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The Absorbent Mind: How Young Children Learn and How We Can Support Them
Maria Montessori’s concept of the absorbent mind is one of the most powerful insights into early childhood development. She observed that from birth to around age six, children learn in a way that is entirely different from adults. Instead of absorbing information through conscious effort, young children take in everything around them naturally and effortlessly—like…
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6 Essential Things the Young Child Needs from an Adult: A Guide for Montessori Parents
As parents of young children in Lāna’i, Hawaii, we are privileged to be raising children in one of the most tranquil, close-knit communities in the world. At the heart of this special place is the opportunity to nurture your child’s growth in a way that respects their individuality, fosters independence, and builds a love for…
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The Constructive Rhythm of Life – The Four Planes of Development
“I have found that in their development, the child passes through certain phases, each of which has its own particular needs. The characteristics of each are so different that the passages from one phase to another have been described by certain psychologists as ‘rebirths’.” –Maria Montessori As Dr. Montessori observed children it became obvious to…
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Maria Montessori
As Italy’s first female doctor, Maria Montessori’s work in medicine led to her deep interest in child development. Over the course of her life, Montessori studied all races and cultures, and through her keen observation skills came to understand that the child under the age of six holds a very special power. Within this young child is…
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On Joy
As we reflect on our first weeks of the 2023 – 2024 school year along with the devastation experienced by our ‘ohana, we are committed to creating an environment where children can learn, thrive, feel safe and loved, and experience deep joy. Dr. Montessori tells us that “joy is the evidence of inner growth” and…
