What can Montessorians learn from teaching in a war-torn country, and what can they hope to share with others in the process? These questions were much on the author's mind when she went to Sri Lanka in the summer of 2003. This article contains excerpts from e-mails the author sent home, chronicling her experience teaching two high school English…

The author believes that very young children are able to understand the abstract concept of peace. In her primary classroom she introduces the concept of peace to the children in a low energy environment with low lights, and soft music. When children feel at peace in their hearts, they relate peacefully to those around them. She begins with the…

This article focuses on a teaching method developed by Maria Montessori, starting with activities in the primary classroom, which are continued through the elementary years. The author discusses a few child-centered techniques in preparing children for their work within a larger community--the whole human family. In the Montessori environment, the…

This article discusses how Montessori teachers create authentic and meaningful experiences for older students in the modern technological age while fostering the sensitive stages of imagination and exploration of the world around them. Maria Montessori observed that children learn to read and write through their spontaneous, independent behavior.…

Over the years, the author has observed the vicious cycle that undermines the effectiveness of and access to good basic education in her own village and family, and in poor rural areas in general. Located in one of the most deprived areas of rural Ghana, there is a huge "reality gap" between school and children's everyday lives. The weak…

This article examines the advantages of using automated media library systems and how to incorporate them in Montessori schools learning environment. Before even addressing the issue of Montessori philosophy and practice, Here, the author first address two principles: availability and accessibility. Availability is the first principle of a…

In this article, the author discusses several approaches in facilitating teachers, faculty, and staff members in giving birth to publishable writing that will allow them to share their ideas with other professionals. One effective approach is to find the strongest angle for a story and then narrowing it down.

Maria Montessori's worldview, shaped at least in part by her extensive travels and her experiences during World War II, compelled her to speak of peace and cooperation among nations. Though in today's world people can communicate instantly via fax, e-mail, and cell phones, and have the ability to circumnavigate the globe in a matter of days, they…

As leader of a People-to-People tour to Russia, and one whose family history is linked to the cataclysmic history of 20th-century Russia, Ruth Corey, felt a special responsibility to introduce her traveling companions to Russia, and Russian Montessorians to her cohorts. Her traveling companions were a group of 15 Montessori teachers, committed to…

This article discusses an approach designed for mathematics educators. Maria Montessori intended this knowledge to be shared with other teachers, increasing the Montessori community's understanding of children's thinking. A group of Montessorians has even tried to formalize this process with a program called Teachers' Research Network. Similarly,…

In this article, the author discusses the importance of music education in a child's development, and how music experiences affect the development of students' intellect. Music education has long been anecdotally linked to increased intellectual ability. Research suggests, though, that music education is far more than an entertaining diversion.…

The authors' intention in writing this article is to dispel any fears and mysteries previously subscribed to about appreciating and creating music. Through simplification and isolation, the understanding of music will inevitably unfold as predictably and beautifully as a blossom on a warm summer day. Their hope is that, people may use this…

This article describes a teacher's approach of implementing hands-on musical experiences and expanding her repertoire of interesting activities that engage students and instill in them a love of music while remaining true to the philosophy and practice of Montessori education. The author shares her vision of Montessori music education which is a…

This article presents an interview with Erica Roach, a former Montessori student and a musician, who shares her story about how her Montessori experiences shaped her life. Roach grew up in San Francisco and attended two different Montessori schools: Big City Montessori, for kindergarten, and San Francisco Montessori School (now called The San…

This article focuses on role of music education. If the society has changed how it values music, it is certainly worthwhile to reevaluate the role music should play in the education and development of a child. Children are not predisposed to be able to understand one style of music over another. Rather they learn traits of the style of their…