The Montessori Notebook podcast :: a Montessori parenting podcast with Simone Davies

Latest Episodes:

S2 Bonus episode: A quick personal update, The Montessori Child book, and talking to children about war Mar 01, 2024

Hello there! I'm popping into your podcast feed with a catch up on what has been happening the last 2.5 years since the last podcast episode, including the launch of The Montessori Child book. The book picks up where The Montessori Toddler leaves off, covering how to bring Montessori into your home with 3-12 year olds, including a bonus chapter on adolescence. At the end of the epidsode, I also answer a listener question about talking to our children about war.
Links from the episode

The Montessori Child book - for 3-12 year olds (and into adolescence)
- Preorder by 4 March and claim your pre-order bonuses here
Film recommendations:
- Perfect days
- Anatomy of a Fall
Book recommendations:
- Summer Fishing in Lapland by Juhani Karila
- Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
- Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Talking to children about war
- Erica Moretti's book, The Best Weapon for Peace: Maria Montessori, Education, and Children's Rights
- Webinar: How to talk to children about what is happening
- Newsletter: Talking to our children about war
Until next time:
- follow one of Simone's Montessori workshops here (from US$10)
- sign up for Simone's regular e-newsletter filled with Montessori inspiration

S2 E12 Britt Hawthorne all about raising antiracist children Jul 02, 2021

Welcome to the last episode of Season 2. And it’s a good one. Today I get to chat to Montessori educator and a nationally recognised anti-bias educator in the US, Britt Hawthorne. She’s all about creating inclusive and equitable environments for all learners and understandably her work has been recognized by none other than PBS, Drew Barrymore, Google Edu, Association Montessori Internationale, and more.

I have learned so much from Britt over the last year and a half, yes, about being an anti-racist parent and educator but also just how you can raise critically thinking children, children who can advocate for themselves, recognise injustice, call it out and do something about it. We all need people like this that raise their children in a way that shows us what is possible.
Links from the show

Britt Hawthorne - website / instagram
Join Britt's Collective Liberation community
Dr Kira Banks
More about the fundamental needs in Montessori
Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves by Louise Derman-Sparks, Julie Olsen Edwards
Dr Rudine Sims Bishop on mirrors, windows and sliding doors
Britt's favourite books - bookshop.org/shop/britthawthorne
look out for Britt's book coming in 2022, "Raising Antiracist Children: A Practical Parenting Guide"
redistributes funds to Keres Children's Learning Center and Sankofa Learning Center
some of my favourite instagram posts from Britt:
- pyramid of accountability
- “If you’re tired, rest don’t quit” by darling and illustrated bby minna_so
- 8 ABAR goals to set for 2021
42 ways in Montessori we allow intrinsic motivation to express itself - insta post / blog post
more about the spindle box
tour of Kristina's space
follow one of Simone's Montessori workshops here (from US$10)
sign up for Simone's regular e-newsletter filled with Montessori inspiration

Listener question
Maeg asks
“I’m really having a hard time preparing work cycles for two daughters with totally #1 different interests. They are 3 & 1. Also my 3 year old is so focused and loves doing things all by herself (even when she was just a baby) however the 1 year old loves to join her older sister. Another factor is a very small apartment. We only have one low shelf that could fit the room so most of the time for the 1 year old were prepared in the shelf. What should I do. We’ll live in this apartment for the next five years before having our third baby."

S2 E11 Montessori at home whether you are homeschooling or not with Jeanne-Marie Paynel and Pilar Bewley Jun 25, 2021

I have not just one amazing guest but two for a conversation about Montessori at home. I invited Jeanne-Marie Paynel, Your Parenting Mentor, and Pilar Bewley from Mainly Montessori to look at how we can apply Montessori principles in our homes whether we are homeschooling our child, they go to a Montessori school or not and we want to apply Montessori at home. We cover children from 0 to 12 in this conversation, how Montessori can be done on a budget, Montessori and minimalism, Montessori training and a whole lot more. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
Links from the show

Jeanne-Marie Paynel - website / instagram / The Art of Parenting podcast
Pilar Bewley - website / instagram / Second Plane Montessori Facebook group
Idea of wonder wall from Julie Bogart's book "The Brave Learner"
“The Quality of your life depends on the quality of the questions you ask yourself” ― Bernardo Moya, The Question: Find Your True Purpose
Simone's Setting up your home Montessori-style 4-week online workshop

Listener question
"How should someone decorate their Montessori classroom? I like minimalist but just wanting to make sure I'm not decorating too much." - anonymous

S2 E10 What is cosmic education with Hannah Baynham Jun 18, 2021

Hi everyone and welcome to another episode of The Montessori Notebook podcast. Today I'm talking with Hannah Baynham from Collaborative Montessori about some of the big picture principles in Montessori. Hannah is a teacher educator who is passionate about issues of social justice, sustainability and the spiritual preparation of the guide. Having worked in schools around the world, she has a unique view of the importance of Cosmic Education in our early years environments.

