Category: Upper Elementary

“We need the tonic of wildness… At the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature.” -Henry David Thoreau While the … Continue reading “Upper Elementary Camp Out…”

If you haven’t already come up with your favorite way to answer those questions about what Montessori is and what makes Montessori unique, here’s a great way to answer: observation. Dr. Montessori did not impose a method which happened to work. Rather, her pedagogy arose from her continued observation of children. She noticed which materials … Continue reading “Observation…”

“The first essential for the child’s development is concentration. The child who concentrates is immensely happy.” -Maria Montessori Whether figuring out how to grasp a rattle, pull up, write or read, concentration is central to learning. While coming naturally to children, concentration is also a skill which we cultivate by providing the right environment. How … Continue reading “A Peek at Concentration…”

Have you ever wondered how the magic of an elementary classroom works? Below, Anna Schwind shares one of the ingredients for the healthy functioning of an elementary classroom. “You forget that the fruits belong to all and that the land belongs to no one.” Jean-Jacques Rousseau The beginning of the year in the elementary classroom … Continue reading “Creating Community Together…”

Perhaps the most profound aspects of Montessori education are those that we do not see. Montessori nourishes our children’s very character. Our hope is that, well nourished, our children will develop a sense of justice and a true understanding of peace. In celebration of The International Day of Peace, Anna Schwind offers the following for … Continue reading “On Peace…”