Middleburg Montessori School

10/20/2026

10/19/2026

The Pink Tower is one of the most renowned original Montessori materials, present in every AMI Montessori Children's House classroom. Designed by Maria Montessori, this sensorial material consists of 10 pink cubes of increasing size, offering a range of educational and developmental benefits.

Structurally, the Pink Tower enhances students' visual perception and understanding of dimensions. It improves fine motor skills by challenging children to coordinate hand and eye as they build and arrange the cubes. The material also introduces abstract mathematical concepts, such as cubic measurements and spatial volume. Additionally, it engages multiple senses, aligning with the sensitive period for refinement of the senses that occurs during the ages of 0 to 6. The uniform pink color of the cubes ensures that the focus remains on size differentiation without distraction.

The Pink Tower can be used in various ways to support different developmental stages and skills. Children might arrange the cubes in different patterns, grasp the concept of size relationships, and relate these dimensions to other classroom objects. As students practice building the tower, they experience a sense of accomplishment through focused concentration and careful handling. Maria Montessori chose the color pink because her research indicated it was particularly attractive to children.

Throughout this year, we will be highlighting other Montessori materials and explaining their role in supporting our students' educational and developmental progress. Stay tuned to discover the next material we will feature!

10/19/2026

Lupita Gutiérrez Kaitlyn Nesselrodt Cassella Frederickson and all ♥️

The toddler language area should offer a thoughtful progression.

I think there can sometimes be confusion about what belongs in the language area and how materials should be presented. It is more than simply gathering objects, placing them on a shelf, and calling it language work. There is a purposeful progression that supports the child’s developing language, moving from the concrete toward the abstract.

On the first shelf, we begin with real objects and replicas, giving children something tangible to explore, identify, and name.

On the second shelf, we introduce objects paired with picture cards, helping children connect three-dimensional objects with their two-dimensional representations.

On the third shelf, we offer picture cards on their own, building on previous experiences and expanding vocabulary.

Having a variety of sets prepared and ready to rotate allows us to follow the children’s interests while maintaining an organized, inviting environment.

The organization behind the scenes is just as important as what we place on the shelves. A well-prepared language area requires thought, planning, observation, and an understanding of why we offer particular materials and when.

More materials don’t necessarily mean a better language area. What matters is that the materials have a purpose and meet the developmental needs of the children.

If you’d like to go more in depth into the toddler language area, I have a course available that explores the materials, their progression, and how to organize and present them. You can begin anytime you’re ready at MontessoriToddlerGuide.com.

10/18/2026

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10/17/2026

How much media surrounds a baby?
In a new study, babies ages 8 to 25 months were exposed averaged of 4.6 hours of indirect screentime and media a day. Caregivers used their phones during nearly four in every ten minutes of play.

But before a baby can say their first word, they are already reaching out to communicate. We asked AMI 0–3 Trainer Cristel Ruiz to explain what those looks, reaches, and sounds invite from an adult, and why the response matters for developing language ability.

Today in the MINT Reading Room: https://www.montessori-mint.org/mint-reading-room-blog/caregiver-screen-time-baby-language

10/17/2026

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🦋 This may be our favorite Montessori photo of the year! Alumna Laura Schmidt sent a quick note:

“This is my first year as a Lead Guide, and I am loving every minute of it. Being a pillar in the children’s community in my area and connecting with families brings me joy.”

Laura Schmidt
2023-2024 MINT graduate
AMI 3-6 Guide, Highlawn Montessori School

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We believe that Montessori makes for a better experience for children, yes. But we also believe Montessori can be a better experience for educators, too.

MINT has scholarships available for studying Montessori for ages 3-6!
Blended formats offer in-person sessions and and online sessions.

A few options:

- Blended 3-6 Diploma Courses are enrolling for 2027 in Cleveland, Dallas, and Raleigh.
- 100% online 3-6 Orientation course starts November 7, 2026
- 3-6 Assistants Adjunct certificate meets online, with one in person day, January 2027.

🔗 montessori-mint.org

10/17/2026

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10/16/2026

From trail to campfire 🏕️
Our schoolwide camping trip kicked off this past Saturday with a hike and some breathtaking views, then we gathered around the fire for hot dogs, burgers, and the perfect ending: s’mores! We are so grateful for days like this with our wonderful school community. ❤️

10/15/2026

I was recently commissioned by a school to make some aprons for their 3–6 classroom.

And I have to say, after wrestling mightily with figuring out this pattern, I think I’m a fan!

I’ve always liked aprons without straps, especially for toddlers. There’s something so appealing about keeping things simple and making it easier for children to put on and take off their aprons independently.

Now that I’ve figured out the pattern and seen how these turned out, I’m starting to think I might need to make some for the toddler level, too!

What do you think? Would you like to see these available for toddlers?