Establishing the Flow: Your Guide to a School Year Started Off Right

It’s that time of the year again. Over the course of the summer, and even with the best of intentions, some of our routines tend to dissolve and give way to relaxation and adventures. Which is great!

The school year is creeping closer, however. Now is the perfect time to consider what your family will do to prepare for the transition back.

Unless this is your child’s first year heading to school, you’ve probably been through and considered all this before, but it’s always nice to have a little refresher. Read on for our tips to make the start of the school year as smooth as possible for everyone.

Sleep

Perhaps the most important bit to consider, your child’s sleep schedule is critical to their success. There are three elements to focus on: how much sleep your child needs, when that sleep should take place, and the quality of sleep.

So just how much sleep does your child need? It depends on the individual, but age plays an important role. Here are the AAP's recommendations on how much sleep children should get within each 24 hour period. (Times include naps.)

12 - 16 hours

11 - 14 hours

10 - 13 hours

9 - 12 hours

8 - 10 hours

4 months - 1 year

1 - 2 years

3 - 5 years

6 - 12 years

13 - 18 years

Once you know how much sleep your child should be getting, and what amount works best for them, figuring out bedtime is as simple as counting back, considering factors like when you need to leave in the morning and how long it takes to get ready.

Is their desired bedtime nowhere near their current bedtime? Take the transition slowly. Start by having them go to sleep just 15 minutes earlier, then another 15 minutes earlier every few days until you reach your goal.

As for quality of sleep? That’s all about creating a relaxing environment. A darker, cool room works best, and establishing a regular and soothing bedtime routine will help them drift off to dreamland easier. Keep the routine the same each night, whether that includes a warm bath, reading, or even using a little lavender-scented spray.

Schedule

We touched on this above, but creating a regular schedule is really important. When children know what to expect, they are much better equipped to take on the day. There will certainly be moments and days when routines are interrupted, but if we prioritize them most of the time, children benefit greatly.

Every family is different, but consider what you want your morning to look like. Some questions that will help guide you in creating a schedule:

• What time should you leave the house to arrive comfortably at school/work?

• What tasks could be done ahead of time (perhaps the night before) to alleviate the morning rush?

• What is your child able to do independently, and what will they need help with?

The same basic concept goes for evening routines as well. As we mentioned in the section on sleep, a focus on calming rituals prepares your child’s mind and body for a restful night of sleep. If the steps remain the same night after night, bedtime will only become easier as the weeks pass by.

Emotions

It is totally normal for children (and even adolescents) to experience big emotions as back-to-school approaches. They may feel excited, anxious, apprehensive about being apart from you, as well as a wide range of other thoughts and feelings.

If your child feels distraught at all, it can be really hard for parents to see. For some of us, the natural reaction is to do whatever we can to minimize the concerns and help them move on. The very best thing we can do, however, is to acknowledge their feelings. When you notice behavior that is reflective of emotional tension, ask them how they’re feeling. If they’re very young, help them name their emotions. Acknowledge that these are normal ways to feel.

Validation is key here. Should we ease their fears a bit by talking about what to expect and addressing their concerns? Of course! But those talks may not erase their worries, and that’s okay. Let them know you recognize their emotions and that it’s okay to feel however they feel.

Parents can experience overwhelming emotions at this time, too. You may surprise yourself! If you’ve been able to spend extra time with your child all summer long, the thought of so much time apart can be hard (or not). Perhaps your child is starting in a new class or is beginning their final year and it has you thinking about how quickly they are growing up. Think of it as a great way to model what to do in the face of challenging feelings.

Expectations

Even with careful planning and the best of intentions, nothing ever goes quite as planned, especially when it comes to our children. Maybe the first day of school is creeping closer and you’re still struggling to get the kids into bed before 9:00. Maybe your eight-year-old is super nervous about starting at a new school. Maybe it’s a challenge to balance your own work schedule with morning drop-off.

