Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Abstract/Notes: Susan Mayclin Stephenson tackles a large subject, Cosmic Education, which Montessori defined as a "unifying global and universal view[s] of the past, present and future." Stephenson takes the reader from birth to the end of the elementary age with examples of how the child grows into an understanding of Cosmic Education through their experiences at home and at school. Central to her thesis is the theme of discovering one's cosmic task, which depends on "fostering…curiosity and compassion toward other beings." Stephenson concludes with examples from around the world and illustrates how children are born with this tendency toward compassion and how it is experienced from birth through age twelve within Montessori environments.

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Abstract/Notes: Polli Soholt points to normalization in the first plane as leading to the successful realization of the human personality, which is the basis of social development. Children who have cultivated concentration and purposeful work at an early age develop the virtues to become world citizens. Normalization can be assisted by certain practices: 1) interesting and purposeful presentations; 2) small group discussions and conversation; 3) group singing, finger plays, games, poetry, and true stories; and 4) group movement and demonstrations through acting out right actions. Normalization, according to Soholt, is an integral result of classroom group activities and is influenced by the teacher's self-presentation of respect, clarity, and consistency. [This article is based on the talk presented at the NAMTA conference titled "Fostering Montessori Preparedness for Global Citizenship" in Seattle, WA, November 13-16, 2014.]

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Abstract/Notes: Because we experience the trauma of global tragedy in a much more immediate and unfiltered way than we used to, it is more difficult for us to shield ourselves and our children from the barrage of sensationalized and politicized images flooding our environment. To achieve this, I looked for articles that: * were Montessori-compatible in that they had at their center the experience of the child, aligned with our understanding of the planes of development, and spoke to the human tendencies toward orientation, gregariousness, order, communication, exploration, and self-perfection; * were parent-friendly in that they were easy to read and digest, offered practical advice, and did not put added pressure on parents to be more perfect or blame parents for not being able to control children's media exposure; * were accurate from a child development and psychology perspective, and offered a realistic view of how media are produced and disseminated; * came from sources that are reasonably reputable and proactive in their management of other social issues; * put the onus on the adult, not the child, to create an environment in which resilience can be developed (in essence, furthering the spiritual preparation of the teacher). "According to the UN, young people, including children, are the largest group of people affected by disasters across the world. " "Talking to Children about Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers," by the National Association of School Psychologists (bit.ly/2rFWIsK) This article presents 7 tips to support children in dealing with the aftermath of violent events, along with a list of talking points to use that will reassure children while maintaining a realistic outlook.

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

Published: Arcata, California: Michael Olaf, 2012

Abstract/Notes: Inspired by Baiba Krumins-Grazzini's interdependencies lecture at NAMTA's Portland conference, David Kahn shows the unifying structures of the program that are rooted in the natural and social sciences. Through a connective web, these sciences explore the integration of all knowledge and lead to a philosophical view of life on earth, including human civilization. Kahn adds a new recognition of unified ecological summits that provide the real connectedness to the work that the next generation is doing to find global collaboration in making the world a better place.

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734