Language: Dutch

Abstract/Notes: Anthologies of classic drama; book on American presidents

Language: English

Language: English

Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this action research study was to increase preliteracy skills, confidence, and interest in reading in a Montessori early childhood environment through a reading workshop model. Given the pressure on teachers to create stronger readers at younger ages, this work discusses developmentally appropriate language tasks for children ages three- to six-years-old using the Montessori method and emergent literacy theory frameworks. Research suggests children who exhibit confidence and interest in reading develop strong preliteracy skills. These factors predict capable and active readers. For six weeks, a Montessori early childhood classroom of 14 students and three adult guides participated in daily 30-minute reading workshops. These workshops included a short explicit language lesson lasting under 10 minutes, followed by an extended free reading time. The development of preliteracy skills, student confidence in skills, and interest in reading were tracked through formative assessments, observation, student-teacher conferencing, and student self-assessments. After the intervention, an increase in preliteracy skills, interest, and confidence were noted. The students requested to continue reading workshops due to high interest. Further work is needed to analyze the development of reading skills through the reading workshop intervention.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2020

Abstract/Notes: This study analyzed whether adding Discovery Education Techbook, as a resource for science research, would enhance students’ depth of exploration and increase their level of understanding of research topics. The study took place in a fourth and fifth grade Montessori classroom, part of a school within a school program, serving 13 fourth graders and 7 fifth graders. Data collection tools included a discussion accountability form and a science journal rubric. These displayed students’ research work and discussion participation. A student attitude scale and parent informational tool were used to record students’ feelings about science research and collect data on how often they discussed science research with their families. Evidence showed that the use of Discovery Education as an additional resource for science research did increase students’ ability to locate resources and boosted understanding of topics. Student attitude forms and parent informational tools showed more satisfied learners and better-informed families. The study verified Discovery Education as a valuable research tool that should be adapted for use in the Montessori classroom.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2017

Abstract/Notes: This study was implemented to research the effects of parent education and parents understanding of Montessori, in the form of a parent book club. The aim of this action research project was to improve parents understanding of the basic concepts of the Montessori Method with the goal to persuade parents to keep their students in a Montessori environment as long as possible. This study was conducted in a small private Montessori school. All participants had children that were enrolled in the Montessori school. Data collection was gathered using a pre/post survey, self-assessment surveys, videotaping of the book club sessions, and guided discussion questions. Results suggest that parent education was beneficial regarding parents understanding of the Montessori Method. Results also showed that through parent education parents had more questions about the nuances of education in general after the book club concluded. Through a detailed analysis of the pre and post survey, self-assessment surveys, guided discussion questions, and video recording a secondary result, the creation of community and like-minded individuals, presented itself as a beneficial outcome of parent education. The issue of Montessori students and their transition from a Montessori environment to a traditional educational setting was identified and poses the need for additional research. Overall, findings suggest that as Montessori educators we can strengthen the Montessori movement with the implementation of parent education and additional research.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2014

Language: English

Language: Dutch

Language: Dutch

Language: Dutch