Understanding how to facilitate, organize, and prepare an environment that fosters student choice is one of the most challenging aspects of being a Montessori Elementary teacher. Educators who follow the Montessori approach know that Maria Montessori placed a lot of emphasis on the idea of “choice,” and while the notion of choice is universally celebrated and held sacred for young children up until the age of 6 (such as in other Montessori environments or in play-based preschools), this idea som...
May 21, 2024•19 min•Ep. 54
One of the best ways to create a learning environment that promotes positivity and productivity is play. When playing games, students become more comfortable with not only their peers but also their teacher. In today’s episode, I’m sharing how both structured and unstructured games can build a variety of social, emotional, and executive functioning skills in elementary students, and how games contribute to students’ success in all areas of curriculum as well. What’s in this episode: [02:04] How ...
Apr 23, 2024•24 min•Ep. 53
As students get older, parents seem to become more inclined to pull their children out of Montessori programs. Especially when those classrooms have smaller groups of older students. Parents often think that there are disadvantages to keeping their older children in this setting, but it’s actually quite the opposite: there are numerous benefits to older children in mixed-age classrooms. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the unique experiences offered by a mixed-age Montessori classroom, including ...
Mar 26, 2024•13 min
How does technology affect brain development in children? How can we mindfully incorporate technology into Montessori classrooms? Is social media inherently bad for adolescents? In today’s episode, Letty is joined by Dr. Luz Casquejo Johnston to discuss technology in relation to Montessori education, particularly for upper elementary and adolescent students. Luz shares insights into child and adolescent brain development, and offers advice on how to mindfully integrate technology into the Montes...
Mar 05, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 51
As Montessori educators, we learn a lot through training and practical experience about how to guide our students. However, we often find ourselves lacking knowledge when it comes to supporting students with additional needs. In today’s episode, Meghan Hicks joins Letty Rising to thoughtfully explore how we can best support children with learning disabilities. With over 20 years of experience training teachers to work with children across all age levels, Meghan shares her wisdom grounded in expe...
Jan 30, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 50
The elementary age is the time when children are really developing their executive functioning skills. A highly teacher-directed environment doesn’t really give students the space and grace to explore and develop these skills. A Montessori environment, on the other hand, is built for such exploration. In today’s episode, we’re talking about the various executive functioning skills that children need to develop, how the Montessori classroom encourages students to learn at their own pace, and ways...
Dec 05, 2023•22 min•Ep. 49
Maria Montessori’s theories of developmental psychology include her foundational observations of the planes of development for children. These planes outline various milestones physically and mentally as the child’s education progresses, and it’s so interesting to see common threads emerge when observing Montessori students in the classroom. In today’s episode, I’m talking to Luz Casquejo Johnston, a parenting and life coach and a seasoned Montessori educator. Luz shares what she learned after e...
Nov 14, 2023•40 min•Ep. 48
There’s a Montessori notion out there that we shouldn’t teach letter names along with letter sounds to our young learners. We’ve often heard that children don’t need to know the names of letters to read a word. And while that’s technically true, the Science of Reading suggests we should reframe our thinking around letter names. In today’s episode, I’m talking to Zil Jaeger, an experienced Montessori teacher, consultant and coach with a passion for literacy and steadfast commitment to anti-biased...
Oct 24, 2023•43 min•Ep. 47
As Montessorians, we’re not necessarily known for our humor in the classroom. The focus is, understandably, more on the learning environment. We don’t want to come across as being too silly or lose control of our learning environments. But what if a sense of playfulness could actually help enhance our learning? In today’s episode, I’m talking to Lisa Thauvette, former head of International Montessori school, and a speaker, trainer, and educator. Lisa shares why we should bring joy and levity int...
Oct 03, 2023•39 min•Ep. 46
Planning and recordkeeping is essential for Montessori educators. It provides alignment for your classrooms and allows you to articulate to parents what their children are learning. Meanwhile, it still allows educators the freedom and adaptability to explore their students’ interests more in depth. In today’s episode, I’m talking to Elizabeth Slade of Public Montessori in Action, which aims to ensure fully-implemented Montessori education for children, families, and educators of the global major...
