If you’ve ever peeked through the doorway of one of our Montessori School kindergarten classrooms during the morning work cycle, you might be surprised. It doesn’t look like a “lesson” in the traditional sense. There’s no teacher at the front talking to the whole class at once. Instead, you’ll see children scattered across the room, some seated at child-sized tables, some kneeling on mats, others quietly moving between shelves and workspaces. One child might be carefully pouring water from one glass jug to another, another building a tall tower of pink wooden cubes, while a third is laying out sandpaper...
Starting Montessori Before Age 4 Can Shape Your Child’s Future Learning
By the time a child turns four, their brain has almost completed most of its physical growth, but it’s the quality of experiences in those early years that truly shapes how they think, learn, and relate to the world. In the Montessori setting, we call the first six years of life the “absorbent mind” period. During this time, children are like sponges, soaking up language, movement, social behaviours, and problem-solving skills without conscious effort. Starting Montessori before age four means giving a child more time to work within this window, and that can have a lasting impact on their future...
Practical Life at Ages 3-6: Real Tasks That Build Focus and Independence
Walk into a Montessori kindergarten and at first, it might seem like “chores” have somehow found their way into the classroom. But in Montessori, these activities aren’t busywork or an afterthought, they are part of the core curriculum, known as Practical Life. For children between the ages of 3 and 6, Practical Life work is the bridge between the home environment and the larger world. It gives them the tools to care for themselves, for others, and for their surroundings. It builds coordination, concentration, independence, and a quiet confidence that comes from being trusted with real, meaningful tasks. The dignity...
Training the Senses to Prepare the Brain for Reading
From birth, children are scientists of the senses. They learn by touching, tasting, smelling, listening, and seeing, and in Montessori, we treat the refinement of these senses as serious, purposeful work. In the Montessori classroom, this work is gathered under the Sensorial curriculum area. These are not random sensory experiences but carefully designed activities that help the child organise, categorise, and refine their impressions of the world. Montessori saw the senses as “the explorers of the world” and the mind as the “storehouse of impressions.” Sensorial work is how we help the child fill that storehouse with clear, ordered information....
Early Literacy the Montessori Way
When children begin their journey toward reading and writing, the first steps often happen quietly, in play, in conversation, in those small “I can do it!” moments that seem almost accidental. In a Montessori kindergarten, we know they’re not accidental at all. We’ve been preparing for them since the first day a child walked through the classroom door. Language begins in the ear Before a pencil is picked up, before letters are traced, literacy begins with listening. In our classrooms, the first “reading” lessons might happen on the mat during a game: “I spy something that starts with /s/.”“The sun!”“Yes,...
Grace & Courtesy: Growing Social Skills Without Rewards or Punishments
If you’ve ever watched a group of young children navigate a shared space, you know it’s a delicate dance. Someone reaches for the same puzzle another child wants. A chair is pulled out and another is squeezed past. A question is asked while someone else is speaking. In most classrooms, adults manage these moments with reminders, rules, or even rewards and punishments. In Montessori, we take a different approach. We teach the skills of social interaction the same way we teach any other skill, with intention, practice, and respect. This is the work we call Grace & Courtesy. What is...
Cultivating Social Skills in a Montessori Setting
Social development is a key aspect of the Montessori method. Cultivating empathy, cooperation, and respect for others lays the foundation for future relationships. Respect for Others In Montessori environments, children learn to respect each other’s space and work. If a classmate is focusing on a puzzle, children are encouraged to observe quietly or engage in a different activity. Through these daily routines, children develop a sense of mutual respect and social etiquette. Mixed-Age Classrooms One of the unique features of Montessori education is the mixed-age classroom. Younger children look up to older peers for guidance, while older children reinforce their...
The Montessori Approach to Discipline: Gentle Guidance & Boundaries
Contrary to popular belief, Montessori discipline isn’t about letting children do whatever they want. It’s about creating an environment where children learn self-discipline through respect, clear boundaries, and consistent routines. Defining Montessori Discipline Discipline in the Montessori method means guiding children to behave responsibly and respectfully because they want to—not because they fear punishment. We achieve this by modeling positive behavior and establishing clear, consistent limits. For example, if a child repeatedly throws a toy, we calmly remove it and explain the reason: “We don’t throw toys because someone can get hurt.” Freedom Within Limits Giving children choices teaches them...
Observation & Mindfulness: Cornerstones of Montessori Parenting
Observation is a central tenet of Montessori education. In The Montessori Toddler, Simone Davies emphasizes the importance of “looking” before “leaping” into solutions. This thoughtful pause allows parents and educators to truly understand a child’s needs. The Role of Observation In a fast-paced city like Nairobi, it’s easy to hurry through daily routines. However, slowing down to observe can offer profound insights. By simply watching how your child interacts with toys or how they cope with frustration, you can respond more effectively to their developmental needs. Being Mindful in the Moment Mindfulness means paying full attention to the present. When...
Nurturing Curiosity with Montessori-Inspired Activities
Curiosity is at the heart of childhood. A Montessori education leverages that innate curiosity by providing hands-on, engaging activities that cater to a child’s developmental stage. With Nairobi’s vibrant culture and natural surroundings, there’s no shortage of inspiration. Follow the Child’s Interests Each child is unique, and Montessori suggests we pay close attention to their interests. Are they fascinated by insects? Set up a simple nature observation tray with magnifying glasses and picture cards of local critters. Do they love pouring water? Introduce a water-transfer station with small jugs and cups. By tailoring activities to your child’s passion, you nurture...