Montessori in the News

Revolutionary Montessori Training Programs - Age of Montessori

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 19:53:00 GMT

2012 was a big year for Age of Montessori. They not only published their first book written by their wonderful founder, Mary Ellen Maunz, but they also survived the MACTE accreditation process and came through with high marks! Their students gave them very positive feedback about their course experience as well. Yes, as of September 2012, age of Montessori is now a MACTE accredited institution. Every graduate of their teacher certification program will be a MACTE certified Montessori teacher! They are quite excited about this accomplishment as it opens doors for employment for their graduates as well as recognizing Age of Montessori as an authentic deliverer of both Maria Montessori’s method and message.

Founder Mary Ellen’s book, Nurturing Your Child’s Inner Life, is a spectacular work. Drawing from her forty years of Montessori experience, Mary Ellen writes with sincerity and truth. This book really dives deep into the spiritual value of children and helps adults understand both the child in their arms and the child within themselves. It is now for sale on Amazon.com for $14.95. Recently raved about as the best baby shower gift you could possibly give a new mom, we have high hopes that this book will transform the lives of thousands of children and their parents.

Age of Montessori has also revamped their course offering (Spring 2013 courses start April 8^th) to accommodate their students’ busy schedules. For those who wish to put their certification on the “fast track,” they have added options so that you can complete the entire program in just fourteen months! They did this without cutting any material and by giving you the option to complete your Intensive from mid-July to early August of 2013. Then, while finishing up the online portion, you will complete your nine-month internship. Not only does this option put certification in your hands in fourteen months; it also allows you to immediately put to use the information you learn in the interactive online portion of the course. There is also an option for completing the April 2013 course in 26 months. Each option delivers the same high-quality education and gives you personalized attention from age of Montessori Master Teachers.

2013 is shaping up to be just as big as 2012. They have some surprises in the pipeline for new products, a whole new schedule of free webinars for parents, and soon Age of Montessori will be offering two-hour professional development webinars for teachers and administrators on key topics of interest. Stay tuned to the Age of Montessori website and newsletter for the dates and topics.

A note for parents: You are the child’s first teacher. If your child is attending a Montessori school you may want to take advantage of the free resources on the Age of Montessori website. These topics help to explain what is happening in your child’s classroom and how she grows through the stages of early childhood development. These resources will give you an understanding of the basics of Montessori’s deep understanding of the child, and help support your child and his teachers throughout his education.

Age of Montessori webinars and website offer you lots of information, but for the full story, consider signing up for their information course, which also starts in April. This nine-month experience gives you the opportunity to delve deeply into the richness of what Dr. Montessori herself discovered through her observations of children over many years. It is truly revolutionary!

Is My Child Going to Adjust Well Entering Older than a Toddler?

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 00:53:00 GMT

Parents ask: Won't it be easier for my child to make the adjustment to public or private school at the kindergarten level rather than at some later date?

The goals of a Montessori classroom seem to be more closely related to those of a traditional first grade class than those of a traditional kindergarten. In most traditional kindergartens, the primary emphasis is on developing social skills with some preliminary work in cognitive readiness.

In a Montessori environment, the emphasis is on individual growth, which allows for cognitive development based on a firm foundation of sensory and motor skill training, and which makes the transition into academic work so much easier for the child.

This transition occurs naturally during the third year in a Montessori environment and it occurs without stress, pressure, or praise. At this point, a child who is ready will begin reading and working with math materials, in addition to other activities. Few conventional kindergartens are geared to do this or have children who have been prepared for such work, and so it is not introduced until first grade.

One father's reason for preferring to stay with a Montessori education was:

"We considered the school years ahead. Children usually do their best if they have good learning habits, a sound basis in numbers and math, and the ability to read. We realized that our child had an excellent two year start in this Montessori school. Transferring now to Kindergarten, the child will go no farther, whereas staying in Montessori ensures reaping the benefits of all past work under the enthusiastic guidance of teachers who share the child's joy of learning."

