Montessori Bookclub Podcast: Recent Episodes
Jana Morgan Herman
A podcast where we read selected passages from Montessori's texts on selected topics (including mistakes, practical life, observation, outdoor learning, a society by cohesion, and so much more!) then discuss them. Perfect for your ride to work, a short walk at lunch, or while you're preparing your environment.
In this episode, Montessori discusses the relationship between freedom and discipline, the levels of obedience, and the true meaning of respect.
In lecture 21 Work and Play from the 1946 London Lecture, Montessori discusses how children’s “play” is active and given natural conditions, follows the activity of adults. Concentration requires the work on the hands, and purposeful, concentrated activity creates the unity of the personality.
In this chapter, Montessori describes why learning grammar is suited to the 5 1/2 to 7 1/2 or 8-year-old child.
In this chapter, Montessori describes what the “conversion” of the children of Messina taught her about the importance of a beautiful environment, a humble teacher, and free work with the materials in children’s development.
Pt 2, Montessori describes what the final outcome of normalizing activity and development of the will.
In this article, from The Call of Education V1, no. 3 & 4, 1924, Dr. Montessori describes some of the frustrations teachers face early in the year and how to redirect the child to purposeful engagement. Pt 2 (Ep 31) is the second and final part of this article. It’s perfect for this time of … Continue reading Ep 30 “On Discipline – Reflections and Advice”
Montessori describes the teacher’s role in deciding when to intervene and when to observe if a child is making a mistake, interrupting another, or using the lesson in a way not intended. Very helpful this time of year!
In this chapter Montessori reminds us that we cannot make the child different by making laws, not by punishment, nor prize, nor preaching. It is only through connecting the child to activity in their environment- not merely occupation but through interest does the child begin to change.
This 3 minute recording is a reading from Maria Montessori Writes to her Grandchildren: Letters from India 1939-1946, p.144, where Dr. Montessori requests to see her son on her birthday. Out of respect for Dr. Montessori, Mario was released and they were indeed reunited on her birthday in 1940!
Role of the Adult. In this chapter, Montessori describes the role of the adult and how the adult’s development impacts the development of the child.
In this episode, I read from The AMI Journal 2013 double theme issue on peace through education. The selection is called “The White Cross.” In this piece, Dr. Montessori describes “mental wounds” (which we now call trauma or PTSD) and says that children will find relief in the Montessori method of education, and that she … Continue reading Ep 26 The White Cross from 1917 San Diego Lecture
In this chapter, Montessori says the teacher must create an environment for normalized, concentrated activity, but she must act as sheepdog and policemen before the child can concentrate and shows signs of normalization, by redirecting the child with a walk in the garden, songs, collective games, or any activity that captures attention and draws them … Continue reading Ep 25 The 1946 London Lectures Ch 32 The New Teacher
In this chapter, Montessori describes the importance of respecting concentration and redirecting chaos.
In this episode, Montessori describes the role of the teacher and how to discern when to intervene, correct mistakes, or stop misuse of materials.
This chapter includes this famous quote, “The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” (p. 31)
This chapter has the famous quote “Preventing conflict is the work of politics; establishing peace is the work of education.” (p 24).
In this chapter, Montessori describes the role of the Montessori guide and what the guide’s main responsibilities are in relation to the children.
In this chapter, Montessori discusses why story telling is an important part of education and how we can adapt the concepts that are appealing in fairy tales to the education of young children.
In this chapter, Montessori says that imagination and intelligence are intertwined, that imagination is a sensitive period that does not fade, but lasts throughout life!
In this chapter, Montessori describes the first Sensorial materials, including the Knobbed Cylinders, Long Rods, Brown Prisms, and Pink Cubes. She give instructions on how to present them- which may be the only place she describes this in such detail! I love this chapter, and after these lectures were published, a LOT of teacher training … Continue reading Ep 14 Unlocking the Intelligence (Sensorial Lessons) Vh 10, 1946 London Lectures
Montessori talks about why natural movement and the activities of Practical Life are better for humans than using a gym.
In this episode, I read a section from Discovery Of the Child, ch. 4 “Nature in Education” “Let the children be free; encourage them; let them run outside when it is raining; let them remove their shoes when they find a puddle of water; and, when the grass of the meadow is damp with dew, … Continue reading Ep 11 Nature in Education, Discovery of the Child
In this episode, we finish The House of Children, from Montessori’s 1944 lectures in India. Montessori describes in detail ideal outdoor school environments.
This is probably my all time favorite lecture on the physical environment! In this lecture, Dr. Montessori describes the ideal children’s environment. I think you’ll be surprised at what you hear!
This reading is from The Absorbent Mind, Ch 24. Montessori explains why we do not correct mistakes children make.
This reading is from The Absorbent Mind, Ch 3. Montessori describes the planes of development and the importance of language and movement.
Montessori’s birthday is August 31! Happy Birthday, Dr. Montessori! Chapter 3 from Education and Peace seems a fitting read for our time and place.
This reading is from Ch 11 in Discovery of the Child. It describes how to give the three period lesson and why we should not correct the child.
This is reading is from Creative Development, chapter 9, on practical life and preliminary activities.
In this episode, I read from Dr. Montessori’s Own Handbook, her description of the Children’s House