Language: English

ISSN: 1071-6246

Language: English

ISSN: 1071-6246

Abstract/Notes: This action research project was completed to test the effects of reading and discussing multicultural children’s literature on young children’s positive self-concept and appreciation of human differences. The setting was a Montessori primary (preK-K) classroom of 18 children, ages two years 10 months to five years 10 months. Ten children were White, four were biracial, three were Asian American, and one was Latin American. Data was collected using a tally sheet, picture test, self-concept test, discussion log, and self-assessment journal. Readings took place each day and books centered on topics such as individuality, race, skin color, diversity, inclusion, and activism. The results indicated that children did show a decrease in negative attitudes towards human differences and an increase in positive attitudes towards human differences throughout the intervention. The action plan implications conclude that the study could be conducted with a narrower focus and within an intersectional framework.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2019

Abstract/Notes: Naturalistic observations in a free play day care were conducted to study motor and object manipulation behaviour in preschool-aged children. Behaviour settings theory, which predicts that setting has greater influence over behaviour than individual factors, was tested by comparing behaviour between indoor and outdoor settings. Analysis confirmed that there were motor and object manipulation rate differences across settings. Consequently, setting was controlled for in the second analysis, which looked at repetitive behaviour. Repetition is a central concept to Montessori educational theory and is used as a learning tool in Montessori classrooms; however, little information about repetition as a developmentally typical behaviour is available. A natural history of repetition was recorded to determine: activities during which repetition takes place; commonality of repetition across children; age that children most frequently engage in repetition; and length of repetitive bouts. Analysis revealed similarities and differences between Montessori's account of repetition and observed behaviour.

Language: English

Published: Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, 2016

Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this action research study was to explore how sharing anti-bias children’s books in literature small groups in a lower elementary Montessori class affects children’s perceptions of and ability to communicate about themselves, their families, and others, as well as the classmates with whom they choose to associate. The sample studied in this research was a class of 20 children aged six to nine at a private Montessori school located in a small town adjacent to a large Midwestern city. Data was collected through pre and post oral interviews, written reading reflection worksheets, and daily teacher observations of children’s work and play partners. The study found that anti-bias literature small groups are an effective way to improve children’s perceptions of themselves and their ability to communicate about human difference. More research is needed about how to improve children’s perceptions of their families and their ability to communicate about human similarity. Additionally, a longer intervention period and refined data collection tool are recommended in order to learn more about the impact of anti-bias literature small groups on children’s choice of work and play partners.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2019

Abstract/Notes: Book review of: Erica Moretti, "The Best Weapon for Peace. Maria Montessori, Education, and Children’s Rights" (The University of Wisconsis Press, 2021). Included in a special monograph issue of the journal ("Scritture. Teorie e Prassi della Scrittura tra Filosofia, Scienza e Comunicazione").

Language: Italian

ISSN: 2036-4938

Language: English

Published: London: Chapman Publishing Ltd., 1992

ISBN: 1-85396-171-X

Language: Polish

Language: Polish

Language: German