Teach Learn Montessori

As a teacher, I’m all about academics. As a parent, I’m all about play!

My favorite part of the day is when my kids are engrossed in play—so deep into a game that they can’t stop won’t stop.

These long involved games have even taken the place of homeschool. My motto is when they are deep in play they are also deep in concentration and I don’t want to do anything to disrupt that.

I learned a lot about how play is important to executive functioning from

You can also find some fun play ideas and tips for parents here:

Finally check out the Montessori Toys & Gifts link in my profile for a personalized list of educational toys your child (and family) will love. 💕

Hi families! If your child is struggling with reading and the traditional approach in school is NOT working, I am providing Montessori-based tutoring for reading to help kids get over the struggle and start to love to read...and be good at it. Message me for details ~ Like, share & comment if you know someone who'll find this helpful! 📚💕

To all the teachers out there, it may not always feel like it but you were made for this.

You are never JUST a teacher. You are an inspiration, a guiding light and a doer of all the seemingly impossible things.

To all the moms out there, this one is for you too. You are your child’s first teacher and an imprint of you will forever form a part of your child’s heart, mind and soul.

You are literally guiding the future leaders of tomorrow and that’s a beautiful thing.

If there’s a teacher friend that you think of reading this, show them some love below ⬇️ 💕

If you’ve ever wondered whether the Montessori approach is appropriate for the neurodiverse or neurodivergent child, definitely keep reading. ➡️

The quotes are directly from the Association of Montessori Internationale and this background info can also found in the biography of Dr. Montessori along with other works by Dr. Montessori herself.

You can also learn more from the accounts below that will be sharing perspectives ⬇️





Have you had any experience with Montessori—at school or at home—and noticed a difference in the way children learn?

Push-pin anyone?? 📌💕

I didn’t know about this until I started my training in a Montessori classroom. And I was blown away by how concentrated children are with this activity and the indirect benefits of it!

My daughter who is a natural born artist loves it and my son enjoys the pictures but doesn’t push-pin for very long.

How to tell if your child will be into it? Try it!

Grab the free download and invite them to do some push-pin art. It can also be used to trace, cut and color.

As far as the push-pin goes…jumbo size is best as it naturally encourages the pincer grip.

The jumbo pushpin and protective padding are in my shop if you want to purchase the whole Push-Pin Art kit.

Everything is linked in my profile or you can check it out via this link: TeachLearnMontessori.org/push-pin-spring

Have fun creating! 💕

So I'm presenting at an expo! I'll be sharing these new push pin art kits to help get your little one's hands ready for writing WHILE having fun in a creative way! Will be available for purchase online soon ~ Message me for details!

If you are in the Tampa area, stop by the 6th Annual Healthy Family & Summer Camp Expo and look for 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗶. I'll see you there!

♡ We just got a new request for a Montessori Baby Gift List! ♡
To learn more about this service visit the link! https://www.TeachLearnMontessori.org/baby

Montessori Baby Gift List Montessori-inspired gift ideas for your baby. ♡

If you read the article recently published by the New Yorker, then I invite you to read this as well.

I wrote a response based on my own experiences and I think it’s worth a read.

Click on the Read the Latest on the blog 🔗 link in my bio to read the full response.

Feel free to share it with others as well.

𝘐𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘦 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴.

This month for 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗶 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, I’m joining several other parents and educators to talk about bringing a more multicultural perspective to the world of Montessori.

The thing is, we can all agree that Montessori education is generally expensive and typically found in more affluent and less diverse communities. I know this varies but it’s generally been the case.

It didn’t start out this way. Montessori began as a global effort on the part of Dr Montessori (who lived in exile as the result of her beliefs) to liberate the child from the oppressive education model of the time. 📝

And it just so happened that the approach Dr Montessori established was so highly effective that it has been adopted by top private schools. (This approach was originally rejected in the US public sector for a variety of reasons and opposing viewpoints and reintroduced in a private school setting. )

So what’s happened as a result? Well, there’s been a lack of diversity.

But this doesn’t have to be the case. Cosmic Education, one of the pillars of the Montessori philosophy, is at the core of the Montessori approach. It focuses on teaching the child about the world & all the diversity in it. And that’s what I want for my kids. 💯

Swipe left to see examples of some ways to do this via the following accounts:





And please share any ideas you have below!

𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘺.

🤍 Double tap if you agree & read below for a chance to win a free Montessori baby registry!

The 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗶 𝗕𝗮𝗯𝘆 𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁 is a done-for-you baby registry with all the Montessori things your baby will need.

This is a customized service for moms-to-be which includes:
🤍 Your very own registry webpage with Montessori gift ideas for baby.

🤍An explanation of how each item is Montessori-aligned and helps support baby’s development.

🤍Direct links for friends and family to purchase gifts and a digital guestbook for them to sign.

*Bonus*
You also get direct email support for 7 days!

Here’s how you can get a free 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗶 𝗕𝗮𝗯𝘆 𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁:

*Open only to residents of the US*

1. Like this post
2. Leave a comment with the US state you are located in & what you love about Montessori
3. Tag a friend!

