Montessori Moms in the Wild: Recent Episodes
Montessori Moms in the Wild
We are three trained Montessori guides and new moms. We are NOT here to be your guide, per se, but simply to share, commiserate and maybe even inspire each other on this wild journey. Our hopes are that together we can remind ourselves of what is important to us as Montessorians and as mothers in a way that might help other parents - or at least entertain them!
In this episode of Coffee Talk with Montessori Moms in the Wild, Rachel, a Montessori-trained mom of three, discusses the challenges and solutions for managing the hectic hours between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. She offers practical tips such as prepping dinner in advance, setting non-negotiable activities for kids, and incorporating engaging evening activities like dance parties and walks to shake it up and begin the wind down process. Rachel emphasizes the importance of mindset shifts and flexibility to create a calmer and more enjoyable evening routine for both parents and children.
00:00 Introduction to Coffee Talk
00:27 Meet Rachel: A Montessori Mom
00:36 The Challenging Hours: 4 PM to 7 PM
02:46 Strategies for a Calmer Evening
04:11 Non-Negotiables and Dinner Prep
05:18 Outdoor Play and Baby Wearing
08:37 Managing Evening Chores and Dance Parties
10:16 Evening Walks and Bedtime Routine
11:19 Final Thoughts and Tips
12:25 Conclusion and Contact Information
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In this episode of Coffee Talk with Montessori Moms in the Wild, Megan reflects on her recent thoughts about appropriate consequences for children's behavior, providing insight into connection and collaboration in both the classroom and at home. Megan emphasizes the importance of understanding children's perspectives, offering practical examples from her experiences with connecting with children before redirecting. She encourages parents to join in their children’s world to foster better problem-solving and cooperation skills, while leading by example on concepts like collaborating and probelm solving. This heartfelt discussion aims to spark a conversation on rethinking how we approach discipline and our long term goals for our children.
00:00 Introduction to Coffee Talk
00:37 Meet Megan: Life Updates and Summer Adventures
02:03 Preparing for the New School Year
06:30 Thoughts on Parenting and Consequences
14:26 Joining and Redirecting: A Parenting Philosophy
22:35 Final Reflections and Outro
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Email us at montessorimomsinthewild@gmail.com
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In this episode of Montessori Moms in the Wild, Rachel and Laura, trained Montessori guides and moms, offer comforting and practical advice for parents navigating the back-to-school season. They share personal experiences and tips on creating effective morning routines, managing emotional drop-offs and pick-ups, and facilitating productive family conversations. The Moms emphasize the importance of preparation, emotional support, and open communication with teachers to help children adjust to new school settings. Tune in for relatable insights and strategies that aim to make the transition smoother and more enjoyable for both parents and kids.00:00 Introduction to Montessori Moms in the Wild00:56 Meet the Hosts01:47 Life Updates and Homeschooling03:52 Going Viral on Instagram05:57 Navigating Back to School Season06:52 Tips for Starting at a New School13:23 Creating a Smooth Morning Routine18:43 Quick and Smooth Drop-Offs21:45 Handling Drop-Off Anxiety23:35 Managing After-School Overstimulation25:22 Creating a Wind-Down Routine26:28 Balancing Activities and Quiet Time27:35 Navigating Developmentally Appropriate Behaviors31:04 Encouraging Open Communication32:19 Practicing Independence with School Supplies37:32 Addressing School Complaints Effectively42:54 Conclusion and Wrap-Up
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In this episode of 'Coffee Talk with Montessori Moms in the Wild', Laura, a Montessori-trained mother of 2, shares insights from an excerpt of the book 'Getting Over Your Parents' by The School of Life. Laura discusses the profound influence of childhood experiences on adult life and the importance of parents recognizing and addressing their own traumas in order to avoid paying them forward. The episode highlights key aspects of effective parenting, including attentiveness, empathy, boundaries, and the power of emotional imprinting during a child's formative years. The episode aims to affirm and support parents in their journey to be better caregivers, aligned with Montessori principles.
00:00 Introduction to Coffee Talk
00:21 Meet Laura: Montessori Mom
00:34 Book Excerpt: Getting Over Your Parents
01:12 The Impact of Childhood Experiences
04:44 Understanding the Role of Parents
09:32 The Importance of Early Childhood
15:21 Qualities of a Good Parent
22:07 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
24:40 Closing Remarks and Call to Action
If you want to read this book yourself, you can find it here!
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If you've been listening for a while you already know Rachel's husband works super long hours, leaving Rachel solo from wake up to bed time! Now that she has added a third baby to the mix, Rachel has gotten a lot of questions about how to makes it all work. How does she structure her days? What steps did she need to take to keep everyone safe while meeting the different developmental needs of everyone in the house? Rachel sits down to explain it all in the hopes that she can help other parents out there doing the solo hustle with multiple littles- and zero extra hands!
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This week we thoroughly enjoyed a chance to catch up as our beloved Rachel returns from maternity leave as a mom of three! Not a lot of philosophy covered in this one, but join us anyway for a much needed excuse to chat about life lately, parenting wins & milestones, and a fun game highlighting the differences in vernaculars between a southern belle, a yankee, and a California girlie.
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In this episode of 'Coffee Talk with Montessori Moms in the Wild,' Laura explores the importance of apologizing to children. She discusses a scenario where a new teacher lost her patience and the guidance provided on handling such situations. Emphasizing that apologizing is a crucial part of grace and courtesy, she explains why adults should model this behavior, how to make an effective apology, and the impact it has on children. The episode aims to offer practical advice for parents and teachers to foster a respectful and empathetic environment for kids.
