Describes Montessori's vision of developmentally appropriate physical environment, considers some effective design principles and characteristics of environments for young children, and identifies criteria for assessing the indoor and outdoor physical environments. (Author/KB)

Describes a combination day care/Montessori school in London during World War II to illustrate how Montessori principles of order, care, and respect can exist through the environment and throughout the day. Suggests a family-like situation for non- classroom time, discussing meals as social occasions, the importance of grooming, playtime, the use…

Describes the teacher shortage and details characteristics of the current generation of potential teachers for private schools, including their work-to-live perspective, independence, and reliance on computers and communication technologies. Asserts that community outreach should be an essential element of recruitment efforts. Outlines aspects of…

Delineates the mismatch between adolescent needs and school contexts, pointing out necessity for more hand-and- head work for better integration of abstract and concrete processes, sensory richness, and a variety of engagement opportunities. Suggests that schools move beyond the usual precollegiate over-emphasis on higher reasoning skills,…

This article examines the advantages of using automated media library systems and how to incorporate them in Montessori schools learning environment. Before even addressing the issue of Montessori philosophy and practice, Here, the author first address two principles: availability and accessibility. Availability is the first principle of a…

Seven principles of leadership that empower individuals and school communities to fulfill their potential are identified in this article. In the Montessori classroom, where children share common goals and guidelines, and in the process gain independence and maturity, the teacher moves from being a manager of capricious behavior to acting as the…

Presents guidelines for referral and test evaluation of students with suspected learning or behavioral challenges for Montessori schools and staff. Includes an observation checklist in the areas of classroom behavior, classroom performance, and social behavior for teachers to use when a student is experiencing difficulties. Concludes with…

Notes the resurgence of interest in character education in American schools, and summarizes the history of character education in American culture. Explores Montessori's views on character education, and character education as presented in the Montessori classroom. Lists 11 criteria teachers can use to enhance character education in the 21st…

Details a survey study examining the operation of 29 Montessori charter schools in 9 states. Reports findings related to the school population, founding and governance, funding, facilities, mission, special features of the program, student achievement, primary benefits or advantages, constraints or problems, and assistance the programs would like…

Discusses the need to change the Montessori botany nomenclature cards to reflect the progress of the field over the past 55 years. Maintains that the materials used should reflect the goals of botany study for children. Provides a sample outline of lessons and nomenclature for the flowering plants. Discusses the need to use available reference…

Considers the relationship between elementary and secondary education. Asserts that mixed-aged groups with a difference of 3 years promote cooperation and mutual support. Discusses scouting and sports as a means of fulfilling the void of purely academic schooling, asserting that organizations of this type provide youth with opportunities to…

Maria Montessori's worldview, shaped at least in part by her extensive travels and her experiences during World War II, compelled her to speak of peace and cooperation among nations. Though in today's world people can communicate instantly via fax, e-mail, and cell phones, and have the ability to circumnavigate the globe in a matter of days, they…

Fall of 2005 marks the 12th anniversary of Nancy McCormick Rambusch's death. As the founder of the American Montessori Society and as its first president, Rambusch reintroduced Maria Montessori to America at a time--1960--when education for the young was floundering, and a second look at the Montessori method, which had changed the early childhood…

Four-year-olds attending traditional and Montessori preschools were compared on two memory tasks and on three social cognitive reasoning tasks. Although the Montessori students performed better on the recognition task, there were no other significant differences between the groups. Conclusions about the Montessori curriculum were made. (GDC)

Presents an overview of Montessori versus traditional education programs. Focuses on differences of philosophy, curriculum, study, classroom environment, values, preparation for life, and productivity. Defines the major philosophical points of adaptation and development, and meaning. Addresses the Montessori perspective on elementary and the…