Podcast

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 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 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 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 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 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. 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.