You can also share this post to your stories for an extra entry! Remember to tag so that I know you shared it!

Ends Monday, March 7, 2022 at 11:59pm EST. The winner will be selected at random and announced on Wednesday March 9, 2020 by 11:59pm EST via direct message. Make sure you can receive messages from and check your messages often. We are not responsible for overlooked messages.

If you win, you MUST acknowledge & accept the prize (a digital Montessori baby registry) within 24 hours of being contacted or an alternate recipient will be chosen.

The 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗶 𝗕𝗮𝗯𝘆 𝗚𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁 will be delivered digitally. If you are named the winner, you will need to complete the official gift list registration form located on the TeachLearnMontessori.org website. You will need to provide a valid email address to receive the link to your personalized gift list.

This is a digital product. No physical goods or services will be delivered. You MUST be located in the United States.

Note: This is an unofficial contest and not sponsored by Instagram. Just a little something to help families bring the gift of Montessori home. 🤍

Save this post for when your kids are interested in learning about the Dominican Republic! 🇩🇴

I recently shared a brief recap on the history & culture of this country, which also happens to be where I was born. Did you see it?

The Montessori teacher in me couldn’t resist also sharing the curriculum areas these lessons support. Hope you find it helpful!

Have you done country studies with your children? What’s been your favorite one?

♡ We just got a new request for a Montessori Baby List! ♡
To learn more about this service visit the link! Https://www.TeachLearnMontessori.org/baby

Montessori Baby List Get a personalized baby registry that is aligned with Montessori

So what is the difference between Montessori at home, homeschool, or in a classroom? And what exactly is Montessori-inspired?

If you’re wondering the answer to these questions then, you are in luck. I am joining a group of other Montessori parents & educators to share on this very topic.

Here’s are my thoughts:
Montessori at its core is about being in tune with the child’s interests, having an understanding of the stages of their development, and cultivating independence through a prepared environment.

There are many opinions about whether something is Montessori or not. This is where that term “Montessori-inspired’ comes from. My suggestion is to begin with the literature that explains Montessori (linked in bio) to find fellow parents or educators whose take on Montessori resonates with you, and to stay true and authentic to what you believe is best for your child.

Here are some other Montessori parents & educators that are sharing their views as well:






Now’s your turn—Which aspect of Montessori draws you in the most?






♡ We just got a new request for a Montessori Baby List! ♡
To learn more about this service visit the link!

Montessori Baby List Get a personalized baby registry that is aligned with Montessori

This question comes up often, but there isn’t really a straightforward response. 🤓 Montessori is an approach to parenting & education. Some consider it a methodology, others a philosophy and some even say it’s a lifestyle choice.

The best way to answer this question is to invite you to learn more on your own. My advice—read, read, read. I have some great books to start with linked in my profile under resources. 📚 And if you’d rather watch & learn, then definitely take a course! I am offering limited time access to the Intro to Montessori mini course. You can find more info about it at Https://TeachLearn Montessori.org

There are also amazing Montessori instagram accounts that you can learn from too:maple.children



I’d love to know what your thoughts are on what Montessori is anyway?

More details coming soon! 🤍

If you are interested in Montessori for your baby but are not sure which baby things to get…this is for YOU.

Turn on notifications for the official launch!

Know someone that is having a baby? Tag them below!

This is is how I set up one of the first Montessori spaces in our home back in 2016.

I had been reading the book Montessori from the Start by Dr. Lillard and The Absorbent Mind by Dr. Montessori herself.

What stood out to me the most was the simplicity of the approach. Like literally things can be simple and beautiful and that's enough for the child.

So i set up a play area with a mat, some pillows, books and one toy. It gave me the chance to be present with my child, observe her as she looked at one thing or another, and keep the focus on just being there together.

Both of the books I mentioned can be found under resources at TeachLearnMontessori.org/resources

There's also a link to download the sensitive periods chart there, so you can find out which area of development your child is in...and support them. 💕

What are your thoughts about keeping things simple when it comes to Montessori?

3 Organizing Tips for toys…and my favorite shelf and toy bins 💕

I love it when my kids get really into playing. Sometimes they can go for a couple of hours. Which means that when they are done, there are toys and gadgets everywhere!

It helps to have these three routines in place so that cleaning up can go smoothly for everyone. In our home, cleaning up is part of the playing process. And I am definitely involved with reminders and helping out when it’s too much for them to do on their own.

Routine is key so getting in the habit of cleaning up every time a game is done is the key to keeping things organized!

I share more about the benefits this can have for your child on my blog. Along with my favorite toy shelf and the bins we are currently using.

🔗The link is in my profile!

So we had a beach day over the weekend. 🌴💕

Here are some of the lessons I *didn’t* teach but that my kids experienced.

Why this is important? Because these experiences form a part of their soul. And when the time does come for a lesson, it will be about giving a name to what they already know. ☀️

So just a regular beach day doesn’t count as homeschooling for us. But the lessons that come from it sure do!

Here’s a quick preview of a free resource I’m sharing as part of the 𝗙𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 virtual event I’m hosting this month.

It includes questions to ask to help develop children’s compression!

