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 Discipline [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:13
"I have myself, sometimes, been too severe with a child." -Dr. Maria Montessori How to get your child to listen, by choice | https://courses.montessorieducation.com/p/discipline
Montessori - Getting to the Heart of It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:30
"In these Montessori classrooms, their souls are rejoicing." Ruchira Fernando To some, these words might sound a little overdramatic. But for those who know Montessori, they're not at all. So what really is Montessori ed…
Education for Life, with Montessori Trainer Ann Velasco [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:56
Meet Ann Velasco... a former Montessori child; a parent of a now-grown Montessori daughter; a former Montessori teacher of 3- to 9-year-olds; and, since 2014, a Montessori trainer of future teachers. Ann is the real deal…
Take a Break [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:49
Three ways to lessen the stress and better enjoy the now...
Patience [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:18
How do we slow down, with children ourselves? A conversation with Jennifer Rogers — a Montessori teacher of over two decades, a mother of three children (age 18, 15, 11), and a writer of popular parenting and teaching ar…
Hold On To The Good [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:44
How do I cut through all the craziness in our culture — among the peer pressure of tribal sides and simplistic hashtags — to find my own voice? Seeking justice and speaking up in a not-so-simple society... https://www.mo…
To Structure Or Not To Structure? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:36
Montessori-ish Mom Christina Clemer on how to Montessori at home with younger children | https://www.montessorieducation.com/podcast/to-structure-or-not-to-structure
The School of the Future [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:33
When schools finally reopen, which one will you be sending your child to? Episode page: https://www.montessorieducation.com/podcast/the-school-of-the-future
Cold soup, a Montessori story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:24
Back in 1915, Maria Montessori shared a short but powerful experience. Show episode, with links: https://www.montessorieducation.com/podcast/cold-soup
Success and Acton Academy with Jeff Sandefer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:35
"Grit beats IQ every time." Jeff Sandefer, co-founder of the Acton network of 270+ schools Jesse McCarthy | https://www.montessorieducation.com/podcast/success-acton-academy-jeff-sandefer Jeff Sandefer | https://www.acto…