long-time member of the NewGate faculty and adminstrative team.

Return to Table of Contents
Parenting Extract: Messy Spaces

Parenting Extract: Messy Spaces

by | MFA, TC December 2023

I started noticing that my son’s backpack was full of what I considered trash: broken rubber bands; the inner ring from a roll of tape; and bits of string. I asked him what they were for, and he just said that he needed them. I cleaned out any insect-attracting items, such as broken crackers and left the rest for whatever he had in mind. Then I noticed items moving from the recycling bin to his bedroom: egg boxes; milk cartons; and cardboard boxes of various sizes.

He said he needed them all. So, we agreed that he would keep them in a designated messy area in his room, then I took a deep breath and went with it. One day, he emerged with a “smoothie shop” made of cardboard and trash, each part thoughtfully glued together. With grace and courtesy, he took our orders, and we played along. He was so proud, and I silently thanked his Montessori teachers for showing us how to let him follow his interests.

— Tara, mother of John, aged 7 years

Reprinted with permission from DK Publishers – Montessori for Every Family: A Practical Parenting Guide to Living, Loving, and Learning by Tim Seldin and Lorna McGrath

Return to Table of Contents

The Art of Observation

The Art of Observation

by | MFA, TC September 2023

by Friends of the Montessori Family Alliance

A MONTESSORI MOM’S GUIDE

Hello fellow Montessori parents, I’m Sarah, a seasoned Montessori mom. As parents, we’ve experienced the joy, curiosity, and sometimes even a bit of confusion that comes with the Montessori journey. I remember the first time I was invited to observe my daughter Gabriella’s class, I was both excited and unsure about what to expect. Over the years, I’ve learned that these observations offer a unique window into our children’s world, and I’d love to share my insights with you.

MY JOURNEY AS AN OBSERVER

The first time I visited Gabriella’s Montessori class, I was instructed to sit in the designated visitor’s chair and observe. At first, it felt a bit strange, sitting in a bustling room full of children, quietly watching. However, with time, I realized the importance of being a silent observer and allowing the class to carry on with its regular routine.

My best advice to you would be to schedule your visits ahead of time with your child’s teacher. This way, the class remains undisrupted, and you get to see an authentic day unfold in the Montessori environment. I found that it’s also crucial to give the younger ones a bit of time to settle into their new routine at the start of the school year before planning a visit.

GUIDANCE THROUGH OBSERVATION

Over the years, I’ve developed a keen eye for certain elements during my visits. Here’s what you might want to look for:

Classroom Layout: The first thing that struck me about the Montessori classroom was its child-centric design. Notice how everything, from the activities to the furnishings and shelves, is within a child’s reach, encouraging independence.

Adult-Child Interactions: The teacher-student relationship in a Montessori classroom is distinct. Watch how teachers guide rather than instruct, fostering a respectful and nurturing environment.

Child’s Workflow: Choose a child and follow their work pattern for a while. Observing Gabriella taught me that every child has a unique pace and method of learning. This understanding has helped me become more patient and supportive as a parent.

…I REALIZED THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING A SILENT OBSERVER AND ALLOWING THE CLASS TO CARRY ON WITH ITS REGULAR ROUTINE.

Teaching Methods: Observe how lessons are imparted to individual students or small groups. I was amazed to see how the teachers adjusted their teaching style according to each child’s needs.

Montessori Materials: Pay attention to how the children interact with the Montessori materials. Seeing Gabriella drawn towards certain activities helped me understand her interests and aptitudes better.

Peer Learning: One of the beauties of Montessori education is peer learning. Watching older children guide the younger ones was a heartwarming experience.

Self-correction: Another striking Montessori principle is self-correction. Watching children correct their own work instilled in me a great respect for the Method and helped me trust Gabriella’s problem-solving abilities more at home.

WHAT I LEARNED AS A MOM

Observing Gabriella’s Montessori class transformed me as a mom. I learned the importance of patience, trust, and respect in guiding my child’s development. I discovered how to encourage Gabriella’s independence, help her follow her interests, and foster her problem-solving skills. This understanding has helped me create a nurturing environment at home that aligns with her Montessori experience.