Whatever you do, expect the unexpected. Know that we are here to support the children and families in our community. The first couple of weeks at school may be bumpy, they may be smooth, or (most likely) they’ll be somewhere in between. We hope you and your child are looking forward to the start of a new year, and we can’t wait to see you all again!

5 Things Montessori Parents DON’T Need to Do

Parenting. It’s one of the most incredible journeys available to the human experience. But in recent decades, it’s become a little bit more stressful. Between our evolving culture and the constant availability of information via the internet, parents are constantly bombarded with suggestions, studies, and opinions about what they must do in the best interest of their child.

Of course, we all know there isn’t just one perfect way of parenting. We all need to find our own way and the best way for our child. We know that it’s impossible to take all the advice, but it can still feel pretty overwhelming.

This article? It’s the complete opposite.

We want to let you know that it doesn’t all fall on the parents. There are plenty of things it’s totally fine (and actually a great idea) to let go, or at least fade in importance a bit. So, without further ado, here are five things Montessori parents do not need to do:

1. Purchase Montessori materials

We love the enthusiasm. It’s so beautiful when new-to-Montessori families want to go all-in and create a mini classroom at home. We love the thought behind it! We do think Montessori can translate into the home environment. Just...not with the classic materials.

Montessori materials should not be used in the home without a properly trained Montessori guide. There are two main reasons for this. First off, these materials were created to be used in a specific sequence and in very specific ways. There are special ways to present the materials, and teachers learn all of this when they attend their Montessori training courses.

The second reason is - there are so many other more enriching ways Montessori can be applied in the home! We encourage parents to learn about the philosophy and find ways it naturally fits into your everyday life. There’s no need to spend lots of money on fancy wooden learning materials. Let the materials remain in the classroom environment and allow the basic ideas of Montessori to trickle into the home and reverberate into the rest of the child’s life.

2. Focus on academics

Let us be totally clear: we are in no way saying that academics don’t matter. Quite the opposite! We know they matter.

In a high-fidelity Montessori school, the curriculum and methods support a very rigorous academic program. Children will be mastering advanced skills at younger-than-average ages. You will likely be astounded by what you see your own child learning.

It’s just that we don’t think that should be the only focus of school.

We are confident that our students will have appropriate and enriching academic opportunities, and they will also be held to appropriate expectations. We also know that learning is very much an individual process. It’s not linear, there will be plateaus, and there will definitely be unexpected twists and turns.

We trust that the child will arrive at the destination when they are supposed to. We also know that along the way we have many other important tasks: to support their social and emotional growth, to expose them to creative and artistic pursuits, to ensure sufficient time spent in nature, and to understand what it means to be a peaceful member of a community.

3. Hesitate to communicate

Throughout your child’s academic career, you will have lots of questions. That’s great! Regardless of what’s on your mind, we want parents in our community to always feel comfortable talking to us.

Teachers are busy people, but they are completely dedicated to the well-being of their students. So when they see an email, note, or voicemail from a parent, rest assured that they’re eager to get back to you.

We believe that education is a three-way partnership between the child, their parents, and our guides. Communication is the key to everything running smoothly.

So the next time you’re unsure about whether or not to reach out, please do! We are here to help.

4. Compare children

This is such an easy trap to fall into! Parents love to talk about their children, and we often find ourselves chatting with other parents. This inevitably leads us to notice what other people’s children are up to, and our minds can sometimes (naturally) compare that to what our own child is doing.

We all know this already, but it’s worth the reminder. Don’t compare your child to others! Child development varies widely, so what sometimes seems concerning to parents isn’t at all.

That child that started reading earlier than all the others? That doesn’t mean they’ll turn out to be a better reader than anyone else.

Your son is still wetting the bed at night but your daughter stopped years before? It’s completely normal.

Your child’s best friend is advancing quickly in math, while yours is frustrated at not being able to do the same work yet? Use this as an opportunity to explore the beauty of differences between people.

If we follow the child, we allow them to become the incredible, unique individual they are meant to become.

5. Homework!

One big perk in Montessori schools? There’s no homework!

