Montessori Foundations of Chicago

There were tears, there was joy . . . there was tears of joy. Last week we celebrated our celebrated our kindergarten and 6th grade class graduation's.

In a world that increasingly prioritizes speed, efficiency, and screens, this research is a powerful reminder that how we learn matters just as much as what we learn.

Recent neuroscience research found that writing by hand activates broad networks across the brain involved in memory, learning, and sensory integration in ways typing does not. Earlier studies also showed that students who take handwritten notes tend to understand and retain information better—not because they write more, but because they must think, summarize, and process ideas as they write.

For Montessori educators, this feels especially relevant. The hand is deeply connected to the development of the mind. When children form letters, trace shapes, manipulate materials, and engage in purposeful movement, they are doing much more than completing a task—they are building neural pathways that support learning itself.

Sometimes the slower road really is the faster one.

Thank you for the card, and Sofia for decorating it.

What happens when you combine s'mores, Polish sausages, and MFC families for a camping trip? Lots of great memories and sugar highs.🤣

One first time camper is now asking his parents for a camping birthday party!! (mission accomplished)

Have you ever wondered why you won't find sticker charts, candy prizes, or gold stars in our classrooms at Montessori Foundations of Chicago?

It’s a question we get a lot, and the answer connects to a powerful idea from the philosopher Immanuel Kant. A recent article highlighted his brilliant observation on childhood: “If you punish a child for being naughty, and reward him for being good, he will do right merely for the sake of the reward; and when he goes out into the world and finds that goodness is not always rewarded, nor wickedness always punished, he will grow into a man who only thinks about how he may get on in the world, and does right or wrong according as he finds advantage to himself.”

Kant warned that if we constantly dangle carrots or threaten timeouts, children simply learn how to play the system. They behave strictly for personal gain or to avoid trouble. But what happens when they grow up and enter a real world where doing the right thing isn't always instantly rewarded?

That’s exactly why our approach looks different. Instead of relying on external prizes, we focus heavily on building intrinsic motivation. We guide our students to understand the natural consequences of their actions, the importance of community, and the deep, quiet satisfaction of mastering a new skill just for the joy of it. 🌱✨

By stepping back from temporary incentives, we make room for something much more permanent: a genuine, internal moral compass that will guide them long after they leave our doors..

Teacher appreciation week is next week. It's not too late to leave a special message to our staff for their hard work and dedication. ❤️❤️❤️

Ever wonder about the long-term impact of Montessori on reading? A new study on public Montessori schools just confirmed what we see in our classrooms every day: the Montessori approach to literacy works brilliantly! 📖💡

Researchers found that Montessori students perform just as well—if not better—than those in traditional programs. And the coolest part? The longer kids stay in a Montessori environment, the higher their reading achievement climbs! 📈✨

Reading Achievement in Arizona Public Montessori Schools | Journal of Montessori Research Reading Achievement in Arizona Public Montessori Schools Authors Katie E. Brown National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector Leslie Woodford Kelly Powell DOI: https://doi.org/10.17161/jomr.v11i2.23414 Keywords: reading, Montessori, literacy, reading achievement, science of reading Abstract In...

Conversation overheard during the elementary earth day cleanup today:
Child 1: Picking up trash is oddly satisfying.
Child 2: Can we have earth day everyday?

Special thank you to Superintendent David Vargas of the 12th ward for dropping off supplies for the kids to use.