Remember, observing is not about scrutinizing every detail; it’s about gaining insights into your child’s learning journey. I hope my experiences will guide you on this beautiful path of observation. Happy observing! 

Return to Table of Contents
Words of Praise

Words of Praise

by | MFA, TC September 2023

by Montessori Family Alliance Staff

We want our children to grow up to know their own worth and be confident. Praise seems the natural path to get there, yet you hear Montessorians say that you should not give general praise. We focus on the word praise when the focus should be on the word general. We all want to know what to say instead of “good job” or “way to go.” Here are twenty statement starters and one guideline to help you. They may not feel comfortable at first, so practice. Say them out loud, practice with your children, with your loved ones, and with friends and co-workers.

First the guideline: Observe what is happening and pause to think about it or even ask questions about it. Here are twenty ways to share your observations that help build confidence:

  1. I noticed you show your kindness when you…
  2. You showed so much creativity in…
  3. I could see the hard work you have put into…
  4. You really showed curiosity with…
  5. Your problem-solving skills were on display when you…
  6. Your perspective on ___ is interesting because…
  7. You really showed enthusiasm when…
  8. I noticed how caring you were when you…
  9. I appreciated your honesty when you…
  10. I would like your opinion on ___ because I value your opinion.
  11. You showed such bravery when you…
  12. Your courage in tackling ___ inspires me.
  13. You worked so hard doing ___.
  14. Thank you for your patience with ___.
  15. You are making a difference by ___.
  16. I noticed you making others feel included when you ___.
  17. Your imagination really shines when you…
  18. Your determination with ___ is remarkable.
  19. Your ability to forgive really showed when…
  20. Your positive energy really affected…
Return to Table of Contents
Navigating Your Child’s Montessori Journey

Navigating Your Child’s Montessori Journey

by | MFA, Montessori Parenting, TC September 2023

From Daily Activities to Creating a Conducive Environment at Home

by Montessori Staff Writers

As a parent, one of the most common questions you might ask your child after school is, “So, what did you do at school today?” Often, you might be met with replies like, “Nothing” or vague responses about daily activities, such as playing with clay or spooning beans. Rest assured, your child is engaged in various developmental activities at school, even if they don’t explicitly share them.

Young children, in particular, might have difficulty articulating their day-to-day school activities. The wealth of activities and the unique names of Montessori materials, such as the Trinomial Cube or the Addition Strip Board, can all be overwhelming to remember and express.

Moreover, the Montessori learning experience is predominantly hands-on, involving manipulative materials that promote critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. Thus, your child might not bring home many papers or projects depicting their work, but that doesn’t mean they’re not learning and progressing.

Engaging with Your Child’s Montessori Experience

• Ask specific questions: Instead of a generic inquiry, ask specific questions, such as: Did you do a counting lesson today? or Did you work with colors or build a tower?

• Visit the classroom: Occasionally, you can take your child into the classroom at dismissal so they can show you their favorite activities. Be mindful, however, of the teachers’ end-of-day responsibilities.

• Classroom observation: Set up a time to observe your child in class to get a firsthand understanding of their learning environment.

• Teacher interaction: Connect with your child’s teacher for insights into your child’s progress. You can have informal discussions or schedule formal parent-teacher conferences.

• Montessori literature: Reading a book about Montessori education (or Maria Montessori) can help you understand the teaching methodology and align your expectations.

• Participate in school events: Attend school meetings and workshops to stay connected with the school community.

• Play school at home: Children often mirror their school activities during play, giving you a glimpse into their learning experiences.

• Patience is key: With time, your child’s growth and learning will become more evident.

Supporting Your Child’s Montessori Experience at Home

Witnessing the independence and responsibility of children in a Montessori environment might prompt you to wonder, “How can I foster these qualities at home?” While home should be a more relaxed space, you can apply certain Montessori principles to create an enabling environment for your child at home. Here are some suggestions:

• Encourage independence: Provide stable stools to help your child reach items of personal use. Arrange clothes on low racks and organize everyday dishes and nutritious food items within their reach.

