Who Moved the Pink Tower? Adaptability and Resilience in Montessori
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
7:00–8:30 pm EST
Register Now for Free!
In her 1946 London Lectures, Dr. Montessori asserted: “We can only help [humanity] if we aid the child to be better adapted to the future of civilization (…). Adaptation to the environment is a fundamental part of education.”1 This emphasis on adaptation responds to Dr. Montessori’s view that “One of the tasks of the child is to build [themselves] adapted to the environment (…). Adaptation is the starting point, the ground we stand on.”2
This presentation is designed to help Montessori guides, and all those that support them, engage in the work that emphasizes presenting essential skills that support children in a world that is consistently and rapidly changing. Children’s engagement in regular and direct reality-based environments will enable them to perceive and anticipate change. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of hands-on activities, auto-education, and fostering childhood independence.
Dr. Murphy will guide participants to:
- understand “adaptation” as a fundamental concept in Montessori theory and “adaptability” as a crucial skill in today’s fast-changing world.
- learn how the components of Montessori education can be used to support children as they strive to develop adaptability as an executive function skill.
- discover how adaptability fosters resilience, nurtures wellbeing, and enables children and adults to thrive amidst constant change and uncertainty.
References
- Montessori, Maria (2012), The 1946 London Lectures. Amsterdam: Montessori-Pierson (p. 93)
- Montessori, Maria (2019), Citizen of the World. Amsterdam: Montessori-Pierson (p. 11)
Presenter: Barbara Murphy, PhD
Dr. Murphy is an expert regarding the intersection of Montessori education and wellbeing. She holds a doctoral degree from Northwestern University and a Montessori certificate from the Center for Guided Montessori Studies. Her journey into Montessori began in Milan, Italy, where she discovered and embraced the philosophy as both a parent and a researcher. She is the founder of Montessori Wellness, a company that integrates Montessori principles and the science of happiness and wellbeing. Her work focuses on creating transformative learning experiences and empowering Montessori prepared adults and children to flourish in Montessori setting. Dr. Murphy has shared her insights at international, national, and regional conferences and she has contributed to the growing conversation on the connections between holistic wellbeing and Montessori education.