Asserts that if used correctly, with forethought and respect to the Montessori philosophy, technology will advance and complement the experiences made available to children. Addresses the integration of technology into the Montessori elementary classroom focusing on the learning environment and the reduction of teacher time spent on tedious tasks.…

This article offers suggestions for developing an effective and functional board of directors in private schools, especially Montessori schools. Suggestions relate to the creation of a strategic plan as part of the American Montessori Society accreditation process, the composition of the board and standing committees, the futility of seeking grant…

Describes the Pinunuuchi Po'og'ani, the Southern Ute Indian Academy, providing Montessori education for Southern Ute tribal members ages 6 weeks through 10 years and reviving the use of the Southern Ute language and culture among young students and their families. Describes how the program supports families, students, and staff, and incorporates…

Recounts one Montessori teacher's experience team teaching in a secondary Montessori classroom. Illustrates how a conflict over decision making with a co-teacher helped to create better relationships with students in the classroom and better communication on the teaching team. Contends that resolving issues of conflict between teachers is vital…

Describes evolution of the Montessori perspective as Montessori adolescent programs attempt to reinforce the elementary and early childhood stages. Asserts that although development of these programs is experimental and undefined, a crystallization point around the whole of Montessori may occur amid diverse implementation. Asserts that Montessori…

Reviews Maria Montessori's view of sensitive periods and examines the kinds of help needed from adults: an open mind, specific help from a prepared learning environment, and challenges presented at the right time. Stresses the universality of sensitive periods and their connection to brain development. Focuses on the unconscious nature and…

Profiles a working model of a 6-to-12 class, operating from the premise that both 6-to-9 and 9-to-12 levels embody the same complete equipping of the prepared environment for the elementary level and include all the elementary presentations. Suggests that key lessons in language, mathematics, science, social studies, and history need to be…

Describes the experience of two Montessori teachers working together to develop a Montessori charter school in Florida serving children from preschool through sixth grade. Focuses on the proposal submission, the importance of key state level supporters, documentation of their preparation, and proof of the financial ability to start the school.…

Examines adolescents' study of place from the perspective of urban and rural Montessori programs. Adolescents are invited into a study of the city or town or even a neighborhood surrounding the school as an opportunity to experience their own community and society. Highlights potential activities and areas for research. (KB)

Describes the German land schools, focusing on the Country Home School founded in 1898 and other early rural German educational experiments as a backdrop for an examination of Montessori's formulation of Erdkinder. Recommends a systematic historical study of ideas and writing surrounding the genesis of Erdkinder so that contemporary implementers…

Details, first-hand, start-up year experiences of the Hershey Montessori Farm School in Huntsburg, Ohio. Describes the emerging organization of the project, including: full-time staff roles; the typical daily schedule; occupation projects for the 2000-2001 school year; and projects for 2000-2001 related to humanities, creative expression, physical…

Presents a draft for a principle-centered position statement of a Montessori early childhood program in central Pennsylvania, on the pros and cons of computer use in a Montessori 3-6 classroom. Includes computer software rating form. (Author/KB)

In this article, Aline Wolf discusses the challenges of teaching elementary reading at present time. She also raises her concern not only about the declining of reading skills, but also about the declining number of books that students actually read which creates a dilemma for teachers. She believes that the Montessori community must give priority…

This article focuses on a teaching method developed by Maria Montessori, starting with activities in the primary classroom, which are continued through the elementary years. The author discusses a few child-centered techniques in preparing children for their work within a larger community--the whole human family. In the Montessori environment, the…

A study was done to contrast the beliefs of teachers in Montessori preschools with those of teachers in more traditional preschools. Montessori teachers were shown to be both more flexible in their attitudes toward children and more structured in their beliefs about how they should guide the child's use of instructional materials. (JN)