This collection of blog posts explores key elementary Montessori ideas, from facts about upper elementary to how Montessori compares with traditional elementary school.
Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or homeschooler, you’ll find thoughtful insights and practical ideas for bringing Montessori principles into both classrooms and homes.
Montessori at the Elementary Level Blogs
-
Great Parenting Books That Align with Montessori Values
As parents, we’re always learning right alongside our children—navigating big emotions, building stronger connections, and encouraging independence. The great parenting books are often the ones that feel like a reassuring friend, offering fresh ideas,…
-
Are Montessori Schools Good? A Teacher’s Honest Take—Plus What Former Students Say Now
After more than 15 years teaching upper elementary in a Montessori classroom, I’ve heard this question countless times: “Are Montessori schools good?” The short answer? Yes. But the longer answer is much…
-
Why Ages 6–12 Are So Powerful: The Montessori Second Plane of Development
If you’ve ever spent time with a 7-, 9-, or 11-year-old, you’ve likely witnessed this shift: They stop simply accepting the world, and start questioning it. Why is that rule there?Is that…
-
Montessori Prepared Environment: The Most Powerful Teacher in the Room
The Montessori prepared environment is one of the most powerful teaching tools in an elementary classroom—yet it isn’t found on a shelf, a lesson plan, or a curriculum guide. It is the…
-
The Montessori 5 Great Lessons (With Real Classroom Examples)
The Montessori 5 great lessons are often described as the heart of Montessori elementary, but what’s rarely talked about is what happens after the story ends. As a Montessori upper elementary teacher,…
-
The Montessori Great Lessons Resources Every Teacher Should Know About
If you’re preparing to teach the Montessori great lessons, one thing becomes clear very quickly: the stories themselves are just the beginning. That’s why having the right Montessori great lessons resources matters…
-
The Unexpected Teachable Moment That Stopped My Lesson
Have you ever planned a lesson perfectly—only to have an unexpected teachable moment steal the spotlight? As a Montessori elementary teacher, I learned that some of the most powerful learning moments aren’t…
-
These Montessori Books Will Change How You See Learning
As a teacher and step-parent, I know how powerful it can be when parents not only understand, but bring Montessori principles into everyday life. If you’re looking for practical ways to support…
-
11 Myths About the Montessori Elementary Classroom That Will Change Your Perspective
I’ve spent years in the Montessori elementary classroom, and I’ve heard just about every myth there is — that kids do whatever they want, there’s no structure, no tests, and no real…
-
The Best Educational Subscription Boxes for Curious Kids
Looking for ways to make learning fun and hands-on? Subscription boxes for kids turn education into a surprise-filled adventure, delivered right to your doorstep. Whether it’s science experiments, art projects, or sticker…
-
Advice from a Teacher: How I Helped Students Feel Seen Before the First Day of School
The first day of school can bring a mix of emotions – for students, families, and teachers alike. But if there’s one piece of advice from a teacher that’s stuck with me,…
-
13 Powerful Back to School Tips That Help Families Start Strong and Stay Sane
The back-to-school season can bring a mix of excitement, nerves, and sometimes a few tears, for both kids and parents. Whether you’re sending your child off to their first day of lower…
-
Elementary School Supply List: Essentials for a Successful Year
The start of a new school year brings fresh energy, and an overwhelming list of back to school supplies. For elementary students, these supplies are more than just learning tools – they’re…
-
Montessori Lifestyle Made Easy: 13 Ways to Engage Your 6-12 Year Olds at Home
Discover how easy it is to embrace a Montessori lifestyle at home with your child. If you’re ready to enhance your home learning experience, keep reading. The following suggestions are simple to…
-
5 Surprising Facts About Upper Elementary Montessori You Need to Know
Most people think of Montessori as hands-on learning for little kids, but trust me – upper elementary Montessori takes learning to the next level. With more independence, deeper thinking, and big ideas,…
-
This is How to Add Value to Your Classroom Meetings
Classroom meetings are more than just a time to sit in a circle and talk—they’re a powerful tool for building community, trust, and emotional intelligence in elementary classrooms. When done well, classroom…
-
How a Simple Gratitude Jar Can Impact Your Elementary Classroom and Steps to Make One
For classrooms moving at a busy pace, a gratitude jar offers a thoughtful way to encourage daily reflection. This easy-to-make tool invites students to slow down, reflect, and express their gratitude, turning…
-
15 Remarkable Benefits of Montessori Education Revealed by a Teacher
As someone who’s taught in both an elementary Montessori classroom and a traditional school environment, I’ve seen firsthand the real benefits of Montessori education for children in the second plane of development….
-
Discover 9 Incredible Benefits of Audiobooks in the Classroom
Audiobooks in the classroom? Yes, please. As a Montessori teacher with years in the upper elementary world, I’ve seen how they can boost focus, build independence, and make even reluctant readers excited…
-
Your Guide to Starting a Family Book Club Now
As a Montessori-trained elementary teacher (and stepmom who was always up for a good story night), I know how powerful reading can be when it’s shared. Starting a family book club is…
-
Summer Brain Drain Is Real — Here’s How to Actually Prevent It
Summer brain drain is real—even when summer is supposed to feel like a break. Slower mornings. Longer days. Less rushing. But if you’ve ever picked your child up from school in September and…
-
Hidden Lessons, Big Impact: 9 Benefits of Learning in Disguise
As an elementary teacher, I’m passionate about making learning engaging for kids. One exciting approach I love is called ‘learning in disguise,’ or stealth learning. Learning exists beyond textbooks and traditional classrooms…
-
Why More Teachers Are Using Games in the Classroom
Using games in the classroom isn’t a new idea—but after years of teaching elementary students, I can confidently say this: games are one of the most effective learning tools I’ve ever used….
-
The Unexpected Moments That Ended Up Teaching the Most
Teachable moments don’t show up neatly written into lesson plans—but they almost always steal the spotlight. In this article, I’m sharing real teachable moments examples from my years as a Montessori elementary…
-
What Are the Montessori Great Lessons?
If you’ve heard people mention the Montessori Great Lessons and wondered what they actually are, you’re not alone. The Montessori Great Lessons are five impressionistic stories told in the Montessori elementary years…
-
Montessori Planes of Development (With a Spotlight on the Elementary Years)
After 15+ years in a Montessori elementary classroom, and watching my stepdaughter grow from preschooler to university grad, I’ve seen firsthand how clearly the Montessori planes of development map onto real life….
-
Montessori vs Traditional School: What’s the Real Difference?
As a Montessori teacher, one of the questions I hear most often is, “What’s the difference between Montessori vs traditional school?” Sometimes it’s even followed by, “Is Montessori really better?” It’s an…
Get Engaging Montessori-Aligned Resources in Your Inbox
Sign up for our newsletter and get great stuff, like this FREE Noun Scavenger Hunt activity, perfect for grades 1 through 6! It’s hands-on, adaptable, and makes learning parts of speech fun.
This noun page is part of our full Parts of Speech Scavenger Hunt Game, a classroom favorite that gets students moving and engaged. You’ll also find it in our Scavenger Hunt Bundle, packed with brain-boosting, movement-based learning activities that kids love!
This noun-based scavenger hunt includes instructions for:
✅ Playing alone
✅ Partner or group play
✅ Creative game variations
Join our newsletter for fun, hands-on Montessori-inspired activities, practical teaching tips, and fresh elementary Montessori ideas for your classroom.