00:00 Introduction to Coffee Talk
00:22 Thank You to Our Listeners
01:13 The Importance of Apologizing to Kids
04:09 Why & When Adults Should Apologize
08:03 How to Apologize Effectively
15:09 Making Apologies a Teachable Moment
16:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Join Megan and Laura as they give us a quick and demystified run down of the heart and soul of the academic curriculum of the Montessori elementary classroom: Cosmic Education! What is a cosmic curriculum, why is it so important, what are the 5 major “Great Lessons” at its core? The second plane of development is a wild and exciting time, often misunderstood by many, so this episode aims to explain the major work of Cosmic Education, and how this approach to educating the second plane child is truly mind-blowing!
If you are interested in a workshop where we teach the Five Great Lessons, send us a message!
Instagram: @MontessoriMomsintheWild
Email: MontessoriMomsintheWild@gmail.com
Resources referenced in this episode:
Ellen Lebitz, AMI article: https://montessori-ami.org/trainingvoices/cosmic-education
Children of the Universe book: https://a.co/d/83wYuZH
The Deep Well of Time: https://a.co/d/iwX6F0F
Listen to our whole episode on the characteristics of second plane: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/tiRfPTzzBJb
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In this very special Coffee Talk with Montessori Moms in the Wild, Rachel recounts the day she welcomed her third child. Nothing specifically about the Montessori philosophy in this one, just a sweet, emotional moment to share and process Rachel's third birth! This one had us all in our feels, but you have our permission to skip it if this kind of thing just isn't your jam!
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Rachel is on maternity leave, which means, you guessed it, Laura and Megan are a couple of hot messes without her! In this episode we go completely rogue, deciding to talk about anything other than Montessori philosophy! We opened up a question box in our Instagram stories asking what you all want to know about us that is not Montessori specific, and in this episode we deliver the answers! This one is super silly and barely edited at all, so either sit back and have a laugh with us, or skip this week if you hate joy and friendship…
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In this episode of Coffee Talk with Montessori Moms in the Wild, Megan shares her personal reflections on mistakes she made early in her Montessori career. She shares insights on the importance of properly presenting materials, asking for help, understanding the purpose behind activities, and the implementation of grace and courtesy in the classroom. She emphasizes that mistakes are part of the learning process and encourages listeners to view them as opportunities for growth. Megan invites listeners to share their own experiences and learnings, aiming to foster a community of continuous learners and supporters on this Montessori path.
00:00 Welcome to Coffee Talk
00:38 Personal Update and the Joy of Spring Break
02:30 Reflecting on Mistakes and Growth
03:44 Practical Lessons from the Montessori Classroom
11:31 The Importance of Grace and Courtesy in Montessori Education
14:37 Revisiting Classroom Rules and Material Use
17:30 Reflections and Invitations for Sharing
19:21 Closing Thoughts and How to Connect
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You asked, and we've delivered!
In this first part of a Q&A style conversation based on requests that were submitted via our Instagram stories, Megan and Laura tackle listener questions regarding testing boundaries in the classroom, how to capitalize on a child's interest in letter sounds, the difference between teaching CH and LE, homeschool programs, discipline, and toy rotation ideas. Stay tuned for a part 2 to cover the questions we weren't able to get to this time!
00:00 Teaser
00:43 Introductions
02:29 Weekly Share In
16:27 Addressing Classroom Boundaries and Behavior
24:17 Leveraging Interest in Words and Sounds for Learning
29:58 Exploring the Differences Between Primary and Elementary Education
33:03 Insights into Homeschooling and Montessori Programs
34:53 Understanding Discipline Through Natural Consequences
40:06 Toy Rotation Ideas and Open-Ended Play
44:10 Confessions!
Follow us on Instagram @MontessoriMomsInTheWild
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In this Coffee Talk, Rachel answers listener requests as she shares about her daily routine as a Montessori homeschooler with a 21 month old and a newly 4 year old!
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Children in the second plane of development (ages 6-12, but especially ages 6-9!) are navigating the rules of society, and beginning to understand their actions can create change. A huge part of this work includes the tattle tale phase, during which children seem to come to parents and teachers with a never-ending stream of complaints about the words and actions of others around them. It can be extremely hard to find the patience, empathy, and the right words to handle all of the tattling! In this episode, Megan and Laura share their opinions on the reason this phase is so important, and how they have navigated it in their careers as Lower Elementary teachers.
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In this episode of Montessori Moms in the Wild, Laura discusses the struggle of managing adult responsibilities while also allowing children the freedom to experiment, learn, and play independently. With her experience as a Montessori trained educator and a mother of two, Laura shares her personal criteria on when to intervene in the child's activities. This whole chat is based on the significant role of a child's curiosity for learning, referencing views of astrophysicist and author Dr. Neil DeGrasse Tyson. Laura ends the episode by giving other struggling parents permission to not always conform to the strict Montessori methods for the sake of preserving their sanity!
00:03 Introduction
01:01 The Struggles of Parenting and Work-Life Balance
02:21 Choosing Your Battles & Deciding When to Intervene
03:24 A Personal Anecdote: The Water Experiment
06:23 The Importance of Curiosity in Children
11:42 Criteria for Intervening in Children's Activities
16:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Normalization- a term many come across when learning more about the Montessori classroom. What does it mean? What does it look and feel like? How do we make it happen? Whether you are implementing this philosophy in the classroom or at home, this episode breaks down the goals of normalization, and our best tips for how to achieve it!
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In this Coffee Talk, Megan is inspired by a particularly hard day to create something grounding for parents who find themselves on the edge. She shares her personal experience and leads listeners through a brief and simple yet effective breathing exercise. Megan then offers a range of other coping strategies that she has found to be beneficial during her hardest times. She ends the episode with some award-winning jokes to send you off with a smile!
We encourage you to save this one for times when you feel overwhelmed and need a quick reset- you are not alone!
