"It's precisely because children don't understand what death is about that they need help from loving adults in talking about it."—Mr. Rogers, www.fredrogers.orgIn one of his 1970s children's television episodes, Mr. Rogers gives a beautiful example of how to talk with young children about death. He looks into the fish tank... Read More

A Book Review by Kelly Griffith-Mannion, M. Ed.As a Montessori mom, I've just found the perfect best friend—a well-informed, articulate "Montessorian, " always ready to give me succinct, detailed advice on how to pull off the best parenting job ever! Well, all right. My new best friend is an invaluable book from the Sandpip... Read More

Maria Montessori urged us to "give the child a vision of the whole universe..." so that children might better understand Earth's place in the cosmos. Books, card materials, and star charts take children only so far - no photograph can replace the awe-inspiring vision of millions of diamond-bright stars twinkling overhead.Wh... Read More

"Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world."—Desmond Tutu Earth Day (April 22) is an annual reminder to go outdoors with our children and celebrate the beauty and bounty of the Earth. The first Earth Day was held in the United States in 1970 when conc... Read More

"If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders."—Abigail Van Buren (the original "Dear Abby")It's still July, but it's not too early to think about the beginning of the school year. Taking a hint from the stores filled with school supplies and back-to-school specials, we c... Read More

Explore the "universal language" of music with your children Children have a wonderful capacity to appreciate and make music. Early exposure to a music of all types has intrinsic value -- it can tell a story, set a mood, and reflect the character of a culture. Music stimulates the part of the brain associated with pattern r... Read More

Whether leaving home for a day at pre-school or for a week at summer camp, children can learn how to get themselves ready. Knowing how to perform the tasks of daily living is essential for children to become responsible and independent. As your child grows, your life as a parent will become easier and easier if you refrain ... Read More

According to E.M. Standing, in Maria Montessori: Her Life and Work, Montessori Grace and Courtesy activities are a natural expression of communal life. They teach children how to interact with people in a respectful way. Learning how to politely greet others, interrupt respectfully, open and close a door quietly, sit and st... Read More

If you wish to give the means to the child for his development you must give them in such a way that the child can, and must move. ...In all her books, lectures, conversations, Montessori incessantly returns to this great theme of the importance of movement. —E.M. Standing Maria Montessori, Her Life and WorkOf course, we al... Read More

"Spring came again to the northern garden and so did the bluebirds." —R. Bruce Horsfall Bluebirds Seven The dawn chorus of birds is a universal sign of spring, and you might listen for it with your early-rising children - even from inside your home. Morning is a perfect time to hear birds as they greet the rising sun. It's ... Read More