Montessori Homeschool Summit: Creating A Representative + Inclusive Montessori Environment

This fall, our team attended the Montessori Homeschool Summit. We have created a Montessori blog series to highlight our main takeaways from the summit for Adventure Nannies families, nannies, and private educators. One of our favorite sessions of the summit was on representation in the Montessori environment with Ashley Speed (@ashspeedteaches) and D. Ann Williams (co-founder of Queer Consultants). They shared many creative ways for families to create representation of themselves and others within the classroom. Ashley and D. Ann both shared that it is important for the family and child to be represented within the classroom- think: religious books that the child can identify with, displaying heirlooms like quilts and family and having items that create cultural heritage, like books in a parent’s native language or a flag. This helps the child in building their identity and creates a sense of belonging in their space. Additionally, families and caregivers should focus on bolstering the representation of groups and backgrounds that do not overlap with the children’s own. During the presentation, Ashley shared that the dolls that her daughter plays with are representative of genders, backgrounds, sizes, skin colors from her child. Other great ways to incorporate cultural representation within the classroom include collecting and purchasing items while traveling and buying books that showcase and educate on the many different ways of life.

“We shall walk together on this path of life, for all things are part of the universe and are connected with each other to form one whole unity.”― Maria MontessoriBeing intentional about what is represented within the environment is so important for children to become accepting and caring adults. Below we’ve shared a list of diverse books and toys provided by the presenters. Thank you, Ashley and D Ann for such an informative presentation. Ashley and D. Ann run Queer Consultants, who’s mission is to educate schools and workspaces on LGBTQIA+ issues to improve the understanding, support, inclusion, and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals already present in those spaces. You can check out their work and get in touch with them at queerconsultants.com or on Ashley’s instagram account (@ashspeedteaches).

Children’s Books: Bow Wow Pow Wow by Brenda J. Child Mama Zooms by Jane Cowen-FletcherFirst Laugh, Welcome Baby by Rose Ann Tahe Terry FoxMe by Math Beth Leatherdale and Milan Pavlović *You Hold Me Up by Monique Gray SmithAll The Way to the Top by Annette Bay PimentalSometimes I Feel Like A Fox by Danielle DanielI Am Not A Label by Cerrie Burnell *Kiss by Kiss/Ocêtôwina: A Counting Book for Families by Richard van CampA Kids Book About Disabilities by Kristine Napper* = These books need to be accompanied by a conversation detailing that folks with disabilities should not be required to ‘overcome’ their disability in order to be valued.

Toys: My Family Builders Creatable World Dolls by MattelMarvel Education Friends with Diverse Abilities DollsPuzzles by PuzzleHuddleBarbie now has a range of body types, and diverse dolls, including ones in wheelchairs and with vitiligoWe’d love to hear from you – reach out to us on Facebook, Instagram, and check out the other posts on the blog!If you are looking for an exceptionally skilled nanny or private educator for your child, we’d love to hear from you!If you feel that you have what it takes to become an Adventure Nanny or private educator, reach out to us.