Lessons from Autumn Insights

Autumn Insights, held on October 17, was a refashioning of the traditional back-to-school night. Nine talks were offered by faculty members, addressing aspects of a Montessori education. The following are some of the topics covered, with a key takeaway and an action that parents can practice or aspire to.

The Invisible Magic of Montessori                     

Ever wonder how Montessori classrooms seem to run themselves? In this candid panel discussion, teachers will share the thought, highly intentional preparation, and deep expertise behind the Montessori method’s seemingly effortless flow, why it demands far more of teachers than meets the eye, and what makes it so ideal for children. 

Takeaway

There is so much going on behind the scenes and before the children even walk through the door in order for the classroom environment to be ready to receive the children in the best way possible. 

Action

Take time to observe more; be still; sit; and observe without judgment.

Cosmic Education: The Montessori Elementary Curriculum

The Montessori elementary curriculum gives children a big picture of the universe and their place in it from the very start. This talk introduces the Elementary curriculum, where stories, science, history, and math connect in meaningful ways to spark curiosity and drive learning while building independence and nurturing compassion.

Takeaway

The Montessori Elementary curriculum, Cosmic Education, helps children see the interconnectedness of all things, giving them a sense of purpose and belonging within the larger story of the universe.

Actions

Invite your child to take part in everyday responsibilities, like cooking, organizing, or helping a neighbor, so they can see how their actions contribute to the well-being of the whole family and community.

Provide a variety of high interest non-fiction books, such as picture encyclopedias, for your child to explore and refer to at home. These can be in any language.

Montessori’s Vision: Education for a Better World

Montessori education builds independence, empathy, and responsibility in children, with benefits that extend far beyond the individual. How does this prepare the ground for peace? Come to the talk to find out more.

Takeaway

There is more to Montessori than academics and didactic materials. At the core of the method, there is an opportunity for all children to experience living peacefully together, working and learning side by side and building the skills that we all need to bring peace into the world. 

Action

Let’s make our educational practices aspirational. The world needs peacemakers.

Building a Strong Foundation: An Exploration of Montessori Math Materials

Discover how Math is approached in both Sunshine and Elementary and how our math materials provide students with concrete experiences, leading to a deep and lasting understanding. We will explore how the decimal system and the concept of multiplication is introduced in Sunshine and expanded upon in Elementary.

Action

Trust in the discovery process that your child experiences in class with Montessori materials, rather than introduce math drills at home.

Supporting My Multilingual Child

Ever wonder why new languages are praised as “resume boosters” for adults, yet sometimes seen as a challenge for children? In this talk, we will discuss the benefits of multilingualism, the stages of language acquisition, and how you can support your child’s language development at home.

Takeaway

Our talk on supporting multilingual children was geared towards the diverse range of families represented at MST. Their engaging questions and thoughtful additions to our presentation made it a wonderfully collaborative night. 

Action

The best way parents can help is to make the target language(s) useful in their child's life and not to give up!

From Pouring to Purpose: The Montessori Way

Come and discover how Montessori Practical Life activities help children grow in independence, concentration, confidence, and responsibility. Together, we’ll explore how these skills develop in both the early years and elementary years, and share simple, practical tips for supporting your child's journey at home.

Takeaway

Practical Life activities build the foundation of a child’s independence, concentration, confidence, and connection to their world — from the first pour to purposeful contribution, as they go through the development of self construction to adaptation to their society. They prepare the child not just for academics, but for life. 

Through real, meaningful tasks, children refine movement, concentration, and social awareness that prepare them for life. These everyday moments build strong hands, focused minds, and kind hearts for both the primary and elementary children.

Action

Slow down, observe, and invite your child to participate in everyday tasks. Small tasks at home become big steps toward independence.

Fostering Independence at Different Ages

Join us to explore how Montessori nurtures independence across the stages of development, from early childhood to adolescence.  Learn how independence builds confidence, problem solving skills, and resilience, and discover practical ways parents can support their child in fostering independence at home.

Takeaway

Everyone in the group realized and affirmed their belief that fostering independence can be a challenging journey, both for the child and the adult. The learning process takes time but all the effort and necessary support we give is worth it when we see the small steps the child makes as he grows the wings of independence.

Action

Parents can foster independence at home by creating a child-friendly environment, encouraging self-care and practical life skills, and allowing for free choice within set boundaries.

Conflict Resolution and Positive Discipline

Children’s big emotions can feel challenging, but they are also opportunities for growth. In this session, we will share how we support children's big emotions in classrooms and offer simple ways you can bring these practices into your home. Together, we will explore respectful, positive approaches to guiding children through conflict with empathy and confidence. 

Takeaway

Families are encouraged to communicate through encouragement, problem-solving, and the development of life skills, rather than traditional reward-and-punishment models. We explored how this philosophy aligns closely with Montessori practice, where children are supported to resolve conflicts respectfully, exercise leadership, and collaborate with empathy and independence. Positive discipline helps children feel capable, responsible, and connected.

Action

Try asking a thoughtful question instead of giving a command. For example, “What is your plan for being in bed by 9 pm?” can be more effective than “Go to bed”, because it encourages children to think for themselves and take ownership of their actions. This small change can help reduce power struggles while strengthening confidence and cooperation at home.

(Also enroll in the Positive Discipline course that will be offered later this school year.)