Abstract/Notes: Part 2 of 2

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Abstract/Notes: Written by Rob Keys, who has 30 years of experience in Montessori teacher education and school admissions, it is a book well suited for parents looking for the best learning environment for their child, as well as for parents who are struggling with keeping their child in a Montessori school beyond kindergarten or Lower Elementary.In a comment he made to me when I interviewed him about the book, he stated, "Montessori schools have long relied on the success of their graduates and word-of-mouth to validate their programs.[...]educators who are drawn to the dictum "follow the child" will bolster their understanding of how children learn best by reading this book.

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Abstract/Notes: Why elementary

Language: English

Abstract/Notes: Reprint of an article from "The Montessori Magazine" titled, "Learning to Read by the Montessori Method" which was published as 2 articles - Sep 1947, and Jan 1947 issues.

Language: English

ISSN: 0519-0959

Abstract/Notes: Measurement is a critical aspect of mathematics that affords opportunities for learning while applying and engaging with a host of other mathematical topics (Clements and Bright, 2003, p. xi). Although measurement is a theme that permeates all areas of mathematics as well as day-to-day life, research has shown that many learners find it an aspect of mathematics that is difficult to grasp, with learners often "not understand[ing] the attribute being measured or the units that are used for measurement" (O'Keefe and Bobis, 2008, p. 391). Learners often find particular difficulty in determining the surface area and/or volume of a given object. Van de Walle (2004) argues that when learners are only taught the performance of the skills of a particular procedure at the expense of developing and engaging with the concept itself, they become reluctant to attach meaning to it. This problem poses many challenges for mathematics teachers.

Language: English

ISSN: 1990-6811

Abstract/Notes: With the passing of NCLB in 2001, pedagogy in the kindergarten classroom has changed exponentially. The requirement for a rigorous academic curriculum has replaced the play-based learning that used to be synonymous with the kindergarten classroom. Since the beginning of kindergarten, researchers have worked to prove the importance of play in the classroom and the role of the educator in these play-based learning scenarios. Many studies have found a correlation between play and child development, but this has not been enough to change the minds of educators and school districts across the United States. This qualitative case study explored teachers’ perceptions and classroom interactions during play through a triangulation of data including video recordings, interviews, and observations to explore the effect play might have on the social, emotional, and oral language development of kindergarten students in a district that is already implementing free play centers in the classroom. Varying beliefs among the educators and multiple scenarios of social, emotional, and oral language development skills being used by students during these free play sessions were explored. Key themes that emerged from the data included a range of understanding amongst the teachers, the need for regular professional development on how to implement play in the classroom, and the importance dramatic play has on social, emotional, and oral language development for kindergarten students.

Language: English

Published: Springfield, Missouri, 2022

Abstract/Notes: This action research study was conducted at a rural Montana public school and included students in the first through third grade and their parent participants. The study investigated the ways that parent participation, through parent-school partnerships, could benefit student learning and achievement. The study used a combination of student surveys and interviews, while the parents completed an online survey and questionnaire. The results of the study focused on students’ perceptions of their parents’ involvement in their educational experience as well as primary ways that parents communicate with their child’s school, teachers, and their involvement with their child in and out of school. Further investigation of this study would focus on specific ways parents are involved in their child’s educational experience and observing and documenting parent-student involvement through a school-hosted program during a school day.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2014

Abstract/Notes: This study investigates the efficacy of Conscious Discipline’s teaching strategies to enrich social-emotional learning and establish a positive classroom climate in an early childhood Montessori classroom. Conscious Discipline is a written program, of instructional and behavioral strategies created by Dr. Becky Bailey (2011). The question throughout this research project was “Does teaching Conscious Discipline strategies enhance social-emotional learning in preschool aged children?” The study was conducted in a Montessori classroom, the participants being both boys and girls ranging in age from 3 to 4 years. For six weeks, Conscious Discipline strategies were being implemented on a day-to-day basis, when dealing with real-life incidents in the classroom, reading books purchased through Conscious Discipline and establishing a Safe Place. During this sixweek study data was gathered through observations, a pre-survey, and a standardized assessment, and analyzed to document the effects of Conscious Discipline. The data collected demonstrated an increase in social-emotional learning, an increase in the joy in teaching, a positive classroom climate, a decrease in aggressive acts, and an increase in student respect and responsibility in a social community.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2014

Abstract/Notes: The purpose of the experiment was to find if integrating physical education with the culture curriculum would enhance participation and increase learning in the classroom. The experiment was conducted at a Montessori school with one hundred elementary students split into a control group and experiment group. The control group received the traditional established physical education lessons while the experiment group received lessons integrated with culture themes. A pre and post assessment were given to the students to track improvements in concept retention.Observations were made during the lessons and a survey was given to the supervising teachers. There was not a meaningful change in participation but there was significant increase in scores between the pre and post assessment with the first and second graders in the experiment group. Physical Education integration with the culture curriculum aided younger students in remembering classroom lessons. Physical education will now be integrated with the culture curriculum for all elementary classrooms.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2013