What do Montessori Guides mean when they talk about intrinsic vs extrinsic rewards? When a child accomplishes a task or finally figure something out, we want to hear: “I did it!” Children are born with an innate curiosity to learn.  The early years are crucial for establishing intrinsic motivations.  In the Montessori environment, guides focus on strengthening this motivation in children. Many times, this is used by parents and educators for compliance.  Achieving compliance is easier than getting engagement.  Compliance however, is short lived. Extrinsic Motivators Extrinsic motivators are influences from the outside:  rewards like stickers, stars and M&M’s. 

In Part 1 of our “All Day Montessori: Enrichment Studios” series, we provided an overview of our All Day Montessori programs and the role of Enrichment Studios within those programs. In Part 2, we reviewed the individual Studio Enrichment Programs that are part of the curriculum at the Montessori School of Silicon Valley: Art, Cooking & Gardening. In Part 3, we will focus on the Studio Opening event where the children are able to showcase their projects for their family and friends. The Enrichment Studio Opening After every 12-week session, the children prepare for the “Opening”. 

In Part 1 of our “All Day Montessori: Enrichment Studios” series, we provided an overview of our All Day Montessori programs and the role of Enrichment Studios within those programs. In Part 2, we will provide an overview of each of the individual Studio Enrichment Programs: Art, Cooking & Gardening. The Enrichment Studio Cart First off, each studio lead has a mobile “Studio Cart”.  This allows the Studio Guide to have all supplies ready that are necessary for the studio. “Cart Work” This is the studio work that is only available during “studio time”.  For the

“If we try to think back to the dim and distant past… what is it that helps us reconstruct those times, and to picture the lives of those who lived in them?  it is their art… It is thanks to the hand, the companion of the mind, that civilization has arisen.”  All Day Montessori Enrichment Studios Dr. Maria Montessori A lot of forethought went into creating a program that would meet the needs of young children and their full-time working parents. All Day Montessori Enrichment Studio In the bay area where the majority of families have two