Montessori Northwest

A story about being yourself—in any color!

Do you have a child who refuses to take off a certain superhero cape, a pair of boots, or maybe... a pair of green pants?

In Green Pants by Kenneth Kraegel, we meet Jameson, a boy who feels he can do anything as long as he’s in his signature green trousers. When he's asked to wear black for a family wedding, he faces a big dilemma.

This sweet and funny book is a wonderful tool for teaching decision-making and self-acceptance. It reminds us that while traditions are important, honoring a child's sense of self is what builds true confidence.

Why we love it for your home library:
⭐ It promotes acceptance of the different.
⭐ It helps children see that they are still them, even when things change.
⭐ It’s a great conversation starter about family love and compromise.

A healthy Montessori community relies on the strength of its entire staff.

Are you a 3-6 or 6-12 assistant looking to deepen your practice? Our upcoming workshop, The Prepared Assistant, explores how your presence and observation support "normalization" and a peaceful classroom life.

Participants will gain practical strategies for:
✅ Effective observation and record keeping.
✅ Responsive support that respects the child’s independence.
✅ Understanding the developmental needs of the first and second planes.

🗓️ Date: August 29, 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm PT
📍 Location: Online
⭐ Credits: ORO (Set I) & STARS credits available.

👉 Register here for $110:
https://montessori-nw.org/workshops-events

Elevating the Role of the Montessori Assistant: Professional Development and Pedagogical Alignment.

The efficacy of a Montessori environment is directly tied to the preparation of the adults within it. Our upcoming workshop, The Prepared Assistant, provides 3-6 and 6-12 staff with the theoretical framework and practical tools necessary to sustain a high-functioning classroom community.

Focusing on the critical intersections of observation, movement, and social belonging, this session offers:
🔹 Technical Skill-Building: Advanced strategies for record-keeping and responsive intervention.
🔹 Pedagogical Consistency: Aligning the assistant's role with the developmental needs of the first and second planes.
🔹 Accredited Growth: Oregon ORO (Set I) and Washington STARS credits available.

Invest in your team's professional clarity and the health of your school's environments.

📌 Registration and details:
https://montessori-nw.org/workshops-events

Calling all future educators, assistants, and caregivers!

Are you looking for a foundational understanding of Montessori education? Our next series of AMI Orientation Courses is officially open for registration! These sessions are perfect for school staff looking to align with AMI standards, or for parents and caregivers who want to support children with more intention and care.

What makes our Orientations different?
✅ Live & Online: Real-time access to AMI Trainers.
✅ Age-Specific: Choose from 0-3, 3-6, or 6-12 levels.
✅ Comprehensive: Includes 9 hours of guided observation to see theory in practice.

Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 dates are now live. Secure your spot and start your Montessori journey today!

👉 View Dates & Register: https://montessori-nw.org/orientation-courses

Assistants to Infancy AMI 0-3 Orientation
September 28 - November 4, 2026
Mondays & Wednesdays 4:00pm - 7:00pm Pacific Time
Online with Elise Arevalo
$950

Primary AMI 3-6 Orientation
October 1 - November 12, 2026
Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:00pm - 7:00pm Pacific Time
Online with Jess Fraley
$950

Elementary AMI 6-12 Orientation
March 2 - April 4, 2027
Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:00pm - 7:00pm Pacific Time
Online with Ellen Lebitz
$950

Assistants to Infancy AMI 0-3 Orientation
March 8 - April 12, 2027
Mondays & Wednesdays 4:00pm - 7:00pm Pacific Time
Online with Elise Arevalo
$950

What are MNW learners saying about their experience earning their AMI Diploma?

"A leader in both the quality of their educational programs and the the mindful approach of their diversity, equity, and inclusion work." -Minnie Wales

Quality meets intentionality. We are honored to be recognized for not only what we teach, but the inclusive way we grow together. We’re proud of this progress, but the work never stops. Join us on our journey toward a more inclusive future.

Learn more about our programs here:
https://montessori-nw.org/teacher-preparation

A beautiful story about family, culture, and finding your passion. 📖

Looking for a book that celebrates the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren? Grandma’s Gift by Eric Velásquez is a must-read!

This story takes us into a bustling Puerto Rican kitchen during the holidays and then on a magical trip to the museum. It’s a wonderful reminder that the gifts our elders give us aren't always things we can wrap—sometimes, they are experiences that open our eyes to who we can become.

This book is a great way to introduce bilingual text to your home or classroom and to talk about how our families help us reach for our dreams.

Tag a grandparent who has inspired your children! Let’s celebrate the Grandma’s Gifts in our community.

Follow us for more curated resources for your classroom: https://montessori-nw.org/teacher-preparation

"Democracy begins at birth. The child must know what is going to happen to him, that he will not be seized suddenly, that his permission will be asked first."
-Maria Montessori

It starts with the simple, radical act of asking a child’s permission. By honoring their autonomy from day one, we teach them that their voice matters and their body is their own.

Curious about the 0-3 Montessori philosophy? Join our 3 part Webinar Series:
The Architecture of Belonging
November 5 - 19, 2026
Thursdays 5:00pm - 6:30pm Pacific Time
Online with Elise Arevalo
$139

Registrar Today!
https://montessori-nw.org/workshops-events