Montessori is not a trend in the Netherlands — it’s part of the educational fabric.

When Maria Montessori made the Netherlands her home, her work was already flourishing here, with over 200 Montessori schools established by the mid-1930s. Today, Montessori education remains more accessible in the Netherlands than in most countries worldwide.

In this special Montessori Education Week replay — and one of our top 10 most downloaded episodes — I sit down with Simone Davies, author of The Montessori Baby, The Montessori Toddler, and The Montessori Child, and founder of Jacaranda Tree Montessori in Amsterdam.

We explore:

• What Montessori really means beyond aesthetics

• How to create a home environment where everything is accessible and everyone feels welcome

• Guiding children from dependence → collaboration → independence

• How observation transforms behaviour challenges into connection

• Sparking intrinsic motivation without pressure or control

Whether you are navigating the Dutch school system or simply curious about bringing Montessori principles into your home, this episode offers grounded, practical insight for parents raising children in the Netherlands.

This conversation continues to shape thousands of homes around the world — and remains one of the most powerful starting points for understanding Montessori in everyday life.

Links

Jacaranda Tree Montessori
Montessori Notebook
Simone's Books