Shared from MindShift on KQED News, http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/02/17/slowing-down-to-learn-mindful-pauses-that-can-help-student-engagement/ February 17, 2015 The excerpt below is from the book “Mindfulness for Teachers: Simple Skills for Peace and Productivity in the Classroom,” by Patricia A. Jennings. This section is from the chapter entitled “Orchestrating Classroom Dynamics.” Mindful Wait Time One way to promote engagement and learning is to consciously create…
Educate your child to be happy
Do not educate your children to be rich. Educate them to be happy. So when they grow up, they’ll know the value of things, not the price. — Anonymous
Language Lessons in the Montessori Classroom
These lessons are specifically organized and conducted in a particular sequence that mirrors the acquisition of children’s knowledge. Lessons first flow from encoding symbols (letters). The phonetic sound rather than the letter name is emphasized. Then decoding of letter combinations (words) comes next. Advanced lessons for older children teach grammar and build vocabulary. You can give…
Sensitive Period
Dr. Maria Montessori developed her philosophy based on careful observations of the child. Much of her theory centered around the child’s “sensitive period” of development. During this particular period, the child is endowed with a special sensibility which urges him to focus his attention on certain aspects of his environment to the exclusion of others….
Journey to Montessori
My Montessori journey is short, but what I have gained surpasses those few years. I was introduced to the Riverview Montessori School and the Montessori Method, in July of 2012. I was immediately drawn to the beautifully arranged classroom, with even more varied and beautiful materials. I was intrigued at children taking responsibility for their…
The Elementary Work Plan
I spent some time with our Elementary class this past week and was so proud of what I saw. It wasn’t just the students, and it wasn’t just the tireless effort put out by the teachers. It was the coming together of the two. Our elementary teachers make weekly work plans tailored to each individual….
It’s Personal
When I started my Montessori journey, it wasn’t just for my professional life. In fact that was probably the last reason I was looking to Montessori. I was seeking personal development. I was seeking a catalyst into becoming a better person than I was before. I wanted something that would ignite a burning passion back…
Education Isn’t About You
A child’s defiant behavior isn’t about you. A parent’s “baggage” while navigating school in regards to their child’s developmental needs isn’t about you. When building relationships with parents and families we need to exercise our exclusive ability as humans to be empathetic, engage genuinely and think critically about a solution. When we make their actions,…
