Crystal Lake Montessori School

01/22/2026

04/01/2025

How To Stop Comparing Your Child to Other Kids... By The Montessori Room

It's SO hard to avoid comparing our children.

It usually starts in infancy:

She's rolling over sooner
He's a better eater
She's crawling first

Eventually that progresses to:
He's a better reader
Her math skills are more advanced
He's the best baseball player on the team

It's understandable. We want the best for our children AND we're worried about them being "behind".

The trouble with comparing is that it takes your focus away from recognizing and celebrating your child’s uniqueness.

Are you, an adult, the exact same as your peers? Do you have identical interests? Do you complete tasks the same way?

So why compare children, as if they're all identical?

Differences in how children learn and discover the world is normal and expected.

Children develop on their own timelines, guided by their unique interests and needs. Montessori teachers are taught to trust this process.

An Example From the Classroom

Around 2 years of age, many children start to show an interest in learning how to water the plants. They're provided with a demonstration - walking to the sink to fill the watering can, using two hands to carry it over to the potted plant and slowly tipping it to water the plant.

After the demonstration, something like this might happen:

One 2 year old would follow demonstration exactly, carefully completing each step.

Another 2 year old would stay at the sink, overfilling the watering can with water and exploring the water flowing from the tap.

Rather than looking at the second two year old and thinking "that child needs to work on following multi-step instructions", the teacher would reframe their thinking into "that child has a strong interest in exploring water, what type of activity will satisfy this need?"

The child exploring water isn't doing anything wrong. They are simply showing a natural curiosity that could be nurtured in another way.

Often, a few weeks later, the child who only wanted to explore the water, will be watering the plants as they had been shown.

So with that example in mind, here's 4 simple ways to shift your perspective and celebrate your child’s individuality:

Focus on Strengths, Not Comparisons - Rather than comparing your child to others, recognize and celebrate the skills they are already developing.

Provide Space for Exploration - Give your child time to engage in their own learning process. Even if their play doesn’t seem "productive" at first, it’s contributing to their growth and understanding of the world.

Trust the Process - Children reach milestones in their own time, and sometimes the best way to support them is to step back and allow them to work through challenges at their own pace.

Create Opportunities for Curiosity - Allow your child to lead the way in their learning. If they show interest in a certain activity, follow their lead and observe how they engage with it. Their exploration is an important part of their development.

As children grow, it’s natural for expectations to become higher, especially when academics and structured learning begin to play a larger role. But it’s important to continue to respect the pace at which your child is developing.

When you find yourself comparing your child to others or thinking about what your child hasn’t yet learned, shift your focus to what it is they have learned and I promise you, the list will be lengthy.

And if your child needs extra support to meet classroom expectations, that’s okay. Everyone needs help at different stages and no one is expected to excel in everything.

Want to learn more? Come visit us at clms.org.

03/05/2025

The Importance of Teaching Spanish in an Early Childhood or Primary Montessori Classroom…

By: Crystal Lake Montessori School

In a Montessori classroom, where the foundation of lifelong learning is built, the introduction of a foreign language—especially Spanish—offers profound benefits. During early childhood, children’s brains are highly absorbent, often referred to as the “sensitive period” for language acquisition. Exposing them to Spanish at this stage not only enhances cognitive flexibility but also fosters a deep appreciation for diverse cultures.

Why Spanish?

Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and is particularly relevant in the United States, where it is the second most spoken language. Learning Spanish at an early age provides children with a valuable skill that can open doors to future academic, social, and career opportunities. It also enhances their ability to communicate with a broader range of people in their communities and beyond.