Don’t know what cosmic education is? Then you’ve come to the right place as Hannah will guide us through it all and I hope you’ll leave feeling as inspired as I did.
Links from the show

Collaborative Montessori - website / instagram / facebook group
Montessori Movement Unites facebook group
Sustainable development goals nesting boxes - youtube
“In order to love others, all of us must first love ourselves. This self-love is not to be confused with selfishness which means over-concern with one’s self without regard to others. A healthy self-love tells a child that she is a worthy person, unique in the universe, with special attributes and talents to contribute to the world. It does not say that she is better than anyone else.” Aline D Wolf, Nurturing the Spirit
Art Engager podcast with Claire Bown - ep 4 about asking great questions; ep 2 about slow looking
Aubrey Hargis, Child of the Redwoods

Listener question
Ruth asks, "I'm a mother of a 9 month old baby. I knew about Montessori before becoming a mother but dove into learning more once our baby was born. I am passionate about the Montessori approach to development, especially the principles like follow the child, the prepared environment and prepared parent, building peace, and being in nature. Lately I find myself getting too focused on the "stuff", or materials. It feels like consumerism, waste, and endless activities are the visuals of Montessori that I see online all the time. Expensive wooden toys and materials, perfectly clean spaces. I know this isn't what is about, but I still feel some pressure to meet all my baby's developmental needs with the right "thing" at the right time. I'd love to hear a discussion about this and how I can reset my focus on the bigger picture. I love following you and Aubrey from child the redwoods, you always help to keep it real and de-centre the stuff. I guess this isn't really a question, but maybe an idea for discussion. I feel Montessori must be accessible and inclusive and I don't want to lose sight of that. Thanks! "

S2 E9 how Montessori principles apply all around the world with Ochuko Prudence Daniels in Nigeria Jun 11, 2021

Welcome to another episode of The Montessori Notebook podcast. Today’s conversation is a little different as we transport ourselves to Nigeria and get to see how Montessori looks there. This conversation is with Ochuko Prudence Daniels, the founder of Momahill Montessori who found Montessori through her children and, as you’ll hear, she didn’t choose to become a Montessori teacher. It just happened. You’ll learn so much from Pru as we talk about how they apply Montessori in their home and in her school. What I love most is how passionate she is about bringing Montessori to her country and to any and every child and when you listen to her talk, you’ll have little doubt that she will make it happen. She even says that she brought in friends to her school, to the training and she’d go up to people on the street to tell them to respect their child because she’s just that passionate and she does it all with a warm heart, a big smile and a lot of grace.
Links from the episode

Advanced Montessori Method Vol 1, Dr Montessori
Momahill Montessori - website / instagram

Listener question
"How can parents work with Montessori schools when kids who are hitting when upset? Do you give feedback on the spot and how to deal with consequences " - Crystal

S2 E8 all about Montessori in real life with Theresa Jun 04, 2021

So lovely to learn more about Theresa from Montessori In Real Life who we all love following on Instagram. She shares so much in this episode from how she gets her children to pack away, to what they are loving outdoors, organising spaces with siblings, their favourite practical life, her own anti-bias journey and so much more.
Links from the show

Theresa from Montessori in Real Life - Website / Instagram
Quote from Aubrey Hargis here
Britt & Tiffany's course - their 4 week course is currently unavailable / 2 hour workshop with The Montessori Notebook
Theresa featured on The Montessori notebook blog here and here
Their Ikea play kitchen turned Montessori kitchen here
How Montessori brings more joy - blog post
Toddlers need for movement - insta reel
Tips for practical life in the kitchen - insta reel
Getting kids to put things away - insta post
Praise vs acknowledgement - blog post
Encouraging independent play - blog post
freedom within limits - insta post
Tips for caregivers and grandparents - blog post
Theresa's Montessori guides
Whole Brain Child, Dan Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson

Listener question
Hi! I am just discovering Montessori and I have a 3…almost 4 year old. She has developed a fear of bugs so much that she cries when it’s time to go outside. I’m a working mom so I try to get her outside as much as I can. I do let her hold my hand and I let her know that she is safe. We talk about bugs that are okay to observe close up vs bugs that we want to observe at a distance. Basically, how do I navigate through this time? We are in Michigan so it’s quite buggy right now and the summer months are upon us. My husband and I loooove being outside (camping, gardening, etc) but now she’s so afraid that we are finding ourselves inside a lot to respect her emotions. - Scarlett

S2 E7 with Ana-Kay from Pickneys at Play all about Montessori with twins May 28, 2021

Something I get asked a lot about is how to do Montessori with twins. I loved this conversation with Ana-Kay of Pickneys at Play who shared with us everything from eating and toileting with two, when they copy each other doing something that's not safe, some travelling tips and how they incorporated their religion and Jamaican culture into their home.
Links from the show

Pickneys at Play - Instagram
From Childhood to Adolescence, by Dr Montessori
stand up diaper change
language matching activity
giving them access in the kitchen
dressing area
travel tips
DIY oversized object permanence box
DIY chalkboard
DIY placemat
books from and about the Caribbean

