In her masterpiece The Absorbent Mind, Dr. Montessori taught that “…when the attractions of the new environment exert their spell, offering motives for constructive activity, a unique type of child appears, a ‘new child;’ but really it is the child’s true ‘personality’ allowed to construct itself normally.” 

We will enter an exploration of this question by looking at the origins of what may be held within each quality of the ways we are with children. By considering our intentions, motivations, and where our focus resides. Is it more externally focused or moving from within? And what impact can this have on the experience of who we are with?

We will move through a process of discernment, which is unique to each one of us, offering clues to where guidance and teaching. As a map or pathway towards collaboration and learning in new ways. How might this matter in the classroom?

Hear from Norman Huynh, one of classical music's most adventurous ambassadors, about his transformative journey, spanning from the enchantment of his childhood to the attainment of a music education degree and ultimately, his esteemed role as the Director of the Bozeman Symphony.

 Learn how to inspire children with music from the earliest ages. Gain insights into seamlessly integrating music into your Montessori environment, unlocking the potential for a profound and immersive musical experience. Embark on a journey of inspiration as Mary Ellen and Norman showcase examples of how to harness the power of music as a transformative vehicle across all realms of education. Prepare to be motivated and enlightened by their stories and expertise!

Embark on an exploration of the pivotal role observation plays in the dynamic environment of infant and toddler classrooms. Join me as I unravel the significance of honing your observation skills and discover practical tools designed to streamline and enhance your observational process.

In the realm of Montessori education, observation is not just a passive activity—it's a skill to be actively cultivated. Through this presentation, I will guide you in refining this skill, emphasizing its transformative power to elevate your efficacy in a Montessori classroom. Be prepared to immerse yourself in a journey that not only highlights the art of observation but also empowers you with actionable strategies for continued growth and impact in your educational practice.

This presentation delves into the core principles of Montessori education, focusing on the dynamic interplay of the Montessori Triad – the child, the teacher, and a well-prepared environment. Courtney explores the philosophy of "Following the Child," emphasizing Dr. Montessori's perspective on the teacher's success being measured by the children working as if the teacher does not exist. Strategies for guiding children away from disruptive behavior are discussed, with a keen focus on the 4 Ds: dangerous, destructive, disruptive, and disrespectful.

The presentation also introduces the concept of the "3 Types of Children" – Workers, Watchers, and Wanderers – and emphasizes the importance of creating a structured classroom environment that fosters independence. Classroom management is explored as the process of establishing consistent rules and boundaries that are respected by all, providing children with a sense of security and confidence.

Delve into Maria Montessori's diverse array of passions, with a spotlight on her impactful teaching philosophy encapsulated in the poignant assertion: “Man must be educated to realize his greatness and to become worthy of the powers that are his.” Drawing insights from her enlightening 1949 San Remo lectures, we ponder the profound question of whether humanity is as self-centered as commonly perceived, contemplating the significance of cultivating gratitude and humility

To underscore the global resonance of Montessori's principles, we will visually showcase compelling images depicting diverse environments and children engaged in meaningful activities across Montessori schools worldwide. This visual journey serves to illuminate the universality and timeless relevance of Montessori's educational approach.

Explore the profound impact of nature on children's gross motor development and overall well-being. Delve into the concept of "nature deficiency" and uncover the remarkable benefits that nature offers, including heightened curiosity, enhanced observational skills, intrinsic motivation, and an abundance of imagination and adventure. Discover how the lack of outdoor experiences can affect a child's development and learning journey, drawing insights from extensive research. Gain practical strategies for reintroducing nature into children's lives, whether in urban or rural settings, and reignite their innate connection with the natural world.

Embark on a journey to uncover innovative ideas and practical tips designed to transform your classroom environment. Throughout this session, we will delve into strategies that empower educators to effectively navigate and address the unique challenges that children bring to the school year. Our primary focus will be on the pivotal role of the prepared environment in fostering a dynamic and conducive learning space.

Labyrinths in schools have been shown to: Engage children's natural imagination and creativity; Help children to calm, center and self-soothe; Provide a safe place to share feelings and integrate new concepts; Connect children to nature and one another; and Build community and a sense of interconnectedness. Labyrinths align beautifully with Dr. Montessori's observation that "the child uses his movements to extend his understanding. Movement helps the development of mind..." After a brief history of labyrinths, participants will learn to introduce Labyrinths to young children; Learn to create both Finger Labyrinths and Outdoor Labyrinths employing a variety of materials and designs; and Incorporate Labyrinths into a Peace Corner with tips to help children enjoy "Time-out for Time-in!"

This presentation delves into the art of using children's books as dynamic springboards for impactful lessons in the Montessori environment. Discover the essential criteria for selecting the right books to support your teaching objectives, and gain insights into how book-based lessons align with language comprehension, a crucial aspect of the science of reading, including the key components of Scarborough's reading rope. Explore a treasure trove of specific lesson ideas inspired by various children's books, unlocking the potential to captivate young minds and foster a deep love for learning.