Benefits of Early Language Learning in Montessori
1. Cognitive Development – Learning a second language strengthens problem-solving skills, memory, and critical thinking. It also enhances overall linguistic awareness, making it easier for children to learn additional languages later.
2. Cultural Awareness & Inclusivity – Montessori education emphasizes global citizenship. Learning Spanish introduces children to different customs, traditions, and perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding.
3. Natural Acquisition – Montessori classrooms use immersive, hands-on experiences that align perfectly with language learning. Songs, stories, movement, and practical life activities make Spanish learning organic and enjoyable.
4. Improved Communication Skills – Being bilingual enhances verbal and non-verbal communication, helping children express themselves more effectively in both their first and second languages.

By incorporating Spanish into early education, Montessori classrooms nurture well-rounded, globally aware individuals. It’s not just about learning words—it’s about expanding minds and fostering connections that will last a lifetime.

Come visit us at clms.org and schedule a tour today!

03/01/2025

Fostering Independence at Home…

By: Danielle Wellbank, Head of School, Crystal Lake MontessoriSchool

Fostering independence is at the heart of every Montessori classroom. Dr. Montessori believed when children are given the tools and opportunities to do things for themselves, they develop confidence, resilience, and a deep sense of personal responsibility. And let’s be honest—raising independent kids means less work for us grown-ups in the long run! The path to independence doesn't end at school. Families play a crucial role in supporting independence at home, and with a little patience (and some deep breaths), we can help our children build the skills they need to thrive.

Of course, this is easier said than done. Life is busy, evenings are short, and sometimes it just feels so much easier (and faster!) to put their shoes on for them, zip up their jacket, and clean up the mess just so it gets done. But just like we once fumbled with our shoes and jackets, spilled water, or dropped the whatever and made a mess, our children need the chance to struggle, practice, and eventually master those skills too. Yes, it will take longer, and yes, it might get messy—but that’s all part of the process. Our children are learning to be independent, but we are also learning to be patient and allow them the grace they need to grow.

Encouraging children to dress themselves, put on their shoes, or help with chores like wiping spills or putting away toys fosters confidence and helps develop motor skills. Creating a home environment that supports independence, such as placing step stools in the bathroom or keeping appropriate snacks and a small pitcher of water they can manage gives younger children the ability to care for their own needs. Setting the table, preparing snacks, and tidying up help develop fine motor skills, concentration, and provide a sense of contribution to the family. Allowing children to make simple choices, like selecting their clothing for the day or deciding which book to read also strengthens decision-making skills and personal autonomy.

For older children, independence expands into time management, problem-solving, and self-discipline. Encouraging children to organize the things they need for school the next day, help with meal preparation, or manage their homework schedule builds executive functioning skills. Providing opportunities for real-world learning, such as planning a family outing or managing a small budget, are excellent ways to encourage independence.

Encouraging self-sufficiency now means fewer battles over jackets, more help with household tasks, and, eventually, children who can confidently take on bigger responsibilities. So next time you’re tempted to swoop in and just do it because it's easier or faster, take a step back, offer some encouragement, and let them try. It may take a little extra time today, but “future you” will thank you… and that extra time will become memories you can look back on with appreciation!

Come visit us at clms.org to learn more.

02/05/2025

We are excited to announce our 2025 Playground Project: All Nature Based

We're excited to share the design of our new playground with our families!

02/01/2025

Montessori vs. Daycare: 5 Key Differences…

By: Crystal Lake Montessori School

Many families rely on childcare while their children are still young. Figuring out the best place to drop your little one off every day is a big decision. Parents want to ensure their child spends their days safe, comfortable, and happy, and under the watchful eye of well-trained and competent adults.

Daycare is the obvious choice for many folks…that is, until they become aware of other options.

If you’re reading this article, it’s likely you are one of those parents who is trying to figure out the best possible placement for your child. Allow us to highlight five key differences between a typical daycare center and a Montessori school.

1. An Emphasis on Education

Montessori goes beyond the reaches of a typical daycare facility. While daycares focus on watching and caring for children, Montessori schools do this and more by creating an environment focused on children’s learning.

We believe education starts at birth. Children’s days should be filled with play, as that is how they learn, but we create space for them to play in ways that enrich their development.