00:00 Introduction to Coffee Talk with Montessori Moms in the Wild
00:27 Meet Megan
01:14 The Struggles of Parenthood
03:28 Deep Breathing Exercise
05:13 Coping Mechanisms for Overwhelm
06:47 Practical Tips for Self-Care
09:43 Lightening the Mood
10:28 Reaching Out and Wrapping Up
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They're back! Join hosts Laura, Megan, and Rachel, as they discuss how they are getting back into their daily rhythm after a busy holiday season. Through this conversation, they share ways to involve children in household chores based on different age groups, observing that children can gain a sense of belonging when they contribute to the care of their home and family. The episode also highlights the value of preparing the environment and maintaining a sense of order in the Montessori home for both kids and adults; and the importance teaching children the significance of caring for their environment in a real way. As always, they discuss their personal confessions about motherhood/life, and sprinkle the episode with humor and relatable parenting moments!
00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter
00:37 Welcome to Montessori Moms in the Wild
01:34 Introducing the Hosts
01:57 Reflecting on the Past Year
02:23 Laura's Share In
07:05 Megan's Share In
10:14 Rachel's Share In
14:07 Introducing Main Topic
15:33 Involving Children in Household Tasks
17:46 Practical Tips for Involving Toddlers and Primary Age Kids
22:35 Involving Older Children in Household Tasks
23:53 The Importance of Doing Chores Together
24:19 Assigning Tasks Based on Interests
25:04 Empowering Children Through Leadership Roles
25:20 The Unexpected Skills Children Can Learn
25:45 Changing Attitudes Towards Chores
26:55 The Power of Encouragement and Avoiding Criticism
28:37 The Journey to Independence and Self-Sufficiency
30:17 Involving Children in Household Tasks
32:31 The Importance of Accepting Children's Contributions
37:41 Confessions from the Wild: Personal Stories
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In this week's Coffee Talk, Megan discusses her personal fitness and nutrition journey as a new mother, and how it ties back to her role as a Montessori guide and parent. She covers her challenges with self-care postpartum and how she's turning things around with the help of a registered dietitian. The power of making small changes to her routine, and remembering that she matters, too, have had huge impacts on her wellbeing. Megan shares about why she is dedicated to prioritizing her own health and wellness, not just for herself, but also for her children and future students. She explains the importance of her holistic preparation as a mother and an educator, emphasizing her nutritional changes and a manageable but consistent fitness regime, to better thrive in motherhood, as well as prepare to meet the demands of an active classroom.--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/montessorimomsinthewild/support
Nature's transformative power has a profound effect on a child’s development, a core aspect of Montessori education. Exposure to, and interaction with the natural environment empowers children with a sense of responsibility and encourages them to understand and appreciate the interdependence between man and nature. As Laura and Rachel emphasize, this interaction with nature not only nurtures children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development but also fosters an innate connection and appreciation for the world around them.
In today’s episode, Laura and Rachel will explore the transformative power of nature in Montessori education, revealing the secrets to promoting independence, practical life experiences, and environmental awareness. Join them as they explore the importance of nature in the Montessori method, unveiling a path towards increased connection to the natural world and enhanced development for your child AND you!
We'd love for you to connect with us and share your thoughts:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montessorimomsinthewild/
In this episode, you will be able to
- Discover the profound impact of connecting with nature on your child's overall development.
- Explore the numerous benefits of outdoor play for your child's cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being.
- Learn how nature can enhance your child's creativity, problem-solving skills, and resilience.
- Find out effective strategies to balance screen time and encourage more outdoor experiences for your child.
- Create a safe and nurturing environment for your child's outdoor play, fostering their connection with nature while ensuring their well-being.
Timestamped summary of this episode:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:40 - Daylight Savings and Sleep Challenges
00:04:28 - Baby's Milestones
00:06:21 - Holiday Season Approaching
00:08:04 - Nature in Montessori
00:13:46 - The Benefits of Playing Outdoors
00:15:29 - Nature and the Cosmic Curriculum
00:18:27 - Nature in the Digital Age
00:19:58 - Overcoming Obstacles to Outdoor Play
00:21:59 - Accessibility and Adaptation
00:27:36 - The Benefits of Going Outside
00:29:09 - Connecting to the Environment
00:29:50 - Taylor Swift Obsession
00:34:25 - Arachnophobia and Aggressive Squirrels
Resources
Maria Montessori’s Book The Absorbent Mind
Montessori Moms in the WildEpisodeThe Absorbent Mind
Montessori Moms in the Wild Episode Old MacDonald Had a School: What is a Montessori Farm School?
Montessori Moms in the Wild Episode Screen Time and Child Development: A Montessori Approach
About Montessori Moms in the Wild
We are three trained Montessori guides and new moms. We are NOT here to be your guide, per se, but simply to share, commiserate and maybe even inspire each other on this wild journey. Our hopes are that together we can remind ourselves of what is important to us as Montessorians and as mothers in a way that might help other parents - or at least entertain them!--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/montessorimomsinthewild/support
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Rachel sits down and shares her experience parenting the second time around- how her children have differed, and how those differences can be so challenging. Take comfort in knowing that even an Infant/Toddler trained Montessorian with a major in Child Development can find herself pulling out every trick in her well-worn book, only to end up completely rewriting it!
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Do you want to create a rich sensorial environment that fosters development and learning in your child? Are you looking for practical ways to incorporate sensorial experiences at home? If so, we have the solution you've been searching for.
Join Laura and Megan as they dive into the captivating world of sensorial materials, unlocking the secrets of how these tools refine children's senses, build intelligence, and create order, all while exploring the challenging balance of incorporating sensorial experiences in the Montessori classroom and at home.
In this episode of the Montessori Moms in the Wild podcast, hosts Laura and Megan delve into the fascinating world of sensorial materials in the Montessori environment. They will be sharing tips and strategies on how to create a sensorial-rich environment in your Montessori home, allowing your child to thrive and reach their full potential through hands-on exploration and sensory stimulation. They share personal anecdotes, discuss the importance of sensorial experiences for young children, and provide practical tips for incorporating sensorial activities at home. As parents and Montessori educators themselves, Laura and Megan bring a wealth of knowledge and relatable experiences to the conversation. They explain how sensorial materials help children refine their senses, make sense of the world, and build their intelligence. Whether you're a Montessori educator or a parent interested in enhancing your child's sensory development, this episode is a must-listen. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and join Laura and Megan as they explore the wonders of sensorial experiences in the Montessori environment.