Montessori Training Courses - Not Only for Montessori Teachers

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 04:46:00 GMT

Normally when you think about Montessori training courses, you think about Montessori teacher training courses. We've recently come to find that Montessori teachers are not the only one's who can take advantage of these useful Montessori courses.

Montessori parent training is a great way for parents to get involved with their preschoolers education. There are non-credit courses available for parents and homeschoolers.

Main Benefits of Taking These Courses for Parents and Homeschoolers

Study online and network with other parents

Access top quality information on how children learn

Create an engaging learning environment

Increase focus in your child’s attention

Teach your child to read

Stimulate your child’s mathematical mind

Unlock the child’s full potential and innate talents

There is a great Montessori parent training service with online courses starting soon! We highly recommend taking a look at Age of Montessori and their parent training courses.

Components of the Non-Credit Course

The non-credit option includes training for homeschoolers, parents, administrators, and anyone desiring to know more about the timeless insights of world renowned medical doctor and educator, Maria Montessori. The non-certification option only includes Step 1, Online Study. Upon successful completion of Part 1, non-credit students will receive a Certificate of Attendance.

We encourage non-credit students to engage in the discussion forums, but you are not required to do reading, writing, or presentation assignments. However, you are welcome to participate in any of the class assignments. The more you participate, the more you will get out of the course.

Non-credit students are not required to take final exams and will not be eligible to attend the Intensive or to intern.

Course Outline

Nine months of online study of the philosophy and psychology that is the heart of the Montessori Method. Topics you will study include:

Getting to Know Your Prepared Online Environment
Introduction to Montessori Early Childhood Teacher Education
Preparation of the Teacher, Part 1: Personal Reflection
Maria Montessori – a Short Biography
Human Tendencies, Sensitive Periods and the Brain
History of Methods – Montessori and Major Early Childhood Theorists
Stage of Development
Prepared Environment
Liberty and Discipline
Movement, Mental Assimilation and the Work of the Child
Normalization through Work
Preparation of the Montessori Director/Directress, Part 2: Spiritual Preparation
Peace Education

During this step you will also learn about the four great avenues of learning for the early childhood years (2 1/2 -6) and the beautiful learning materials Maria Montessori designed for the children’s use. The four great avenues of learning are: Practical Life, Sensorial Development, Development of Language and Early Preparation of the Mathematical Mind.

Age of Montessori Has New Montessori Parent Training Courses Starting September, 3rd.
Click here to view the non-credit Montessori parent course fee and application.

Montessori Teacher and Parent Training
www.ageofmontessori.org

What is Montessori Education All About?

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:00:00 GMT

The basic idea in the Montessori philosophy of education is that all children carry within “the adult they will become”. In order to develop their physical and intellectual powers to the fullest, they must have freedom; a freedom to be achieved through order and self-discipline. The world of the child is full of sights and sounds, which at first can appear chaotic. From this chaos, children must gradually create order and learn to distinguish among the impressions that assail their senses, slowly but surely gaining mastery of self and their environment.

The method by which children are taught in the Montessori school involves the use of many materials with which the children may work individually. At every step of their learning, the teaching materials are designed to test their understanding and to correct their errors. They must be given the freedom to use their inborn powers to develop physically, intellectually, and spiritually.

Dr. Maria Montessori recognized that the most important requirement for learning is the self-motivation of the child. Children move themselves toward learning. The teacher prepares the environment, structures the activities, functions as the reference person and role model, and offers the children stimulation; but the children are the ones who learn, who are motivated through the work itself (not solely by the teacher’s personality) to persist in their chosen tasks. If Montessori children are free to learn, it is because they have acquired an inner discipline from their exposure to both physical and mental order-this is the core of Dr. Montessori’s educational philosophy. Social adjustment, though it is a necessary adjustment for learning in a schoolroom, is not the purpose of education.