Rather than spending hours struggling through Common Core math standards-based worksheets each night, you can play a board game together. Or go for a walk around your neighborhood. Or encourage your child to explore their own interests.

Our students work so hard throughout the regular school day, we see no need to continue that work in the evening at home. If adults are supposed to seek out a healthy work/life balance, shouldn’t it be the same for children?

Reading together each night? A great idea - and a way to bond. Working together on a long-term project? Yes! It’s fun, educational, and stress-free. Beyond that, we encourage you to embrace the benefits of your child not having any homework.

Are there any items on this list you think might be difficult to let go of? Are there any more we should add? Let us know what you think.

Food Preparations - Home Edition

Food preparation as a skill is an integral element of any Montessori classroom. While specific lessons feature most prominently during the primary years, elementary and adolescent teachers find ways to teach children these important skills throughout the year as well.

Learning one’s way around the kitchen is a skill that couldn’t be easier to translate at home. Parents - you can support this important learning as often as you like; we all need to eat, so each meal and snack presents an opportunity for learning - at all ages.

The Basics

These skills are a must for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners. As children move into the elementary years, they’ve most likely learned them, but it’s a good idea to check! Mastering these basics helps springboard children into all types of food-related fun.

Slicing and Chopping - Start simply with a peeled banana and a butter knife. Show your child the motion, then give them a turn. As they get the hang of it, you can move on to cucumbers, carrots, and different types of cutting tools. We love using a wavy chopper with small children. If, after cutting a variety of foods, your child is still interested, keep giving them practice! This can be as simple as helping to slice up some raw vegetables a few nights a week for dinner.

Spreading - Think peanut butter on toast, softened butter on an english muffin, or cream cheese on a stalk of celery. Get creative, and your child will have a chance to strengthen both their confidence and their fine motor skills.

Mixing - A few fun examples of this might be learning how to make instant pudding or stirring some tasty berries into yogurt. Mixing practice can even be incorporated into whatever you’re already doing in the kitchen. Making brownies? Hand over the spoon and let your child take a turn!

Multi-Step Snacks - Good teaching builds one skill on top of another. The same goes for food prep. Combining skills that have been learned means a child can begin to make more complicated treats. Have them slice a banana, then add it to a peanut butter sandwich. Make hummus together, then cut up some vegetables to dip in it.

Cooking Ideas

There really is no limit when it comes to children cooking, especially as they get older. If children are taught how to use tools properly and safely when they are young, they can participate in the important family contribution of making meals as soon as they are ready. And you may be surprised at how quickly they prove they’re ready. Here are a few recipes to get you started.

Primary - English Muffin Pizzas

This childhood favorite can be made independently, except for a bit of adult help when it comes time to use the stove (and maybe the toaster). Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Have your child split each English muffin in half, and pop them in the toaster briefly to prevent sogginess. Spread a bit of jarred pizza sauce on each half, sprinkle with grated cheese, and add your favorite toppings. Heat in the oven for about 4 minutes.

Lower Elementary - Pancakes

Flipping pancakes is a delightful experience for children at this age! Mix the following ingredients, melt some butter in a pan on medium heat, and spoon out whatever size you like. Show your child how to flip a few, then let them try! There will be failures along the way, but it’s still plenty of fun.

• 1 ½ cup flour

• 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 Tablespoon sugar

• 1 ¼ cup milk (plus more if the batter is too stiff)

• 1 egg

• 3 teaspoons melted butter

Upper Elementary - Sushi

The final result may not be professional-looking, but it will be just as tasty! Rinse and cook 1 cup of white rice and let cool. Lay out the following ingredients (available at major grocery stores) and assemble according to your tastes. Have some soy sauce on the side for dipping and sesame seeds for sprinkling on top.

• nori (large sheets or snack-sized)

• cooled rice

• thinly sliced vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, avocado etc.)

