Language: English

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Abstract/Notes: A BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE PRACTICE By David Elkind Redleaf Press Paperback, $29.95 This new book, by Early Childhood expert David Elkind, trains its lens on 11 "Giants in the Nursery"-historical figures who played a major role in the evolution of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP).In the Prehistory chapter, there are oversimplifications and unclear writing: "Although the humanistic leaders of society tried to use the printing press to their own advantage, it could not put back in the bottle the cultural genie the printing press had released" (p. 15).The organizing theme of DAP is good, although some of Elkind's statements about it seem puzzling to me, such as "DAP provides the most integrated curricula of socialization, individualization, work, and play than does any other approach to education" (p. 5).

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 0362-4331

Language: English

ISSN: 0140-0460

Abstract/Notes: Examines the role of education in enhancing the natural spirituality of children. Maintains that when young children are given freedom of choice in activities, their behavior becomes gentle, compassionate, and purposeful. Asserts that children unconsciously build the basic structure of the human personality and that spirituality is evident in the first 3 years of life. (Author)

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Abstract/Notes: In Nurturing the Whole Child: Montessori Principles Applied to the Catechesis of Children, Gianna Gobbi draws on a lifetime of experience with children, having apprenticed with educator Dr. Maria Montessori, and collaborated with biblical scholar Sofia Cavalletti to develop the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS). With a deep understanding of the way children hear God speak to them personally and with profound simplicity, Gobbi explains how Montessori principles are practically applied with children in the context of religious formation. This work is the fruit of entering gently and respectfully into the child's joyful encounter with the mystery of God's silent self-revelation made tangible through ancient biblical images, liturgical signs, and celebrations. Originally presented in Italian as a series of lectures for the formation of catechists in CGS, “la dispenza di Gianna” has been translated in English and edited for publication. This book is an important addition to the CGS library and a valuable reference in the formation of catechists in CGS. Parents of young children attending the CGS atrium will also find this book an informative resource on the nature of children and their prayer life.

Language: English

Published: Chicago, Illinois: Liturgy Training Publications, 2024

ISBN: 978-1-61833-491-6

Abstract/Notes: One key characteristic of Montessori classrooms is that children freely choose to engage with whatever they are most interested in. A common concern about Montessori is thus whether students will concentrate on their work throughout the day, and even whether they will actually choose to work at all. We completed 115 observations of children in Montessori Primary classrooms (ages 3-6), coding for children’s concentration and activity across two to three hours in the morning. The best fitting model of concentration across time was a quartic model, including age. This model indicated that 3-year-olds had two bouts of concentration, with a brief period of fatigue mid-morning. Four-year-olds showed an increased ability to concentrate across the entire morning, with minimal indication of fatigue. Five-year-olds showed a higher level of concentration than their younger peers, and were able to concentrate longer than the 3-year-olds, but this was followed by a period of fatigue. These findings are in line with Montessori theory, and suggest that children do freely choose to concentrate on their work. In regard to activities that children chose to do, we found children choose to spend a majority of the time engaged in work. Further, children distributed their time across all areas of the classroom, indicating that choice does not limit their exposure to any one area of learning.

Language: English

Published: Charlottesville, Virginia, 2020