Montessori Makers at Home Podcast

As your teen enters those formative years, you’ll notice a growing need for autonomy and self-direction. Teens are beginning to figure out who they are and what they want for their future, and that means they need the space to make decisions—both big and small. At the same time, this process can be a bit overwhelming for parents who want to provide guidance and support, while also giving their child the freedom to grow independentl...

Today’s episode is all about preparing adolescents for the world beyond school by equipping them with essential practical life skills. These skills, including financial literacy, time management, and basic life skills, are crucial as they approach adulthood and start to embrace more independence.

The Montessori approach continues to emphasize the development of the whole child—even in the high school years—and these practical life s...

As they approach the transition to adulthood, one of the most valuable lessons we can teach our teens is the importance of contributing to the community and the world at large. Montessori’s principles of social responsibility and civic engagement are essential components of adolescent development. In this episode, we’ll explore the significance of social justice, community service, and how to encourage your teen to take on leadersh...

Whether your child is in middle school or high school, they are at a stage where their interests, skills, and social relationships are rapidly evolving. Observation continues to be a powerful tool for understanding how they are progressing, both academically and personally.

In this episode, we’ll discuss the importance of observing older students—how it can help you stay in tune with their changing needs, evolving interests, and cha...

Today’s episode is all about how to support your child through their high school years, as they start to think about their future in a more serious way. The Montessori approach to education doesn’t stop at the classroom door, and in today’s episode, we’ll explore how Montessori principles continue to guide students as they prepare for life after high school—whether that’s college, a career, or pursuing their passions.

The high schoo...

As your child progresses through their middle school years, you might notice that they have unique learning needs or challenges. Whether your child has a diagnosed learning difference or is simply struggling in certain areas, it’s essential to understand how Montessori continues to support students with diverse learning needs during these critical years.

In today’s episode, we’ll dive into how Montessori principles apply to middle s...

This is a significant milestone for your adolescent, filled with both exciting opportunities and challenges. So, whether your child is just starting to think about high school or it’s right around the corner, we’re here to guide you through this transition.

In today’s episode, we’ll discuss how you can help prepare your child for the academic and social shifts that come with high school. We’ll also explore the Montessori principles ...

As your child transitions into middle school, they’ll begin navigating an exciting and often challenging period of their development. The middle school years are a time of growth, exploration, and discovery, and the role of observation continues to be an important tool for understanding your child’s academic, social, and emotional development.

In this episode, we’ll explore the importance of continuing to observe your child as they ...

As children transition into adolescence, schoolwork can become more demanding, and they may feel the pressure of balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and their personal lives. Learning how to manage time effectively is not just a skill—it’s a life tool that will help your child thrive in school and beyond. But how do we help them build the structure they need while also allowing for the flexibility that’s key to their g...

It’s easy to think of Montessori as a method that is primarily for the younger years—Nido, Primary, and even Lower Elementary—but as your child moves into the middle school and secondary education years, Montessori continues to offer valuable tools, philosophies, and practices to support their development.

Today, we’ll explore how Montessori principles apply to middle school education, why this transition is such a key moment in a c...

As your child enters the adolescent stage, they undergo significant changes in how they view themselves, their relationships, and the world around them. Understanding and supporting their social and emotional development is essential in guiding them through this often tumultuous yet transformative period.

Today, we’ll talk about how you can help foster empathy, respect for diversity, and collaboration, while also navigating the comp...

In Montessori, we recognize that adolescence is a time of profound growth and transformation, where the child begins to explore their identity, independence, and role in the world. It’s a time where they start to ask big questions like: “Who am I?” and “Where do I fit in?” and “What do I want to contribute to the world?”

Today, we’ll explore what’s happening in the adolescent mind, how to understand the unique developmental characte...

Today, we’re going to look at what’s different about middle school, how to prepare for the shift to a more structured classroom environment, and how to support your child’s growing desire for autonomy and exploration. Whether you’re approaching this transition with excitement or a bit of apprehension, this episode will provide you with helpful tips and insights to make the process as smooth as possible for both you and your child.

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Today we’ll be discussing how to navigate academic challenges in the Montessori setting, specifically when it comes to subjects like math, reading, and writing. These are the areas that can sometimes feel overwhelming for both children and parents, especially when academic progress doesn’t seem to align with expectations. But in the Montessori approach, challenges are seen as opportunities for growth, and the strategies we use to s...

As children progress into Upper Elementary, the social aspect of learning becomes more complex and increasingly important. It’s during this stage that children develop deeper connections with their peers, and they begin to understand more about how to navigate group dynamics, friendships, and conflict resolution. We’ll explore how to support your child in fostering healthy relationships, the importance of group work and collaborati...

In Montessori, we see observation as one of the most powerful tools in understanding a child’s development—academically, socially, and emotionally. By observing, we can truly understand where a child is in their learning journey, what they need, and how best to support them. Whether it’s during class or at home, taking a step back and observing without immediately intervening can give us profound insights into how our children are ...

As your child enters the 9-12 age range, they’re in the midst of a fascinating transformation, both intellectually and emotionally. This period—often referred to as the "second plane of development" in Montessori—brings about shifts in the way your child thinks, feels, and interacts with the world. From a growing desire for independence to a more sophisticated approach to learning and relationships, these years are crucia...

Between the ages of 9 and 12, children undergo significant cognitive, emotional, and social growth, and it’s a time when they begin to seriously engage with complex ideas of justice, fairness, ethical behavior, and social responsibility. As Montessori parents, we play a crucial role in nurturing their understanding of these concepts and helping them apply them to their lives.

Let’s explore how we can support our children as they nav...