• cream cheese

• thinly sliced crab stick

Adolescents - Meal Planning and Scheduled Cooking

The possibilities are endless once children get a bit older. Once they have mastered simple dishes, consider having one night each week when they are in charge of planning and making dinner. They may surprise you with some unique dishes, and as they become more independent, it will give you a chance to focus on other tasks (or even take a break!)

Baking Ideas

Who doesn’t love a tasty treat? Baking can be a beautiful loaf of homemade bread, but most kids are partial to sweet baked goods. When they make them at home, you can help control the sugar, nutrition content, and the portions, while still making memories and having fun together.

Primary - World's Easiest Yeast Bread recipe  

Lower Elementary - Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

Upper Elementary - Whoopie Pies  

Adolescents - Themed Challenges...Together

Think of the season, a recent interest, or whatever, and bake together. Explore the tasty treats of other cultures, start new traditions, and share the results with loved ones. As a bonus, baking is one special way to squeeze in some much needed quality time with your teen.

Related Skills

Cleaning Up: Our biggest tip? Teach your kids to clean as they go. Saving everything for the end makes clean-up feel overwhelming (even for us adults) and makes us feel more reluctant to head to the kitchen the next time around. Done measuring the salt? Put it right back where it goes. Finished with the ½ cup measure? Drop it in the sink! While you may choose to save washing the dishes for after you finish enjoying the fruits of your labor, it still feels good to put away all ingredients and tools and give them counter a quick wipe before sitting down. Teach your children these steps now and you will set them up for a lifetime of enjoying cooking and baking.  

Setting the Table: Whether you’re doing the cooking and could use a little help, or your child has carefully put their creation into the oven and is waiting, children of all ages are capable of setting the table. When they are younger, you can set all supplies out for them, but as they get older, it’s great for them to figure out what is needed for various meals and take care of the task independently.

Special Occasions: Holidays, birthdays, and various other celebrations are the perfect time to incorporate food prep. Let your child in on the planning as well as the execution. Making special meals together - including traditional family dishes - is a special experience for children of all ages to enjoy.

Books That Celebrate Asian Heritage and Culture

Over the past several months, there has been a disturbing increase in hateful actions toward people of Asian descent. Most of us watch the news in horror, and while we disagree with what’s happening, it can be hard to know what actions to take.

We believe one of the most powerful social justice actions parents can take is to instill positive values in our children. Kids are never too young to learn about acceptance, equity, and the beauty in humanity’s differences.

This is why we would like to share this very special book list: A Celebration of Asian Heritage and Culture. Children’s books should be both a reflection of who they are and their life experiences, but also an illuminating peek into the lives and experiences of others. No one explains this better than children’s author Grace Lin.

Hush! A Thai Lullaby by Minfong Ho, illustrated by Holly Meade

A Thai mother and her gentle exasperation plead with various animals to please stay quiet as her baby sleeps. They stomp and shriek past her home, and she meets each one in turn asking them to hush. Finally, as the moon rises above them, she falls asleep with her head resting on the windowsill, with (of course) her smiling and wide-awake baby beside her.

Round is a Mooncake: A Book of Shapes by Roseanne Thong, illustrated by Grace Lin

Round, square, rectangle...young children love to notice shapes around them in their everyday lives. The main character in this book is no exception. A beautiful blending of her family’s heritage and their modern life, she notices shapes in traditional Asian items as well as everyday ones that we are all familiar with.

We Are Inspiring: The Stories of 32 Inspirational Asian American Women by Angel Trazo

Author/illustrator Angel Trazo created this book to celebrate Asian heritage while being accessible to multiple age groups. Perfect for upper elementary students to read on their own, it can also be used as a read aloud book for younger children.

Suki's Kimono by Chieri Uegaki, illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch 

Suki is so excited to wear her new kimono on the first day of school. It was given to her by her obāchan and she has such fantastic memories attached to it! Besides, it’s beautiful and it shows who she is. With her sisters admonishing her choice of attire and pretending they don’t know her the whole way to school, and with some of her classmates teasing her, Suki holds her head high and takes an opportunity to tell the story of her kimono. Her bravery and strength pay off in the end, and Suki dances her way home after school.

