Ep. 35 Freedom and Discipline CDv2, Ch 5
In this episode, Montessori discusses the relationship between freedom and discipline, the levels of obedience, and the true meaning of respect.
Ep 34 Work and Play 1946 LL L.21
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.
Ep 33 “The Transition from the Mechanical to the Intellectual Development of Language” Ch 1. The Advanced Montessori Method
In this chapter, Montessori describes why learning grammar is suited to the 5 1/2 to 7 1/2 or 8-year-old child.
Ep 32 The Method Ch. 20 The Secret of Childhood
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.
Ep 31 Pt 2 ‘On Discipline- Reflections and Advice
Pt 2, Montessori describes what the final outcome of normalizing activity and development of the will.
Ep 30 “On Discipline – Reflections and Advice”
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…
Ep 29 CD v2, Ch4, Development through Activity
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!
Ep 28 The Age of Miracles, Ch 17 “Correction of Anomalies”
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.
BONUS Montessori’s Birthday Wish
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!
Ep 27 Creative Development v.2 Role of the Adult
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.
Ep 26 The White Cross from 1917 San Diego Lecture
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…
Ep 25 The 1946 London Lectures Ch 32 The New Teacher
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…
Ep 24 The New Teacher, Ch 10 from The Child in the Family
In this chapter, Montessori describes the importance of respecting concentration and redirecting chaos.
Ep 23 Ch 2: To Teachers from The Child, Society and the World
In this episode, Montessori describes the role of the teacher and how to discern when to intervene, correct mistakes, or stop misuse of materials.
Ep 22 Education and Peace Ch 3 “Educate for Peace”
This chapter includes this famous quote, “The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” (p. 31)
Ep 21. Education and Peace ch 2 “For Peace”
This chapter has the famous quote “Preventing conflict is the work of politics; establishing peace is the work of education.” (p 24).
19. Education and Peace (Preface_
In this episode, I read the Preface to Education and Peace.
Ep 18 Ch 10, The Teacher, The Discovery of the Child
In this chapter, Montessori describes the role of the Montessori guide and what the guide’s main responsibilities are in relation to the children.
Ep 17 Walking the Line Creative Development in the Child V.2 ch 11
In this chapter, Montessori describes the sequence for lessons on walking the line.
Ep 16 Truth and Fairy Tales Ch 26 1946 London Lectures
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.
Ep 15 The Construction of the Imagination Ch 24, The 1946 London Lectures
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!
Ep 14 Unlocking the Intelligence (Sensorial Lessons) Vh 10, 1946 London Lectures
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…
Ep 13 Movement and Education, 1946 London Lectures
Montessori talks about why natural movement and the activities of Practical Life are better for humans than using a gym.
Ep 12 Nature in Education pt 2 DOC
Part two of Ch 4, “Nature in Education” from Discovery of the Child
Ep 11 Nature in Education, Discovery of the Child
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,…
Ep 10 The House of Children Pt 2
In this episode, we finish The House of Children, from Montessori’s 1944 lectures in India. Montessori describes in detail ideal outdoor school environments.
Ep 9 The House of Children 1944 India Lecture Pt 1
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!
Ep. 8 Mistakes and their Correction
This reading is from The Absorbent Mind, Ch 24. Montessori explains why we do not correct mistakes children make.
Ep. 7 The Periods of Growth
This reading is from The Absorbent Mind, Ch 3. Montessori describes the planes of development and the importance of language and movement.
Ep. 6 Education and Peace
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.
Ep 5 The Technique of the Lessons
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.
Ep. 4 Preliminary Activities of Practical Life
This is reading is from Creative Development, chapter 9, on practical life and preliminary activities.
Ep 3 Observation from 1921 London Lectures
This week, I read from Montessori’s 1921 London Lectures on Observation
Ep. 2 Dr. Montessori’s Own Handbook: The Children’s House
In this episode, I read from Dr. Montessori’s Own Handbook, her description of the Children’s House
Montessori with Jana 