"The child developing harmoniously and the adult improving himself at his side make a very exciting and attractive picture." ~Dr. Maria Montessori
Parent Partnering
Montessori is a unique and often misunderstood educational philosophy. It informs everything we do here, from how we organize carpool to how we respond when a child throws a tantrum. The more parents learn about Montessori education, the more closely we can collaborate.
We know you are busy and your time is valuable! You could spend your life studying this stuff (we do!), so we've hand selected videos, podcasts and blogs to save you time. You don’t need to be a Montessori child development expert—that’s who we are. This series will help us partner by giving a common language so we can help you offer your children what they need to be successful and happy, not just in school, but in life!
Start Here!
The first in our series is one of my favorites: What is Montessori? by Jesse McCarthy, one of our favorite sources for all things Montessori. In less than 20 minutes, you will be well on their way to kicking off the school year!
How to get your child to do anything!
“Grace and Courtesy” is a phrase you’ll hear us use often, especially at the beginning of the year.
“Grace & Courtesy are the “what to do when” and “how to” lessons of the classroom. They’re direct instruction on rules, policy, how to be a human in this space and time. Children will learn anything as long as they’re provided with a clear model, reinforcement, and an opportunity to practice.” Hit play to the left, listen on Apple Podcast, or read the article.
What will success look like?
Montessori is famous for phrases like "follow the child" and "learning at their own pace." And you know that Montessori education doesn't use tests or worksheets or grades. So, how will we know if your child is successful at school? We go back to Charlotte at Baan Dek Montessori for the answer in her podcast entitled Defining Success in Montessori. Hit play to the left or listen on Apple Podcast.
It’s OK to Cry!
The BIG work of separation is an important one, especially for the toddlers and primary and we are so grateful to you parents for your adjusting your schedule during Phase-In as it is a tremendous help to your little ones. Here’s a great short article from one of our favorite early childhood development experts on toddlers and separation. https://www.janetlansbury.com/2011/07/i-miss-you-and-thats-ok-toddlers-and-separation/
Build Positive Relationships
Are you looking for ways to foster a positive relationship with your child while still allowing for their growth and independence? What if there were one simple, personal way to improve your time with your children and deepen your understanding of the Montessori method? The answer is observation! This is such an important topic, we offer two resources, a podcast from Montessori Education and a video from Montessori Guide. Love to hear your thoughts!
Children who push boundaries!
Transitions, especially transitions that involve separation, are times that children need more reassurance and connection because so much is changing. We often hear from parents at this time of year "he's never done this before, but all of the sudden . . . (insert some boundary pushing behavior). This podcast from Janet Lansbury talks about a SOLUTION to this this common experience.
Literacy in Montessori
So far we've focused on sharing podcasts and videos that cover developmental and relational aspects of how Montessori approaches the child. But of course, academics are a large part of Montessori too! Our first Parent Workshop will delve into a part of the richness of the approach to language in a Montessori environment, but the topic is too big for one workshop. Here's a great video on the way literacy naturally develops in children and how we support it throughout the learning continuum.
Tantrums and Defiance
Ever felt stuck and helpless, not knowing how to respond to your child's defiance or tantrum? Yes, that was a rhetorical question. ALL parents have felt that way at some point. As a member of the Montessori Thrive community, RMS has access to special recorded Montessori parenting workshops and this one, entitled Stopping Tantrums and Defiance has help. Hope you enjoy.
Stopping Tantrums and Defiance