Connect with us and let me hear your thoughts:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montessorimomsinthewild/
In this episode, you will be able to:
-Discover the importance of sensorial materials in creating a rich Montessori learning environment
-Uncover the power of Montessori sensorial materials in engaging children's senses and enhancing their learning experiences
-Learn practical hands-on activities to refine children's senses and foster their sensory development at home
-Explore the benefits of engaging multiple senses in categorization activities for children's cognitive growth
-Gain valuable insights into how sensorial experiences can support children's overall development and learning journey
-Prioritize self-care and seek support from friends and loved ones to fill your own cup as a parent
-Explore other areas of the Montessori philosophy, such as language, math, and practical life, to gain a deeper understanding of Montessori principles in parenting
-Discover ways to classify and organize sensory experiences for your child, promoting their cognitive growth and ability to notice details
Timestamped summary of this episode:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:03:03 - Playdate at Megan's House
00:07:35 - Importance of Sensorial Materials
00:09:53 - Purpose of Sensorial Materials
00:10:33 - Benefits of Sensorial Materials
00:14:28 - Introduction to Montessori Sensorial Materials
00:16:03 - Isolation of Quality
00:18:33 - Control of Error
00:20:38 - Manipulation and Activity
00:23:16 - Universality of Sensorial Materials
00:29:10 - The Importance of Sensorial Work
00:29:58 - Observing and Finding Natural Opportunities
00:30:27 - Confession Time
Resources
-Visit the Montessori Moms in the Wild link to listen to the podcast episodes and gain insights on the Montessori philosophy in parenting
-Check out the Montessori Moms in the Wild social media pages for updates, discussions, and community engagement
About Montessori Moms in the Wild
We are three trained Montessori guides and new moms. We are NOT here to be your guide, per se, but simply to share, commiserate and maybe even inspire each other on this wild journey. Our hopes are that together we can remind ourselves of what is important to us as Montessorians and as mothers in a way that might help other parents - or at least entertain them!
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/montessorimomsinthewild/support
Laura has a very special guest joining her for this Coffee Talk, her husband, Chris! We asked Chris if he would be willing to come have a chat about his experience as a Montessori parent out here in the wild; because almost every time we open up a Q&A box on our Instagram people ask about how to help their partners get on board with parenting in this philosophy in terms of adopting the language, being patient and respectful with their little ones, and just really leaning into an approach to children that feels completely foreign to how so many of us were raised. We hope that this brief conversation helps other parents out there see that they are not alone in feeling challenged by this philosophy, and maybe even give some tools for how to navigate the tough days where we lose our tempers and fall back on language and behaviors that don't jive with our intentions.
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Welcome to today's podcast episode on how to understand and help your childs' concentration around the Montessori philosphy for different ages.
Concentration is an important skill for children of all ages. It allows them to focus on their work, learn new things, and solve problems.
The Montessori approach to education emphasizes the importance of concentration, and parents can use many activities and strategies to help their children develop this skill.
Remember that all children develop at their own pace. Some children may be able to concentrate for longer periods of time than others. Be patient and supportive, and your child will eventually develop the ability to concentrate for extended periods of time.
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Screen time can be tough to manage, especially with young kids. On the one hand, it can be a great way to keep them entertained and learning. On the other hand, too much screen time can have a negative impact on their development.Today we're talking about screen time and the first plane of development from a Montessori philosophy lens.
Remember, you're not alone! We will also share our own personal experiences from real life on how we're dealing with screen time in our homes.To read to article mentioned in episode click here
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Hang out with Megan as she sits down to a casual, unscripted chat about some of the recent changes she has made in her routine that have yielded huge impacts on finding ease and peace in the daily grind (and often chaos) that is parenting. Preparation of the adult (including the parent!) is a keystone of everything we do in the Montessori philosophy; and it extends so far beyond reading the textbooks, diving into blogs and podcasts, or following IG accounts. If you have been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately, we hope you find a little inspiration in what Megan's been doing to get herself unstuck!
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In this episode, we discuss the three-year cycle of Montessori teaching, which is a framework for understanding how children develop and learn. We talk about the different stages of the cycle, the importance of mixed-age classrooms, and how teachers can support children's individual learning needs.The three-year cycle of Montessori teaching is a unique and effective approach to education. It allows children to learn at their own pace and develop their individual interests. Montessori teachers are trained to support children's individual learning needs and to create a positive and nurturing learning environment.
Interested in Montessori Homeschooling? Checkout with The Montessori Homeschool Academy and save $350 with code
WILD350
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In this short and sweet mini episode Rachel shares a bit about her homeschool journey so far. She explains how she came to home schooling, the highs and lows along the way, and how it has been settling into her new normal. We think a lot of parents can relate to Rachel's struggles with having to deal with life just not going as planned, the panic of searching for the right childcare/education option for your kids, and the pleasant surprise that can come with being pushed out of your comfort zone!
If you want to learn more about the homeschool program Rachel chose, check out the amazing Lynda at https://themontessoriteacher.com/ and don't forget to use code WILD350 for $350 off!!!
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In this episode, we take a deep dive into the exciting and eventful lives of our hosts as they share their experiences and milestones from the past few months.
First up, we have Rachel, who embarked on a new journey towards homeschooling. She shares her insights, challenges, and triumphs as she takes on the role of an educator for her children.
Next, we celebrate Megan's incredible achievement of completing her Montessori primary training for ages three to six.
