Montessori Pathways

Aradhna Dhawan

Welcome to the Montessori Pathways Podcast, the show where we explore the world of Montessori education, sharing insights, experiences, and practical tips from my twenty years in the classroom as a certified Montessori educator. I'm your host Aradhna Dhawan and I'm thrilled to have you join me on this journey.

  1. 07/02/2025

    Season 2 Episode 26: The Montessori and Creativity – Storytelling, Drama, and Self-Expression

    The Role of Creativity in the Montessori Education Today, we’re diving into an exciting topic—how Montessori education nurtures creativity through storytelling, drama, and self-expression. Creativity isn’t just about artistic talent; it’s about thinking outside the box, expressing ideas, and problem-solving in unique ways. Dr. Maria Montessori believed that creativity is an essential part of human development. She wrote, 'Imagination does not become great until human beings, given the courage and the strength, use it to create.' Montessori classrooms provide the environment, materials, and freedom for children to bring their ideas to life. Unlike traditional education, where creativity is often confined to specific art or music classes, Montessori fosters creative thinking across all subjects. Whether it’s through storytelling, acting out historical events, or expressing ideas through movement, Montessori children learn to embrace their imagination. Think about a time when you felt most creative. Was it writing a story, performing, or solving a problem in an unexpected way? Creativity is everywhere, and Montessori makes sure children experience it daily. The Power of Storytelling Storytelling plays a significant role in language development, history, and cultural studies. The Great Lessons—Montessori’s signature cosmic stories—ignite curiosity and inspire children to ask big questions. Students often write and illustrate their own books, retelling what they’ve learned in their own words. How Montessori Encourages Storytelling, Drama, and Self-Expression Creativity in Montessori is not just encouraged—it’s woven into the learning process. Let’s explore how storytelling, drama, and self-expression come to life in Montessori classrooms.Creative writing exercises allow students to expand on historical narratives, imagine what life was like in ancient civilizations, or invent new worlds based on scientific concepts.

    7 min

  2. 06/25/2025

    Season 2 Episode 25: Montessori and Community – Teaching Social Responsibility and Global Citizenship

    The Role of Community in Montessori Education : Welcome back to Montessori Pathways! In today’s episode, we’re exploring an important aspect of Montessori education—building a sense of community and social responsibility. Montessori classrooms are not just places of academic learning; they are microcosms of society, where children develop a deep understanding of cooperation, responsibility, and global awareness. Dr. Maria Montessori believed that education should prepare children to be responsible and compassionate citizens of the world. She said, 'Establishing lasting peace is the work of education.' This philosophy is embedded in Montessori classrooms, where children are encouraged to think beyond themselves, contribute to their community, and understand the broader world. In traditional schools, students often follow rules because they are imposed upon them. In Montessori, children create, discuss, and uphold their own community agreements, which fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility. From the classroom environment to global citizenship, Montessori students learn that they are part of something greater than themselves. Think about a time when you felt truly connected to a community. What made that experience meaningful? Montessori education provides children with these moments from a very young age. Montessori classrooms are intentionally designed to foster a sense of belonging, empathy, and responsibility. Let’s look at some of the ways this happens. Grace and Courtesy LessonsIn Montessori, even the youngest students learn grace and courtesy—how to respect others, engage in polite conversation, and resolve conflicts peacefully. These lessons help children develop strong social skills and emotional intelligence. Children practice saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ greeting others respectfully, and making eye contact. They learn how to listen actively and take turns in conversation, building foundational skills for collaboration.

    8 min

  3. 06/18/2025

    Season 2 Episode 24: Building Resilience and a Growth Mindset in the Montessori Education

    Dr. Maria Montessori believed that children thrive when they learn to embrace difficulties as opportunities for growth. She said, 'The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, the children are now working as if I did not exist.' This independence and ability to face challenges head-on are hallmarks of resilience. In traditional education, failure is often seen as something negative, but in Montessori, mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities. Instead of being afraid of failure, children are encouraged to try, reflect, and improve—a concept closely aligned with psychologist Carol Dweck’s growth mindset theory, which suggests that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort and learning. Think about a time when you faced a challenge and grew stronger because of it. What helped you overcome the difficulty? Montessori nurtures this same ability in children. Welcome back to Montessori Pathways! Today, we’re diving into an essential skill for lifelong success—resilience and the growth mindset. How do Montessori classrooms cultivate perseverance, problem-solving, and a positive attitude toward challenges?

