Maria Montessori’s revolutionary approach to supporting early childhood was introduced in 1907 with the central purpose of providing children with Education for Life. She advocated for nurturing the child in the critical years of formation of personality from 0 to 6 years old.

Take 15-20 minutes 3 times a week at a convenient time such as after school or before dinner and any time during the weekend days. At bedtime children can be quite tired and not able to practice reading aloud as effectively as they would be earlier in the day. Bedtime is a nice time for you to read aloud to your child. Reading together can be a very special and positive experience to share. You can even find a cozy and quiet corner to read in or a comfy spot to sit with a cozy blanket.

“To let the child do as he likes when he has not yet developed any powers of control is to betray the idea of freedom” – Maria Montessori. The Absorbent Mind.

When school and home are in tune, and adults create a consistent environment of love and freedom, while setting firm and kind boundaries, children thrive.

“A child who becomes a master of his acts through… repeated exercises [of grace and courtesy], and who has been encouraged by the pleasant and interesting activities in which he has been engaged, is a child filled with health and joy and remarkable for his calmness and discipline” – Maria Montessori, 2007. The Discovery of a Child.

Often in Montessori circles we talk about Freedom and Discipline. They go hand in hand. They are like two sides of the same coin. Freedom and Discipline are critical ideas in a Montessori classroom, but they aren’t easily understood.

Merriam Webster defines freedom as “the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action” or “the quality or state of being exempt or released usually from something onerous.”

As we move into summer holidays and you continue working with your children on their development and independence, we wanted to reach out to offer some guidance and suggestions. We also wanted to welcome our new and transitioning elementary families. We are thrilled to welcome you to the Loma Alta campus and community! What a special time for your children as they enter this new plane of development. We look forward to seeing you and your children in the Fall.

We want to extend my warmest welcome to all of you joining Oak Knoll in the Fall and express our excitement to be part of your child’s continuous journey of growth!