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…

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…

Although Montessori parents recognize the importance of early second-language acquisition and would like to help their children obtain these skills, they often lack the knowledge that would enable them to take an active role in supporting such learning. The staff of the Montessori Center of Nyack, New York, devised three simple ways to bring…

Chronicles the outdoor work of Lincoln Montessori School in Nebraska in prairie, forest, and indoor greenhouse environments, highlighting the application of prepared environment principles to the natural world. Highlights how implicit to the design are opportunities for caring, including practical life exercises with outdoor tools. Shows how…

Chronicles a teacher's first year teaching geometry at the Hershey Montessori Farm School in Huntsburg, Ohio. Instructional methods relied on Euclid primary readings and combined pure abstract logic with practical applications of geometry on the land. The course included geometry background imparted by Montessori elementary materials as well as…

They are adolescents--and those who work with them must understand them, connect with them, and make learning relevant to their lives. This article looks at recent theories and educational practices identified as appropriate for supporting the educational learning experiences of students ages 12 to 15. In this article, the author also discusses,…

Describes the organization and development of the first charter school in 1991, a Montessori school serving 2.5- to 6-year-olds located in Minnesota. Focuses on how the charter was written to meet the legislative requirements and maintain the integrity of the Montessori program. (KB)

Discusses challenges involved in streamlining the accreditation process of the American Montessori Society (AMS) to make it more relevant to Montessori schools. Announces upcoming validator's training workshops and a protocol for self-study to be used in addition to "The Authentic American Montessori School." Encourages Montessori schools to…

In preparation for the centennial of Montessori education, school leaders have a unique responsibility--not only to the communities, but also to Dr. Montessori's memory--to revise the educational practices in a manner that is both respectful of her theories and responsive to a changing educational landscape. This article outlines one example of…

Describes essential concepts related to the root of defining the child's motivation and the process of Montessori education. Emphasizes the "horme" (inner urge), normalization, the prepared environment, the Four Planes of Development, cosmic education, and the cosmic task in both natural and human context, and the new potential of the adolescent…

Combines insights from ecological research and Montessori theory and practice to portray the unfolding of childhood in natural places. Suggests that children's manipulation of the landscape results in optimal creative involvement. Maintains that the act of finding favorite places in all weather, combined with a positive role model, leads to…

It is within the prepared environment of the adolescent learning community that the adult comes into full connection with Montessori's universal picture of optimal development. Adolescents' search for meaning enables adults to come to a clearer understanding of the human condition. Thus, teachers of adolescents must endeavor to model the ideals of…

Describes the building designs of Virginia's Frost Montessori School, Pole Green Elementary School in Hanover County, and five elementary schools in Carroll County. Describes the educational context, design goals, and architects. Also includes photographs. (EV)

Describes transition as involving multidimensional components; highlights transitional situations in the Montessori classroom using strategies involving routines, tasks, and signals. Details transitional activities to neutralize effects of moving to a new level or teacher. Provides suggestions for helping adults deal with everyday transitions such…

Uses Havighurst's 11 developmental tasks for normal adolescence as a basis for a discussion of the prepared environment for the adolescent; tasks include adjusting to a new physical self and intellectual abilities, establishing adult vocational goals, and establishing emotional and psychological independence from parents. Considers the needs and…