We don’t fill our classroom with whatever toys look fun; we carefully prepare an environment with materials that have been developed after careful scientific observation and used for over 100 successful years. These materials are still games and toys from the perspective of the child, but they tend to have much different effects on them from a learning perspective.

2. A Natural Environment

Most daycare environments are filled with bright colors, plastic toys, and maybe even a cartoon character or two.

Montessori environments eschew any type of commercialism or characters. They utilize natural materials like wood, plant fibers, and even glass. Natural tones are favored over bright and loud colors, and soft and natural lighting is evident.

Montessori classrooms intentionally bring the natural world inside, with plants, found objects, and pets. Children are directly involved with the care of living things in the classroom.

Daycares may have bright posters on the wall, whereas Montessori environments favor a minimalist approach and examples of art displayed at the level of the child’s viewpoint.

3. Specially-Trained Guides

The training of a Montessori guide goes far beyond the training of a typical daycare worker. To care for young children, both must meet certain requirements such as first aid training, passing a background check, and some knowledge of working with children.

Montessori guides, however, continue far beyond the basics. Most have college degrees, with many obtaining advanced degrees. They have completed rigorous Montessori credential training, which includes comprehensive instruction on child development, intensive lessons to help them present Montessori materials correctly, work in Montessori philosophy, and so much more.

We encourage you to ask your local daycare facility about their teacher training requirements and compare them to Montessori requirements while you explore your options.

4. The Sense of Community

When your child is enrolled at a Montessori school, it’s so much more than a place to drop them off each morning. The whole family is welcomed as a part of the school community, and special events and traditions work to solidify this sense of community.

Montessori parents are often eager to connect with one another; we all seem to have a sense that a strong community contributes greatly to the wellbeing of our children. It’s helpful to have other parents to ask questions, hear about experiences, and even socialize with.

Montessori schools are also unique in that we welcome parents into the classroom. In fact, we encourage regular observation. The children are used to adults sitting quietly in a corner of the room, so the practice is unobtrusive, and really gives adults a clear picture of the type of work we do. Many parents walk away from observations in awe of the engagement of the children and the depth of the work/play they show.

5. Development of Practical Life Skills

We believe that learning is so much more than academics, which is why Montessori environments intentionally include practical life lessons. Practical life learning is incredibly appealing to young children as well, as they look to adults in their lives and want to emulate the work they see them doing. Some of the types of skills they develop in our environments include:

● Toilet learning (for infants and toddlers)
● Food preparation
● Care of the environment (cleaning skills)
● Plant and pet care
● Fastening various types of clothing
● Tying and lacing
● Care of self (washing, brushing, etc.)
● Grace and courtesy lessons: interacting appropriately and politely with others

We hope this article has been helpful and informative. To learn more, we encourage you to visit various types of settings in person and ask to observe in the different classrooms. Not only will you notice stark differences, we think you’ll find yourself impressed with the scope of skills covered in a Montessori class (as well as the absolute joy of the children who you see there).

Please reach out to us if you have any questions or would like to schedule a visit. We would love to meet you and your child.

Schedule a tour at clms.org.

01/28/2025

Multi Age Classrooms:

By: Danielle Wellbank,
Crystal Lake Montessori School

One of the most unique and enriching aspects of a Montessori classroom is its multi-age design. These classrooms are organized in three-year cycles based on Dr. Maria Montessori’s understanding of how children grow and develop. Through her observations, Dr. Montessori identified key stages of development, known as planes of development, and created materials and lessons to match the skills and needs of each stage. This approach allows children to build confidence, independence, and important skills through meaningful, purposeful work.

A truly rewarding feature of these multi-aged classrooms is the relationships that naturally develop among students. Our oldest students step into leadership roles, becoming mentors and role models for their younger classmates. They guide, support, and encourage their peers, using their own experiences to teach and inspire. This process nurtures empathy, kindness, and patience, while fostering a strong sense of community. For our oldest students, the opportunity to mentor others builds their confidence and instills a sense of pride and stewardship within the classroom. It is truly remarkable to witness an older student gently and patiently demonstrating a new activity to a younger one, embodying the values of respect and collaboration that have been modeled for them.

