Maria Montessori Archives ⋆ Excellence in Childcare and Preschool at Maria Montessori International Academy

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The Process of Normalization: Is My Child Normal?

December 4th, 2017|Education|

Every parent is familiar with this thought: “is my child normal?” The word “normal” has become synonymous with what is considered typical, average, or standard. Many assume that the process of normalization is about conforming to expectations. However, the Montessori educational philosophy emphasizes something quite different.

In her observations of childhood development, Dr. Maria Montessori (founder of the Montessori method), observed a unique process that she termed “normalization.” This process occurs as your children achieve various, specific milestones. It’s yet another way in which the Montessori method can benefit your child more than traditional daycare.

Read on, to learn more about Montessori’s findings and the process of normalization.

What is the Process of Normalization?

After observing children for a long time, Dr. Montessori noticed a fascinating trend: children who were allowed independence in an environment suited to their needs learned and experienced personal growth on their own. She concluded that children

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Early Childhood: Avoiding Technological Distractions

November 6th, 2017|Education|

In today’s digital age, it seems counterintuitive to keep technology away from your children, but there is good reason for doing so. Early childhood development is stunted by digital distractions. In fact, your toddler or infant will learn and retain information primarily through their senses. Computers inhibit the natural use of the senses, and do not provide the natural and positive stimulation your young child requires.

At Maria Montessori International Academy, we provide your child with the tools that foster creative and critical thinking. We also aim to instill a love of learning that will transcend the need for electronic distractions.

We are proud to offer far more than traditional childcare, basing our practices in the wonderful Montessori method. Read on, to learn more about our educational techniques.

Early Childhood Benefits of Sensory Play

Sensory exploration is a vital process in how children learn. For example, babies learn how to speak

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High Quality Childcare: Give Your Child Every Advantage

October 24th, 2017|Education, Montessori philosophy|

As parents, we all want the best for our children. In our search for the best, we seek out the best schools, the most educational toys, and, of course, high quality childcare. In particular, high quality childcare provides a great advantage to younger children. This avenue helps them develop social skills while preparing them for future education.

However, not all childcare is equal. Not only are you looking for exceptional care, but also a great learning environment.

Learning comes naturally for children, but the guidance they receive will factor into how quickly they learn and how much they absorb. The options we offer at Maria Montessori International Academy (MMIA) aim to foster that natural love of learning. We hope to give your child an advantage that lasts a lifetime.

The Nuances of High Quality Childcare

Perhaps the best way to educate children is to allow them to embrace

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Is it too early for 4-year-olds to learn how to read?

September 3rd, 2017|Childhood skills, Education, Montessori philosophy|

Does the idea of 4-year-olds learning how to read seem odd? How about 3-year-olds learning how to write?

At Montessori schools, it’s the norm.

That’s what Indianapolis parent Andrell Moore found out a few years ago. When Moore arrived at Maria Montessori International Academy to pick up his daughter at the end of a school day, the teachers gave him an unexpected surprise: a recording of the young girl reading an entire book for the first time.

He was taken aback. “The thing about it was that was really surprising that it was before her 4th birthday,” Moore recalled. “It was priceless. Normally, you would have to be attending super expensive academies to receive that type of education. What they were able to provide my daughter was really priceless.”

Moore’s child wasn’t the only student at MMIA who learned to read at the ages

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Read Our Top 10 Montessori Quotes for Inspiration

July 15th, 2017|Childhood skills, Education, Montessori philosophy|

As she was with her teaching methods, Dr. Maria Montessori is memorable for her inspiring quotes. Many of them are based on her research and observations that shaped the life-changing philosophies of the Montessori Method. Over the course of many years, Dr. Montessori shared her insights in books and lectures around the world.

No matter who you are in the life of a child — as a parent, teacher, friend or relative, we’re sure you’ll find our Top 10 favorite Maria Montessori quotes truly inspiring.
Please share a few of your own favorite Montessori quotes with us!

Here they are … our top 10 Montessori quotes!

“The child has a mind able to absorb knowledge. He has the power to teach himself.”

“A child who has become master of his acts through long and repeated exercises, and who has been encouraged by the pleasant and

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A biography of Maria Montessori

July 8th, 2017|Education, Montessori philosophy|

By Vivian Cain

Dr. Maria Montessori was a pioneer in education during the early 1900’s. Born in a time when women were not allowed in the field of medicine, she broke down barriers to become a respected physician and moved on to developing innovative methods for teaching young children.

Overcoming Obstacles

When Maria reached the age of 13 she had already started to overcome the first challenges she’d experience as a student. She attended an all-boys technical school—having qualified as an applicant based on exam scores. While her father encouraged her to pursue a career in engineering, she had her heart set on becoming a doctor. After applying to Rome’s medical school—she was rejected, but never discouraged. She continued to educate herself in the field of medical science and was admitted after persevering through challenges.

Discovery

Upon her completion of medical school in 1896, Dr. Montessori began practicing psychiatry. She worked as a

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Why Montessori teachers follow the child

July 2nd, 2017|Education|

By Vivian Cain

One of Dr. Maria Montessori’s core tenets was the directive to “follow the child.” In the classroom, this means allowing your child to experience and engage in activities that interest them. But more importantly, it means resisting the urge to lead the child.

Montessori-certified teachers are trained to practice this principle every day. Unlike teachers in traditional classrooms, the Montessori teacher is not the primary focus for the students. Rather, the teachers are intently focused on each child’s activities and provide assistance to help them learn. If you’re considering a Montessori education for your child, it’s important to learn more about the Montessori teacher’s role in the classroom.

Montessori principles are designed to encourage children to explore their natural desire to learn, not to make teachers teach. To facilitate your child’s learning, a Montessori school should be designed as

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Explore why Montessori works for infants

July 2nd, 2017|Montessori philosophy|

By Vivian Cain

Montessori education for infants? Absolutely. When studying children’s development more than 100 years ago, Dr. Maria Montessori, saw the principles of discovery and learning at work in newborns.

Dr. Montessori, the founder of one of the leading educational philosophies of this century, saw the benefits of surrounding infants with a calm, nurturing and safe Montessori environment.

Here are some of the observations of a Montessori education for infants.

Movement. Babies need movement in order to experience the world around them. A Montessori setting provides a safe place for your infant to move about, whether they’re just beginning to walk or haven’t yet mastered crawling. At this stage, infants are learning to control the movement of their hands and feet, support their hands and develop hand-eye coordination. Mastering their coordination and movement is the first step in exploring the world around

ENCOURAGING IMAGINATION, EXPLORATION, AND INNOVATION.

What is the Process of Normalization?

Early Childhood Benefits of Sensory Play

The Nuances of High Quality Childcare

Overcoming Obstacles

Discovery