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If you’ve heard about Earth Day (April 22nd), maybe you’ve felt the urge to plant a tree, take the bus, or unplug for the day and enjoy time outside. But do you know the story behind the celebration? Earth Day began in 1970 as a nationwide effort to bring awareness to the growing need for environmental care. Sparked by widespread concern for the planet, over 20 million people across the U.S. came together to advocate for a cleaner, healthier Earth—an effort that led to lasting environmental initiatives. At its core, Earth Day is a reflection of our deep connection to nature and a reminder of our role in caring for it. This idea aligns beautifully with Montessori philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of nature in a child’s development. Maria Montessori believed that connecting with the natural world fosters a sense of responsibility, mindfulness, and peace. With that spirit in mind, here are 5 ideas to help you celebrate Earth Day in your classroom. 1. Go on a Sensory Walkabout The absorption of the environment is an intellectual activity. It is a psychic necessity that the child explores the environment; it satisfies his spirit. Maria MontessoriThe 1946 London Lectures, p. 134 Take a sensory walk inspired by Montessori principles—slow down, tune in, and let the child explore nature with curiosity. From the crunch of leaves to birdsong above, each moment invites observation and discovery. It’s a simple, powerful way to nurture mindfulness, independence, and a love for the natural. 2. Embodiment Movement to Nature Sounds We must study the correlation between life and the environment. In nature all is correlated. This is the purpose of nature. . . Everything fits into the plan: rocks, earth, water, plants, man, etc. Maria MontessoriThe 1946 London Lectures, p. 98 Bring the rhythm of nature into the classroom with embodiment movement exercises set to nature sounds. You can take a more natural approach and allow

Note: This is the most up-to-date version of the blog and includes the correct quotations. The chief symptom of adolescence is a state of expectation, a tendency towards creative work and a need for the strengthening of self-confidence Maria Montessori, From Childhood to Adolescence In Part One and Part Two of our series on Practical Life through the ages, we explored the Early Childhood (EC) exercises that help the first-plane child develop order, coordination, concentration, and independence, and the Elementary exercises that build on these skills in the academic and social realms. While the first-plane child works toward physical autonomy, the second-plane child works toward social competence and intellectual independence. In our third installment, we explore Practical Life at the Secondary level and the adolescent’s drive toward social and economic independence.Practical Life is inherent in many, if not most, areas of the Montessori Secondary curriculum. In Montessori’s vision for the adolescent, she called for an education which provides both an understanding of society as well as the skills with which the adolescent will use to contribute to that society as an adult. To appreciate the full scope of her plan, it is necessary to recognize the context from which it arose. After a brief background of this context, this article will examine the different ways that Montessori Secondary programs today reflect the goals of her original vision and how, specifically, Practical Life fits into the big picture of education for the adolescent. Montessori’s Vision of an “Erdkinder” Adolescent Program Montessori (1948/2007) outlined her vision for adolescent education in her description of the Erdkinder, literally, “earth children.” She envisioned her plan against the postwar state of society, specifically, the rapid progression of technology and the material world, which, she wrote, compromised the security of an “assured future …

April 7, 2025 — At The Montessori Event 2025 in Denver, CO, the American Montessori Society proudly presented its annual Recognition Awards to honor individuals who have made exceptional contributions to our organization and the global Montessori movement. Last month, we gathered as a community to celebrate the dedication, innovation, and service of these extraordinary honorees. Their work has helped shape the future of Montessori education and continues to inspire generations of educators and learners. We are honored to celebrate the following individuals. 2025 AMS Living Legacy Charles Terranova Learn more about his tremendous impact. Nancy McCormick Rambusch Award Eileen M. Wilms Buermann For more than 50 years, Eileen has championed Montessori education through her visionary leadership, unwavering service, and commitment to AMS. Her roles have spanned from Treasurer of the Teachers’ Section in the 1970s to key committee leadership, accreditation work, and international evaluation visits. Eileen’s contributions have helped shape the field of teacher education and accreditation, nationally and globally. Dr. Maria Montessori Ambassador Award Alexis Nikole Nelson Known online as @BlackForager (Instagram) and @Alexisnikole (TikTok), Alexis Nikole Nelson captivates millions with her passion for nature and foraging, rooted in her Montessori upbringing at The New School Montessori in Cincinnati, OH. Alexis exemplifies a deep alignment with the Montessori spirit, clearly demonstrating curiosity, freedom, and respect for the connectedness of life. Douglas M. Gravel Benefactor Award Margaret (Marge) Ellison With over 50 years of service, Marge co-founded Montessori Country Day School in Houston, TX, and played a vital role in its success as a model intern site and early childhood program. Her global impact, from Russia to Kenya, and her long-standing leadership roles—such as Chair of Heads of Schools on the AMS

