12302022FroggysWinter2023

FROM THE
PUBLISHER
“It Starts with
Respect”
A common question I get when being interviewed by
the media is, “What is Montessori?” sometimes followed
by, “Can you sum up Montessori in one word?”
Channeling Aretha Franklin, It didn’t take me long to
come up with that word: R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Something the
world could use more of. Something that parents want
to build and foster in both themselves and their children.
But does the world really need another resource
guide?
In a word, yes. Here’s why:
Today’s parents take their job especially seriously
because of several existential threats facing humanity: climate change, threat of nuclear war,
epidemics, and the rise of world-wide anti- democratic authoritarianism, to name a few. You
might be surprised to learn that I’m not a gloom-and-doomer. In fact, I’m an optimist. With
lots of good company, namely, parents, who are building a better world one child at a time.
Today’s parents are the ones who will save humanity by bringing up children who will treat
themselves, each other, and the environment with respect. Our goal is to bring them tools to
do that with excellence.
Montessori philosophy and tools provide a road map that brings respect into our families and
communities. Affectionately named Froggy’s, this resource guide is unique because it brings
together in one place vetted Montessori resources to empower parents and their children.
I hope you enjoy perusing and sharing Froggy’s with as much fun and excitement we had putting
it together.
With warm regards and the utmost respect for today’s parents,
Larry Shiller, Publisher
larry@risingstarsfoundation.org
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