Abstract/Notes: Uses established Montessori analogies, metaphors, and abstract keys to examine the mental organization and practical experiences forming the spiritual foundations for the Erdkinder vision of connecting learning to moral behavior and practical experiences for adolescents. (Author/KB)

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Abstract/Notes: Gerard Leonard and Kathleen Allen describe a variety of nature experiences as a part of the Montessori elementary tradition, beginning with a warning about the way contemporary life constrains children's experience of nature. Through a lyrical rendering of the nature-based expressions of children, Leonard and Allen look at a variety of approaches to nature study through the senses, the enrichment of gardening, daily journals of nature observations, poetry writing, bird watching, biographies of natural scientists, drawing, use of the microscope, and classification. Finally, they present a list of curriculum inclusions for the elementary, with concluding remarks summarizing the role and uniqueness of studying the "book of nature." [Reprinted from "The NAMTA Journal" 33,3 (2008, Summer): 81-97. This talk was presented at The Fourth Adolescent Colloquium, Chicago, IL, April 24-27, 2008.]

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Abstract/Notes: Gerard Leonard and Kathleen Allen describe a variety of nature experiences as a part of the Montessori elementary tradition, beginning with a warning about the way contemporary life constrains children’s experience of nature. Through a lyrical rendering of the nature-based expressions of children, Leonard and Allen look at a variety of approaches to nature study through the senses, the enrichment of gardening, daily journals of nature observations, poetry writing, bird watching, biographies of natural scientists, drawing, use of the microscope, and classification. Finally, they present a list of curriculum inclusions for the elementary, with concluding remarks summarizing the role and uniqueness of studying the “book of nature.” Reprinted from The NAMTA Journal 33,3 (2008, Summer): 81-97. This talk was presented at The Fourth Adolescent Colloquium, Chicago, IL, April 24-27, 2008.

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Abstract/Notes: Compares the educational needs of young children and adolescents in relation to movement, work attitudes, psychic development, and language development, emphasizing the prepared environment of the Montessori approach. Also examines the importance of valorization, normalization, and key experiences in the education of adolescents.

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Abstract/Notes: Discusses similarities between Montessori method and optimal experience theory. Considers three conceptual similarities between these educational theories: the child as focal point of human society; the role of deep concentration in learning and the evolution of human nature; and the understanding that social contexts can be designed to promote children's concentration, interest, and psychological complexity. (JPB)

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Abstract/Notes: This fairytale-come-true began with an idealistic public school teacher just out of college who lived in the neighborhood of her students. In stages, working with a community organizing group consisting mainly of concerned parents, Terry Ford founded what is now called Lumin Education, a network of campuses serving more than six hundred children in a Montessori setting. Her hard-hitting, positive spiritual values bring premium Montessori education into a successful implementation for the most needy children. [This article is based on the talk presented at the NAMTA conference titled "The Social Relevance of the Montessori First Plane: Engaging Families, Building Partnerships, and Finding Common Ground with the Wider Early Childhood Community" in Dallas, TX, Jan 15-18, 2015.]

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734