Having a special workspace for children from as early as two years old is crucial for learning. — When Covid struck last March 2020, our small Montessori closed down and we had to divert to online learning. This challenging task of asking three-to-eight-year-olds to attend class on their iPad or computer was daunting. The first thing we established was a workspace for our little kindergarteners and primary students…

Nurture a sense of belonging, independence, and responsibility. “Happy Birthday, Susie,” my mother whispered in my ear. She shook me gently. “Wake up. We have a surprise for you.” My eyes opened wide with excitement. “Surprise?” I mumbled. I stretched like a cat and yawned like a yak. I turned…

Too much information can be damaging to their emotional health. — Children hear about the war and don’t know how to think of it. I imagine you turning on the news at night while little ones play around the family room. “What’s happening?” they might ask. How should you answer them? As a daughter of a military man, I thought my…

It affects the development of your child’s brain significantly. — The Pink Room Little Robby was my grade two student. A boy with boundless energy. I loved his enthusiasm to learn and his zest for life. A spark of keenness lit in his eyes whenever I showed him a new material. …

Since Covid keeps us home, safety is an important issue. — Do you sometimes feel like a headless chicken running after your child as they joyously smash your grandmother’s antique vase, sample bits of grime from your husband’s hiking boots, or experiment with your hairspray on their piece of apple pie? While child rearing may seem like a test of your…

How to accept criticism. — My friend, Marilyn Flower, presented an interesting challenge in her article at Middle Pause. How Do You Deal with Discouragement, Disappointment, Rejection? It couldn’t have come at a better time. How Do You Deal with Discouragement, Disappointment, Rejection? How do you keep the faith and keep on keeping on?medium.com Our high school class is organizing a Golden Anniversary High School Jubilee. Yes, we graduated fifty years ago. That makes…

A peaceful and calm classroom generates “flow” in learning. — My co-teacher invited guests, a principal and her students who had arrived from Japan, to observe my grade 1 and 2 Montessori classroom. …

The fruits of freedom in a Montessori home or classroom — (The pronouns “they” and “their” are used for gender neutrality.) Handwriting is my favourite subject to teach. You may think this is drudgery, even punishment for some. I know many people, including myself felt this way when they were learning handwriting. I got a “C” in handwriting, which spurred my…