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

Unhei and her family have just moved to the United States from Korea. After an embarrassing moment on the schoolbus involving a boy making fun of her name, she tells her classmates that she doesn’t have a name and needs to choose one. They all get to work helping her decide on one, until one girl discovers Unhei’s real name. The class works together to learn to pronounce it correctly, and Unhei is finally able to feel comfortable as her true self.

The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin

A perfect book for upper elementary-aged children, The Year of the Dog is the first in a three-book series that follows Pacy, a Chinese American girl. She navigates many typical coming-of-age events that are faced by most children, while simultaneously figuring out her identity that is often stretched between two worlds.

In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Bette Bao Lord

Young Bandit lives in China with her mother, cousins, grandmother, aunts, and uncles. The only one missing is her father, who has traveled abroad to seek out his fortune. One day, he sends for Bandit and her mother, who leave the family behind and make the long journey to Brooklyn. Before leaving, Bandit is asked to choose a name, and she chooses to call herself Shirley Temple. In Brooklyn, she can’t speak English and feels lost and out of place - until she discovers Jackie Robinson. Her new hero doesn’t exactly fit in either, but he inspires her to thrive in her new home.

Green Lantern: Legacy by Minh Le, illustrated by Andie Tong

This is a great option for graphic novel lovers! There are elements of adventure, superheroes, honoring ancestors, and figuring out one’s place in the world. What could be more perfect for upper elementary and early middle schoolers?

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhhà Lai

Told in gorgeous lyrical poetry, Inside Out and Back Again is based on Thanhhà Lai’s own childhood. She and her family lived in Vietnam during the war, and were eventually forced to flee, moving across the world to Alabama in the United States. But being in a new country, with her father missing in action, is the type of challenge no child should have to face. Sadly, it is the tale of many refugees around the world and throughout history, and an important story for us all to learn from. A National Book Award Winner and a Newbery Honor book, both upper elementary and middle school students would appreciate reading this.  

The Great Wall of Lucy Wu by Wendy Wan-Long Shang

Lucy is a Chinese American girl who is headed into the sixth grade and loves basketball. With her sister Regina heading off to college soon, Lucy is eagerly anticipating the day she can have a room to herself...until it doesn’t quite work out that way. Regina (who speaks perfect Chinese and adores every aspect of her family's customs) does leave, but their grandmother’s friend comes for an extended stay - in Lucy’s room. She expects her year to be completely ruined, but readers can expect a few surprises.

5 Ways to Support Summer Learning

Just because your child may be taking a break from school, that doesn’t mean their learning stops. Learning is a beautiful and continuous journey, and summer is a special opportunity for some families to spend a bit of extra time together. They may not have formal math lessons, botanical classifications, or grammar work over the next couple months, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t so much more to discover!

Here are five simple tips to help your child stay engaged and curious about their world over the coming months.

1. Follow the Child

Take the most essential Montessori mantra and let it guide you. Is your child into dinosaurs? Ancient civilizations? Animals? Whatever it is they feel passionate about lately, help them dive deeply into learning as much as they can about it. This may mean collecting books on the subject matter, helping them create projects, taking day trips to enhance their learning, or consulting online museum resources for ideas.

Not sure where to start? Pay attention to the types of activities your child gravitates toward naturally. Do they like to move their bodies a lot, or are they more likely to curl up in a quiet corner? Are they more interested in independent or cooperative work/play? Are they focused on precision and order or do they seem constantly sprawled out over a large area?

So much of a child’s inclinations have to do with their age and developmental phase, but a large portion is wholly individualistic. It may feel new to you, but try to slow down and notice. You may be struck by the insights you gain, and it will certainly point you in the right direction.

2. Make Memories

Whether you’re home all day or working extra hours, there are plenty of ways to make important connections with your child while incorporating a little learning. Vacations are nice, but children don’t need grand gestures to look back fondly on their summers. They probably won’t remember most of the little details of what you do together, but the emotions and feelings connected to those experiences will absolutely stick around.

