Abstract/Notes: [...]of these observations, and influenced by the teachings of Friedrich Froebel and Emile Jacques-Dalcroze, Montessori created a music curriculum that emphasized self-directed learning through instruments made specifically for children (Goodkin, 2002). Since we try to integrate musical theater into daily activities, rather than isolating this experience as an after-school program, we seek to choose shows that will highlight a unit or academic concept being taught in the classroom. Montessori was greatly opposed to teaching her students that imaginary characters, such as fairies or Santa Claus, exist (Montessori, 1997, p. 43). [...]we use musicals to continue building upon Montessori's philosophies of the purpose of schooling-to teach children about the real world, history, and social understanding (Montessori, 1964). [...]we imagine that she may have made accommodations for this growing art form, finding ways to integrate music, theater, and dance into her teaching and recognizing its importance within our communities and for our students.

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Abstract/Notes: [...]let us present him with the world" (Montessori, 2007, p. 20). [...]we decided that doing one educational trip and one service project each semester would fit well into the larger school-wide schedule and give enough time for meeting and planning. At our school, we walk our whole Upper Elementary class to the library every other month and to a nearby park for PE class every week, but given safety and liability concerns, adults must always supervise these and any other excursions, including Going Out trips. [...]when planning Going Out trips, we must think of other ways to allow freedom and responsibility, so as to enable students to gain knowledge and skills to navigate the outside world. [...]after the trips, we ensured that the children wrote thank-you notes to the people who hosted them on their excursions as well as to the chaperones who accompanied them.

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Abstract/Notes: Public Montessori elementary schools have two challenges: They strive to achieve a child-centered Montessori environment and must also address the demands of state and federal requirements developed for more traditional educational settings. This study analyzes how schools were operating on both fronts. On the one hand, the study measured the degree to which schools reported they were living up to the ideals of establishing truly Montessori environments within public schools (based on characteristics identified by the American Montessori Society as essential for the success of Montessori schools in the public sector). On the other hand, the study also gauged public Montessori elementary school leaders' perceptions of the greatest challenges facing their schools. This study incorporates public Montessori elementary school leaders' descriptions of their schools on several dimensions. First, participants provided basic school characteristics, such as admission criteria, enrollment information, and enrollment trends. They followed with Montessori practices and attitudes, outlining teacher background and classroom structure. Next, testing practices and attitudes toward standardized testing were described. Finally, they enumerated the greatest challenges facing their schools. (Contains 5 tables and 3 figures.)

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Abstract/Notes: Spiritual nurturing includes the recognition that children have valuable ways of knowing, such as pondering, sacred listening, intuition, and dreams and visions. Children nurtured in spiritual ways of being are supported through the traits of creativity, compassion, love, gratitude, affirmation, contemplation, and silence. These attributes are inherent in children, but are often discouraged and diminished by adults and traditional forms of education. How can teachers make their classrooms harbors for spiritual safety? One way in which the elements of a child's spirit can be explored and nurtured in the elementary classroom (and beyond) is through writing activities. This article describes writing activities which provide a sampling of ideas easily incorporated into any classroom and can be modified if needed for the age of the children and structure or preference of the teacher.

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Abstract/Notes: Address presented at International Congress, Rome, November, 1996; includes discussion of Gardner's Multiple Intelligences

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040