Abstract/Notes: This study investigated how the introduction of math-based games influences children’s motivation to practice math. It was conducted in a Lower Elementary Montessori classroom, serving first through third grade and twenty-one students participated. The students played one of three games every day throughout the study. Their motivation toward math was tracked through observational data and their daily work journals. Additionally, each participant answered pre and post intervention questions to ascertain their mindset toward math. The data shows that the intervention had minimal impact on the students’ motivation toward math, although some students did increase the frequency of their math practice. In the future, students who display a lack of motivation toward math would benefit from consistent one-on-one meetings to address their motivation.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2019

Abstract/Notes: Our research introduced the use of ASL signs with hearing elementary children and examined if this intervention affected the noise level produced in the classroom. The project was performed in two Montessori lower elementary classrooms (1st-3rd grade); one at a Maine private Montessori school, with 28 hearing children, and one at a Wisconsin public Montessori school, with 34 hearing children. In Wisconsin the researcher was a teacher in the classroom, in Maine the researcher was not. Data was measured using four tools: a decibel measuring app, observation form, tally sheet, and a structured discussion. In both classrooms, the change in noise level was minimal, decreasing by 2% overall. Qualitative results, however, indicate the project was worthwhile. The children responded positively to instructions given using ASL and their enthusiasm of learning signs justified the intervention. The intervention granted the children opportunities to discuss exceptionalities. We recognized the importance in such conversations and encouraged this dialogue.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2019

Abstract/Notes: The following research assesses how the daily integration of singing and listening to music helps to construct a socially cohesive, cooperative and joyful classroom during clean up time. This study combined group singing opportunities, a music listening station and music played during clean up time. The songs used for this study included lyrical themes of cooperation, happiness, overcoming obstacles and/or friendship. The thirty-day study involved twenty-one participants between the ages of six and nine at a public, Montessori school in Missouri. Each individual completed a pre- and post-survey, as well as a survey each time they used the music listening station. During clean up time, observations were taken daily to record instances of helpful behaviors and joy amongst the participants. Results of the surveys showed that the intervention was successful at increasing positive experiences during clean up time and including a Music Listening Station as an available work choice. The intervention was not successful in creating positive experiences when singing together as a group. Further research may include the use of other mediums to promote community and collaboration like the fine arts, sports or other group oriented activities.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2019

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Abstract/Notes: Montessori is not well known among the larger community of educators, but it does fulfill many, if not all, of the standards researchers use to define excellent classrooms and teaching practices. Montessori environments are literature rich and there is a strong emphasis on skills instruction and vocabulary development. There are many lessons that address different aspects of literacy instructionbut there are not lessons or materials that specifically address reading comprehension strategy instruction. Montessori teachers are as aware of reading comprehension strategies as any other educator, but I believe there is not enough emphasis placed on these lessons because of the lack of materials in the classroom that would support such instruction. At best, this instruction is uneven in the community because it depends on an individual teacher's initiative and knowledge. Another factor I believe affects reading comprehension strategy instruction is the reliance on the Simple View of Reading, which states that reading comprehension is a product of decoding skills and vocabulary knowledge. While the SVR has been shown to be an inadequate view of reading, it is still the prevailing model. The purpose of this project was to create a resource guide that would provide background knowledge on the importance of comprehension strategy instruction and provide a framework for Montessori teachers in the "Lower Elementary" or "Elementary 1" level (grades 1-3) to use. The resource guide includes detailed descriptions of the factors and strategies that contribute to reading comprehension, lesson plans, book suggestions for teaching the lessons, and graphic organizer suggestions.

Language: English

Published: San Marcos, California, 2022

Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this research study was to explore the impact of multicultural culinary arts food preparation activities on food neophobia in the Montessori lower elementary classroom. The research study took place over three weeks in a public charter Montessori school, located in St. Louis, MO. Children ages 6-9 years old from one classroom participated in the study. The intervention strategy, based on Social Cognitive Theory, implemented key experience lessons, cosmic stories, and mindful eating strategies. Each food preparation activity lasted approximately 45 minutes and occurred three times a week during the study. The intervention demonstrated repeated exposure and involvement in food preparation activities helped to minimize food neophobia in lower elementary children. Further considerations include regular food preparation activities and classroom legacy projects, parent nutrition education workshops, and creating classroom cooking and eating traditions in lower elementary.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2023

Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this study was to look at how effective daily sight word practice was the acquisition of sight words. The study took place in a public charter Montessori school located in the Midwest. The classroom had 25 students ranging from first through third grade. Researchers assessed the daily sight word practice of 8 first graders. The researchers also administered two surveys which were given to the students and families. Each student was assessed using flashcards on the first day of each week and they were then given a list of those five words each week. They were also assessed on the last day of the week using the same flashcards from the first assessment. After six weeks of new words assessed, the students were then measured on 14 of the sight words within sentences. Overall, there was a positive learning experience for all six weeks. The parent survey focused on their knowledge of sight words and how they work on reading and sight words at home. The study shows daily practice of sight words does in fact help with the acquisition. Many parents know what sight words are but would like to learn new strategies about how to teach sight words to their child. The effects of daily practice helps strengthen the students reading skills and help create fluency.

Language: English

Published: River Falls, Wisconsin, 2023

Language: English

ISSN: 1354-1498

Language: English

ISSN: 0889-5643

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734