A few ideas to get you started:

• Working late? Call and read a bedtime story over the phone.

• Plant a garden - even a mini container garden will do - and tend to it together daily. Notice the changes not only in the plants, but in the other creatures that begin to interact with them.

• Sing songs together.

• Cook together and involve your child in as many of the steps as is developmentally appropriate. There are endless practical life and math skills to be gained in the kitchen.

• Keep a journal or scrapbook together. Depending on your child’s age and interest, this could take on various forms.

3. Create a (Loose) Schedule

Lazy days stretching out endlessly feels gloriously freeing, but after a while, things can get a bit stale. Having a schedule - even if it’s a flexible one - can give children the structure they crave while making sure they have plenty of time to relax and explore. Make sure they get up and go to bed at regular times (even if those times are a bit later than during the school year). Keep any chores or expectations in place throughout the summer months.

Some families find having a weekly outline can take the guesswork out of making plans and give kids something to look forward to each day. Weather, appointments, or special events may necessitate changes from week to week, but that’s okay! Here’s a sample of what we mean:

• Mondays- Beach day

• Tuesdays- Library day

• Wednesdays- Have friends over

• Thursdays- Take a day trip

• Fridays- Art project

4. Spend Plenty of Time Outdoors

This will look different for every family, but everyone benefits from daily time spent in natural spaces. If you don’t have a lot of options locally, go with what you’ve got. If you’re lucky enough, mixing it up from week to week makes things interesting!

Local Parks - Many communities have small local parks. Your child might enjoy playing on a playground, running around in an open field, or maybe climbing a tree or two. Just being in green spaces is highly beneficial for kids physically, mentally, and emotionally. (Plus, all that spent energy might mean a good night’s sleep!)

State and National Parks - Larger parks offer different opportunities. Some may have kiosks that explain the unique features of the park, or even guide visitors toward points of interest. These are the types of places that families can visit again and again, discovering new things each time.

Hiking - Looking to revisit an old hobby or start a new one with your child? Hiking is a great activity with lots of health benefits that can be done pretty much anywhere. Whether you have access to mountains or you take a historic walk through a dense urban center, hiking creates endless learning opportunities as well.

Swimming - What more can we say about this? Swimming is a classic and fun way to cool down from the hot summer heat!

Your Yard - We mentioned gardening above; planting things that need daily care is one way to get outdoors. It can also be nice to encourage unstructured playtime outdoors. You might set up a sprinkler for kids to run through, or take out some bubbles or sports equipment. But, you might also just let them figure out what to do on their own. Even a small backyard presents infinite possibilities for the curious child.

5. Incorporate Reading

You’re probably not surprised to see this on our list! We encourage all families to find ways to work reading into their daily routines. A quick list of ideas:

• Go to the library once each week

• Read bedtime stories together (even with your preteens!)

• Use those hot, quiet, early afternoon hours as a time for everyone to rest with a book

• Let your child see you reading for pleasure

• Listen to audiobooks at home or in the car

• Read a book that was made into a movie - then watch the movie together! Discuss the similarities and differences

Hopefully this article has given you a few new ideas to try together this summer. Did we miss anything? Do you have more you would add to the list? Let us know!

150 Years: The Planes of Development

This article is part of a series that we’ve shared throughout the 2020-2021 school year to celebrate the 150th birthday of Dr. Maria Montessori. This marks our final post of the year that reflects on the past, present, and future of Montessori education.

“I have found that in his 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’.”

— Dr. Maria Montessori

Throughout her years of observing children across a wide variety of settings, Dr. Maria Montessori noticed certain undeniable patterns in their development. She fully recognized that there are many variances among individuals but stated that there were certain traits that could generally be relied upon as children grow and age. She believed that these traits and characteristics could be used not only as a marker to determine a child’s developmental phase, but also as a guide for the adults who serve the child.  