This week's listener question
"Hi Simone, My daughter (recently turned 2) is really into counting at the moment. She had a beautiful abacus that she uses all the time. She, of course, gets the order wrong most of the time en generally counts one.. two.. eight, nine, ten! I want to help her slowly get the hang of it, but don’t want to say “no, you’re doing it wrong, counting goes like this”. I try to do this by counting out loud when possible (for example the coops of coffee when she helps making coffee or the number of tomatoes for dinner). But I’m an insecure about how I can help her best when she is counting for herself. Should I just leave her to it, correct her and, for example, count together, or what would be the ‘Montessori way’ to help her? Love to have your take on this!" - Eva

S2 E6 In conversation with Junnifa Uzodike & Dr Ayize Sabater about Montessori for babies May 21, 2021

I said last week I’d have to do a podcast soon all about babies, and after our book launch Zoom party for The Montessori Baby last week where Junnifa and I were talking all about our love for babies, I decided it could be fun to share the recording from the book launch party for this week’s podcast. We talked about how we show respect for babies in the Montessori approach, we give you a virtual tour of the book, and even some of the people featured in the book were live on the call and able to talk about how it’s been for them to apply Montessori in their lives. And the most fun is Dr Ayize Sabater of the Black Montessori Education Fund. He kindly agreed to host the event and you can just feel his joy and his passion for Montessori. Enjoy...
Links from the show

Dr Ayize Sabater - Instagram, blackmontessorieducationfund.org
Sanny van Loon - Instagram (our book illustrator)
Montessori Chapters, Maria and Charlie
Montessorian by heart, Neus - Spanish/Brazilia
The Kavanaugh Report, Nicole Kavanaugh
Mainly Montessori, Pilar Bewley
Raising Yannis, Ahoefa
Forest Montessori, Jaya
Montessori in Real Life, Theresa
Montessori like a Mother, Amy
Karin Slabaugh
To order 10+ books for schools or wholesale, email specialmarkets@workman.com
YouTube video of The Montessori Baby book launch
Tilt Parenting
Bilingualism
- Eowyn Crisfield - Bilingual Families: A Practical Language Planning Guide book
- Eowyn Crisfield - Raising Bilingual & Multilingual children workshop
- Colin Baker, A Parents' and Teachers' Guide to Bilingualism

This week's listener question
I'd love to hear more about your journey incorporating Montessori and bilingualism, Simone. Where we are moving next (in the US), we'll have to choose between one or the other for schooling (a Montessori school or an immersion school). The second language is not my first language, but we'd still like to introduce a second language. How did you navigate this or do you have any tips or resources you recommend? Thank you! - Sarah

S2 E5 Wisdom from two of my favourite Montessori grandparents, Barbara Isaacs and Ferne van Zyl May 14, 2021

In this episode, Barbara and Ferne share so much wisdom from years of Montessori teaching, Montessori parenting and being a Montessori grandparent. By the end of the episode, you'll want to adopt both of them as surrogate grandparents in your home too!
Links from the show

Barbara Isaacs - Montessori Europe, Montessori Musings, Montessori Granny, My Montessori Life podcast
Ferne van Zyl - The Independent Child, Instagram
The book you wish your parents had read, by Philippa Perry
On Children by Kahlil Gibran from The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran
What is the research into Montessori?
A group for Montessori grandparents with Pamela Green

This week's listener question
My son is 7 months old, I have been following all the Montessori principles that i can find and using it with my son. I live in Kathmandu and the concept is there in a very superficial way. Schools are called Montessori but they don't follow the principles. So my question is regarding my son visiting his peers / friends who live in a mountain of electronic toys.
How will my son deal with an environment where no one is vaguely following the method. All his toys are wooden Montessori toys and his friends have just plastic and battery operated toys. What can i expect from his interactions with his peers.
And what will the difference be between him and his friends when they are older?

S2 E4 Marvin Reyes and sustainability at their Montessori school May 07, 2021

This episode about Marvin Reyes and sustainability
Such a fun conversation today with Marvin of Vincerola nurseries & preschools in Cologne, Germany. We were planning to interview some of the children but with 4 and 5 year olds whose native language isn't English, well, you'll have to listen to hear how that went. Keeping it real.

Then I got to ask Marvin all about their sustainability projects in their Montessori school. We talked about building bee hotels, nature visits and how they are making children conscious of how much trash they make in a week. Listen to the episode for more!

Links from the show

The Montessori Baby - register to join our free virtual book tour events
The Montessori Baby - the book including preorder details for those ordering by 10 May
10 ways we can show respect to our child
Alfie Kohn, Unconditional Parenting
Alfie Kohn, 5 reasons to stop saying good job
Vincerola - website / YouTube
The Earth Project with Montessori Everywhere

Listener question

Today's listener question is from Eve-Marie:

"Hi Simone, thank you so much for all the resources you have put into the world. I listen to the podcast regularly and read the Montessori Toddler while on maternity leave. My 2.5 year old son attends a lovely AMI Montessori School full time here in Canada, and my husband and I try our best to follow the Montessori method at home, although we were both raised in a very different way. His teachers report that our little guy is easy and affable at school, but at home he has lately started to push up on limits very strongly. Although I understand this is exactly what he should be doing, I often don't know what to do after I feel like I appropriately responded to his behavior and he persists in it.

