As Montessorians, we intentionally teach “grace and courtesy”, or proper etiquette and manners. We spend a lot of time teaching the children how to treat the materials carefully, walk slowly, and speak softly. We teach the children how to treat others, with lessons on saying “please and thank you” and intentional lessons on respect and kindness. Additionally, in Montessori and Reggio philosophies, the classroom environment is often referred to as “the third teacher”. What then, does Grace and Courtesy look like as we extend our classroom into the Forest?

Read More