The Swearing Boy, and Other Stories with Sandra Girlato

The Swearing Boy, and Other Stories with Sandra Girlato

Author: Jesse McCarthy June 4, 2025 Duration: 56:35

As a teacher, what to do with a boy who's cussing in the classroom?

Sandra Girlato's got a funny and super insightful story on that.

As a parent, what to do with a child who won't put on her shoes before leaving the house? Sandra got a story on that, too.

How to get children to eat any kind of food? She's got one on that.

How to help children care for others — genuinely, without lectures? She has a story around that, too.

If you don't know Sandra Girlato — mom; grandma; Montessori teacher; Director of Training at Canada's Foundation for Montessori Education, the organization founded by the late Renilde Montessori, Maria Montessori's youngest granddaughter — then it's time to get to know her.

Or at least to hear some of her awesomely insightful, and sometimes hilarious stories from over the last 30+ years of work with children.


Ever wondered how the principles of Montessori can transform not just a classroom, but your entire approach to family life? Montessori Education with Jesse McCarthy delves into that very question, moving beyond theory to explore practical, everyday applications. Host Jesse McCarthy guides conversations that feel like a thoughtful dialogue with a knowledgeable friend, focusing on the real-world challenges and joys faced by parents and educators alike. Each episode unpacks how respecting a child's innate curiosity and drive for independence can lead to more harmonious homes and effective learning environments. You'll hear discussions on creating prepared spaces, fostering concentration, and navigating the social-emotional growth of young people. This podcast operates on a beautiful parallel track: it’s about guiding children and students while also committing to our own growth as adults alongside them. The content is rooted in the timeless framework of Montessori, yet feels immediately relevant, whether you're a teacher in a classroom setting or a parent figuring things out at home. Tune in for a blend of philosophical insight and actionable advice that reimagines education as a shared, lifelong journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Montessori Education with Jesse McCarthy
Podcast Episodes
Dropped Stitches - Montessori [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:08
"The real preparation for education is a study of one's self." Maria Montessori Gaining big from Maria Montessori's story about Granny..
Parent Questions: Independence and Anxiety [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:39
One child is "too independent," the other has "high anxiety." What to do? Clip from a parent Q&A at a recent live event.. https://www.montessorieducation.com/podcast/parent-questions-independence-anxiety
Fantasy and Children [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:40
Is fantasy accepted in Montessori, or is it frowned upon, or is it welcomed with open arms? The wonderful returning guest Ms. Ginni Sackett joins us as we dive into fantasy, imagination, pretend play and more in Montesso…
60 Years in Montessori - Mrs. Beverley McGhee [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:58
A conversation with one of the most experienced Montessorians alive today. Mrs. Beverley McGhee is 94 years young and began in Montessori in the 1960s, when she and her husband started Alexander Montessori School in Miam…
Are Playpens Montessori? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:27
Good, bad, in the middle, maybe even horrible ... https://www.montessorieducation.com/podcast/are-playpens-montessori
The Reality of Public School (vs Montessori) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:19
"I always thought I'd send my kids to public school. But I'm probably not going to do that now." Andrew, who understandably didn't want to share his last name for this discussion, has been an elementary school teacher fo…
Montessori Pushback [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:35
Taking on critical questions and feedback... -Can children be too confident? Should we be encouraging humility instead? -Are Montessori children stronger academically and socially and emotionally, etc. because they come…
Montessori Learning with Amukta Mahapatra [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:49
"The Montessori child is a constructor, not a consumer ... he's not waiting to be told things." Get ready for a wonderful discussion with the incredibly experienced Amukta Mahapatra -- 50 years in education -- about how…
Montessori Toy Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:21
"This is officer Johnston. Everything is alright, but I have your son in my car." Unwavering confidence — the child who decided to go shopping ALONE Contact: https://www.montessorieducation.com/contact Contribute: https:…