For an example: the first nice warm day of Spring on our commute home from school (I was walking and pulling him in his wagon as usual) we saw another family eating ice cream cones. He started asking for ice cream, repeating the request more and more urgently. I pulled the wagon off the side walk, crouched down to his level to look him in the eye. I calmly explained that I understood that he wanted ice cream, ice cream was delicious and I wished we could have some too. But today we were not going to have ice cream. I couldn't buy him ice cream today (this was true, I hadn't brought my wallet), which was hard, because I understood the he wanted some very much. Today was not the day to have ice cream. Today was that family's turn to eat ice cream and it would be our tun to have ice cream on a different day. Today we were going to the park!. I felt like we had connected and he understood, but as soon as we started walking again he resumed yelling and repeating his demand for ice cream. What to do in this instance? Ignoring him didn't feel very respectful, but I was at a loss how else to move on and ended up diverting him with the slide when we arrived at the playground.

This is an example of something that is happening a lot. I feel like I am communicating that I understand his wishes, explain the limit, and validate his feelings towards the limit. But then when he continues to test that limit (which I understand) what is the best way to respond?"

S2 E3 A rich conversation with Gabriel Salomão of Lar Montessori in Brazil Apr 30, 2021

Today I have an amazing conversation to share with Gabriel Salomão of Lar Montessori in Brazil. His native language is Portuguese and yet speaks so eloquently, gently and respectfully about the Montessori approach. I always learn something from our conversations and am so happy to be able to share this conversation with you on the podcast today.
Lar Montessori: Website / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube
Gabriel works with families and schools in Brazil and abroad, including training Montessori educators. He went to Montessori school himself until he was 14 and came back to Montessori when he was graduating in Literature in search of tools to become a better teacher. "One night, I found a small little book by Maria Montessori online and started to read, without pretensions. When I finished, it was dawn, and my life was transformed."
Quotes
- Gabriel asked a child "What do you want to be when you grow up?" The child responded, "An adult."
- "To obey is hard, it's a skill and you learn that."
- "Step into the wilderness of silence"
- "Love is very much silent"
Links from the episode

Dignity: a new gift for children
8 principles of silent education
Muriel Dwyers "A Path for the Exploration of Any Language Leading to Writing and Reading"
Instagram @whatdaddid
Join our free book launch zoom party for The Montessori Baby on 11 May at 11am ET!

Listener question
Hi, Simone! I want to thank you so much for this podcast & your book. It has helped me immensely in my personal interactions with my 20-month old and I have already seen a change in her demeanour at home.
My question is regarding my spouse. He tells me to ""lead the way"" indicating that he wants me to learn all I can to incorporate Montessori principles at home. He is supportive in my research, but rarely listens to parts of your podcast that I share or reads blog posts that I recommend for him. He often interrupts our daughter's activities that I spend time planning, or constantly ""quizzes"" her to see what she has learned. He is well-intentioned and loves her so much. How do I gently guide him, or really guide all of our family, to let her lead and stop interrupting her or constantly asking her questions?
Thank you so much for helping me in this situation!
Submit your listener question here

S2 E2 Montessori through the eyes of Cara, 6 years old, in the Philippines & her mother Mars Apr 23, 2021

Mars (Instagram/website) was a Montessori educator and owned her own school and now homeschools her daughter Cara. I asked Mars if I could interview her daughter Cara about their Montessori homeschooling and we spoke for over an hour! I'm sure you'll enjoy this conversation as much as I did.
At the end Mars also talks about how she supports Cara's learning and what "successful" homeschooling looks like to them.
Links from the episode

How to Save a Planet - podcast about climate change
Gardener of the Sea: A Story About Nida Calumpong
Charlotte Mason
For Nature Stories for Young Readers, we have the Animal Life. Nature Stories for Young Readers: Animal Life by Florence Bass
Shell, Beak, Tusk
How to clean a hippopotamus book
Sleeping queens
Rainbow Knights
CuBirds
Trellis
Bites
Jurassic Snack
The Magic Labyrinth
Secret Seven // Famous Five
a photo from Cara's book
blog post about Montessori training
pre-order The Montessori Baby

Listener question

My question for you is do you have any recommendations regarding resources or training for educators who do not intend on working in a Montessori school but would still like to approach teaching in a Montessori way? I work as a teacher in a public elementary school in Canada and would love to have a better understanding of the Montessori approach to early numeracy and literacy learning. I am specifically looking for resources for students in the 3-6 range. Thanks!

S2 E1 Montessori through the four planes of development Apr 16, 2021

Hi everyone! Simone here and I'm super excited to be back with another season of The Montessori Notebook podcast. Today I'll be talking with Nusaibah Macadam from Rumi Montessori. It was a beautiful conversation covering:

Montessori through the four planes of development
How Nusaibah sees Montessori as being of service
How to develop trust in the Montessori method
How using Montessori can be joyful and not stressful
How to stay calm when a child is having a hard time
Does Montessori mean children can do whatever they want?
Their family's approach to screens
Her experience of raising Noah who is autistic and seeing it as a gift
Incorporating Montessori into Islamic parenting and education
Cultural differences between the UK and Malaysia
How their classroom is trilingual
Why there is only one of everything in a Montessori classroom and why children learn to wait

Listener question
I have a 3 year old son who has been raised in a Spanish environment even though we live in the US. I have never wanted to label him as a shy person, but I think that’s one of the descriptions that the rest of the people that gets to know him say about him. So, how do you work with persons that are shy or have some personality trails of shyness?, how do you help this people to succeed? And what can I do as a parent to encourage in my child to be more open to others and to play and work with others? - Carolina

Links from the show

Rumi Montessori: website, instagram
More information about The Montessori Baby and how to claim your pre-order bonuses if you upload your order details by 10 May 2021.

