St. James Montessori School
                                       ESTABLISHED SINCE 1969 

Parent Resources

Words of Wisdom for Montessori Parents

• Hug regularly but don't impose affection. Recognize the difference.
• Read together daily with children and don't hesitate to read books with realistic themes.
• Talk about the colours (don't forget the shades), textures and shapes you see around you.
• Learn to say "no" without anger, and with firmness and conviction. Not everything children want is appropriate.
• Teach the language of courtesy. Don't let your child interrupt, teach how to wait after saying "excuse me".
• Analyze any annoying behaviour of your child and teach from the positive. For example, door slamming - teach them how to close a door; running in the house - teach them how to walk; runny nose - teach them how to use a tissue.
• Tell them what you value in them. Let them hear you express what you value in others.
• Apologize to your child when you've made a mistake.
• Analyze you child's wardrobe and build a wardrobe aimed at freedom of movement, independence and freedom of distraction.
• If you travel without your child, leave notes behind for him/her to open each day you are gone.
• Sing! Voice quality does not matter. Sing together regularly. Build a repertoire of family favorites.
• When talking to your child, physically get down on his/her level, be still and make eye contact.

Helpful Handouts

Home Responsibilities for Two/Three-Year-Old (5KB pdf )
Home Responsibilities for Four-Year-Old (5KB pdf )
Home Responsibilities for Five-Year-Old (5KB pdf )

Lending Library

We are pleased to be able to offer a lending library to our families. We have books regarding Montessori Education as well as books on discipline. We also have a video on Montessori Education and one on Car Seat Safety. Please ask one of the teachers to request one of these resources.

Useful Links

The International Montessori Index

Montessori Online - The Montessori Foundation and The International Montessori Council

The Montessori Method - The Michael Olaf Montessori Company provides practical advice for using Montessori philosophy in all kinds of settings. For twenty-two years it has been a favorite source of developmentally appropriate Montessori books, toys, games, tools, and other educational materials, helping parents and teachers create beautiful educational environments that foster creativity, independence of thought and action, a positive self-image, joy, and a spirit of service to others and to the environment.

Suggested Readings

The Montessori Education (adapted article)

Montessori: A Modern Approach by Paula Polk Lillard.

The Secret of Childhood by Maria Montessori, edited by Barbara Carter.

Montessori and Your Child by Terry Malloy.

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