As Montessori educators, we still use her scientific findings in our work today. Dr. Montessori recognized that childhood development is divided into four main phases, or planes. Each plane builds upon what was learned in those previously, and each plane has both an active and passive phase. By fully understanding the developmental needs of a child — wherever they happen to be on this continuum — we are better able to create an environment that will be optimal to support their further development.

There is so much to say about Montessori’s planes of development; we will keep it brief and highlight the main points. Just as we utilize this information in our learning environments, we encourage parents to consider how your child’s developmental traits might inform your own decisions at home. Is there anything you’re already doing that supports their growth? Is there anything new you might try?

The First Plane of Development

Newborn-Age 6

During the first plane of development, children learn primarily through experiences they have with their environment. The personal growth during this period is unlike anything we see for the rest of our lives. This is a time of tremendous physical growth, but also the development of the personality. Some of the most important traits to be aware of:

• The need to feel safe and secure

• A desire for physical autonomy

• Exploration and refinement of the senses

• Development of gross and fine motor skills

• Desire to work independently or beside peers (as opposed to with them)

• Concrete thinking

• A tendency toward neatness and order 

From birth to about age 6, the child’s motto is essentially: “Help me to do it myself.”

The Second Plane of Development

Ages 6-12

Around age 6, there is a definitive shift in the child. There are a series of physical growth spurts, as well as an insatiable need for knowledge about the world and universe. The child’s world begins to expand beyond the narrow perimeters of themselves. This  means they are more social, but also curious about everything beyond what they already know. Keep the following characteristics in mind:

• This is a time of big imaginations!

• The child’s thinking moves from concrete to abstract

• The cultural subjects (science, geography, & history) are of great interest

• Kids often prefer BIG work at this age

• They crave social interactions but are still learning how to navigate them appropriately

• They aren’t always aware of their growing limbs and often fall/knock things over

• Neatness and order are not important, and often forgotten

• Justice and fairness become critically important

Kids at this age just want to devour all the information they possibly can. It is our job to help them learn to “think for themselves”.

The Third Plane of Development

Ages 12-18

The third plane is a magical time. Adolescents find themselves in the developmental stage in which they are learning who they are as individuals. Although we change continuously throughout our lives, who we are at our core, and what drives us is usually anchored in the discoveries we make during our teen years. The onset of puberty brings enormous physical and emotional changes, and the variability between peers during the first half of this plane is obvious. Important points to remember:

• Teens are thinking about their futures

• They need nurturing and emotional support much like first plane children

• Having information about puberty will help them as they experience it

• They rely heavily on peers, but still need adult support (even as they seem to reject it)

• Emotions will fluctuate dramatically

• Adolescents need respect

• Physical work is often more important than intellectual pursuits

Adolescence can be a challenging time for teens and the adults in their lives. There is a constant pushing away and pulling toward one another, and as adults we can work to stay consistent and support their growing independence. This is also an important time to remember that teens are developing their sense of who they are and what they will become; their ideas for their future may look different from what we may have envisioned for them, and that’s okay!

The Fourth Plane of Development

Ages 18-24

Yes - Montessori considered ages 18-24 the final stage of child development! Perhaps you are still in this plane yourself, or not that far out of it. Perhaps you have children approaching this plane. Late adolescence into early adulthood is the bridge that connects our childhood selves to the rest of our adult lives. The rapid growth and learning that goes on during this time period is critical to supporting our future selves.

People in the fourth plane of development are striving toward full independence. This may mean moral independence, financial independence, and emotional independence. At this age we tend to evaluate our own personal place in society. We think about how we will contribute to the greater good, and what our path will look like moving forward. We develop personal interests, start our careers, and sometimes even begin families of our own.

Dr. Maria Montessori stopped writing about human development at the fourth plane. One has to wonder, what would it look like if she had continued? How might human development be classified and defined as it moves through the years? How could Montessori philosophy be applied to adult life?

Want to learn more? Take a look at any one of these helpful resources.

Association Montessori International - The Child's Development

The Four Planes of Development by Camillo Grazzini

Association Montessori Internationale - Planes of Development Quotes