Patterns of concentration, persistence, and the thoroughness established in early childhood produce a confident learner in later years. Schools have existed historically to teach children to observe, to think, to judge. Montessori adds to that the joy of learning at an early age and provides the framework in which intellectual and social discipline goes hand in hand.

The Right Montessori Program for Your Child

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 07:00:00 GMT

A Montessori is a good place for familiarizing a child to the school environment from an early age. So by the time they reach school going age they will have absolutely no problem in coping up with a new environment. There are different programs offered by pre-schools that are not only exciting but also contribute to the learning of your child. Though there are a number of programs every Montessori offers, you must decide on the right program for your child. Here are some of the most common programs offered by well known schools.

1. Preschool Art Program:

Most children get interested in art at early age as colors and shapes tend to attract a child. They love to scribble, draw and play with colors. If your child shows an artistic tendency then you must enroll him/her in a Montessori art program so their creativity can develop.

2. Preschool Music Program:

Where art is a talented gift for a few, music is something that almost every child loves. From singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to pressing musical chords on a piano, kids love it all! It is also a healthy way to get their mind refreshed while instilling a good hobby in them.

3. Preschool Language Program:

Language programs are good if you want your child to learn an extra language that would be helpful for them later on. You can enroll them for Spanish or French classes for getting a grip on the basics. Later they can be further trained to master the language according to needs.

4. Preschool Yoga Program:

Want to get your kids into the early habit of healthy living? Then you can get them enrolled in a yoga program. This will help your child develop a healthy lifestyle and also help them become athletic. Through yoga lessons they will learn the basic art of improving their posture.

5. Preschool Science Programs:

Children love discovering new things and a Montessori science program offers them the initiative to start exploring the world around them. From studying leaves to tree barks and flowers this is one great way to familiarize your child with Mother Nature. Schools that offer science programs, excursions and discovery exercises play a pivotal role in developing children's mental curiosity and creating a love for nature from a young age.

When searching for a Montessori for your child make sure that they offer a variety of programs that caters to your child's learning needs. Preschool is not all play but has largely to do with learning and developing your child's strong base.

by: EzineArticles

How To Recognize Montessori Elementary Schools

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Montessori private elementary schools are some of the most amazing learning centers in the country. The Montessori schools system offers one of the best education models in the country. If you are interested in putting your kid through a different but refreshing school system, then this is the one that you should go for.

Montessori schools provide a great learning method, which was developed by Maria Montessori. Maria Montessori was an Italian educator and physician. Her education method can be found in both public and private schools. She had her own particular belief system on how schools ought to be run. This system is still being followed a century later by many elementary schools around the world.

Although many schools claim to offer Montessori education system, they actually do not. You need to know how to recognize Montessori private schools from schools that make false claims. If you would like your child to join one of the private Montessori elementary schools, you should be able to understand how the system works.

The best way to differentiate schools with a traditional learning system from Montessori schools is to observe how children are taught. In a normal school system, children are usually placed in desks, and they are then given various assignments and course work, which they are supposed to complete. These kids never get a chance to understand what is being taught. They are not able to see and appreciate the importance of the information being given.

In Montessori schools, you will find students being taught subjects that pertain to their interests. The role of teachers is to assist children to learn. They do not actually give information but rather guide children to look and interpret information. Montessori learning technique encompasses learning materials and the curriculum. This system triggers a stronger will and desire to learn among students.

Montessori schools emphasize that children should look for learning information and materials that would enable them to develop their own theories and ideas. After coming up with these theories, they are expected to test and draw relevant conclusions. Teachers in Montessori schools do everything to keep the students focused on the subject matter. Students are able to stay in touch with whatever they are learning at all times. The role of the teacher in this case is to watch over the learning process. They also check whether utilizing their efforts and class time properly.

Montessori elementary schools system was developed after various educations stakeholders realized that, students learn best if they are allowed to teach themselves. Children are basically left to follow their interests independently. In a traditional school, children are forced to learn whatever teachers have on offer.