And let's not forget Laura, who is now six months into the newborn stage. She shares the rollercoaster ride of emotions, the rapid changes in her baby's development, and the joys and challenges of navigating this precious time. From sleepless nights to heartwarming moments, Laura's journey will resonate with all parents.
With motherhood, homeschooling, Montessori training, and the different stages of infancy, there's no doubt that a lot has changed for our hosts. Join us as we delve deeper into their stories, celebrating the highs, empathizing with the lows, and finding inspiration in the transformative power of parenthood.
Interested in Montessori Homeschooling? Checkout with The Montessori Homeschool Academy and save #350 with code
WILD350
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In this last episode before our summer break, Laura discusses what she learned about the concept of the “fourth trimester,” or the first three months of life with a newborn. Laura guides this conversation using the book Understanding the Human Being, by Dr. Silvana Quattrocchi Montanaro, an AMI legend among Assistants to Infancy who dedicated her life to preparing parents for the physical and psychological needs of their children. In her book Dr. Montanaro refers to the integral months after birth as “extrogestation.” What is the fourth trimester/extrogestation? Why is it so important? What are Laura’s main takeaways, and what has she done differently her second time around? Tune in and find out!
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Get ready to meet Lynda Apostol, also known as "The Montessori Teacher". As a former teacher, instructional coach, and administrator in various education sectors, Lynda has a wealth of experience in both Montessori and traditional approaches. Her unique perspective and understanding of curriculum and instruction make her a sought-after homeschool and lifestyle coach for parents looking to incorporate the Montessori method. Lynda is also a speaker and education consultant, advocating for more inclusive Montessori spaces and promoting cultural competence. Don't miss out on the wealth of knowledge and inspiration she has to offer through her social media platforms. You can connect with Lynda on Instagram or visit her website here You can support our show by supporting our amazing partners like Tiny Earth Toys, a rental toy subscription (Save my using code WILD10 at checkout)
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In Megan's first coffee talk episode she circles back to the importance of storytelling. Children in the first two planes of development truly cherish the chance to hear us tell stories, a nearly lost art in a time where they have countless sources of digital entertainment at their fingertips. Megan shares simple examples from her own journey as a parent and as a teacher that had profound impacts on her children and kept them coming back for more! We hope you feel inspired to share or create a story of your own tonight.
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Welcome to today's episode where we're going to focus on language development for young children. Last time, we laid down some foundations in the toddler environment with Rachel, so if you missed that, make sure to check it out. Young children have a remarkable ability to absorb information, especially when it comes to language development. They are also highly sensitive to social behavior and are forming their personalities. In other words, kids are social creatures who love to communicate and interact with others. (If you're confused about any of these concepts, we have episodes on them. )The Montessori method emphasizes seizing the opportunity to help children prepare for language development. The Montessori classroom has three types of language: spoken, writing, and reading. As an adult in a prepared environment, our role is to use beautiful spoken language to model effective communication, while providing a rich, engaging environment full of interesting items to talk about. You can support our show by supporting our amazing partners like Wongo Puzzles, Eac puzzle is a custom design with intricate patterns and whimsical shapes that will keep you engaged for hours, plus their eco-friendly materials and commitment to sustainability make Wonga puzzles a guilt-free way to unwind (Save 10% by using code MONTESSORIMOMS at checkout)--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/montessorimomsinthewild/support
In this episode, Rachel gives tips and tricks for how she has set up her toddler's self-serve snack and food prep in her home. Preparing the environment so that her kids can serve themselves with little to no assistance, as well as help contribute to preparing meals for the family, has been life changing for her. Anyone with a little one at home asking for something from the kitchen every 5 minutes can understand why! We hope you enjoy this one and find something useful that can be applied to your home, too.
Here are some links to materials or items she talks about and uses:
Trays
Egg Slicer
Strawberry Slicer
Knife Set
Choppers
Glass dip bowls
Glass serving bowls
Toddler Cleaning Kit
Play Kitchen
Towels
Cups or Cups
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Today is the first episode of an exclusive series based on language through the Montessori Philosophy. We will break each episode into sections of Philosophy, Classroom Activities, and what you can do at home. This episode focuses on infant toddlers; so make sure you stay tuned for our follow-up episode for primary children."The child must create his interior life before he can express anything he must take spontaneously from the external world construct of material in order to compose, he must exercise his intelligence fully before he can be ready to find the logical connection between things, we ought to offer the child that which is necessary for his internal life and leave him free to produce" - Maria MontessoriYou can support our show by supporting our amazing partners like Wongo Puzzles , Each puzzle is a custom design with intricate patterns and whimsical shapes that will keep you engaged for hours, plus their eco-friendly materials and commitment to sustainability make Wonga puzzles a guilt-free way to unwind (Save 10% by using code MONTESSORIMOMS at checkout)--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/montessorimomsinthewild/support
Welcome to Coffee Talk with Montessori Moms in the Wild! This is a segment where we will either circle back to a topic we want to unpack some more, share something we’re struggling with personally, or give you a little tip to support you through your Montessori journey at home! Sometimes, all of the above! If you’re busy like us, and only have a short amount of time to spare between school pick ups, commuting to work, or just juggling the chaos of life in general and you’re looking for something short and sweet to listen to, these episodes are for you!
Laura tackles our first ever Coffee Talk topic, redirection. She will talk about positive redirection, specifically in the first plane of development, ages 0-6, and even reaching a bit into the early second plane of development, ages 6-9. Laura will cover how to get your kids to actually listen to you, by turning the "no" into a "yes". She covers why it is so important, what makes it so hard, and a handful of real-life examples that most parents of young children will definitely relate to!
Check out Wongo Puzzles! Use my special link https://zen.ai/montessorimomsinthewild to save 10% at wongopuzzles.com. The discount will be applied at checkout!
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We tend to do things so fast, like a diaper change, our children are absorbing every single thing - like the warmth of your hand, the touch, the cold wipe, everything. Within today's episode, we will be discussing the Absorbent Mind, and how they have two very different sub-planes depending on age, each with different qualities and characteristics to observe.