For our youngest students, the benefits are equally profound. They gain not only the guidance of their classroom teachers, but also the unique advantage of learning from older peers. Observing and working alongside more experienced classmates provides invaluable opportunities to absorb skills and knowledge. There’s excitement in knowing that one day, they too will step into the role of a teacher and leader within the classroom!

Visit us at clms.org and schedule a tour today.

12/25/2024

Don’t let the holidays turn you upside down!

⛄️Happy Holidays from all of us at clms.org

12/11/2024

We had the privilege of welcoming CLMS's original founders, Ms. Penny and Mr. John Cichucki, for a surprise visit this week! Ms. Penny, a dedicated, life-long Montessorian, always envisioned sending her daughter, Kate, to a beautiful Montessori school in Woodstock. So, she and her husband built Crystal Lake Montessori School from the ground up, putting all their time, love, and heart into making it the most amazing place for children to learn and grow. Now, 43 years later, we are proof of their passionate and dedicated efforts. Thank you, Ms. Penny and Mr. John! Your dream is continuing to foster a love of learning and exploration in so many young lives!

12/05/2024

https://youtu.be/almOB0JEeiM

Montessori Math:
By: Danielle Wellbank

Did you know Early Childhood students are learning multiplication and division? How about squaring? Cubing? They certainly do! Did you know Lower and Upper Elementary students work on geometry and pre-algebra skills? Long division and multiplication? Work with integers, fractions, and decimals? They absolutely do!

Many of you have heard your children talk about the Math Area, bead chains, stamp game, checker board, test tube long division, or maybe even the cubing material. These materials and lessons are all part of the big picture in the Montessori math area, where mathematical concepts are presented with a variety of materials used to teach consistency and mastery, build foundational skills while allowing the children to discover the relationships between numbers and operations organically, and ensure a deep, concrete understanding of not just math facts and operations, but how the solution is achieved through thoughtful and purposeful work.

One very special thing that Montessori provides that is often lacking in other teaching methods is an attention to purpose and how everything relates in one way or the other. This is especially evident in the Montessori math materials.

For example, the Bead Cabinet, a cornerstone staple in all Montessori EC and Elementary classrooms, contains a series of bead chains for 1-10. Each number has a "short chain" and a "long chain." The short chains contain the exact number of bead bar sets needed to create that number's square. The long chains contain the exact number of bead bar sets needed to create that number's cube. The EC students use these chains for skip counting, recognizing number patterns, building focus and concentration, and a sense of pride and accomplishment when they are complete. It isn't until Upper Elementary, when students receive presentations on squaring and cubing as mathematical operations, that they realize what they were doing all along in EC! It's a magical "ah-ha" moment that shows how the curriculum really comes full circle.

Similarly, when the cubes from the bead cabinet are stacked, the children realize they've created the pink tower, that special work they have used since many of them were two or three years old and spent countless work cycles stacking, building, and tracing the cubes. You would likely hear something like, "Wait a minute... the Pink Tower was actually the cubes of 1-10 all along!" The materials and lessons have been developed with so much thought to purpose; the connections are endless and those full-circle, ah-ha moments are abundant.

Another example of the full circle curriculum occurs with Middle School internships. You may have heard your children discussing their big friends who worked in class before Thanksgiving. Part of the middle school curriculum includes sending the Middle School students back to their roots in the younger classrooms, to observe, mentor, and help lead the classroom along side the teachers. This activity involves participating in every aspect of leading the classroom, including creating a work, lesson, and presentation that the classroom gets to keep and use over and over! The Middle School students often experience their own full-circle moments during this week, which is such a privilege to observe.

Schedule a tour today at clms.org to learn more.

A brief, visual overview of Montessori Mathematics