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 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.…

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)

Addresses the issue of homophobia, how it affects young children, and how it is commonly exhibited in the classroom environment. Recounts a classroom discussion about what "gay" means, including children's observations and comments. Asserts that children need accurate information, and that all children should be encouraged to be compassionate and…

Notes that Montessori classrooms provide children with the opportunity to explore and discover mathematics. Describes the introduction to Pascal's Triangle as a suggested opportunity to connect young children to deep mathematical truths. Provides teachers with materials requirements, and notes ideas on what can be acquired from the problem, the…

Offers strategies for preparing children for literacy in the early Montessori classroom through emphasis on phonemic awareness. Specifically addresses activities to develop phonological and phonemic awareness including song, the alphabet, rhyming activities, "I spy" games, word games, and word segmentation. Presents a case study in…

Asserts that graphing calculators give students and teachers the ability to investigate, explore, compare, and discover concepts in a much more comprehensive way than simple calculators or no calculators at all. Offers specific examples that illustrate the advantage of graphing calculators in the Montessori middle school classroom. Lists three…

Describes typical transitions during Montessori's third plane of development, focusing on how the educational environment can offer a curriculum consonant with development. Describes how contemporary Erdkinder models at middle and high school levels have incorporated work on the land and apprentice learning to meet adolescents' needs/interests.…

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…

Discusses the essential elements of Montessori educational philosophy and theory, focusing on the integration, development, and maintenance of the four characteristics of normalization (concentration, work, discipline, sociability) into adulthood. Discusses Montessori's view that development and retention of these positive characteristics could be…

Reflects upon the Montessori teacher's role as a peace educator in light of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Rearticulates Montessori's assertion that only through education can the fundamental issues of peace be addressed. Suggests that Montessori teachers seek professional development opportunities to help them incorporate the peace…