Resource Guide for Parents
The Montessori method is an educational approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori that emphasizes independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child’s natural development.
Core Principles
Respect for the Child – Recognizing each child’s potential and treating them as capable individuals.
The Absorbent Mind – Understanding that children naturally learn from their environment.
Sensitive Periods – Recognizing specific developmental windows where children are especially receptive to learning.
The Prepared Environment – Creating spaces that encourage independence, exploration, and hands-on learning.
Auto-education (Self-education) – Allowing children to learn at their own pace with guidance rather than direct instruction.
Common Parent Questions
What age can my child start Montessori education?
Children can start as early as infancy, but most Montessori schools accept children from ages 2.5-3 years old. The method can be applied through elementary and even secondary education.
How is Montessori different from traditional education?
- Focuses on individual progress rather than standardized learning
- Uses hands-on materials and real-life experiences
- Allows children to choose their work and set their own pace
- Features mixed-age classrooms
- Emphasizes independence and self-directed learning
Will my child be able to transition to traditional school?
Yes. Montessori children typically develop strong academic foundations, social skills, and learning habits that serve them well in any educational environment.
Finding the Right Montessori School
Key factors to consider when choosing a Montessori school:
- Authentic Certification: Look for teachers trained by accredited Montessori training centers (AMI or AMS)
- Mixed-Age Groups: Traditional Montessori classrooms span three-year age groups
- Work Periods: Uninterrupted work time of 2-3 hours
- Philosophy Implementation: School should follow authentic Montessori principles
The Montessori Teacher’s Role
- Observe and guide rather than lecture
- Prepare the environment
- Demonstrate materials
- Support individual development
Recommended Resources
Websites
Books, Podcasts, & Social Media
- Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius by Angeline Stoll Lillard
- How To Raise An Amazing Child the Montessori Way by Tim Seldin
- The Montessori Notebook Podcast
- Montessori Parenting Podcast
- Shelf Help Podcast
- Facebook Group: Montessori at Home Support Group
Setting Up a Montessori Environment at Home
- Create child-sized spaces with accessible materials
- Organize materials on low shelves
- Include practical life activities (e.g., pouring, cleaning, cooking)
- Rotate materials based on child’s interests and development
- Establish order and beauty in the environment
Age-Appropriate Montessori Activities
Birth to 3 Years (Toddlers)
- Practical Life: Dressing frames, pouring exercises
- Sensorial: Texture boards, sound cylinders
- Language: Picture books, nomenclature cards
- Music: Simple instruments, movement activities
3-6 Years (Primary)
- Practical Life: Food preparation, care of environment
- Sensorial: Pink tower, color tablets
- Language: Sandpaper letters, movable alphabet
- Cultural: Geography puzzles, science experiments
6-12 Years (Elementary)
- Advanced mathematical concepts using Montessori materials
- Research projects and cultural studies
- Scientific experiments and observations
- Creative writing and literature analysis
Recommended Resources
Websites
• American Montessori Society (AMS)
• Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius by Angeline Stoll Lillard
• How To Raise An Amazing Child the Montessori Way by Tim Seldin
Podcasts
• The Montessori Notebook Podcast
• Montessori Parenting Podcast
• Shelf Help Podcast
Social Media Groups & Forums
• Facebook Groups: Montessori at Home Support Group
What Is and Isn't Montessori?
Common Myths vs. Reality
Montessori IS:
- Child-led learning
- Hands-on materials
- Mixed-age classrooms
- Encouragement of independence
- Uninterrupted work periods
- Individualized learning
Montessori is NOT:
- A free-for-all environment
- Teacher-centered instruction
- Rigid desks and worksheets
- Standardized testing-based learning
- Overly structured lessons
| Montessori is too unstructured | The environment is carefully prepared with clear ground rules and expectations |
| Children do whatever they want | Children have freedom within limits and are guided by trained teachers |
| It’s only for preschool | Montessori education extends through high school |
| It’s only for gifted children | Montessori works for children of all abilities and learning styles |
| Children don’t learn social skills | Mixed-age classrooms foster strong social development and leadership skills |