Montessori Essentials

Mira Nissim and Bridget Dangel
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The Montessori Essentials Podcast offers practical wisdom and inspiration for parents, teachers, and homeschoolers who want to bring Montessori education to life at home and in the classroom. Hosted by Mira Nissim, M.Ed., and Bridget Dangel, this show explores the core principles of Montessori philosophy, observation, individualized learning, movement, peace education, and emotional intelligence through stories, insights, and real-world applications. Each episode bridges Montessori theory and modern parenting, guiding listeners toward greater confidence, curiosity, and connection with children. Whether you’re a Montessori educator, a homeschool parent, or simply passionate about child development, this podcast helps you nurture independence and joy in learning. Visit us at www.montessoriessential.com for training modules, personalized help and consulting.

Episodes

  1. Apr 29

    Montessori’s Decalogue for a New Era

    What if the Montessori Decalogue wasn’t a set of rules, but a living reflection of the adult we are becoming? In this intimate and thought-provoking conversation, Bridget and Mira explore Maria Montessori as a woman ahead of her time, and re-examine her Decalogue with fresh eyes. Together, they unpack what still holds true, what needs expanding, and how we can better honor the child through language that reflects dignity, equity, and respect. 💌 Comment “10” to receive our reimagined, inclusive Decalogue, created for the modern Montessori guide.

    17 min

  2. Apr 8

    Walking on the Line: Building Balance, Focus, and the Child’s Inner Discipline

    What looks like a simple line on the floor is actually a powerful pathway to coordination, concentration, and self-mastery. In this episode of Montessori Essentials, Mira and Bridget explore the deeper purpose behind Walking on the Line: a foundational Montessori activity that supports the development of movement, balance, and the will. Rooted in the observations of Maria Montessori, this practice helps children refine their movements while strengthening focus, confidence, and inner control. We’ll walk you through how the activity is introduced, why the elliptical shape matters, how music and objects are used to increase challenge, and what modern research tells us about the connection between movement and brain development. ✨ Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or Montessori-curious, this episode invites you to slow down, observe more closely, and appreciate the intelligence of movement. If you enjoyed this episode: 🎧 Listen, like, and subscribe to Montessori Essentials  💛 Share it with someone who wants to better understand how children grow through movement Let’s walk the line… together.

    16 min

  3. Mar 25

    The Silence Game: Helping Children Discover Stillness, Focus, and Inner Calm

    In a world filled with constant noise and stimulation, what happens when we invite children into silence? In this episode of Montessori Essentials, Mira and Bridget explore the beauty and depth of the Silence Game: a classic Montessori practice that nurtures concentration, self-regulation, and inner awareness. Discover the story of how Maria Montessori first observed children’s natural capacity for silence, and how this simple yet powerful activity continues to support children’s development today. We’ll share how the Silence Game is introduced, why it works, and what modern neuroscience tells us about mindfulness in early childhood. ✨ Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply curious about Montessori, this episode offers a gentle invitation to slow down—and listen more deeply. If this resonates with you, we’d love your support: 🎧 Listen, like, and subscribe to Montessori Essentials 💛 Share this episode with someone who could use a moment of calm today Let’s see if we can make silence… together.

    19 min

  4. Mar 5

    Interview with former Montessori Student

    In this heartwarming episode of the Montessori Essentials Podcast, Bridget and Mira sit down with Jenny, a former Montessori student of Bridget’s who is now a Montessori homeschooling mother of three. Jenny reflects on her deep love for sensorial materials, the lasting impact of Montessori pedagogy on her childhood, and how those early experiences now shape the environment she prepares for her own children. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that Montessori is not just an education, it’s a foundation for life. 🌿

    14 min

  5. Feb 19

    Name It, Know It, Own It: The Magic of the Montessori Three-Period Lesson

    In this episode of the Montessori Essentials Podcast, Bridget and Mira explore the quiet power of the Three-Period Lesson, one of Montessori’s most essential tools for introducing vocabulary, letters and sounds, and new concepts. More than a teaching technique, the Three-Period Lesson builds confidence, clarity, and true understanding. Together, they break down each step, share real classroom examples, and offer practical tips to refine your presentations. Together, Bridget and Mira break down: ✨ Why the first period is all about clarity and connection ✨ How the second period builds joyful mastery through movement ✨ When (and why!) the third period should feel like a celebration — not a test You’ll walk away with: A deeper understanding of how this lesson honors the child’s sensitive period for language Concrete strategies to refine your presentations And renewed confidence in the quiet power of precise teaching As Maria Montessori reminded us, the child strains “subconsciously and unaided” toward language. Our role is simply to offer it beautifully, clearly, and at just the right moment. If you’ve ever wondered how to introduce new vocabulary without overwhelming your students, or how to truly know when a child knows, this episode is for you. Simple. Precise. Transformational. Press play and rediscover the brilliance of three simple steps.

    17 min
  6. The Prepared Adult Is the Curriculum: Staff Development in School Culture

    May 25

    The Prepared Adult Is the Curriculum: Staff Development in School Culture

    In this episode of Montessori Essentials Podcast, Bridget and Mira dive into one of the most important and often overlooked parts of Montessori education: the ongoing preparation of the adult. What does meaningful staff development actually look like in Montessori schools? Why is mentorship, reflection, and emotional support essential for teachers? And how can schools build strong, thriving cultures without burning out the adults at the center of the work? Through honest conversation, and real classroom experience, Mira and Bridget explore the difference between traditional professional development and true Montessori preparation. They discuss mentorship, observation, teacher retention, burnout, leadership growth, and the spiritual preparation of the guide all through a practical, compassionate Montessori lens. Whether you’re a Montessori teacher, administrator, parent, or school leader, this episode offers encouragement, insight, and actionable ideas for building healthier learning communities for both children and adults. Follow Montessori Essentials for more conversations on Montessori education, child development, classroom culture, and the prepared adult. Visit ⁠montessoriessential.com⁠ to learn more about our online courses, hybrid and on-site training, consulting, and resources for parents, teachers, and schools.

    21 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

The Montessori Essentials Podcast offers practical wisdom and inspiration for parents, teachers, and homeschoolers who want to bring Montessori education to life at home and in the classroom. Hosted by Mira Nissim, M.Ed., and Bridget Dangel, this show explores the core principles of Montessori philosophy, observation, individualized learning, movement, peace education, and emotional intelligence through stories, insights, and real-world applications. Each episode bridges Montessori theory and modern parenting, guiding listeners toward greater confidence, curiosity, and connection with children. Whether you’re a Montessori educator, a homeschool parent, or simply passionate about child development, this podcast helps you nurture independence and joy in learning. Visit us at www.montessoriessential.com for training modules, personalized help and consulting.

Information

  • Creator
    Mira Nissim and Bridget Dangel
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Copyright
    © Montessori Essentials
  • Show Website
    Montessori Essentials