Montessori Mom Links of the Day

Writing method for Reading

Writing Road to Reading The Spalding Method for Teaching Speech, Spelling, Writing, and Reading is very Montessori based. It uses phonetics and phonograms for spelling and reading exercises. This would be a great addition to any elementary language curriculum.

Montessori Play and Learn

Montessori Play And Learn : A Parent's Guide to Purposeful Play from Two to Six has a great Montessori overview for toddlers and preschool children. There are lots of practical ideas for parents. This a great first book for helping your child get started with Montessori education.

What to look for in a Montessori School

The CCMA has a great overview of what Montessori education is today. The section on creativity is excellent.

"Music, art, storytelling, movement, and drama are part of every Montessori program. But there are other things particular to the Montessori environment which encourage creative development: many materials which stimulate interest and involvement; an emphasis on the sensory aspect of experience; and the opportunity for both verbal and nonverbal modes of learning."

For quite a few decades many educators believed that Montessori stifled creativity. Our staff of teachers used to go to early childhood conventions during the 1970's. We were bombarded with arguments telling us how sterile and controlling Montessori preschool classrooms were. In fact, we had a huge community sponsored music program, drama, and physical arts. Our classroom was more than just Montessori equipment and materials.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a preschool.

Lurkers

There are always some children who know how to do things you have not taught them in the classroom or at home. Every year we  were amazed to have some observant, logical child who absorbed and learned the materials and concepts in his or her own way, independent of our lessons. They often seemed like the were wandering without direction. These stealth children could hear and learn from another part of the room when a lesson was presented. Truly,  they are misunderstood as lacking self-discipline or motivation.

  Maren Schmidt's example of Charlie,  who can tell time by his own means,  is a great example how lurker children learn.  It is really part of the Montessori magic that appeals to all types of personalities and learning styles. It's okay to be a lurker.

Dolch Word List

I used the Montessori reading methods with my students and children. However, I used these activities using the Dolch Word List with children who needed an extra step in the process. I used pictures with words  to help students read at an emergent level.

Handwriting Printouts

It's not very Montessori to use Handwriting Printouts.  But not all children learn to write by just using the sandpaper letters and metal insets. There are times when we have to be able to print or write to function in society. I think it's fine to use handwriting sheets and books to help with this.

How to Draw

I finally learned how to draw in fifth grade art class. I didn't mind someone showing me how to make interesting animals and people by using shapes and dimension.

Billy Bear has some great drawing sheets to show you or your child how to draw a penguin, bear, frog, lizard, cat, bird and much more!

Alphabet Coloring Pages and Songs

These coloring printouts are a great way to encourage leaning the alphabet sounds! Any child would find the angry alligator a fun way to lean! You can even use tracing paper to make a fun activity. I love the angry alligator song too!