Sep 19, 2023•46 min•Ep. 45
It’s no surprise that Montessori education is still growing in popularity and many people are becoming more interested in this model - as parents, as educators, and especially as owners. If you’ve wanted to own a Montessori school but don’t have an education background, it’s OK, it’s definitely possible to do so. In today’s episode, I’m talking to a couple who has done exactly that. Najee and Sesealy Owens are owners of Decatur Montessori School in Atlanta, Georgia and utilized their business an...
Aug 22, 2023•31 min•Ep. 44
There are unique challenges in implementing a bilingual education program at the elementary age in Montessori schools for a variety of reasons, but it can be done successfully. In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Marikay McCabe, founding partner of the Bilingual Montessori Project. We talk about the challenges, the common misconceptions, and the research behind bilingual education programs. We also discuss why bilingual education is worth pursuing, despite the many challenges and consideration...
Aug 08, 2023•47 min•Ep. 43
If standard Montessori teacher training taught you everything you needed to know before you stepped into the classroom, it would last way longer than two years! Chances are, you learned the content but not necessarily how to implement it in a real, everchanging classroom environment. That’s where supplementary education like the Elementary Bootcamp comes in! In this encore episode, we’re talking about our upcoming Elementary Bootcamp and how it can prepare you for the approaching school year. We...
Jul 11, 2023•10 min•Ep. 42
Studies have shown that children who are in language immersion programs through the elementary years end up becoming more proficient in their home language as they get older, and they also experience the benefits of cultural awareness. In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Lindsey Barnes, Executive Director, and David Hernández, Elementary Teacher Leader, of The Dahlia School in San Francisco. We dive into language immersion and why they prefer that method versus bilingual education, as well as ...
Jul 04, 2023•35 min•Ep. 41
Over time, as more interpretations are overlaid on top of older theories, sometimes we can lose track of the actual meaning behind the source material. And when it comes to the 3 hour work cycle as applied in a Montessori setting, this seems to be the case. In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Jana Morgan Herman, national director for Endeavor Schools and former teacher trainer for the Center for Guided Montessori Studies. We talk about how Maria Montessori never actually implemented a strict 3...
Jun 06, 2023•41 min•Ep. 40
Co-teaching in a Montessori classroom can definitely be a challenge. And with so many differing opinions on how to best approach a co-teaching relationship, it can be confusing to know how to get started. In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Tania Torres-Delgado and Gabriela Gonzalez, co-teachers of a classroom of 48 students at Guidepost Montessori School in Hollywood Beach, FL. They’re sharing how they work together and manage such a large class, what works well for them when it comes to ever...
May 23, 2023•39 min•Ep. 38
Homeschool, especially since the pandemic, is becoming more and more common for many reasons—and the Montessori method is making its way into more homes than ever. As education continues to evolve, Montessori schools are offering homeschool programs that serve as a support for families who have shifted out of traditional schooling. In today’s episode, I’m talking to Chelsea Roberts, program manager at Guidepost Montessori Homeschool. She’s sharing how families are implementing Montessori practic...
May 09, 2023•37 min•Ep. 38
The future of education is constantly shifting. Hybrid models that split the students' time between the Montessori classroom and homeschooling are giving way to entirely virtual homeschooling models utilizing the Montessori method. In today’s episode, I’m talking with 20-year veteran Montessori teacher Christine Sithichai. She’s sharing her experience as a teacher in the Montessori Voyage program at Springs Charter Schools. She’s talking about what it was like shifting from brick-and-mortar to v...
Apr 25, 2023•31 min
Writing opportunities present themselves in the elementary classroom in a variety of ways. Some students are naturally inclined writers, and others might lack the confidence to write. In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Madeline Walk, Elementary Content Editor at Trillium Montessori. We’re discussing how writing fits into all aspects of the Montessori classroom, how to help students find confidence and creativity in writing, as well as common roadblocks students face when it comes to writing, ...
Apr 11, 2023•37 min•Ep. 36
We all have fundamental needs as humans, and understanding them from an early age is so important to a child’s development. These needs affect all children, regardless of age or familiarity with the lesson. In today’s episode, I’m talking about how to use the Fundamental Needs of Humans Chart to engage both younger and older children, to encourage students to create their own needs charts, and to apply this lesson to basic and advanced research and fiction stories. I hope that something in this ...