Once the teacher, has recognized interests of a particular student, he can come up with fun activities that can help the kid to retain information that he/she has learned. Montessori schools are usually meant for young children. The system allows children to develop excellent learning habits, and they do not need to use it after growing up. Montessori learning method is mostly found in private elementary schools, middle schools intermediate schools and private high schools. Dunedin tutoring follows the Montessori Method of teaching.

Montessori Education: A Child Self Study

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Montessori educational philosophy advocated by France, is a Chinese saying goes: "Give a child a fish and they will eat for a day. Teach a child to fish and they will eat for a lifetime." So, what Montessori education method is going to teach a child to fish?

Mother of Montessori Education

Maria Montessori, Italy's first female medical doctor, the first "children's home," the founder of her book "The secret of childhood","found the child", "absorbent mind" and so on, been translated into dozens of languages, many countries have set up a Montessori Association Montessori training institutions or the British educator praised her as "the 20th century to win the promotion of world-recognized scientific and human progress is one of the greatest scientists ."

Study Montessori Education Act

Montessori method of education system has been able to impact the world and still be far in the country after years of people of all ages, the key is Montessori concluded Ms. Rousseau, Pestalozzi, Froebel, who naturally educational thought, based on the combination of their own practical experience, has developed a unique education for children concepts and methods.

She believes that the task of education is to stimulate and promote children's 'inherent vitality' of the play, so according to their access to natural laws, free development of children born with a kind of common 'inner vitality', this vitality is a kinds of positive activities, developing presence, it has endless power.

Our children should be carefully observed and studied to understand the child's inner world, love children and respect the child's personality, to promote children's intellectual, spiritual, physical and natural development of personality.

Three Major Characteristics of the Montessori Education Act:

Education does not teach

"No religion" can be said that Montessori education is characterized by one of the largest, it is opposed to the traditional teacher-centered 'spoon-fed' teaching, advocated by the daily life training to start with a good learning environment, rich in education, children spontaneously active learning.

Mixed Age Education

In compliance with the Montessori teaching methods classes, often see children of different ages together, so that small children can have role models of different ages, and older children can help younger than him from the children in their ability to grow and develop emotional intelligence.

Wealth of teaching aids

Montessori teaching aids are very rich, but these aids are not teachers, but the tools for teaching children "work" of the material. Through these "work", children can repeat the operation from the practice of self-constructed perfect personality.

Self Study Basis

Ms. Montessori method of education is to promote the "freedom-based Education Law", their education has been called the "freedom of education." Freedom is not subject to any constraints children can not accept any top-down command to force the case with depression, can arbitrarily do their favorite activities. use scientific methods to observe the children, educate their children, we must first give the child freedom to express themselves to promote their own initiative, but not free equivalent to the indulgence and unrestricted.

"Let the children learn to distinguish right from wrong, know what the behavior should not be such as capricious, unreasonable, violent, unruly and impede the activities of groups should be strictly prohibited, and gradually be wiped out, and they must be patient counseling, which is to maintain the basic principles of discipline."

Discipline - The Protection of Freedom

Ms Montessori discipline is a positive state, is built on the basis of freedom. Discipline is protection of the freedom, and this freedom is based on disciplined freedom positive discipline, including a noble principles of education, and forced it completely different.

"Discipline of training can not rely on propaganda and preaching, not by the accused of error, but in the nature of the activities developed." Adhere to Montessori education, children's activities should be voluntary, is a natural inherent tendency can not be imposed on them. let children understand the activities of their own discipline, and understanding from the Lord through the voluntary acceptance of and compliance with collective rules and discipline of a person should take the initiative to discipline, the need to comply with rules to enable them to control themselves, rather than passively submit to others.

The Creation of a Prepared Environment

Montessori education very seriously by the environment to educate children. Because children need the right environment to get healthy development, and foster good character, so to create a child-based environment for children to their own lives. This "prepared environment" to meet the child's age and growth characteristics of demand , children should be given the greatest degree of security, so that children feel comfortable and free to the environment in such activities, but also to give children the feeling of beauty, whether it is color, shape, or furnishings, should be given to children not of enjoyment, in an orderly environment in which children will be the center of activities, a sense of order, operation, etc. In addition, "prepared environment" should be limited to a certain extent, children, children learned in the environment of freedom and discipline the relationship.

