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 at Home for Working Parents [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:53
"Having a routine saves your life." Listen in as Daniela Monteiro -- longtime Montessori teacher and parent of two, a 9-month-old and an almost 3-year-old -- shares her experiences and insights as a working parent at hom…
Montessori School Insights from Hong Kong [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:41
"We just completed our ninth week of school closures..." Meet Karin Ann, co-founder of the International Montessori School of Hong Kong (IMS), a community of four campuses with ~1,000 children from ages 2 to 12 Episode p…
What's Really Going On? Coronavirus (COVID-19) with Dr. Amesh Adalja [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:19
"You might see a headline that says, 'Deaths Double In This Town', and they really just went up from two to four. ... It's important to go beyond the headlines." Open conversation with Johns Hopkins' Dr. Amesh Adalja, an…
Learning at Home, Montessori Style: Practical Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:29
Short and sweet guidance for parents during these strange stuck-at-home times... Jesse McCarthy | MontessoriEducation.com Links: -For more on washing a table at home, Montessori style, visit https://www.montessorieducati…
The Voice of Students (stuck at home) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:21
With school closed and social distancing in effect, students share their experience and advice MontessoriEducation.com
Coronavirus and Children (with Mystery Doug) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:18
A discussion on the Coronavirus with children's science idol and Montessori parent, Doug Peltz What is coronavirus in simple terms? How do I talk with children about it? What do I do at home given schools are closed? Jes…
Montessori, Toddlers — and Simone Davies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:42
Stories and guidance from Simone's 15+ years of experience as a Montessori parent of two and teacher of thousands...
3 Stories from a Montessori Teacher [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:45
Alessandra Aristimuno offers a peek into her mixed-age Montessori classroom, with children from ~3 to 6 years old, and shares some guidance for parents and fellow Montessori teachers.
Montessori at Home [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:21
Four suggestions on being more Montessori at home (without turning your living room into a classroom)