S1 E12 Your Montessori questions answered by me Apr 17, 2020

Happy to be back with another Q&A episode. So many valuable questions, it was hard to choose! I've selected the most commonly asked questions as well as a few less often asked but useful to answer as I haven't seen them often discussed elsewhere.

In this episode I answer your questions about:

when you learn about Montessori, make some changes, and things seem to be getting worse rather than better
how much to let our children play independently and how much to do together like cooking, playing football together etc
how much to show our child how to play with an activity vs letting them explore for themselves
a child who has never put away toys and when asked says, "you do it"
training to become a Montessori teacher
whether picture to picture matching is a Montessori activity or not
ideas for integrating Montessori into the early infant days
dealing with a toddler who is avoiding bedtime and using every excuse and getting up constantly
not interfering with the child and observing them, but feeling like they could be doing something more interesting or meaningful themselves
dealing with family who buy lots of battery-powered toys without being ungrateful
what to do when friends have battery-powered toys and merchandised toys that you don't allow them at home
how to arrange a sleeping area for a newborn and 3 year old
what I recommend as a crash course for beginners
applying Montessori with children with special needs, ie, physical and learning difficulties
what type of children Montessori is best for
how to talk to a family member who cares for your infant but is not in agreement with the Montessori approach
talking with a young child about upcoming medical procedures, scars etc
finding space for Montessori with a 4 year old and 6 month old in a small space
what to do when your 18-month old keeps getting to the sink to play with water
dealing with a child screaming with frustration

So many fun questions, right? I hope you all find some useful answers to your Montessori questions.

Sadly this episode of the podcast is the last of Season 1. That went by so quick! I don't yet have a date for Season 2, but if you'd like to be kept up to date, be sure to subscribe here to receive my regular e-newsletter with the latest news and always packed full of Montessori inspiration.

And in the meantime, there are also lots of podcast episodes in this season to listen to or revisit, you can follow me on Instagram, check out the blog and free resources, and there are lots of online courses to explore too.

Til Season 2! Watch this space...
Links from this episode
Click here for full show notes: https://www.themontessorinotebook.com/your-montessori-questions-answered-2/
Want even more Montessori inspiration?

- website: themontessorinotebook.com/the-montessori-notebook-podcast
- instagram: instagram.com/themontessorinotebook
- facebook: facebook.com/themontessorinotebook
- my online courses: themontessorinoteb

S1 E11 All about why children need boundaries and how to do this in a kind, loving and respectful way Apr 10, 2020

I love it when Montessori teachers share their secrets and today's conversation with Nichole Holtvluwer of Radicle Beginnings is just like that. Nichole talks us through why children need boundaries, and we can set these limits in a calm and clear way from a child hitting to a fussy eater. Nichole is so respectful in how she communicates with children right down to making intentional word choices and how she speaks with them to keep them curious about the world around them. She is an expert with Montessori for toddlers, but her advice is relevant for any age child.
In the episode, I also give you lots of tips for setting up your home in a Montessori way and answer a listener question about sharing.
For full show notes, click here: www.themontessorinotebook.com/children-need-boundaries
Want even more Montessori inspiration?

The Montessori Notebook podcast is hosted by Simone Davies. Edited by Luke Davies of Filmprov Media. Podcast art by Hiyoko Imai.

S1 E10 All about how to build trust in your children, understand them, and enjoy it as well Apr 03, 2020

This week I have a beautiful conversation with Junnifa all the way over in Nigeria. You may know Junnifa from her blog, Nduoma or instagram or her school, Fruitful Orchard Montessori. You'll leave this episode feeling inspired to either parent in a more Montessori way, maybe take a Montessori training, or simply to be more calm and present in whatever role you are taking on right now.
In our conversation we cover:
🌿how she juggles running a Montessori school, her Montessori trainings, being a member of the AMI board, and raising 3 young children
🌿the importance of soft hands and how to talk with babies
🌿some special Montessori moments in her family
🌿building trust with her children including teaching them about telling the truth
🌿observing empathy in her two-year-old
🌿siblings - helping them take responsibility for each other and what to do if they interfere with each other's activity
🌿using baby signs with babies
🌿how we can help children build trust in self and their environment
🌿observing when there are sleeping problems
🌿favourite parts of her 3-6 classroom
🌿the brilliance of Montessori elementary including deriving your own formulas
🌿the importance of understanding the characteristics of different ages
🌿what to do when they are having a hard time
🌿AND a big announcement about a secret project we've been working on - yes, The Montessori Baby book and The Montessori Chid book! Coming soon...in Spring 2021 and 2022.
I also talk about what we can do to keep our children's love of learning alive. And answer a listener question about why Montessori children seem to be very strong-willed.
For full show notes, click here: www.themontessorinotebook.com/building-trust-in-children
Want even more Montessori inspiration?