"The absorbent mind, the absorbent mind which receives all does not judge does not refuse does not react, it absorbs everything and incarnates it in the coming man. The child performs this work of incarnation to achieve equality with other men and to adapt himself to live with them" - Dr. Montesorri
You can support our show by supporting our amazing partners like Tiny Earth Toys, a rental toy subscription (Save my using code WILD10 at checkout)
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We are thrilled to have Lenay Ludwig, licensed speech-language pathologist and founder of Splashes of Speech, join us today.
From our family's personal experience with her wonderful services for our son, we know that Lenay takes an approach to language that is compatible with Montessori learning styles. Acknowledging the difficulty in navigating a situation where one may feel their child needs more help than they can provide but not everyone has access to such personalized care - Fortunately, we are here to get answers as well as tips for navigating this process along with Lenay today!
Lenay Ludwig who is the proud owner of Splashes of Speech LLC, a speech-language pathology practice based in Southern Pines, North Carolina.
With 13+ years of experience in outpatient, in-patient, and school settings, Lenay takes great pride in providing her clients with flexible, fun, and engaging therapy sessions at The Connection Corner.
With little to no restrictions, children have the opportunity to learn, connect and communicate in a magical setting tailored to their individual needs. Lenay is dedicated to nurturing progress for every child that visits Splashes of Speech.
You can connect with Lenay on Instagram or visit her website hereYou can support our show by supporting our amazing partners like Tiny Earth Toys, a rental toy subscription (Save my using code WILD10 at checkout)
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In this episode, we'll be discussing toilet learning and the steps you can take if things don't go according to plan. We understand that it doesn't always go as expected and there may be moments of struggle, regression, or negative experiences. So we wanted to create an episode to help navigate through situations like these.
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In this episode, we'll be wrapping up the final math lesson before moving on to other academic topics. We understand that not everyone may be interested in this subject, and it can be difficult to wait for weeks on end for it to pass. That's why we're including a Q&A segment where we'll share our top tips and tricks for creating a learning environment that accommodates multiple children, especially those of varying ages and abilities.
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In this second part of our conversation about the Montessori approach to teaching mathematics, Megan breaks down the major goals for the Primary level (AKA Children's House, ages 3-6), and the formula for how we as guides aim to achieve them. We will not discuss every single lesson or material (believe us, you don't have time for that!), but our hopes are that you can walk away from this episode with an understanding of which concepts are developmentally appropriate for this age group and how we introduce the in the classroom.
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We have had a multitude of requests to do a deeper dive into the Montessori curriculum. Our amazing listeners have been wanting us to lay out the scope and sequence for how major academic concepts/subjects evolve over the planes of development, as the Montessori method can often feel SO foreign to those of us raised in a traditional academic setting. We begin here with mathematics, beginning with a summary of the philosophy Maria Montessori approached this subject with; and then Rachel provides us with a deeper dive into how math is approached at the infant/toddler level. Spoiler alert, you're probably already nailing it just by participating in everyday experiences with your infant/toddler, so, Megan respectfully requests that you, "Chill out, everybody!"--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/montessorimomsinthewild/support
Today we want to talk about a topic that has come up a lot, both in personal conversations with friends, and in our direct messages with many of you listeners out there; how to choose a legitimate Montessori school/program for your children. Admittedly, this is much trickier than it should be, due largely to the fact that the name Montessori is not trademarked, and therefore can be slapped on just about any child care institution without that institution having to meet any of the rigorous standards parents are hoping for or expecting. In this episode we discuss the five major criteria we hope to see while considering any program claiming to be Montessori.
Articles referenced in this episode:
"Montessori of Non-tessori?: Is Your Child's Montessori School Actually a Montessori School?" by Jackie Mader
"Standards for AMI Montessori Classrooms"
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Admittedly, the concept of children having so much more freedom in a Montessori setting is one that is often misunderstood and even gives the philosophy a bit of a bad rap.
When we talk about "freedom" in the Montessori context, we are not talking about doing whatever you want without thought, we are talking about the inner freedom to be able to choose what is right and good even in a difficult situation.
When we say “discipline”, we are not referring to punishment of the child by the adult, we are talking about an inner ability to regulate oneself in the service of growth or improvement; the ability to use constraint and control of the will.
Maria Montessori writes in The Absorbent Mind that, “To let the child do as he likes when he has not yet developed any powers of control is to betray the idea of freedom.” Join us in this week's episode as we discuss how to accomplish providing your child with freedom, but always within a framework of limits that lend to internal discipline.
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Somehow it is already December again, and that means many of us are officially in the thick of the holiday season! After sharing a quick infographic on Instagram highlighting the gifts we believe are the most valuable to your children this year, we decided it was worth unpacking this topic a little bit more in an episode. What makes a holiday season Montessori-inspired? Spoiler alert, it's NOT the fancy, wooden toys everyone is posting about! Join us for a chat about what our holidays look like these days, what we strive for during this time as Montessorians, and what you can do at home to make this season so much more meaningful for you and yours! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/montessorimomsinthewild/support
In this episode we are thrilled to introduce our guest, Bianca Solorzano. Bianca is an infant development & Montessori consultant, blogger for Baby Tour Guide Inc., and podcast host of the Montessori Babies Podcast. She has a Master's Degree in Montessori Education, a Bachelor's in Child Development, and her Montessori training in Assistants to Infancy from the Montessori Institute of San Diego. Bianca is also a new Montessori Mom in the Wild with her first baby now just a few months old, and she comes on to discuss her own journey in finding the Montessori method, and now implementing it at home with her little one!
Find links to all of Bianca's amazing work here!