I put together a video series where I share really effective reading techniques to help
develop & improve reading skills.

The event begins this weekend and this freebie will be sent out as part of reading tip #1!

You can sign up for it via the link in my profile. 🔗

I used to be a reading consultant and in addition to Montessori, helping others learn about reading is my jam.

Grab this freebie and join us as we 𝗙𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 this month.

PS You’ll also get access to a free intro to reading class where I’ll go over all the basics about teaching reading! Don’t miss it ☺️

Last night we read a chapter book 💪🏽

My son was excited to find this Beezus and Ramona book in the lending library by the playground after watching the movie.

I thought he’d be disappointed that there weren’t any pictures but nope he was really into it!

I especially liked how he wanted me to read the contents page (he’s into numbers lately!) and how he decided to trace this capital B at the beginning of the chapter.

These are all the ways I get to learn more about him and what he’s into at 3 years old.

It was also probably his way of delaying bedtime by a whole bunch. But this will never shy away from the chance to get a kid hooked on chapter books 😉

Calling all parents & educators! 📣

If you know of a child that has the potential to become great at reading…this is for you.

Like, share & save this post then keep reading!

I’ve been talking to parents. The struggle is real. So many parents & teachers want to help children with reading. We know how important it is. But most of us aren’t sure how to really help.

I understand that because I didn’t know how to either when I was a brand new teacher.

But I did the work to make sure I did! I went to grad school for this. I was working in a public school and I KNEW I had to do my best to help my students learn what they needed to succeed. I tried every approach to learn the best way to help children learn to read.

This is month I’m sharing what works. I’m sharing the expert reading tips that I’ve picked up along the way in all my years in education.

I’m also hosting a free class that focuses on how children learn to read so you can help them.

Head on over to the link in my bio to learn more and get the free reading tips & resources.

Most importantly…you got this. 💛

What better way to cultivate that entrepreneurial spirit than by hosting an art store during the neighborhood garage sale 💪🏽💕

For me this is the best part of the second plane of development, which begins around the age of 6 and is characterized by socializing, learning about how things work and putting into practice the skills learned In the first plane.

Here are some of the skills we practiced:
💡Using print to communicate (I helped with the silent e)

💡Greeting and interacting with customers (mostly friendly neighbors)

💡Using Grace & courtesy when accepting payments (we had a tip jar)

💡Developing an understanding of value when setting prices.

Here’s a funny story about the last one. At the very end as we were packing up to go, my daughter sold a paper fan for a dollar. The customer who purchased it was so gracious and walked down the street fanning himself.

Afterwards Olivia explained that she meant for it to have been a quarter but said dollar by mistake.

Moral of the story—people will pay what they think something is worth! In this case, the gentleman saw lots of value in what Olivia was doing. I think he would have paid whatever her price. And I am thankful for his generosity and the kindness of our neighbors for showing their support.

Have you experienced your child interested in new things as they cross into that age 6-12 stage? I find it fascinating.

Well hello there 👋🏾💕 It's me, Alicia and my presentation goes live TODAY in the 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗶 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁. Today is the LAST DAY to purchase tickets and get access to an incredible array of presentations by Montessori educators from all over the world.

And I'm in there! So exciting to have been invited to participate. I'm sharing about how you DON'T have to plan for homeschool and what you can do INSTEAD. 💡

Listen, homeschooling has it's benefits but no one said it was easy! We don't have to make it harder for ourselves by feeling like we have to do a ton of planning....you don't! But you do need to know how to PREPARE and I'm going to share how. 😉

🔗Get tickets via the following link: https://montessori-homeschool-summit.teachable.com/courses/montessori-homeschool-summit211?affcode=737490_ludrnkx5

You'll get access to the entire conference EVEN if you missed the first few days. AND you'll have access to the presentations for a year. So don't miss the opportunity because it ends today.

I'll see you in there! 🙌🏾💕

Because sometimes the human body needs a little wash!💦 We keep a couple of bowls and towels in our homeschool space for moments like this when the kids want to help with keeping our materials clean.

This can get a little messy with a 3 year old so I had to model model model and redirect a couple of times. But the underlying goal is to develop concentration and coordination. And to learn how to clean up the spills. 💦

All worthwhile lessons in the end! By the way this squishy human body set is on sale at amazon but I imagine this is only for a limited time! Here's a link if you are interested 😉: https://amzn.to/39IFk9V

A quick reminder as we are becoming more technology focused these days...

Have you stopped to think about which genuine language experiences your kids are engaging in each day? With you? With peers?

We all know the research behind screen time, but this is more about connection than time spent on screens. When we connect & engage in conversations, our children's language & vocabulary grows exponentially.

These words of wisdom were shared by Matt Bronsil in Day 3 of the 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗶 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁 which includes an amazing selection of presentations that cover many different aspects of learning & Montessori.

Have you gotten your tickets yet? There's still time. And you can still watch the presentations from the previous days. Here's the link if you want to attend: https://montessori-homeschool-summit.teachable.com/courses/montessori-homeschool-summit211?affcode=737490_ludrnkx5

You can find resources by Matt Bronsil at www.imontesomething.com