The Montessori Notebook podcast is hosted by Simone Davies. Edited by Luke Davies of Filmprov Media. Podcast art by Hiyoko Imai.

S1 E9 All about how Nicole Kavanaugh makes raising 4 children (and a dog) look easy the Montessori way Mar 27, 2020

On today's podcast I had so much fun chatting to Nicole Kavanaugh of The Kavanaugh Report, mother of four children (and a dog), raising four children in a Montessori way. So if you've ever thought it might be easy to raise children in a Montessori way with one child, but struggled once there were some siblings involved, this episode will help you breathe a sigh of relief and give you an insight into how it can be a more relaxing way to parent, even in larger families.

We cover so much in this conversation including:

dealing with 4 children who may be needing her help and how she gets them to help each other
what Nicole does when siblings are in disagreement
the different needs of a second plane child (6-12) and how they view the world
how Nicole uses her spaces in an intentional way to meet everyone's needs
how she looks after herself
some of their favourite practical life activities and the value of including children around the home
ways to give maximum effort to a toddler/preschooler
Montessori DIY ideas and her favourite thrift store finds
what she's learning about with her fourth child
their experience using a floor bed
how she gets her husband on board with the Montessori approach
how they maintain their partnership with 4 young children
and, something now often talked about, how she dealt with her miscarriages

I also talk about how I use Ayurveda to support being a Montessori teacher and parent and give an introduction to Ayurvedic principles. As well as answer a listener question about when a child throws, hits and laughs.
For full show notes, click here: https://www.themontessorinotebook.com/raising-four-children-in-a-montessori-way/
Want even more Montessori inspiration?

The Montessori Notebook podcast is hosted by Simone Davies. Edited by Luke Davies of Filmprov Media. Podcast art by Hiyoko Imai.

S1 E8 When you get to ask the head of a Montessori school about dealing with conflict in the classroom, is Montessori still relevant today, and what if your child never chooses an activity Mar 20, 2020

Today I share my conversation with Bill Conway which is a little different to others in the series where we zoom out and look at the big picture of Montessori. Bill is the Head of School at Montessori East in Sydney, Australia and I loved getting to ask him the tough questions like "does Montessori prepare children for the real world?", asking him if Montessori is still relevant in today's modern world, and how they deal with conflict in the classroom and bullying. We also cover:

parent’s concerns that their child might not finish work or be interested in an area
how to work in a Montessori way with teachers and build a vision for the school
how Montessori ideas are also being used in companies
how to build a community in the school
why there is no homework in the Montessori approach
learning to serve others in a Montessori classroom and in society
Montessori and technology
being a Montessori grandparent
how to live in a Montessori way? and
guiding children through uncertain times (a topic that is more relevant than ever)

I also talk about kids who don't want to be told what to do and answer a listener question about listening to podcasts in front of your children (!).

For full show notes, click here: https://www.themontessorinotebook.com/dealing-with-conflict-in-the-classroom
Want even more Montessori inspiration?

The Montessori Notebook podcast is hosted by Simone Davies. Edited by Luke Davies of Filmprov Media. Podcast art by Hiyoko Imai.

S1 E7 All about Montessori at home, conflict resolution with children, connecting with your partner, and more Mar 13, 2020

I had so much fun in this episode catching up with Heleen who used to come to my Montessori playgroup here in Amsterdam with her daughter Josie. We hear all about the Montessori principles they still use in their home now that Josie is 6 and even though Josie doesn't go to a Montessori school. We have a beautiful conversation covering:

Montessori at home
their Montessori spaces
conflict resolution between children
the grey cloud of early motherhood for Heleen and how she got through it
involving Josie in daily life - her favourite, folding laundry!
heading outdoors in the city
how they used a Montessori floor bed
keeping our own sense of self during parenthood
how Josie finds having two mamas
couch time - something we all need to do to stay connected if we have a partner
and more

I also loved talking about how I'm not a perfect Montessori teacher or parent. I'm making mistakes still, reflecting on them, seeing if I can do better, and just keep doing my best. And I answer another listener question.
For full show notes, click here: https://www.themontessorinotebook.com/montessori-at-home/
Want even more Montessori inspiration?

The Montessori Notebook podcast is hosted by Simone Davies. Edited by Luke Davies of Filmprov Media. Podcast art by Hiyoko Imai.

S1 E6 Your Montessori questions answered by me! Mar 06, 2020

I loved putting together this episode of the podcast. So many great questions have been submitted about the Montessori approach and today I spend the whole episode answering lots of them. Hope it will be super useful to all of you no matter where you are on your Montessori journey.