• Household chores: Involve your child in tasks like laundry, unloading the dishwasher, and cleaning up their messes. Even simple tasks help foster a sense of responsibility.

• Organized play: Arrange toys, art supplies, and books on reachable shelves, and rotate these items to maintain their interest. Organize like items together in an attractive manner.

• Personal space: Provide a space for your child’s activities in every room. Create a self-quieting corner for them to retreat to when they need to calm down.

• Room redecoration: Older children can be invited to help redecorate their rooms, fostering a sense of ownership and decision-making.

• Monitor screen time: Limit TV and computer time, promoting more engaging and creative activities.

• Reading: Irrespective of their age, reading to your child is an enriching experience.

• Emotional communication: Talk about feelings with your child, promoting emotional intelligence.

• Use natural consequences: Rather than imposing punishment, allow natural consequences to teach your child about the effects of their actions on themselves and others.

Creating an environment that mirrors the Montessori principles at home can reinforce your child’s learning and growth. This supportive atmosphere, coupled with understanding and patience, will ensure your child cherishes their Montessori journey while developing essential life skills. 

Return to Table of Contents
Helping Your Toddler Adjust to School

Helping Your Toddler Adjust to School

by | Family Resources, Infant, Infant-Toddler (0 to 3), MFA, Montessori Family Life, Montessori Parenting, Parenting on the Same Page, Start of School Year, Video, Webinars / MFA

Is this your child’s first school experience – their first time away from home or from a primary caregiver? Or is it the transition from being at home with parents, grandparents, or a special aunt or uncle? Transitions are not easy for any of us and they can be especially difficult when you are somewhere between birth and two years old. Join us and one of our Montessori Toddler guides to learn ways to help ease separation anxiety for both you and your child with special guests Kathy Leitch and Kristi Antczak.

10 Benefits of Montessori

10 Benefits of Montessori

by | Family Resources, MFA, Montessori Education, Montessori students, TC April 2023, Tomorrow's Child

child sorting

If no one has asked you how Montessori will benefit your child, or will Montessori benefit your child, they have probably thought of it. In fact, you may have asked yourself the very same question. Why choose an education that is an alternative to traditional education?

Let’s examine ten reasons we may choose Montessori for our family.

1. Learning is child-centered and individualized. A similar curriculum to traditional schools is taught, often in a different order, and children move through the curriculum at their own pace. Teachers observe and guide students as needed to develop mastery, rather than following a timeline for learning set by others.

2. With the freedom and support to question deeply, they learn to think critically and act boldly, developing the ability to lead with respect and consideration.

3. By giving students a choice of activities, they develop their executive function skills, making choices on their own, learning to wait and take turns, and developing self-discipline and motivation.

4. The guided independent approach to learning allows Montessori students to become confident, enthusiastic self-learners. Teachers observe, monitor, and guide children to make good choices to progress their learning.

5. There is limited standardized testing, and it is most often used as a way to observe as well as a practical life skill. Children are motivated by and measured against their own achievements, not those of others.

6. Free from predefined times for activities, Montessori children delve into subjects that inspire them and are able to feel the intrinsic reward of seeing a task through to completion, without being cut off because that class has ended.

7. As students are active contributors to the classroom and the teacher their guide, there are more opportunities for cooperation and collaborative working among students of all ages.

8. Montessori focuses on the whole child, with social and emotional development equal to the academic curriculum. Learning to work with others, take turns, lead with respect, speak up, and consider needs outside their own prepares children to be global citizens.

9. The focus is on the key developmental stages of the child, with learning activities and materials designed to further develop key milestones. Neither introducing subjects or skills their brain and body are not prepared for, nor requiring them to stay with information and skills they have already mastered, allows children to reach their own full potential.

10. Montessori is hands-on learning with materials that enable self-correction and self-assessment. Auto-correcting materials (the largest cylinder does not fit in the smallest space) allow children to develop confidence in their own learning and become the developer of their own knowledge rather than go to an adult and drink from their fountain of knowledge.

Return to Table of Contents