Montessori Teacher's Request

Educate children on the premise that we must first understand the children
Teacher's mental state is more important than skills
Alert, attentive, patient, loving, humble
Not to place children in their wisdom, the wisdom
The slow progress of children to have endless patience

Montessori Teaching Aids

Montessori education aids the biggest feature is that the children operate through self-teaching aids, from which the initiative to get a lot of sensory experience is not easy to understand and master the mathematical knowledge of Montessori teaching aids can be divided into six major areas: sensory aids education , math education teaching aids, teaching aids language education, science and culture, education aids, daily living aids education, aids and music education through survey, the most classic sensory aids for the education part of teaching aids, a socket cylinder, pink tower, brown ladder, Red Stick etc. Most Chinese parents respected mathematics education aids, there are numbers and chips, a few rods, spindle rod boxes, colored beads, etc..

Status of Montessori Education

At present, Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and other cities have adopted a number of training institutions and kindergarten Montessori teaching Education experts say, to the century-old Montessori teaching method really flourish, it must be whichever is the essence of the Montessori teaching method and the actual local situation, the combination of the actual situation of children, combined with the development of the times, the only way to whichever 'fine', learning the 'fine' and will play to the spirit of Montessori teaching method reality.

By: Agile News

University Applies for MACTE Accreditation

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 07:00:00 GMT

CONCORD, NC - Woodson University has applied to the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education (MACTE) for accreditation for its Elementary I, Teacher Education program, and has met the requirements to be an “applicant in good standing,” the institution announced this week. MACTE is a national accrediting agency for post-secondary, Montessori teacher education institutions and programs.

Being recognized as an “applicant in good standing” means the university has met the requirements for application and shown intent, said Rebecca Pelton, executive director of MACTE.

“An applicant in good standing in no means determines the outcome of accreditation,” Pelton said. “It means they have filed intent to go through the accreditation process.”

Woodson President A.L. Fleming agreed and said he is optimistic.

“I am quite pleased because, originally, this time last year, our intention was to not even apply for any status until 2012,” Fleming said. “We started the accrediting process eight to 12 months in advance of where we thought we would be.”

The new, Concord-based university began offering classes in April with five students, and it currently has about 15 students enrolled, Fleming said.

Woodson University plans to offer certificates and bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees in the areas of religious studies, Christian leadership and management and Christian education administration.

Fleming said this week that the university is currently a corresponding institution with the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS), a national accreditation body, and intends to send an official application for accreditation there in the spring of 2012.

Woodson also plans to apply for accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), a regional accreditation agency, by 2014, Fleming said.

“We don’t need (accreditation) from all (of the agencies), but we’d like to have all three,” Fleming said.

For the accrediting process with MACTE, the next step is that Woodson submits a self study, which will be reviewed by a reader who will analyze it and let the university know if any changes need to be made, Pelton said. The self study must meet certain standards.

“It’s like writing a dissertation,” Pelton said.

Pelton added that Woodson is supposed to show that its students will be qualified and able to teach and that the university has the capacity to support the program.

Once the reader declares that the university is ready for audit, a team comes to the campus to do an audit and a report, Pelton said. MACTE’s board then reviews all of the documentation and makes a recommendation regarding accreditation.

While Pelton said every step depends on Woodson and how its documents and reviews are, she said if everything goes well, the university could receive accreditation from MACTE within the next year.

“It is all determined by the quality of the self study and report,” Pelton said. “Certainly they have the possibility to receive accreditation in the next year.”

Fleming said that, while the university cannot specifically say when the program will receive accreditation, its hope is that it will be by the end of 2012.