The vibrant city of Denver hosted The Montessori Event 2025, welcoming 3,900 educators, administrators, and advocates–including 900 online attendees. The Montessori Event (TME) was a testament to the commitment and dedication of those forwarding Montessori education. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Rocky Mountains, this year’s gathering offered a reminder of the strength, unity, and growth of the Montessori community. Keep reading for highlights from these four amazing days! A Warm Welcome The Event kicked off with an enthusiastic welcome that set the tone for a weekend of learning and connection. Executive Director Munir Shivji’s opening ceremony celebrated 65 years of the American Montessori Society by reflecting on the transformative legacy of Maria Montessori and the movement she inspired. Attendees walked away thinking about the interconnectedness of the Montessori community and acknowledging the influence of educators, thinkers, and visionaries who shaped Montessori’s philosophy. Through stories of resilience and collaboration, Shivji highlighted how Montessori’s commitment to social justice and belief in the potential of every child continue to inspire educators today. He encouraged attendees to embrace the evolving nature of Montessori education, reflect on their own impact, and celebrate their contributions to the AMS legacy. Throughout TME, the energy remained high as participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions, exchanged best practices, and celebrated the transformative power of Montessori education. Powerful Keynotes Suneel Gupta, CEO of RISE, delivered a thoughtful and energizing keynote, “Momentum: Accelerate Your Performance Without the Burnout,” offering a fresh perspective on achieving high performance without sacrificing well-being. Drawing from his work at Harvard Medical School and insights from extraordinary leaders, Suneel shared actionable strategies to boost resilience, creativity,

As we count down the days to the The Montessori Event 2025, Celebrating a Legacy of Innovation, we look forward to one of the most inspiring aspects of this gathering—that of listening to Montessori Voices whose uniquely powerful stories … span multiple generations across the globe. Charles Terranova For Charles Terranova, the AMS 2025 Living Legacy, being a Montessori practitioner has included many roles, from classroom teacher to teacher educator, from school administrator to internationally acclaimed speaker. In all these roles, Charles’s mission has been “to foster understanding and the full implementation of Montessori, the most authentic interpretation of the philosophy,” which he believes is analogous to practicing and listening to classical music. With exposure and repetition, one develops a deep knowledge of the music and is able to anticipate what comes next. Charles believes it is the same for Montessori teachers: “It takes practice, sharing, and concentration—until the philosophy becomes second nature. It’s not necessarily the material; it’s the practice.” We know that classroom teachers and school administrators work tirelessly to plan for and facilitate the day-to-day running of classrooms and schools, and sometimes it feels like there is little time or energy for assessing and reflecting upon what we do and why we do it, and, importantly, for renewing our commitment to our practice. Charles provides the kind of inspiration from which Montessori educators, regardless of their role and level of experience, can draw motivation and strength to continue the hard work. From a half century of dedicated Montessori practice, Charles offers invaluable lessons to classroom teachers, school leaders, and other practitioners on carrying on “the mission of peace, equity, and high-quality education for all.” As recognized by Munir Shivji: For over fifty years, Charles has worked to drive meaningful and unprecedented change for

