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Giving and Receiving: Building a Culture of Generosity
The Montessori philosophy encourages the development of the whole child—intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically. One of the key social principles embedded in this approach is the concept of giving and receiving. For children 6 and under, this principle is not just about material exchanges but also about the mutual acts of kindness, respect, and collaboration…
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Navigating Power Struggles at Home
With its emphasis on respect, independence, and connection, Montessori parenting offers helpful strategies for navigating power struggles with young children, even from an early age. In the first six years, children are forming their sense of self, learning boundaries, and testing limits. The Montessori approach provides ways to respond to these developmentally typical behaviors that…
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Food and The Young Child – Nurturing a Healthy Relationship with Food
As caregivers of young children, we share a common objective – fostering a healthy relationship between the child and food. Our aim is for children to enjoy meals while ensuring they are eating enough to sustain the great work happening in their physical, mental and spiritual development. The eating patterns of young children can be…
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Three Tips for a Successful School Year
As the new school year begins, there are some specific ways you can support your child’s transition “back-to-school” and help them thrive in their unique learning environment. Here are three essential tips to ensure a smooth and successful start to the school year. 1. Foster Independence at Home Montessori education emphasizes independence and self-directed learning,…
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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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Navigating Screen Time Use
Children are often happy and quiet when they have a device in their hands (*sigh* peace and quiet). However, we know that children do not learn best from screens. Two new studies have shown that screen time can decrease the young child’s words and sentences, resulting in delayed language development. Screen time can also influence…
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The Art of Giving and Receiving with the Young Child
For many families and cultures around the world, December is a time of giving and receiving gifts, food, and love. Whether it is a physical gift or an intangible one, we need to be intentional with our expectations for the young child during the holiday season. Young children, under the age of 6 years old,…
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Thoughtful Gift Giving Ideas
The gift giving season is upon us, and with that comes an onslaught of marketing and media for the latest and greatest toys. We’ve simplified it this year with a list* of Hala Kahiki Montessori School approved thoughtful gift giving ideas that are engaging, encourage learning and exploration and can be used and loved for…
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Montessori at Home?
Can you do Montessori at home? The short answer – YES! The long answer – Yes, and… Montessori can be implemented in many forms based on the adult and the environment in which the child resides. The Montessori philosophy is about engaging the child in life being lived, while providing purposeful and challenging work or…
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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…
