"I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn."—Albert EinsteinMany of us have seen a young child more interested in the wrapping paper than the gift; or watched as a child played with just a string and a popsicle stick or a large empty box. Maria Montessori observed the same phe... Read More

"The artist is not a special kind of person; rather each person is a special kind of artist."—Ananda CoomaraswamyIt's the first month of the year and you may still be making room for holiday gifts. In my house, these gifts traditionally included fresh, new art supplies. As the children grew up, the size of the crayon box al... Read More

"No sensorial education can ever occur except as a part of some total activity in which both intelligence and movement are involved."—Maria Montessori, The Absorbent MindWhat's your first memory of using your toy blocks in a creative way? Did you build a castle, a garage, the perfect house, or just a wall to protect your ow... Read More

In 1914 Maria Montessori wrote a succinct guide to her discoveries, Dr. Montessori's Own Handbook. According to Nancy Rambusch's introduction, Montessori aimed to deliver "a practical message of Montessori to the American home, " offering parents the means for understanding and applying basic Montessori themes in the home.O... Read More

The short days of January invite us to "hunker down" and enjoy a cozy evening at home. The calendar seems less hectic after the holidays, and perhaps the children don't have as many after-school activities. This is a good time to schedule a special evening with the whole family. I have fond memories of those winter nights w... Read More

We've all seen young children doing any number of imaginative things with wooden blocks: building a toy animal corral or a parking lot for cars, or a doll's cradle. What makes block play open-ended, after all? Merriam-Webster's definition of open-ended, applied:"not rigorously fixed": the outcome of the child's activity is ... Read More

"During the pandemic I learned to let go a little and it worked. Imagine that!" —Parent of three young children How we are looking forward to getting back to normal! Now that things are beginning to open up, many of us are embracing a better normal. We have struggled to fulfill the new responsibilities created when school ... Read More

cos·mic 1. Of or relating to the universe, especially as distinct from Earth. 2. Infinitely or inconceivably extended; vast.Dr. Montessori recognized that all of science and history tell portions of the same story: the continuing creation of the universe. Cosmic Education tells that story. In a uniquely Montessori way, the ... 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

Tips & Activity Ideas from Birth to Age 6"Good morning. It is a lovely day today. Should we take a walk in the park? Let's get our mittens and jackets. It's crisp and cold this morning."You might chatter with a four-year-old this way. What about a four-month-old? It might not even occur to parents to communicate like this w... Read More