By Jessica Groover: Independent Tribune

Montessori School Adds Disc Golf Course PE Offerings

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 07:00:00 GMT

A recent discovery and some hard work have led to another addition at Countryside Montessori. At the school's fall festival this past Saturday, the school unveiled the first five holes of a new disc golf course on the high school campus on Johnston Oehler Road. The holes are complete with tee boxes, par signs, maps and cages.

"When I took over we found them unused," said Chuck Nusinov, head of school at Countryside. "We have a beautiful wooded property and a staff member who is well versed in ultimate Frisbee and Frisbee golf."

The school plans to expand the course into the standard 18-hole length soon. The school is allowing students to help with the design, development and layout of the course.

Students will be encouraged to play during PE, at recess and after school.

Countryside already has an ultimate Frisbee club and will look to expand that. It may also begin a disc golf club once the course gets closer to completion.

"Frisbee golf is for everyone, young and old, families, beginners and experts, and it's easy to learn. A student who learns to play can take the sport anywhere with them," Nusinov said.

Disc golf uses special discs that come in various sizes and weights. Like golf, different discs are designed for use at particular distances. There are super-long-range drivers, mid- range discs and even putters for close range.

The object is to traverse the course in as few throws as possible. Each hole has a designated par score, usually ranging from par 3 to par 5. The holes have tee box areas; the hole is a metal basket with chain loops hanging in it to catch discs.

Through 2010, more than 3,000 disc golf courses had been established in about 40 countries around the world.

"It offers students a chance to play in an organized manner outside, and share it with their whole family," Nusinov said.

By Andrew Stark - News of University City

Montessori Researcher to Speak at Toledo School

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 07:00:00 GMT

An internationally renowned researcher and psychology professor will discuss "how children learn best" Thursday at West Side Montessori Bancroft Campus. Angeline Stoll Lillard's presentation begins at 7 p.m. at 7115 W. Bancroft St. Her presentation aims to address questions such as: "Why, after decades of efforts, are children not learning to their best potential?" "Why are traditional classrooms still in crisis?" "Is Montessori a viable alternative?"

She is expected to explain, based on research, how traditional teaching methods "fall short" and how "evidence points, time and time again, to the teaching methods developed by physician Maria Montessori."

Ms. Lillard has published a book on Montessori education, Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius.

Her talk is directed toward "anyone interested in how humans develop and learn, from parents exploring education options to teachers, health-care professionals, and childcare providers."

Although the presentation is free and open to the public, reservations are required. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

West Side Montessori, a private school, enrolls students from ages 13 months through eighth grade. The school has campuses in Toledo, Sylvania, Perrysburg, and southeast Michigan.

By Toledo Blade

Board Approves Montessori School Request

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Union aldermen agreed to a conditional use permit Monday night that will allow a Montessori school to operate in a residential area on Main Street. The board of aldermen unanimously approved a conditional use permit for Trisha Van Weelden to operate the school.

The Montessori school will be for children between the ages of 2 and kindergarten, Van Weelden said. It also would include a kindergarten curriculum. The hours of operation would be from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or possibly 5 p.m.

There was some safety concerns among board members due to traffic on Main Street and children who would be at the home.

“I have had a couple of phone calls concerning the safety of kids,” said Alderman Paul Arand.

Mayor Mike Livengood noted that the city could revoke the conditional use permit if there is a safety threat.

“If we see a danger, we have the right to pull it,” he said.

Alderman Dustin Bailey asked if the speed limit could be lowered on that stretch of Main Street.

However City Administrator Russell Rost noted that Main Street is a collector street and the speed limit in front of Immaculate Conception Grade School is not reduced.

Bailey also questioned if parking would be an issue when there is some type of parent event at the school.

Alderman Bob Schmuke added that Van Weelden already operates a daycare at the same location and there have not been any parking complaints.

Van Weelden is a certified elementary and Montessori teacher.

Her next step, Van Weelden said, is to make sure she meets all state requirements to open the school.

“Once this all goes through, the state will be next step,” she said.

