Abstract/Notes: This qualitative case study explores how Montessori educators in a public charter Montessori school experience Montessori education for low-income Black children. Using the methodology of a qualitative intrinsic case study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eighteducators (six teachers and two administrators). The participants are diverse in terms of age (26 to 54), race (three white, six African American), gender (two male and six female) and educational experience (2–25 years teaching). Education for Black children in the United States recounts histories of exclusion and segregation. Montessori education for children in the U.S. over the past 100 years shows a progression from exclusivity to inclusivity with the modern push for Montessori in the public sector. Neoliberal education reform is an important context to consider in the reproduction of injustice in American schools. This study’s findings show that participants are responding to this injustice. Negotiating tension, these educators draw onMontessori philosophy, culturally responsive teaching practices, and the tenets of an education for social justice to meet the unique needs of students who are impacted by trauma, inequity, and structural racism. Blending educational traditions to become more responsive to the conditions created by oppressive constructs has created a path through the tension. Prospect Montessori educators enact a hybrid Montessori program that focuses on relationships, communication, and social/emotional learning. This study’s educational implications stem from a call for Montessorieducation to examine its relevancy for under-served Black students.Keywords: Montessori, Neoliberal education reform, culturally responsive teaching, socialjustice

Language: English

Published: Chicago, Illinois, 2022

Abstract/Notes: he importance of thinking and problem-solving skills, and the ability to integrate and analyze information has been recognized and yet may be lacking in schools. Creativity is inherently linked to problem finding, problem solving, and divergent thinking (Arieti, 1976; Csikszentmihalyi, 1990; Milgram, 1990). The importance of early childhood education and its role in the formation of young minds has been recognized (Caine & Caine, 1991; Montessori, 1967a, 1967b; Piaget, 1970). Early childhood education also impacts creativity (Gardner, 1999). The features of brain-based learning (Caine & Caine, 1991; Jensen, 1998; Sousa, 2001; Wolfe, 2001) have a clear connection to nurturing the creative potential in students. Intrinsic motivation and emotions affect student learning and creativity as well (Hennessey & Amabile, 1987). The purpose of this study was to discern if a creativity-focused science curriculum for the kindergarteners at a Montessori early learning center could increase creativity in students. This action research study included observations of the students in two classrooms, one using the creativity-focused science curriculum, and the other using the existing curriculum. The data collected for this interpretive study included interviews with the students, surveys and interviews with their parents and teachers, teacher observations, and the administration of Torrance's (1981) Thinking Creatively in Action and Movement (TCAM) test. The interpretation of the data indicated that the enhanced science curriculum played a role in enhancing the creativity of the children in the creativity-focused group. The results of the TCAM (Torrance, 1981) showed a significant increase in scores for the children in the creativity-focused group. The qualitative data revealed a heightened interest in science and the observation of creative traits, processes, and products in the creativity-focused group children. The implications of this study included the need for meaningful learning experiences, experiential learning opportunities, critical thinking and problem solving activities, and an emphasis on freedom, independence, and autonomy on the part of the learner. These elements, when combined with an integrated science curriculum, can foster creativity in young children.

Language: English

Published: Santa Barbara, California, 2005

Abstract/Notes: Fotografija. Užsiėmimai Marijos Varnienės „Vaikų nameliuose“. Nežinomas fotografas, Kaunas, 1928 m. Nespalvota, horizontalaus formato grupinė fotografija lygiais kraštais. Piešimo pamoka. Vaikai piešia įvairiomis piešimo priemonėmis. [Photography. Classes in Marija Varnienė's Children's Home. Unknown photographer, Kaunas, 1928 Black-and-white, horizontal-format group photography with smooth edges. Drawing lesson. Children draw with a variety of drawing tools.]

Language: Lithuanian

Archive: Lietuvos švietimo istorijos muziejus / Museum of Lithuanian Education History (Kaunas, Lithuania)

Language: English

Language: English

ISSN: 1071-6246

Language: English

ISSN: 1071-6246

Language: English

Abstract/Notes: Learn how a theory-driven Montessori-based intervention can be used to increase student nutrition knowledge, fruit and vegetable intake and preferences

Language: English

DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2020.06.147

ISSN: 2212-2672

Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of olfactory stimuli using aromatherapy in an early childhood Montessori classroom. This study explores the effectiveness of essential oil in a collective setting with younger students. Also, this research seeks to evaluate the usefulness of aromatherapy as a tool of the Prepared Environment or materials for a Montessori classroom. The 26 students between three to six years old from a Children’s House were observed for 45 minutes during morning work cycle and the data was collected in both control condition (non-essential oil) and lemon essential oil condition days. Lemon essential oil was distributed by two diffusers in the classroom during the research periods. The data was collected collectively and independently. Four quantitative and one qualitative instruments were used for data collection. In conclusion, the lemon essential oil condition lowered productivity and stimulated students during the study period. However, this result indicated that aromatherapy intervention impacted the student’s productivity. With further careful consideration, aromatherapy can be an effective tool for the Prepared Environment and positive intervention if it is the right kind of essential oil.

Language: English

Published: River Falls, Wisconsin, 2020

Abstract/Notes: This action research project was created to study the different behaviors (focused and unfocused) that occurred when different types of music were played in the background of an early childhood Montessori classroom. The study took place at a private Montessori school located in the southeastern part of Wisconsin. There was a total of 26 children in the classroom which consisted of grades 3K through Kindergarten, with ages ranging between two and a half to six-years old. Over a six-week period, three different music conditions were implemented (two weeks at a time) into the background of the classroom environment; no music, classical music and Disney music. Focused and unfocused behaviors were observed and documented during each music condition. Quantitative and qualitative data collections were used and then analyzed to determine if music aids or deters a child’s focus. The results of the study showed that music does aid in helping a child focus during the work cycle of an early childhood Montessori classroom; specifically, the three-year olds showed the most increase in focused behavior when music played in the background. The effects of music on independent versus group work was also considered during this action research project as well as how to determine which music to include or avoid when playing music in the background of an early childhood classroom.

Language: English

Published: River Falls, Wisconsin, 2020