Learning Spanish from the Outside In™ A Montessori-aligned Spanish curriculum that helps children discover language, history, culture, and the joy of human connection.
Cindy Montoto, College of Education, Boise State University
The Curriculum
Learning Spanish from the Outside In™ is a Montessori-aligned, research-based Spanish curriculum created by Ms. Cindy to nurture joyful, meaningful language acquisition through connection, culture, and curiosity.
Children don’t truly learn language from worksheets - they learn it from life. Learning Spanish from the Outside In™starts with the big world through factual and evidence based stories about the universe, solar system, Earth, nature, humans, our history, and culture and spirals inward toward developing personal meaning and identity. Kids see themselves inside a bigger human story, and Spanish becomes a bridge: to people, places, and potential.
In the spirit of Montessori’s Cosmic Education, this curriculum invites students to explore the world from the outside in—from the stars and Earth, to culture and community, all the way to their own self-expression and identity through language.
Learning Spanish becomes more than an academic goal—it becomes a path toward connection, peace, and global citizenship.
Using my proprietary research-based, scaffolded approach and curriculum grounded in the Cosmic Idea and entirely handcrafted by me, Spanish is introduced in ways that honor each learner's developmental readiness, individuality, and natural curiosity. Rather than relying on immersion alone, Learning Spanish from the Outside In™ builds L2 through meaningful context combined with hands-on experiences, and interdisciplinary learning using a research-backed instructional approach. My curriculum is intentionally designed backward from the desired learning outcomes: bilingual communication, cultural competence, and global awareness.
Learning Spanish from the Outside In™ is a proprietary curriculum developed as part of ongoing doctoral research in Curriculum and Instruction by Cynthia Montoto at Boise State University. All content, materials, and methodologies associated with this curriculum are protected under copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of any part of this curriculum without explicit permission is prohibited. All rights reserved.
A “Cosmic” Approach to Language Learning
In the framework of Montessori’s Cosmic Education, this curriculum invites learners to explore Spanish from the outside in - from the stars and Earth, to culture and community, all the way to their own self-expression and identity through language.
Learning Spanish becomes more than an academic goal - it becomes a path toward human connection, peace, and global competence.
Before Spanish With Ms. Cindy...there was Your Little Dove
Before launching my educational practice, I founded Your Little Dove, a beloved childhood boutique specializing in heirloom quality toys, clothing, and books. My work at YLD was dedicated to sourcing handcrafted Montessori and Waldorf toys and materials from artisans all over the world. Each and every piece brought into the boutique was intentionally chosen for its educational and developmental value, non-toxic and hand-crafted origin, and cultural authenticity. My commitment to sustainable, multicultural, and ethically produced materials continues to live on in my curriculum, Learning Spanish from the Outside In™, where I continue to use these same tools to create meaningful, sensory-rich learning experiences rooted in respect for the child - and the world.
Learning Spanish from the Outside In™ is a proprietary curriculum developed as part of ongoing doctoral research in Curriculum and Instruction by Cynthia Montoto and Boise State University. All content, materials, and methodologies associated with this curriculum are protected under copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of any part of this curriculum without explicit permission is prohibited. All rights reserved.
Materials and Brands We Use
Grapat
Handmade in Spain // Hecho a mano en espana
Oyuncak
Handmade in Turkey and Poland // Hecho a mano en turquia y en polonia
Grimms Spiel und Holz
Handmade in Germany // Hecho a mano en alemania
Maileg
Handmade in Denmark // Hecho a mano en dinamarca
Holztiger
Handmade in Germany // Hecho a mano en alemania
Raduga Grez
Handmade in Russia // Hecho a mano en rusia
Ocamora
Handmade in Spain // Hecho a mano en espana
EcoKids USA
Handmade in North Carolina, USA // Hecho a mano en Carolina Norte, EEUU
PolePole
Handmade in Japan// Hecho a mano en japon
Learning Spanish from the Outside In™ is a proprietary curriculum developed as part of ongoing doctoral research in Curriculum and Instruction by Cynthia Montoto and Boise State University. All content, materials, and methodologies associated with this curriculum are protected under copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of any part of this curriculum without explicit permission is prohibited. All rights reserved.