Van Weelden added that she has a fenced-in yard, which is a requirement for state certification.

Public notices were published in The Missourian and certified letters were mailed to neighbors prior to the meetings on the conditional use permit. There were no neighbors who spoke out against the permit, and one neighbor who attended Monday’s meeting in favor of Van Weelden opening the school.

Van Weelden said she hopes to open January 2012. Her request capped the school at 25 students, but Van Weelden said she would educate at most 10-15 students with the help of an aide.

Montessori schools are based on the philosophies of an Italian physician and educator Maria Montessori and operations vary from traditional daycare's.

There are two Montessori schools operating in Washington, one within a home, and no Montessori Schools in Union, according to Van Weelden.

During last month’s planning and zoning meeting, officials questioned how neighbors have responded to the request due to a similar request in August 2010 to open a Montessori school in the Eagle Ridge subdivision.

Eagle Ridge residents were opposed to the Montessori school due to the amount of traffic that they felt the school would bring.

Van Weelden noted that she was a partner in that venture which fell through before the planning board could make a decision.

By Gregg Jones - Union Missourian Editor

Montessori School Ribbon-cutting Ceremony & Admissions Open House

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 06:00:00 GMT

EAST PROVIDENCE — The Ocean State Montessori School will hold a ribbon-cutting Ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 20, on the school premises at 100 Grove Ave. The ceremony will be held to celebrate the school’s historic purchase of the building and grounds, which it had been renting since 2002.

On hand to serve as the event’s Keynote Speaker will be Frederick G. Reamer, Ph.D., who is Professor in the graduate program of the School of Social Work at Rhode Island College. Mr. Reamer has had a distinguished career on the faculty of RIC since 1983 where he has served as an expert in the fields of social work, mental health, criminal justice and professional ethics. But he is perhaps best-known to Rhode Island audiences as the host and producer of the National Public Radio series, This I Believe—Rhode Island, a post he has held since 2007. Mr. Reamer has also served as an essayist for NPR’s Morning Edition and as a commentator on National Public Radio’s All Things Considered. His role at the OSMS Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony will mark a special return for him as both his daughters attended the school.

Students, parents and alumni, along with faculty and staff, will be in attendance for the ceremony. The event is also open to the public, especially prospective parents and their children interested in learning more about the school and its programs. The ceremony will take place from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. An assortment of Fall-themed refreshments, including apple cider and cookies, will be served.

The School will also host an Admissions Open House earlier that day from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. This event offers prospective parents a chance to learn more about Ocean State Montessori’s outstanding curriculum and innovative approach to education. Parents will meet with faculty and staff, tour the building and have the unique opportunity to see a Montessori classroom in action. All parents and children participating in the Open House are welcome and encouraged to attend the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony which will be held directly following the Open House.

By East Bay RI

Montessori School Donating Food as Part of Their 2011 Campaign to Give Back

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 06:00:00 GMT

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2010 annual report to Congress, each night there are approximately 770,000 people in the United States who are homeless. The U.S. Department of Education reports that there are an additional 700,000 children without a place to call home and who go to bed hungry nightly.

Each year Waypoint serves approximately 300 homeless women and children with overnight shelter and provides access to daytime resources to 2,000 women and children living in poverty.

Cedar Valley Montessori School (CVMS), a non-profit, non-denominational organization educating 2-6 year old children, organized a food drive for CVMS families to benefit Waypoint during the National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. This is part of the 2011 Campaign Give Back program designed to help promote to the children community awareness and helping those in need.

The CVMS children will be collecting non-perishable food items from families from November 7 through 15 then the Kindergarteners will walk the food down to Waypoint on November 16.

“Community is a large part of the Montessori philosophy both inside the classrooms and outside. This event gives us the opportunity to not only show the children by example but to get them active in giving back to the community that has shown us so much support over the last 40 years.” said Stacy Cataldo, Administrator at CVMS.