This article appears in the summer 2018 Issue of Montessori Life Magazine. Read the full magazine online. (Members Only) Tenet: The use of specially designed sensory materials to “refine… senses through an exercise of attention, of comparison, [and] of judgment.” Tenet: Hands-on experiences and child centered learning: “The child takes not only with the mind but with his hands and with his activity.” Tenet: A teacher should be “the guide on the side as opposed to the sage on the stage.” Tenet: An emphasis on intense and uninterrupted concentration A little more than 100 years ago, the Oakland Enquirer reported favorably on a lecture Montessori delivered to 6,000 National Education Association attendees: “Her speech was pregnant with the possibilities for future education…” (America’s First Impressions, p.113). In her lecture, Montessori credited her method of education for offering “easy and spontaneous solutions of pedagogical problems considered impossible to solve” (America’s First Impressions, p. 118). Perhaps this assertion was an overstatement. However, the prescience of her words and the Enquirer’s becomes evident when one looks at current education trends. Numerous Montessori materials have been adopted by and adapted to non-Montessori early childhood classrooms, as have ideas that Montessori espoused (like child-size furniture). However, in the process, some of the essence of Montessori’s principles has been overlooked. This article explores some of the ideals and views that Montessori advanced over a century ago that still have not been adopted in great measure—and which require more advocacy from early childhood organizations and individuals. In 1896, Montessori was an invited speaker at the first International Women’s Congress, in Berlin, entitled “Women’s Achievement and Women’s Endeavors.” She appealed for equal pay for equal work, pleading for childcare workers—and all other

The anticipation is building for thousands educators around the world preparing to attend the 2025 AMS Event, Celebrating a Legacy of Innovation, which commemorates the American Montessori Society’s 65th year with an outstanding lineup of voices from the Montessori community; workshops and in-focus sessions; school tours; and special exhibitions and events. In Part Two of our series previewing The Event, we highlight three special exhibitions and events.  The AMS Legacy of Innovation Hall Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a timeline of AMS’s legacy through an interactive museum honoring sixty-five years of history(1960-2025). The American Montessori Society’s rich past will be showcased through an exhibition of rare artifacts, vintage materials, photographs, and other highlights representing the ongoing impact of AMS on both Montessori and mainstream education. Additionally, “the 2025-Beyond exhibit spotlights the visionaries shaping the future, alongside tributes to the unsung heroes and volunteers who have supported AMS throughout the decades.” The Legacy of Innovation Hall, celebrating the past achievements of AMS and previewing the future, is not to be missed! Admission to the museum is included with conference registration. Soaring Roots: The 65th Annual Gala More than a Saturday night out for dinner, dancing, and live entertainment, the AMS 65th Annual Gala will feature “celebratory remarks and tributes from past and current AMS influencers, a live auction, and presentations of AMS Lifetime Achievement and AMS Impact Medals.” Traditionally known as the Springtime Fancy, this year’s Gala will take place on Saturday, March 15, coinciding with the annual conference. We invite you to connect with former executive directors, board presidents, board members, commissioners, and other supporters who have made key contributions to the mission and work of AMS. The Gala “is an occasion to celebrate our rich history,

Thousands of educators from around the world are preparing to gather in person or virtually for the The Event 2025, Celebrating a Legacy of Innovation, which marks the American Montessori Society’s 65th year. This series, presented through the month of February, will introduce readers to some of the Event’s speakers, exhibits, and other highlights. The keynote speakers for the 2025 event include Suneel Gupta, Erik Wahl, Dominique Dawes, and Alexis Nikole Nelson. In this first part of the series, we highlight keynote speaker Alexis Nikole Nelson: forager; outdoor educator; social media personality; and recipient of the James Beard Award. Nelson’s address on Reframing Food: A Tasteful Revolution, “will guide us as educators to reframe the world of food, while asking us to consider making tastefully satiating and environmental food choices.” Nelson, who is known on social media as “Black Forager,” grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she attended The New School Montessori–a fitting foundation for someone whose curiosity and hands-on approach to the world have shaped her career. Montessori education fosters independence, exploration, and a deep respect for nature, all of which shine through in Nelson’s passion for foraging. Long before she became a viral educator, she was a Montessori child, learning by doing and engaging with her environment in a way that would eventually captivate millions. In an interview with National Public Radio (NPR), Nelson remembers the moment she discovered foraging–a memory that echoes Montessori’s emphasis on sensory learning and discovery. While gardening, her mother pointed out a patch of grass that looked different. Encouraged to investigate, Nelson broke off some blades and instantly smelled garlic. “If you [encourage] a five-year-old [like] that, they will just start breaking plants in your yard and seeing if magical smells emanate from them,” she laughs. That instinct to explore, test, and