This week, I am speaking with Matt Bateman, a philosopher in residence and co-founder of Higher Ground Montessori, one of the largest networks of Montessori schools in the world. Matt was a former philosophy professor at universities, an expert in early childhood development, and has been working in the Montessori world for years.

In this episode, we discuss the Montessori approach, its origins, and how it fits into the landscape of alternative education. We delve into the history of education, from the styles of the ancient Greeks to modern-day approaches. We also explore ways to motivate children and create environments that encourage learning, creativity, and growth. Additionally, we examine more controversial subjects, like how the culture wars intersect with education and whether homeschooling and unschooling are effective methods. Finally, we discuss how much structure is appropriate to provide for a child's educational journey.