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Matt Bateman is an educator and part of the founding team of Higher Ground Education, a Montessori startup, specifically the Montessorium, and his work revolves around the philosophy of education. In this episode, he explains the Montessori program, raising kids in the of social media and technology, and the best kind of school system for our young ones.
00:00:00 00:02:31 Introducing Matt
00:03:36 What is Montessori?
00:09:46 The Montessori Program
00:12:18 Is Technology and Social Media Bad for Kids?
00:23:35 Being Present With Your Child
00:28:26 Sleep Training and Attachment Styles
00:36:42 When Do You Start Entering A Montessori Program?
00:41:09 Why Do Public Schools Fail Us?
00:49:35 Kids’ Autonomy and Sovereignty
00:54:51 Dealing With Screaming Kids and Complaining Adults
01:03:45 The Swiss Model and European Models of Education
01:09:37 Where to Find Matt
What is a Montessori school?
A Montessori school is an educational approach that focuses on allowing children to learn at their own pace and explore their interests independently. In a Montessori classroom, students typically have freedom to choose from a variety of activities and materials, which are designed to be hands-on and engaging. Teachers serve as guides and facilitators rather than traditional lecturers, helping students discover knowledge through self-directed exploration. Montessori education emphasizes fostering a child's natural curiosity, independence, and love for learning while promoting social and emotional development alongside academic skills.
Is Technology Really Bad For Kids?
In the Montessori world, you will often find people who are very technology-shy. It’s not that they’re anti-technology, but rather, Matt thinks that technology, the internet, and television is good for children. He does not want his children to grow up with adults who are cynical about it. That doesn’t make it risk free, but rather, it’s all about managing risks like a lot of things in the real world. “Screentime” should not be a concept, as scrolling through TikTok and talking to a relative in the phone are two completely different things.
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Meta-Description
Educator and Montessori startup founder Matt Bateman talks about the Montessori program, raising your kids in the digital age, and why traditional school setups fails us.
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