The walk will take place starting at Cedar Valley Montessori School on November 16 at 1:15 p.m. The address is 145 Transit Way SE, Cedar Rapids. It is located downtown in the Ground Transportation Center. The children will walk up 4^th Ave to Waypoint.

By Eastern Iowa Schools

Enrollments in Australian State's Three Montessori Schools are Rising As Parents Seek Alternative Education Methods

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Enrollments rose by 17 per cent - from 346 last year to 404 - with schools reporting a further increase in interest for next year. Based on the Montessori teaching philosophy, these schools offer hands-on learning that promotes independence and allows children to move through the curriculum at their own pace.

Southern Montessori teacher Heather McInerney said the school was looking to expand and open a middle school. Enrollments at O'Sullivan Beach were up 30 per cent, compared with last year.

"I think our small class sizes appeal to parents. We have quite a lot of classroom assistance and a lot of time is spent with students in small groups," Ms McInerney said.

US pediatric neuropsychologist Dr Steven Hughes, in Adelaide to speak at The Hills Montessori School tomorrow, said worldwide there had been increasing interest in the alternative education model.

He said the Montessori methods allowed children to better develop high order problem-solving skills as the hands-on approach was a more natural fit for brain development.

"We've known for a while the traditional model of schooling where teaching as telling is not the optimum model for learning," Dr Hughes said. "You are gong to learn stuff and pass tests but you're not going to teach children to be good problem solvers.

"About one third of children are suited to that, one third are there to hang out with friends, and in my work as a child neuropsychologist about one third are broken by this traditional method."

In response to increasing demand, The Hills Montessori School opened a second campus this year with 20 students to cater up to Year 10. Business administrator Barbara Hamlyn said enrollment in the middle school was expected to rise by 50 per cent next year - to 30 students.

Enrollments at Para Hills West Primary, the only public school in SA with a Montessori program, were up 14 per cent from 124 to 141. Deputy principal Robyn Calvesbert said: "There will be another eight students starting next term. There seems to be a bit of a trend."

Article found at: www.adelaidenow.com.au

Concerted Effort Leads to the Opening of a New Montessori School

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Lisa Nguyen was the epitome of cool when the Island Montessori Academy opened Tuesday after a massive six-month effort to get its new location ship-shape."

I think it’s exhaustion,” said the Academy founder and head with a wry smile on her lips. “But the opening has been smooth. The children want to be back in the regular school routine, and for the most part have already settled in.”

Over the summer, the school relocated from St. Mark’s Episcopal Church to a renovated section comprising most of the building formerly owned by the Marco Eagle, a local publication.

“We worked day and night to meet standards required by the Department of Children & Families, by the Department of Health and the city (of Marco Island),” said business manager Daphne Moss. “It was all about late nights and early mornings.”

On opening day, the school welcomed 30 students to its ranks, the biggest section being the primary program, which caters for 3 to 6 year-old's. It also offers a toddler and an elementary program.

Fees range between $4,320 and $9,970, depending on times attended within the various programs.

Moss said some finishing touches, such as an expanded playground as well as shades, will be done soon.

In existence since 2005, the school this year will offer an after-school program under Amy O’Donnell-Chapin. It will focus on activity, creativity and healthy eating and living. O’Donnell is a boot camp fitness instructor at Mackle Park.

The Montessori credo is the provision of an alternative choice to traditional education, one that allows children “to discover knowledge—and ultimately themselves—by engaging in meaningful, self-directed activity in a stimulating and nurturing atmosphere.”

Bringing his son, Anthony, into the school on opening day was a positive experience for dad Tony Pinto.

“There’s a lot more room for the kids to play, and the classrooms are bigger,” Pinto said. “He (Anthony) was a little nervous about the first day, but he’s only 2 1/2.”

Xander Ferringo’s mom Cleo was a little apprehensive about leaving her 2-1/2-year-old behind.

“I plan to take a deep breath and slowly sneak away,” she said. “He’ll be pretty good about it, though. He’s fairly independent.”

Article found at: www.news-press.com