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
Montessori "Academics" with Sandra Girlato [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:03
"What's important for us is not to meet the needs of the curriculum. It's to meet the needs of your child." A deep dive into what learning is all about in Montessori school, with trainer Sandra Girlato...
Interview with Maria Montessori [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:29
Maria Montessori talks about her Montessori schools: play vs. work, mixed ages, freedom and discipline -- and more. from The Montessori Education Podcast with Jesse McCarthy | transcript and references at https://www.mon…
Montessori School - Why Is My Child Washing Dishes All Day?! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:25
A popular TV personality talked trash about Montessori. I decided to answer his complaint.. To watch the video, https://www.montessorieducation.com/podcast/montessori-school-why-is-my-child-washing-dishes-all-day
Calm in Chaos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:46
What do you do when things get crazy or seemingly out of control with children, whether in school or at home? Long-time Montessori parent, teacher and teacher-trainer Ginni Sackett shares her decades of experience to hel…
Montessori - an Origin Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:48
One chance day over a century ago, a young doctor named Maria Montessori was sitting in a classroom when she observed a child doing something very unusual. What followed would change the world forever.. "I think my never…
The Inner Being with Montessori Trainer Zarin Malva [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:01
Currently guiding teachers and parents in India (Mumbai), Zarin Malva has been working in Montessori education since her early 20s. She is now in her 80s. She has A LOT of wisdom to share about children. A few topics in…
Reading and Writing in Montessori [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:23
A deep dive into reading and writing in a Montessori classroom, as well as some tips for home. A few questions covered in this discussion with 50-year-veteran Montessorian Mary Ellen Maunz: -Are academics even considered…