Montessori podcast # 13
29. 5. 2024
Guess what! "A full-time super ninja who can describe a pinhead on two A4 sheets." Who's that? No.... No... Yes! A special education teacher at the school guidance office!
Montessori as a path to joy: How to raise an independent and happy child?
Montessori jako cesta k radosti: Jak vychovat samostatné a šťastné dítě?
6. 2. 2026
In today’s fast-paced world, we look for ways to give our children the best while maintaining our own energy. Montessori education offers a fascinating perspective on how we can be guides for our children without suppressing their natural desire for knowledge. Veronika Posar, an expert in art, literature, and cooking with children, who was at the birth of the nursery in the Andílek family center, brings depth and personal experience as a mother of four to this approach.
The World of Books as a Gateway to Emotions
Veronika emphasizes that quality literature is key from an early age. Today, the market is oversaturated with books, and it is difficult to navigate. We can often recognize a good book by its illustrations, which should not be infantile or tasteless. One of her favorites for the little ones is the interactive title “Don’t Push the Button,” which playfully explores children’s curiosity.
However, how we work with books is also important. “Shared reading” is a moment of 100% presence. Veronika urges parents not to avoid difficult topics such as death, sex, or fear. Books like “Pod drnem” (Under the Sod) or “Karlíček a vosy” (about gentle enmity) help children grasp these taboo subjects safely. Surprisingly, comics can also be a useful format, making the path to classic literature easier for children thanks to visual accompaniment.
Art and Theater for the Youngest
Many parents hesitate about when to start attending cultural events. Veronika recommends not being afraid to take even toddlers to performances specifically designed for them, such as projects in Prague’s space Kuk or the Vzlet theater. Theater cultivates personality and develops senses in a different way than the home environment. It is important to choose interactive exhibitions where children can touch and explore things, such as in Sladovna Písek.
The Kitchen as a Classroom for Life
Cooking is one of the most popular practical life activities in the Montessori approach. Children learn not only math and patience but, above all, cooperation. In her practice, Veronika used specially adapted recipes – simple, with minimal text and clear illustrations, so that even preschool children could work with them. At home, she applies the principle that every family member is valued. Her teenage sons cook dinner once a week, while toddler Leo accompanies her at the kitchen counter on a “learning tower,” observing the daily routine. Involving children in common activities, such as hanging laundry or filling the dishwasher, gives them a sense of competence and belonging.
The Role of the Adult: Being a Role Model and Slowing Down
For Montessori principles to work, a transformation of the adult must occur. A parent or educator must be an authentic role model for the child – one cannot be calm in the classroom and then shout in the street. The key is observing the child and individualizing the approach according to their current developmental needs. However, don’t forget about yourself. Veronika draws energy from an improvisation course or simply sitting in a cafe with a book. Only a happy parent can be a patient guide who can step aside when the child approaches independence – which is the greatest gift we can give them.
Summary
The most essential aspect of the Montessori approach is the authentic role model of the adult, observing the child’s needs, and gradually leading them to independence through daily activities like cooking or reading. Veronika Posár shows that quality literature and art are not just supplements but vital tools for cultivating the child’s soul and developing empathy.
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