Topics we cover in today’s episode include:

A Montessori approach to night sleep
Incorporating Montessori as working parents
Discipline advice for aggressive behaviour (pulling hair, pinching, etc.) without spanking and convincing family members
Montessori with multiple children
Having to justify ourselves to others as a teacher/parent
A question about nerf guns
Daily routines and getting anything done
Montessori ideas for storing Lego
What about duplicate materials with their Montessori classroom?
Showing a 1-year-old an activity or task
Tearing lift-the-flap books
Parenting in a different way to your partner
Tantrums in a public place
Getting your child in a car seat when in a hurry
When a younger sibling upsets the older one’s play

See? So many interesting topics. Let me know what you think and if you enjoy these Q&A episodes.

For full show notes, click here: https://www.themontessorinotebook.com/your-montessori-questions-answered/
Want even more Montessori inspiration?

The Montessori Notebook podcast is hosted by Simone Davies. Edited by Luke Davies of Filmprov Media. Podcast art by Hiyoko Imai.

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Published: Feb. 28, 2020 @ 7AM Edit

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S1 E5 - All about anti-bias education, Montessori at different ages, and life as a Montessori child, teacher and parent Feb 28, 2020

Today's episode is a positive and heartwarming conversation with Andy Lulka, a Montessori teacher, parent and child. As someone who has spent their whole life around Montessori, you'll hear about:

growing up in a Montessori school
what a middle school Montessori program looks like
how Judaism is brought into the Jewish Day School program
how we can do better with anti-bias education touching on equity, diversity, inclusion and intersectionality (and where Simone puts up her hand to say, "I'm losing you" and asks for more explanation, learning right alongside you)
the four planes of development including the Montessori elementary child and teenagers
Andy's wonderful phrase "convince me" instead of closing a dialogue with her son
single parenting and ideas for creating a village
Montessori observation and self-observation
what is dialoguing

"Who we are as human beings - how we show up in the world - is what will make the biggest impact on our children's lives" - Andy Lulka
"Montessori is a way to make the world a better place" - Andy Lulka
"People know what they do; frequently they know why they do what they do; but what they don't know is what what they do does.”― Michel Foucault, Madness and Civilization: A History of Insanity in the Age of Reason
Simone also answers a listener question:
I am a working mother of 14 month old twin girls. I have started following Montessori principles recently. It is extremely hard for either of the babies to focus on their own activities without getting distracted by the other. It is challenging for me to engage both the girls in the same activity without them fighting over the toy or anything else. I try to explain them to wait for their turn but I guess they do not understand that yet and cannot wait for anything. Any suggestions on how to implement Montessori at home with twins?
For full show notes, click here: https://www.themontessorinotebook.com/montessori-and-anti-bias-education/
Want even more Montessori inspiration?

- website: themontessorinotebook.com/the-montessori-notebook-podcast
- instagram: instagram.com/themontessorinotebook
- facebook: facebook.com/themontessorinotebook

The Montessori Notebook podcast is hosted by Simone Davies. Edited by Luke Davies of Filmprov Media. Podcast art by Hiyoko Imai.

S1 E4 - All about Dr Montessori's life, family and work in conversation with Carolina Montessori, her great granddaughter Feb 21, 2020

Today we get into the woman behind the Montessori approach - yes, Dr Montessori herself in a lovely conversation with her great granddaughter, Carolina Montessori. Listen to this conversation and learn about:

Dr Montessori's years working in psychiatric hospitals and anthropology before working in education
Her work as a feminist
How she became so well-known in an era before the internet and instagram
An insight into her relationship with her own son, Mario, who was born out of wedlock
Carolina's work in the AMI archives including books of letters from her great-grandmother to her family
What it is like to grow up in the Montessori family and how Carolina raised her own children in a Montessori way
Carolina's own beautiful story being married to the Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq and Minister of Finance
a visit to a school in Kurdistan, Iraq
and problems getting Montessori into the public system

Simone also talks about a Montessori approach to food and answers another listener question:
How is a day in your room with the parents? Do they just observe or are they with you or with the kids all the time?... Gracias!!
For full show notes, click here: https://www.themontessorinotebook.com/dr-montessori-and-her-life-family-and-work/
Want even more Montessori inspiration?

- website: themontessorinotebook.com/the-montessori-notebook-podcast
- instagram: instagram.com/themontessorinotebook
- facebook: facebook.com/themontessorinotebook

The Montessori Notebook podcast is hosted by Simone Davies. Edited by Luke Davies of Filmprov Media. Podcast art by Hiyoko Imai.

S1 E3 - All about creating a beautiful childhood, following the child, building family rhythms not schedules, eclectic homeschooling, and more Feb 14, 2020

A deep conversation with Eloise from @mightymother_ in the UK all about creating a beautiful childhood and how they incorporate Montessori into their eclectic homeschooling days. And even if you aren't homeschooling, you'll learn:
* alternatives to praise
* building a family rhythm rather than a schedule
* creating cosy spaces at different ages
* what morning time looks like in their home - from tea to poetry to Latin and French - you are going to want to hear why a 4.5 year old is into these!
* the joy in the bad days
* getting out into nature in the city
* giving ourselves permission to rest and look after ourselves
* a realistic perspective on anxiety
* and how there is no such thing as a perfect parent
And don't forget to listen right to the end when Simone answer's this week's listener question from India:
My first born child is now turning 2 years old and I have only recently discovered the montessori method which I feel is so perfect for our family. I am in the process of purging a lot of “stuff” in our home that does not have a purpose, and make our home more “montessori friendly”. In many ways though, I feel like we are starting too late and I have failed my son as a parent. But at the same time I feel inspired to make some positive changes. Any suggestions for parents who are just starting to learn about montessori and transitioning from a more “conventional?” ... almost consumerish approach to parenting (always looking for the latest toy or gadget or stimulation).