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Welcome back to the third part of a three part discussion on Human Tendencies. Maria Montessori designed her philosophy and curriculum in a way that would promote the development of what she called universal human tendencies. Human tendencies are defined as, “Creative possibilities which urge the person and society towards survival, progress, and sense of fulfillment.” They are broad, and they touch every part of the human- meeting our most basic needs physically, mentally, and spiritually. In this first part of a three part episode, we will unpack the importance of Order, Orientation, Exploration, and Observation in the development of a human being; and, what we as teachers and as parents can do to support these crucial concepts.
Welcome back to the second part of a three part discussion on Human Tendencies. Maria Montessori designed her philosophy and curriculum in a way that would promote the development of what she called universal human tendencies. Human tendencies are defined as, “Creative possibilities which urge the person and society towards survival, progress, and sense of fulfillment.” They are broad, and they touch every part of the human- meeting our most basic needs physically, mentally, and spiritually. In this first part of a three part episode, we will unpack the importance of Order, Orientation, Exploration, and Observation in the development of a human being; and, what we as teachers and as parents can do to support these crucial concepts.
Maria Montessori designed her philosophy and curriculum in a way that would promote the development of what she called universal human tendencies. Human tendencies are defined as, “Creative possibilities which urge the person and society towards survival, progress, and sense of fulfillment.” They are broad, and they touch every part of the human- meeting our most basic needs physically, mentally, and spiritually. In this first part of a three part episode, we will unpack the importance of Order, Orientation, Exploration, and Observation in the development of a human being; and, what we as teachers and as parents can do to support these crucial concepts.
In this episode, we had the pleasure of talking with Tatenda Muchiriri. Tatenda was born in Zimbabwe and discovered his love of Montessori when he moved to China. Tatenda is the Founder of Montessori on Wheels where he has taken to the streets, literally, on a mission to evangelize Montessori and bring this incredible philosophy into the community and out of the confines of the classroom. His work is inspiring and his message is crucial- you won’t want to miss this one!
Check out his website and learn more HERE!
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Today we are thrilled to introduce our guest, Becky, who runs a beautifully brilliant Instagram page called Our Montessori Garden. In a short time, she imparts a massive amount of information about how and why to extend the philosophy outdoors; whether that be your back yard, a tiny balcony, or the nearest public park! This episode is packed with practical and cost-effective tips for taking Montessori outdoors.
Find Becky's amazing Instagram account here.
Here more about Linda Akeson McGurk's There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather here.
Hear more about Angela Hanscom's Balanced and Barefoot here.
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As a parent, one of our top priorities is keeping our children safe. The world we live in can feel very scary; and some days being a parent feels like we’re fighting an uphill battle to keep them safe for as long as we can. This week we are going to discuss something that may challenge you as a parent- letting your child take risks and get dirty! Why are these two things so important, and what can we do if it goes against every fiber of our being to embrace this kind of play? Tune in and find out!
Check out the New York Times Article on risky play building resistance HERE!
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Today we meet with Gabrielle Kotkov of Multilingual Montessori and discuss how a multilingual/multicultural approach to raising children can go so well with the Montessori philosophy. Gabrielle takes the time to fill us in on the importance of exposing your children to these concepts starting at a young age, as well as dispels some of the top myths and concerns parents bring to her about raising multilingual kids. If you have been considering, or actively implementing, a multilingual/multicultural approach with your family, this episode is for you!
Also, as promised, a link to check out the absolutely incredible MamasteFit!
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As promised, we are circling back to the topic of fantasy and imagination as it relates to the Montessori philosophy. We have been excited to discuss this, as we feel it really can be a sensitive one. There are a lot of opinions surrounding this, and some seriously deep core memories and emotions tied to fantasy characters and stories for a lot of us. So, just know before you even tune in that we sincerely believe that it is OKAY to do what works for your family! With that being said join us for a very honest discussion about what Maria had to say about fantasy and imagination!
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This week we are excited to dig deeper into lying. We discuss why our children may lie to us, and why we strive to be honest with our children. We hope that through this episode you are able to learn more about what is developmentally appropriate about lying and hear our own personal experiences as teachers and moms. Tune in to learn more about lying through the lenses of three Montessorians.
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This week we are excited to dig deeper into observation and what it means in the Montessori philosophy. We discuss how observation is more than just looking. There is truly an art to observing your children. We hope that through this episode you are able to learn more about why we observe and how to use the observations to meet your child's needs so that you can truly follow them and support them. Tune in and find out why observation is such an important part of the philosophy.
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This week we are thrilled to introduce our guest, Shehzadi, Montessori Professional, founder of My MonteHome. Shehzadi is certified in Montessori education from birth-6 years old from the Montessori Institute of San Diego (AMI) and she has a Masters Degree in Montessori Education from Loyola University in Maryland. Through her experience as a teacher and working with parents, she found a need for access to high quality Montessori materials at a reasonable cost. This is how My MonteHome was born! We are so excited to hear from Shehzadi and learn from her impressive and extensive dedication to the Montessori Method.
Find Shehzadi here on Instagram or check out her website here!
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The people asked, and we have delivered! This episode is a deviation from the normal routine, as Megan sits down with her husband, Jacob, and gets the partner perspective on implementing the Montessori method at home. Megan and Jacob honestly discuss the challenges and successes along the way, and impart a little bit of advice for partners out there who may or may not be on the same page about this particular philosophy.
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We are BACK!!! And this week we are very excited to talk to mother and entrepreneur, Kelly from Namaste with Kelly. She has a background in Special Education and is a certified yoga teacher and a certified kids yoga and mindfulness teacher. She began sharing yoga and mindfulness with children in the community several years ago and currently owns a community learning space called The Connection Corner where she leads groups for children to move, breathe, play, and learn together. Kelly currently teaches yoga at a Montessori School and Forest School and we are so curious to hear what her observations have been with the children she has worked with.
