Kathryn Koehler

Montessori education is a child-centered method of education. This education model was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, educator, and early women’s rights activist, in the early 20th century. The Montessori method is based on the idea that children have an innate desire to learn, and that they learn best when they are […]

What is the opposite of Montessori? The opposite of Montessori education is a more traditional, teacher-centered approach to learning. The direct-instruction method in which the teacher is the primary source of information and the curriculum is rigidly structured could be considered the polar opposite of Montessori. Keep reading to learn more about different models of […]

What is a Montessori bookshelf and how are they different? Montessori bookshelves are designed for use in Montessori classrooms and homes. They are typically designed to be low to the ground. They are designed to be easily accessible to children so that they can independently choose and handle the books they wish to read. Keep […]

Key Points What does it take to get Montessori certified? Becoming a Montessori teacher requires specialized training and certification. The process of getting Montessori certified involves several steps, including completing a Montessori teacher training program, gaining practical experience in a Montessori classroom, and passing an assessment. Keep reading for more information about what it takes […]

Did you know that you can make perfectly serviceable Montessori toys at home? It’s true! Many Montessori toys can be easily made at home using everyday materials such as cardboard, paper, and string. Keep reading to learn how you can make these 10 different DIY Montessori toys at home! Key Points You can make the […]

The American Montessori Society is a non-profit organization. The Society, founded in 1960, promotes Montessori education in the United States. The American Montessori Society provides training and resources for teachers, as well as accreditation for Montessori schools. Additionally, it advocates for Montessori education at the national level. The Society serves as a liaison between Montessori […]

Thanks to the stripped-down simplicity of the Montessori method, setting up a Montessori bedroom is fairly straightforward and relatively effortless. Personal tastes and available space will dictate how your family setups your child’s Montessori bedroom. The nine following steps are more of an outline than a blueprint, intended to ignite your creativity and imagination. Keep […]

What is a Montessori wardrobe? For the sake of clarity, this article will not be discussing Montessori school attire. We will be discussing the piece of furniture for organizing and storing clothing that was inspired by the Montessori method of teaching young children. Though there are many variations on the theme, Montessori wardrobes are all […]

There are literally 100s of ways to practice Montessori parenting. From furnishing your home with sturdy wooden furniture, scaled to size, to providing learning materials for your child to interact with, we’ll focus on some of the best. Montessori graduates often credit Montessori with their ability to think outside the box and wade through complex […]

Key Points What is Montessori furniture and how is it different from non-Montessori furniture? Montessori furniture is generally crafted of solid wood. Maria Montessori felt that natural materials were the most suitable for young children. Natural materials, like wood, are generally non-toxic. And solid wood is durable. That is why the majority of Montessori furniture […]

How is Montessori daycare different than other schools? The answer depends on the type of preschool you’re referencing. In this article we will briefly discuss childcare around the world, the history of childcare in the U.S., and the different types of childcare/preschool available, including Montessori. Keep reading to learn more about the history of daycare […]

What are Montessori schools and what do they teach? Montessori is one of the fastest-growing methods of education worldwide, and with good reason. The self-directed child-centered pedagogy has a proven track record that spans the last 100+ years. Keep reading to learn more about this compelling model for educating young minds. Key Points Dr. Maria […]

Montessori vs. Waldorf schools: How do they compare? Beyond their reputations for being progressive/alternative schools that were conceived in the early part of the 20th century, they are very different. Though many folks confuse these two education models regularly, once you know more about them, you’ll see that they have very little in common. Keep […]

Maria Montessori (1870-1952) would have undoubtedly been the queen of the sound bite had she been born 100 years later. A search for Maria Montessori quotes renders hundreds of results. Who was Maria Montessori and what are some of her best quotes? Keep reading to learn more about this brilliant, compassionate, pioneering feminist, while discovering […]

Montessori vs. homeschooling, how do they compare? The answer will vary depending on which model of education you are using to homeschool. There are many choices available for homeschoolers, including Montessori homeschool programs, but that hasn’t always been the case. The earliest European immigrants in North America homeschooled their children, but by 1917 public education […]

Curious about the difference between the Steiner and Montessori education methods? Conceived in the early 20th century as a response to traditional methods of education, these educational models really don’t have many similarities. These differences reflect the unique perspectives of the founders of the movements, Rudolf Steiner and Maria Montessori. Read on to learn about […]

How do you start a Montessori school? Though the process might seem daunting at first, once you break it down into manageable steps, it’s quite possible. There are many reasons for starting your own Montessori school, from a lack of one in your community, to a desire to own your own business. Regardless of your […]

Montessori vs. public school: Are there differences between these two models of education? Yes. Plenty. Methods of education have been a subject of debate for thousands of years. Literally. Nowhere is this more evident than in the chasm that separates Eastern thought from Western thought. Confucius (551-479 B.C.) and Socrates (470 -399 B.C.) are two […]

Montessori vs. private schools: How do they compare? Though the majority of Montessori schools in the U.S. are private schools, for this comparison the private schools to which we will be comparing Montessori are ones that employ more traditional education models, with a focus on those that use the direct instruction approach. Private schools that […]

Why are Montessori schools bad? Depending on who you ask you’re likely to get a variety of answers. You’re sure to get an earful from former Montessori moms, while former students (and teachers!) will have their own opinions. Even folks who have never set foot in a Montessori school love to expound on the criticisms […]

Who was Maria Montessori, the founder of Montessori schools? Dr. Maria Montessori wore many different hats during her lifetime. She was a licensed pediatrician and psychiatrist. She was a lecturer and a champion of social reform. A feminist who bucked convention, she is responsible for conceiving and designing the method of education that bears her […]