Language: English

ISSN: 0009-3882

Abstract/Notes: This action research was carried out to determine if parent education of sleep and routine had an effect on classroom behavior (physical contact and defiance). The research was completed in two full day 4K (four-year-old) Montessori classrooms in a Pee Dee Region elementary school. Students and parents were included in the research. Data from parents was gathered using assessments and sleep diaries. Teacher data was gathered using reflection journals and tallying charts. Parents were provided weekly education on sleep and routine importance. There was no conclusive data to show that parent education directly affected classroom behavior. The researchers believe the outcome was due to a lack of consistent parental participation.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2019

Abstract/Notes: The researchers looked at how using Seesaw technology, in a six-week parent education intervention, would affect parent engagement with their children in learning at home as well as parent understanding of Montessori principles. The research participants were 31 parents and 2 teachers at two private, urban Montessori schools. Data was collected through pre and postintervention questionnaires, teacher logs of parent questions, and Seesaw usage data. Through the intervention, we saw parent knowledge of Montessori principles, parent engagement, parent efficacy, and parent confidence in Montessori education beyond preschool increase. Parents also enjoyed interacting with each other as a community of parents, building a school community. The research supports Seesaw as an effective tool for parent education in today’s digital world. Technology is something that is familiar to today’s parent and can be utilized more specifically and intentionally by schools to connect parents to student learning activities, to their community, and to encourage their own growth as parents. This growth was demonstrated by a shift in parents’ focus from the external (child’s behavior) to the internal (adult’s role in preparing the environment) consistent with Montessori’s prepared adult

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2018

Abstract/Notes: This study sought to improve parent knowledge about the Montessori curriculum at a public Montessori school in British Columbia, Canada. Nineteen parents from a grade 1/2/3 class participated. Prior to six weeks of interventions, a parent question log was kept, and baseline data was collected from students and their parents. The teacher hosted one parent evening, three in-class observations for parents, started a Montessori magazine library, and featured a section on Montessori in the home and material use on the class blog. Data collection tools were used throughout the research to gain feedback from parents. Research concluded that parent knowledge improved, standard Montessori practices at home increased, and participants began asking deeper questions about Montessori philosophy. Parents chose the evening event and the blog as tools they would use in the future. Further research could be done over a longer period to see if participation could be improved by spreading out the events.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2017

Abstract/Notes: The action research study investigated increasing communication on earthquake safety in order to alleviate parental concern. The investigation took place at a local private Montessori school. The participants were parents from the school. The data was collected through pre and post surveys, observations, and journaling. The results showed that increasing communication between the school and the parent community on this subject matter did alleviate parental concern. The parents felt more reassured knowing the details on earthquake safety plan. However, the challenge is keeping the new parents that come to the school informed about the school’s earthquake safety plan. Overall, keeping effective communication on this subject with the parent community is the key.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2016

Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this action research was to examine the most effective ways of communicating with parents in the Montessori environment, and to see if incorporating technology and communication skills into the classroom would improve parent-teacher communication and relationships. This study was conducted with the parents of children ages two and a half to six years old in a private Montessori classroom. Classroom management and communication technology in the form of Montessori Compass was introduced into the classroom in order to see the impact on parent-teacher communication. Techniques for improved communication with parents were also used during parent-teacher interactions to order to build stronger relationships. The results of the study were largely positive, with 69% of parents preferring the communication interventions. Further research is implicated in the area of introducing counseling skills to teachers in order to see additional improvement.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2015

Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this action research project was to find out parents’ attitudes and desires to increase involvement opportunities through the home and/or school setting in order to improve the home-school relationship. Parents of students in a 3-6 year old Montessori classroom at a private school were asked to complete a parent involvement survey, attitude scale, and a parent involvement log in order to analyze current parent involvement. Data showed that the parents desire specific information as events and parent involvement opportunities occur, given verbally, in writing, and electronically, rather than an overview of the whole school year given in September. Infusing the Montessori philosophy of the classroom and school into the home was sought after by all families who participated in this action research project. Further research could center on different modes of involvement such as the use of photographs and video, and increased resources for parents.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2015

Abstract/Notes: This action research study examines parent-teacher communication using a combination of an online email program called MailChimp, a text app called Remind, and a class web page. A group of 17 parents from a private elementary classroom in a Montessori school agreed to participate in this study. Time sheets, check-off lists, feedback from parents, and statistics from MailChimp were used to collect data. The majority of the parents were pleased with the school-to-home communication during this period. The email and text message programs were the most efficient communication methods. Updating the class web page proved to be the most time-consuming communication process. This study showed why teachers should use a variety of correspondence methods in order to be effective communicators. While I will continue to use MailChimp, Remind, and my web page for parent-teacher communication, I also discovered there is room for improvement in my communication methods.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2015

Abstract/Notes: Montessori preschool children who are English Language Learners (ELL) age three to five, consisting of one female and six males. It was conducted in two different preschool classrooms, focusing on literacy skills as well as oral communication skills. The direct aim of the study was to help children successfully learn English as their second language while keeping their native language. Researchers also investigated whether parental involvement increased the ability of ELLs to learn the English language. Data collection procedures utilized were: (1) parent interviews, (2) observation and anecdotal records, (3) pretest, and (4) post-test. A take-home literacy kit was used to measure the effectiveness of parental involvement. Researchers also provided a take-home literacy kit for parents to work on with their child at home. Parents were given a total of four literacy kits, one new kit each week. Result of this research indicated an improvement in parent and child interaction. The take-home literacy kit fostered communication between parent and child because words were translated in their home language. Over the course of four weeks, children showed great interest in literacy and progress in their communication skills.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2014

Abstract/Notes: This action research study was conducted at a rural Montana public school and included students in the first through third grade and their parent participants. The study investigated the ways that parent participation, through parent-school partnerships, could benefit student learning and achievement. The study used a combination of student surveys and interviews, while the parents completed an online survey and questionnaire. The results of the study focused on students’ perceptions of their parents’ involvement in their educational experience as well as primary ways that parents communicate with their child’s school, teachers, and their involvement with their child in and out of school. Further investigation of this study would focus on specific ways parents are involved in their child’s educational experience and observing and documenting parent-student involvement through a school-hosted program during a school day.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2014