Abstract/Notes: This chapter analyzes the personal interactions of the principal characters—George, Naumburg, Parkhurst and Pyle—and an over-powering fifth woman, Maria Montessori. The analysis of the interplay, the personal relationships, and the tensions between these principals, is integrated with the institutional history of educational organizations, schools, and events. George, Naumburg, Parkhurst, and Pyle arrived at the Montessori training courses believing their instructor, the greatest educator in the world, was truly “an educational wonder worker.” A complex multidimensional person, Montessori, determined to control what she had created, expected total loyalty, almost fealty and submission, from her trainees. Montessori’s demanding personality caused tension with her four students that affected the establishment of her method in the United States.

Language: English

Published: Cham, Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan, 2020

ISBN: 978-3-030-54835-3

Series: Historical Studies in Education

Abstract/Notes: America’s Early Montessorians tells the history of the introduction and implementation of Montessori education in the United States, through the careers of Anne George, Margaret Naumburg, Helen Parkhurst, and Adelia Pyle who Maria Montessori trained as directresses. The chapter provides parallel biographies of George, Pyle, Parkhurst, and Naumburg before their enrollment in Montessori’s training courses. Anne Everett George (1878–1973), the first American trained as a directress, was America’s pioneer Montessori educator. Born in Missouri, George became a private school teacher and taught in Maryland, New York, and Chicago’s Latin School. Adelia McAlpin Pyle (1888–1968) the daughter of a wealthy manufacturer, James Tolman Pyle, was born in New York and educated by private tutors. She was fluent in French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Helen Parkhurst (1886–1973), who was born in Wisconsin, earned her degree in education from the Wisconsin State Normal School in River Falls in 1909. Parkhurst taught in public elementary schools in Wisconsin and Washington and became the Director of Primary Training in Wisconsin’s State Normal School at Stevens Point. Margaret Naumburg (1890–1963), born in New York, received her elementary and secondary education in private schools including the Horace Mann School and the laboratory school at Columbia University’s Teachers College. She was awarded her B.A. degree in June 1912 from Barnard College and did graduate study at the London School of Economics.

Language: English

Published: Cham, Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan, 2020

ISBN: 978-3-030-54835-3

Series: Historical Studies in Education

Language: English

ISSN: 0571-1142

Abstract/Notes: This fully documented article about place-based education and citizen science offers annotated sources that can be used for Montessori programs at all levels and in all settings for site selection and curriculum connections. This compilation of resources can serve as a practical tool kit for organizing place-based learning in schools. The reader can enjoy this chapter by reading through from beginning to end or can simply go directly to the resources that are organized by type and topic.

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Language: English

ISSN: 1354-1498

Abstract/Notes: National Curriculum, parental expectations

Language: English

ISSN: 1354-1498

Abstract/Notes: This action research study investigated the use of child-led play in an after school club as a means to reduce peer conflict and increase cooperation. Prior literature suggests that children behave differently during imaginative play and exhibit greater natural behavior regulation when adult involvement is limited or removed. A small group of child participants, aged 9-14 years, were given materials necessary for a roleplaying game where players take on imaginary characters and cooperatively complete dangerous quests. One child acted as game leader, designing the adventure’s challenges and providing rules adjudication. The children attended six game sessions and completed questionnaires after each meeting. I recorded incidents of conflict between children and rated each game tables' self-management of disagreement. The children also provided verbal feedback in large group discussions. This study indicated that child conflict decreased over time while child awareness increased. Additionally, the children enjoyed their participation. The children who acted as game leaders experienced the greatest change in awareness, resulting in higher expectations of their fellow students. This study has convinced me to incorporate more child-led activity in curricular and extracurricular scenarios. The empathy and self-awareness that grew from leadership during free-play proved the children's good use of independence.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2016

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1071-6246