Erdkinder, meaning “children of the earth” in German, is Montessori’s concept for adolescent education, typically designed for students aged 12-18. This model extends Montessori principles to secondary education, focusing on practical work, connection to nature, and community living. Often associated with a farm environment, Erdkinder programs provide adolescents with hands-on experiences that link academic studies … Read more
Casa dei Bambini, or “Children’s House,” refers to the first Montessori school established by Dr. Maria Montessori in 1907 in the San Lorenzo district of Rome, Italy. This innovative educational setting served children aged 3-6 and became the prototype for Montessori education worldwide. The Casa dei Bambini was designed to provide a nurturing, child-centered environment … Read more
Founded by Dr. Maria Montessori in 1929, the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) is dedicated to upholding the integrity of her work and promoting her educational approach globally. AMI provides teacher training, supports Montessori schools and educators, and offers a wealth of resources on Montessori education. It is recognized as a leading authority on Montessori education … Read more
The American Montessori Society (AMS) is one of the largest Montessori organizations in the United States, founded in 1960. AMS is a vibrant community of educators, parents, and schools committed to the Montessori philosophy. It offers teacher education programs, school accreditation, professional development opportunities, and resources for those interested in Montessori education. AMS works to … Read more
The Montessori Australia Foundation (MAF) is the leading organization supporting Montessori education in Australia. It provides a platform for Montessori schools, educators, and parents to access resources, training, and support. MAF advocates for the Montessori method at national and international levels, offers accreditation for Montessori schools, and organizes conferences and workshops to promote best practices … Read more
The Work Cycle in Montessori education refers to a significant, uninterrupted period of time during which children are free to choose and engage deeply in their work. This cycle is typically around three hours in length, allowing children the time and space to select activities based on their interests, engage with them at their own … Read more
Grace and Courtesy lessons are a vital component of the Montessori curriculum, focusing on social skills and behaviors that promote a respectful and harmonious classroom environment. These lessons cover everything from greeting others and offering help to resolving conflicts peacefully and moving gracefully within the classroom. By practicing these skills in a variety of scenarios, … Read more
Didactic Materials are specialized educational tools designed by Maria Montessori to facilitate self-directed learning and exploration. Each material serves a specific learning purpose, often self-correcting, and is designed to present abstract concepts in a concrete form. These materials are meticulously crafted to isolate one difficulty or concept at a time, allowing children to focus their … Read more
Cosmic Education is a Montessori approach for children aged 6-12 years, designed to give them a comprehensive understanding of the universe and their place within it. This curriculum connects all academic subjects through the overarching narrative of the universe’s formation, the Earth’s development, and the emergence of human civilizations. Cosmic Education aims to foster a … Read more
The Three-Period Lesson is a key teaching strategy in Montessori education, designed to introduce and reinforce concepts and vocabulary in a clear and structured way. This method involves three distinct stages: Introduction (Naming): The teacher introduces a new concept or object by naming it. This might involve showing a child a geometric shape and saying, … Read more