“For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“We must remember that the phenomenon of internal discipline is something which. Must be achieved, not something pre-existent. Our function is that of guides upon the road of discipline.” – Maria Montessori, The Call of Education
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Sister Maria Teresita joins us again on the podcast to explore the development of the will in children and how we can aid and hinder this development. She also speaks to us about what Montessori called the levels of Obedience.
Sister Maria Teresita is a Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia. She currently serves as an upper-elementary guide at St. Philip Learning Center, a Catholic Montessori homeschool enrichment program in Franklin, TN, a catechist for Levels 2 and 3 in a parish setting, and a formation leader for CGS Levels 1 and 2. Sister holds an AMI diploma at the Elementary level, a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies (Aquinas College, Nashville), and a M.A. in Montessori Education (Loyola University, Maryland). She has enjoyed nearly 20 years serving children as a classroom teacher in both conventional and Montessori settings and 14 years as a catechist of the Good Shepherd in all three atria levels. Sister began her Montessori journey as a child in a Montessori school where she developed a deep love for learning. She is a convert to the Catholic faith and delights in every opportunity to “listen to God with children.”
Spontaneous Activity in Education by Maria Montessori
The Four Planes of Development Booklet
Episodes to help you further explore Freedom and Discipline:
Episode 30 – Freedom and Discipline with Claire Paglia
Episode 133 – Freedom and Responsibility with Sr Mary Teresita
Episode 134 – Freedom and Responsibility for the First Plane Child
Episode 135 – Freedom and Responsibility for the Second Plane Child
Episode 139 – What to Try When it Seems to be Failing? With Cathy Johanni
Episode 141 – Normalization with Claire Paglia and Sr Maria Teresita
Episode 142 – Adults as Potential Obstacles in Development with Pilar Bewley