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In our final episode of our first season, Rachel takes the night off to prepare for the newest member of our community (store), while Laura and Megan unpack some of the hardest and most amazing characteristics of Montessori's second plane of development (ages 6-12). What is with the incessant questions, why are they actually really important, and how do you keep from losing your mind?! Tune in and find out why the second plane of development has such a special place in our hearts!
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In this episode we deviate from the regularly scheduled program to have a real and honest conversation about what we are struggling with the most right now in our current stages of parenthood. Parenting is just as challenging as it is rewarding, and sometimes adhering to a unique and somewhat radical philosophy can make it feel even harder! Tune in to find out know you're NOT alone, and how insanely grateful we are for your company!
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In this second half of our chat about Montessori's Sensitive Periods we cover the windows for (and importance of) Refinement of the Senses, Grace & Courtesy, Fine Motor Skills, Manners, Writing, Reading, Mathematics, AND the infamous Sense of Order! Tune in and find out why your toddler threw a fit over dinner being served on "the wrong plate!"
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In this two-part episode we discuss the importance of understanding what are known in the Montessori world as the "sensitive periods" in a child's development. What is a sensitive period, why are they important, what are they exactly, and how can I recognize them? This revolutionary application of a universal biological concept in terms of human development can drastically impact your child's experience, as well as your experience as their parent guiding along the way!
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In today's episode, Megan and Rachel discuss the differences between the traditional "Potty Training" method and the lesser-known "Toilet Learning" method. Rachel gives some helpful advice to Megan, who is in the thick of it as we speak!
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Why is independence SO important to development? Why can it be soooo hard?! Join us as we unpack our feelings on independence at the end of a long day of having our toddlers constantly proclaiming, "I DO IT!"
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Today we are thrilled to introduce our guest, Nicole, from Montessori for Moms. Nicole is a fellow Montessori mom in the wild as she is a mother of two with her training in primary, ages 3-6. She also runs a Montessori Inspired Farm School Learning Pod for ages four through seven. Through her blog Montessori for Moms, she aims to be a resource and provide creative content and ideas for parents, teachers, and homeschool families who are interested in involving themselves or their children in Montessori.
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We finally dig into one of our favorite pillars of the Montessori philosophy and curriculum- Grace & Courtesy. We will discuss what it means, why it's important, and how a toddler who shakes his teacher's hand at the door will grow into a socially confident adult (and maybe even an advocate for change).
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Today we will chat with our first ever guest, Melissa Neubek! Melissa was raised in the Montessori philosophy (both at home and at school), and later earned her own certification as a Primary guide, ages 3 through 6. Melissa shares how Montessori shaped her childhood, impacted her career choices as an entrepreneur, and continues to guide her through her everyday life choices and interactions, decades after leaving the classroom.
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In our eighth episode we discuss the myriad reasons children cry, and how we apply the Montessori philosophy to handling these BIG emotions.
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We’ve talked A LOT about Maria Montessori and the Montessori Method. But we haven’t talked about the queen herself. Who was Maria Montessori and why do we, 70 years after her death, try so hard to keep the heart of her work strong and relevant today? Today we are going to do an overview and timeline of Maria Montessori’s life and her work. There is a lot about her life that we won’t be able to cover today, because we can’t even begin to cover the amount of accomplishments and impacts her life had in an hour episode. It just isn’t possible. We’ve taken and summarized a timeline provided by AMI, Association Montessori Internationale, which was founded by Maria Montessori herself. The purpose of this episode is to bring this method into context. We talk so often about things that are and are not Montessori, or what she said or wrote in books and lectures. But to understand the Montessori Method at its core, we have to understand its origin and the woman who knocked down so many doors to bring it to us.
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You asked and we answered! We dove into some of your questions and have some answers to share with you. Ready, set, LISTEN!!
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In this episode we aim to demystify the idea that there is no praise or punishment within the Montessori philosophy. What does it mean to trade punitive punishments for natural consequences? Why shouldn't you say, "Good job!" and what can you stay instead? We do our best to explain the logic here, and provide alternative language/approaches to these topics in your home.
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Maria Montessori defined Practical Life as… purposeful activities that develop motor control and coordination, and develop independence, concentration, and a sense of responsibility. The exercises in practical life cover two main areas of development: care of self, and care of the environment.
Why did Maria Montessori believe that practical life work was a necessity in childhood?
Maria Montessori was an observer and through her observations of children she came to believe children have this innate sense of curiosity within them and they want to participate in the activities that they see happening around them. So she coined the term “practical life” and believed strongly in children being part of the daily activities such as cleaning dishes, washing laundry, and cleaning up normal activities that children were participating in. Why have them sit aside when they are craving to be independent and want to be functioning members in the household/environment.
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We will continue where we left off last week. If you missed out, feel free to go back and listen to last week’s episode where Laura gave us a great overview of the six components of the prepared environment.Last week we spent a good chunk of time discussing freedom of choice, structure and order, and the intellectual environment.Dr. Montessori coined 6 components of the prepared environment, and we didn’t want to neglect any of them as each is important. So this week as we continue talking about the prepared environment, let’s talk about the remaining three components that we really didn’t get to last week: beauty, nature and reality, and the social environment.
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Traditionally the “prepared environment” Maria Montessori spoke of, is the classroom environment the child is a part of. But as moms/parents, this prepared environment we are speaking of and focusing on is extending into the home, basically meaning a way to provide a learning environment, an environment that fosters your child exploring freely and independently.
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In this episode, we introduce the Montessori philosophy and preparing yourself as a parent. This is to be done BEFORE we bring the Montessori Method into our homes. Maria Montessori explained this preparation must be threefold: physical, intellectual, and spiritual. She emphasized that before we attempt to buy those wooden toys we see on Pinterest, before we head to Ikea to buy tiny kitchen objects to replicate the one we saw on Instagram, we must first look inward and do some deep self-preparation. As educators and now as mothers, we are constantly working to dismantle this systematic conditioning that children are to be taught, to be molded by us, and to approach our children with reverence.
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