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…

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…

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…

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…

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…