In the notes below, Rohina shares the grateful and surprised observations from some parents as they reflected on the positive effects the Montessori environment had on their child:  These are some feedback from parents of children about using the Montessori method,...

In her writings below, Fatima is writing to a teacher who may be new to Montessori education. She gives clear and concise instructions on how to approach and work with children in a joyful way that is very different from the controlling style so common in conventional...

In her writings here, Nadia begins by reflecting on her own childhood, growing up in the House of Flowers Montessori Orphanage. She then shares her observations as a teacher in the Garden of Flowers Preschool today, and the transformations she saw in Abel, a child in...

In her writing below, Rohina first tells us of her surprised First Impressions of the Montessori environment at the Garden of Flowers, and how she began to compare Montessori and traditional education. Then she offers us her insightful list of Benefits, Disadvantages,...

In January 2024, Allison and I talked often about Afghanistan with a great longing to go back, but we knew it was just a dream. It was just not possible, with the current political situation, to get a visa to visit the Garden of Flowers and reconnect with the...

Every day that Asma arrives that the Garden of Flowers, she greets Hedayat and her friends. From that morning greeting of shaking hands, to the afternoon's goodbyes and all the time in between, Asma is deeply engaged with her classmates and community in the important...

From the very start, the Garden of Flowers Montessori Preschool was meant to serve those destitute families who would never be able to send their children to preschool. For this reason, we do not collect fees. There is a profusion of private, fee-based schools in...

In August, in response to growing levels of children's stress due to the difficulties many families were having at home, the GoF teaching team decided to start holding conferences with the parents of each child. The aim was to connect with the families, to hear how...

The first day of spring brings the New Year to Afghanistan (It is now the year 1403 there!) And this is also the start of the new school year. This means the oldest children are graduating from the Garden of Flowers. It is always bittersweet when children reach the...

This newsletter was sent out on February 5, 2024 via email.  This winter has brought gusts of change to the Garden of Flowers: Razia makes a major life decision, fluctuating currency exchange rates affect the budget, MEPO helps a young artist get a fresh start, and...