For full show notes, click here: https://www.themontessorinotebook.com/a-beautiful-childhood/
Want even more Montessori inspiration?

- website: themontessorinotebook.com/the-montessori-notebook-podcast
- instagram: instagram.com/themontessorinotebook
- facebook: facebook.com/themontessorinotebook

The Montessori Notebook podcast is hosted by Simone Davies. Edited by Luke Davies of Filmprov Media. Podcast art by Hiyoko Imai.

S1 E2 - All about Montessori as a working parent, how to respectfully say goodbye to our child, and lots of ideas for Montessori art Feb 07, 2020

Simone has a fascinating conversation with Trina from DIY Corporate Mom from The Philippines about how she embraces the Montessori philosophy as a way of parenting as a working parent. We cover so many questions like:

if it's possible to do Montessori at home if you work
what about Montessori and Disney? (two things you don't often see in the same sentence)
how we can say goodbye in a respectful way with our child
working parents and stay-at-home parents
how to guide the carers/grandparents looking after our child
using our spaces efficiently
lots of Montessori art ideas
what it's like having a nearly 4 year old child and 11 year old child doing Montessori
what Montessori is like for a 6-12 year old
a beautiful insight into the Maria Montessori Model UN, and
how to get your partner on board with Montessori

And don't forget to listen right to the end when Simone answer's this week's listener question from Megan:
My 14 month old boy is always on the go and although we have glimpses of his intense concentration, much of the Montessori method seems to have no affect on him. Any tips or tricks for implementing Montessori for boys, specifically?

For full show notes, click here: https://www.themontessorinotebook.com/montessori-as-a-working-parent/
Want even more Montessori inspiration?

- website: themontessorinotebook.com/the-montessori-notebook-podcast
- instagram: instagram.com/themontessorinotebook
- facebook: facebook.com/themontessorinotebook

The Montessori Notebook podcast is hosted by Simone Davies. Edited by Luke Davies of Filmprov Media. Podcast art by Hiyoko Imai.

S1 E1- All about being a Montessori family, transitioning to regular school and co-parenting Jan 31, 2020

Want to really know what it's like to be a Montessori family? I'll be talking to my daughter Emma and my son Oliver who went to Montessori school up until 12 years old. And how they found the transition to a "regular" school (spoiler: not so difficult it appears). We talk about what it's like to be bilingual, things they remember from Montessori school, what it's like having a Montessori teacher as a parent, and even sex education in the Netherlands.
I'll also be talking to their Dad, Luke, all about co-parenting, communication, and raising Montessori children.
And sharing what I love about Montessori.
Listen right to the end for this week's listener question all about Montessori without spending a lot of money.
For detailed show notes: https://www.themontessorinotebook.com/meet-simone-and-her-family/
Want even more Montessori inspiration?

- website: themontessorinotebook.com/the-montessori-notebook-podcast
- instagram: instagram.com/themontessorinotebook
- facebook: facebook.com/themontessorinotebook

The Montessori Notebook podcast is hosted by Simone Davies. Edited by Luke Davies of Filmprov Media. Podcast art by Hiyoko Imai.

Season 1 Trailer: The Montessori Notebook podcast with Simone Davies for all your Montessori inspiration Jan 28, 2020

Perhaps you don’t know yet what Montessori is. Or you may have been on a Montessori journey for a long time. Your children may or may not be at Montessori school. Or still a baby, already a teenager, or having families of their own. There will be something for everyone, Montessori parents, teachers, or just if you have a curious mind.
Your host, Simone Davies, is a Montessori teacher and parent and aims to make Montessori accessible to anyone, help you be more calm, understanding and supportive, and give you the tools to help you at home (or in the classroom), while preserving the heart behind the Montessori approach
In each episode, join Simone having relaxed conversations with Montessori friends, families and other Montessori teachers. She’ll also be sharing what she’s learning along the way - even after years as a Montessori educator, parent and author, there is so much more to learn. And at the end of each episode, Simone will answer a listener question.
Over the course of the season, you can look forward to hearing about
Montessori activities
ideas for Montessori at home
Montessori at different ages
using Montessori principles in our daily lives
and there will also be for sure positive discipline, gentle parenting and the - oh so commonly asked - “how do I get my child to listen” sprinkled through these conversations
Yes, how to raise children in a respectful way, help you better understand them, and raise curious - and yet - responsible human beings.
With the aim of spreading more peace and positivity around the world.
Want even more Montessori inspiration?
- website: themontessorinotebook.com/the-montessori-notebook-podcast
- instagram: instagram.com/themontessorinotebook
- facebook: facebook.com/themontessorinotebook
The Montessori Notebook podcast is hosted by Simone Davies. Edited by Luke Davies of Filmprov Media. Podcast art by Hiyoko Imai.

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