As a parent interested in the Montessori method, you may have heard about the three-period lesson, a hallmark of Montessori education that helps young children learn vocabulary and concepts.In simple terms, the three steps, or periods, are: 1. Naming (Introduction) "This is a dog." 2. Recognizing (Identification) "Show me... Read More

For young children, every bush is a forest, every rivulet a waterway, and every unfamiliar adult environment a trip to the moon! This year, consider skipping the exotic locale and long travel time. Your family can find plenty of summer fun right in the neighborhood. Even the most mundane locations offer fascinating treasure... Read More

Glass at Home—by Tim Seldin, How to Raise an Amazing Child the Montessori WayWhenever possible, try to build a control of error into each activity so it becomes clear to your child when she has made a mistake. The rationale behind letting children use cups and bowls that break if they are dropped or misused is that children... Read More

"We must teach the children the elements of social behavior ... In this way, these little people who, before, only knew vaguely and half consciously what to do in any particular social situation, now have a clear and vivid idea how to react when the particular occasion arises. ... (T)he essential thing is that he should kno... Read More

Ah, summer... When magic words like "sleep-over" and "camping trip" nudge the older child's inclination to stretch beyond their immediate circles... When younger children clamor to explore their immediate outdoors... When parents juggle schedules to make outdoor experiences available to all their children... immediately!Exp... Read More

"There are many ingenious ways of 'fixing up' your child's room."—Elizabeth Hainstock Teaching Montessori in the HomeOnce your child has learned to crawl and toddle, it's time to redesign the nursery. The baby's room was originally organized to make it easy and convenient for parents and caretakers. At this stage, it's time... 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

"Every child is gifted. They just unwrap their packages at different times."—AnonymousLooking at a shelf of parenting books in the bookstore recently made me wonder how parents today decide how to raise their children. One could become The Confident Parent or listen to The Secrets of the Baby Whisperer while trying to remem... Read More

"...for it is in giving that we receive..." —Francis of Assisi (13th century)Tis the season when the true spirit of giving is often overtaken by a frantic schedule. Before that happens, let's find ways you and your child can create a more meaningful holiday. Your child's innate sense of generosity can be expanded as you foc... Read More

Light years ahead of her time, Maria Montessori developed a theory of education that continues to thrive more than a century after she opened her first school. Perhaps your children attend a Montessori school, or maybe you home school with inspiration from her method. Noticing how children were challenged by the expectation... Read More