In this latest episode of the Villa di Maria podcast, we get to hear from a lovely Villa guide who leads one of our Young Children’s Communities, serving ages 14 months to 3 years old. Lauren Begley is an experienced YCC guide who joined the VdM staff last fall. We are so lucky to have her expertise and warm guidance in our Redbud classroom. In this interview, Lauren shares how she discovered her passion for Montessori, what she loves about working with this age group, and how a Montessori toddler environment is unique from a typical daycare. Lauren touches on the rigorous training undergone by each Montessori guide, which includes in-depth study of the particular developmental stage of the classroom in which they'll be working as well as that age group's developmental needs. This episode is a great one for understanding the toddlers in your life and why we think a Montessori approach can make all the difference in these formative years. If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a positive review and share with your friends. Thank you for listening and have a wonderful day!

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Listen in on my conversation with Villa’s Wellness Coordinator, Sophie Argyres. Sophie is working on her Masters in social work at Washington University here in St. Louis and we are so fortunate to have her interning here at our school this year. She works with children one-on-one and in small groups teaching mindfulness, breathing techniques, and emotional literacy. One of her goals is to help children become aware of and learn to regulate their minds and bodies in the classroom to promote a peaceful and productive learning environment. Sophie provides wellness support for staff as well, offering yoga sessions and meditation moments throughout the week. I loved hearing about Sophie’s background and how she discovered mindfulness as a helpful tool for herself. She offers useful tips for parents that seek to foster a positive, calm environment at home as well. Be sure to listen through to the end to learn some calming breathing techniques for you and your family to practice (links below).

Wim Hof Breathing Technique

Alternate Nostril Breathing

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Sophie's Email: sophieia@villadimaria.org

To learn more about Montessori and Villa di Maria, check out our website or follow us on Facebook or Instagram!

Today we’ll unpack another important aspect of the Montessori classroom, “Grace and Courtesy”. I’m joined by Children’s House guides, Heather Steinman and Jessie Braud to explain this Montessori verbiage and how they use these Grace and Courtesy lessons in their classrooms. Grace and Courtesy is part of the practical life area of the primary classroom (ages 3-6 years old). It is a framework or pattern for lessons that demonstrate to the child how to conduct themselves in the classroom, their family, society, and the world. Examples of these types of lessons are; “how to blow your nose”, “how to cough into your elbow crease”, “how to greet your teacher”, “how to give a compliment”, “how to receive a compliment”, and on and on. Grace and Courtesy is also used at the Elementary level (6-12 years old), but looks a bit different because of the child’s specific developmental needs at that age. Grace and Courtesy can be applied in a home setting as well. By the end of this episode, you’ll have the template and tools for implementing these helpful lessons in a way that fits your family and needs. Listen in and enjoy!

Check out our latest blog post on this topic for a condensed and practical read! http://www.montessori-blog.org/

To learn more about Montessori and Villa di Maria, check out our website or follow us on Facebook or Instagram!