The Montessori Mafia

The Wall Street Journal recently wrote a blog titled The Montessori Mafia.  The blogger discovered that many of the world's most creative thinkers and innovative entrepreneurs have attended Montessori schools.  Currently two of the world's most innovative companies were created by Montessori alumuni - Google founders Larry Page and Sergei Brin and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.  The blogger asks if there is something in the Montessori approach to education that nurtures creativity and inventiveness that we can all learn from.  It is a very interesting read.


Here is the link:

http://blogs.wsj.com/ideas-market/2011/04/05/the-montessori-mafia/

Who's Your Boss? and Other Questions

Working with children is never boring.  There are so many memorable moments and many funny moments too.  Here are two conversations that I have had with the children this week.


Who's Your Boss?

J. (age 5):     Do you have a boss?

Mrs. P.:        Well, this is my school, so no, I don't really have a boss.

J. :                 Of course you do.  It's your mom because my mom is the boss of me.

Mrs. P.:          Well yes, I suppose you're right.  My mom is the boss of me.



How Old Are You?

While waiting to wash our hands before lunch, 4 1/2 year old R. and I had this conversation.


R. (age 4 1/2):     My brother is nine years old.  How old are you?

Mrs. P.:               I am twelve.

R. :                      Are you really twelve?

Mrs. P.:               Well, really I am ______ (insert age here).

R.:                       *gasp*  What?  Really?

Mrs. P.:                Why, how old do I look?

R.:                         You look twelve.

Mrs. P.:                 Well then, I must be twelve.

R. is relieved and smiles.