Apr 04, 2023•20 min•Ep. 35
In teacher training, we are taught that there is no ideal or perfect number of lessons to present on a given day. And yet, in practice, many teachers often find themselves wondering how many lessons they should present or if they’re getting it right or need to be doing more or less. In today’s episode, I’m talking about the many reasons why there is no set number, from teacher pacing, to student needs and interests, to factoring in time for specials or guests or social and emotional learning. Wh...
Mar 21, 2023•17 min•Ep. 34
Transition times in the elementary classroom can be tough. Children find it particularly difficult for a number of reasons, and it can be a struggle for teachers as well to make sure that the day flows as smoothly as possible for all of their students. In today’s episode, I’m sharing about best practices, as well as what to avoid, when it comes to different types of transitions throughout the school day. Considering psychological characteristics of elementary children, implementing tangible prac...
Feb 28, 2023•30 min•Ep. 33
We’re living in an age of AI, and education is no stranger to technological advancements. While some teachers see this as a challenge to overcome, technology can help transform how you approach planning and preparing in the Montessori environment. In today’s episode, I’m talking about a new language tool called ChatGPT, and the many ways teachers can use it as a resource for their classrooms to support student learning and development. There is certainly a learning curve, but over time, you can ...
Feb 14, 2023•21 min•Ep. 32
Montessori schools are becoming more and more popular in the public school setting—both as charter schools and within district programs. While there are more than 500 public Montessori schools, the growing education trend is still not exactly common knowledge. Today’s guest aims to bring advocacy and awareness to this sector. In today’s episode, I’m talking to Katie Brown, Director of Research and Professional Learning at the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (NCMPS). The missi...
Jan 24, 2023•28 min•Ep. 31
Traditional public school classrooms operate in a very different way than Montessori classrooms. But there is a growing trend for implementing Montessori practices into the public school setting. Enter Wildflower Schools, a network of small Montessori charter schools run by Montessori teachers. In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Rachel Kimboko, Executive Director for Stakeholder Engagement at DC Wildflower Public Charter School. She’s sharing her thoughts on what it’s like bringing Montessori...
Jan 10, 2023•45 min•Ep. 30
Freedom of choice is vital in the Montessori classroom. However, freedom can also lead to exclusion and social cliques. Regularly diversifying groups and seating not only allows for children to experience being leaders and being led by others, it also gives them the opportunity to connect with students they might not otherwise. You can create an environment that allows for freedom, while avoiding the formation of cliques and encouraging an abundance of friendships and work partners. What’s in th...
Dec 13, 2022•14 min•Ep. 29
Deviating from Montessori training in the classroom comes with a number of considerations. It is possible to expand beyond the boundaries of Montessori training—as long as you do so without compromise. In today’s episode, we’re talking about ways to keep Montessori essentials at the heart of the Montessori experience while also being open to expanding upon further knowledge that interests the children. You can be flexible and responsive while keeping the Montessori philosophy intact in the class...
Nov 22, 2022•16 min•Ep. 28
The pencil problem is a common one in the Montessori elementary classroom. Communal or personal? Same brand or variety? What is the system for using them throughout the day? It can easily get complicated and result in frustrations for both the teacher and the children. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the importance of determining a simple approach to pencil use in the classroom. Care for classroom materials is important, but so is understanding that they’re going to get used … and lost and broke...
Nov 08, 2022•17 min•Ep. 27
Being a leader is about helping people to become better versions of themselves. It’s not about commanding and controlling but rather facilitating, collaborating, and encouraging. Leaders are always growing and learning. Recognizing a child’s unlimited potential and encouraging them to get out of their comfort zone in a mistake-friendly environment is what the Montessori elementary classroom is all about. And, when done well, it’s the perfect place to develop leadership skills. In today’s episode...
Oct 25, 2022•29 min•Ep. 26
It’s incredible to see the growth of students when you allow them to take charge of their learning and progress at their own pace. Growth doesn’t happen on someone else’s timetable, it happens at the right moment. Giving students the space and independence to learn on their own timeline often leads to an explosion of growth that feels more meaningful because it’s natural, not forced upon them. In this episode of Trillium Talks, I sat down with Jess Gagne, an elementary Montessori guide, to talk ...
Oct 11, 2022•23 min•Ep. 25