    8 min

  4. 06/11/2025

    Season 2 Episode 23 Iceberg Theory

    In today’s episode, we’re diving into the Iceberg Theory of Behavior—a powerful framework that helps educators and parents understand what drives a child’s actions.At first glance, a child’s behavior might seem obvious—tantrums, refusal to follow directions, outbursts of joy, or intense focus. But according to the Iceberg Theory, what we see on the surface is just a small fraction of what’s really going on. Originally inspired by the work of psychologist Sigmund Freud and later expanded upon by child development experts, this theory suggests that a child's observable behavior is only the tip of the iceberg. Underneath lies a complex network of thoughts, emotions, unmet needs, triggers, and developmental stages that drive what we see.In a Montessori context, understanding this theory allows educators to look beyond behavior and respond with compassion, curiosity, and support rather than quick judgment or punishment.""When your child acts out or shuts down, do you pause to ask: what’s happening beneath the surface? Montessori invites us to shift from reaction to reflection."

    8 min

  5. 06/04/2025

    Season 2 Episode 22 Critical Thinking and Meaningful Discussions in the Montessori Education

    In today’s episode, we’re going to explore how Montessori education fosters critical thinking and meaningful discussions—skills that are essential for lifelong learning and informed decision-making. Dr. Maria Montessori believed that true education comes from curiosity, exploration, and deep understanding. She once said, 'The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.' This promise is best fulfilled when we empower children to think critically, ask questions, and engage in meaningful dialogue. In traditional education, students are often given answers and expected to memorize information without questioning it. In Montessori, however, children learn to think for themselves. They are encouraged to challenge ideas, analyze different perspectives, and form their own conclusions through discussion and discovery. Think about the last time you had a meaningful conversation that changed your perspective. What made it impactful? Montessori classrooms create these opportunities for children every day.

    8 min

  6. 05/28/2025

    Season 2 Episode 21: Montessori and Financial Literacy – Teaching Real-World Decision-Making

    Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s essential for lifelong success but often overlooked in traditional education—financial literacy. How do children learn about money, budgeting, and responsible financial decision-making in Montessori education? The answer lies in real-world experiences and hands-on learning. Dr. Maria Montessori believed that children should be active participants in their environment and that education should prepare them for all aspects of life. She once said, 'The essence of independence is to be able to do something for one’s self.' Financial independence begins with early exposure to money management, decision-making, and real-world financial experiences. Unlike conventional education, where financial literacy is often taught in theoretical lessons or as an elective, Montessori integrates financial understanding into daily life. Children handle real money, participate in budgeting activities, and experience financial decision-making firsthand.

    8 min

  7. 05/21/2025

    Season 2 Episode 20: Montessori and Entrepreneurship – Nurturing Future Innovators

    Today’s episode is about something that may not be immediately associated with Montessori education but is deeply connected—entrepreneurship. You might be wondering, how does Montessori education prepare children to become innovative thinkers, self-starters, and entrepreneurs? Dr. Maria Montessori believed that education should prepare children for life, not just for standardized tests. She said, 'Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.' This quote embodies the entrepreneurial mindset. Montessori education encourages independence, self-motivation, and resilience—qualities that are essential for entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business; it’s about problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability. Montessori students develop these skills through their self-directed learning experiences, where they are given the freedom and responsibility to make decisions, manage projects, and think critically."

    8 min

  8. 05/15/2025

    Season 2 Episode 19 Leadership and Collaboration in the Montessori Classroom

    Many people think of leadership as a position of power, but in Montessori, leadership is something very different. It is about service, responsibility, and inspiring others through action. Dr. Maria Montessori believed that children are naturally capable of leadership when given the right environment. She wrote, 'A child who has become master of his acts through long and repeated exercises, and who has been encouraged by the pleasant and interesting activities in which he has been engaged, is a strong and independent being.' In other words, leadership is not imposed but emerges naturally when children are empowered to take ownership of their learning and community.

    9 min
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About

Welcome to the Montessori Pathways Podcast, the show where we explore the world of Montessori education, sharing insights, experiences, and practical tips from my twenty years in the classroom as a certified Montessori educator. I'm your host Aradhna Dhawan and I'm thrilled to have you join me on this journey.

Information

  • Creator
    Aradhna Dhawan
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Aradhna Dhawan
  • Show Website
    Montessori Pathways