Abstract/Notes: Preface

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Abstract/Notes: Joen Bettmann's depiction of practical life exercises as character-building reveals how caring, careful, and independent work leads to higher self-esteem, more concern for others, better understanding for academic learning, and a self-nurturing, respectful classroom community. Particular aspects of movement and silence exercises bring out what Joen calls the child's "quiet soul," the contemplative and reflective side of life that brings peacefulness and a state of grace. [Excerpted from a presentation given at the NAMTA conference titled The "Casa dei Bambini on the Threshold of the Twenty-First Century," October 7-10, 1999, Arlington, VA. Reprinted from "The NAMTA Journal" 25,1 (Winter, 2000): 101-116.]

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Abstract/Notes: Discusses the importance of Montessori's Practical Life exercises for building character and self-esteem, more concern for others, better understanding for academic learning, and a self-nurturing, respectful classroom community. Considers aspects of movement and silence exercises for developing the child's contemplative and reflective nature that brings peacefulness and a state of grace. (JPB)

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this action research project was to study the implementation of practical life skills targeting school-specific skills. This study took place in a Children’s House classroom at a public Montessori school located in an urban city in the Midwest. The classroom housed a total of 19 students, consisting of pre-k and kindergarten children ranging from the age of four to six. Originally constructed as a traditional school, the building itself often inhibits independence for the school’s youngest learners. In this study, the researcher sought to increase student independence by implementing a serious of “school-specific” Practical Life tasks. The students were asked to practice the tasks as a part of their daily work cycle. Students then documented their work on Seesaw with their district-issued iPad. Over the course of six weeks, quantitative and qualitative data was collected to determine the impact of these activities on student independence levels at school. The results of this study indicate that students were capable of completing more school-specific tasks independently following the six-week study. The final pages of the paper present a thorough analysis of the further research and action steps of this study/paper. The paper concludes with some suggestions pertaining to potential opportunities for family/educator partnerships.

Language: English

Published: River Falls, Wisconsin, 2022

Abstract/Notes: Polli Soholt writes about advanced practical life and demonstrates that adding more challenge and complexity for older children leads to more social cooperation. Activities such as washing dishes, polishing, sewing, and food preparation take the child beyond the need to refine basic skills. The older primary children find more reality in tasks such as bringing sewing from home and using math to double recipes for baking projects. This advanced work of the hands enhances the whole community.

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Abstract/Notes: Research on human development, brain plasticity and learning capacity confirms that the early years of life are critical to develop the foundations of what will become a mature adult. Maria Montessori, an exceptional visionary woman for her time in the early 20th century, developed an educational model that is increasingly effective today. It follows the interests of children based on their actions and movements in school enhancing independence, creativity and simulating real life in society. Montessori education incorporated in the traditional cognitive-based curriculum the importance of Soft Skills as a critical dimension of social interactions missing in most educational models. An essential component in Montessori education is achieving educational goals paralleled with activities the child performs in the classroom simulating practical activities in daily life. Montessori’s Grace and Courtesy (G&C) is embedded in lessons that are drilled continuously to support students to become successful in social relationships with peers and adults. G&C are lessons founded in Soft Skills development that become an integral part of behavior positively impacting personal lives. Montessori education responds to surmounting evidence about the need for Soft Skills across educational levels and from an early age develops Soft Skills that students will need to succeed in life and are increasingly demanded in the workplace. This chapter highlights the need to start teaching and practicing Soft Skills at early educational levels and it shows how Montessori education has accomplished this objective for over a century.

Language: English

Published: New York: Routledge, 2021

ISBN: 978-1-00-036891-8

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Abstract/Notes: Discusses how the behavior of Montessori professionals provides a model for the young children with whom they interact. Asserts that the most critical factor in creating an environment for young children is the attitudes of the adult working with them. Discusses the importance of transition periods and highlights toileting issues during transitions for toddlers. (KB)

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Language: English

ISSN: 0010-700X