Describes the Kampala Montessori Children's Nursery, one of four Montessori schools in Uganda, and serving 2- to 5-year-olds from 13 nations. Describes the classroom environment, teacher qualifications, and educational practices within the school. (KB)

Asserts that charter schools provide unique and rich opportunities for Montessori educators to influence public education. Notes obstacles to establishing Montessori charter schools related to loss of funding for the local school district, the difficulty of Montessori teachers obtaining state certification, testing requirements to show student…

Differentiates chronological time and the Greek concept of "Kairos" (a quality of time without measure) as they relate to Montessori philosophy. Argues that the child's need for "Kairos" time conflicts with the adult "Chronos" world of schedules, and that the Montessori classroom environment is successful due to its…

Describes the three-phase process of developing a new school facility for the Wilmington Montessori School in Delaware. Focuses on the unique school design requirements of Montessori schools and the collaboration between the architect, the school board, and the administration. Offers suggestions for selecting an architect, hiring a construction…

This article discusses how parents nurture their children's interest and passion for the arts, and describes the art education model in place at one Montessori school, involving integration with cultural studies and music as part of the daily learning experience. Suggestions for family art activities include creating family art projects, playing a…

Addresses the issue of whether the child must be presented with a lesson before choosing it, or should be allowed to choose any work desired. Presents arguments for each philosophy, and the pros and cons of each choice. Asserts that the free choice option is most consistent with Montessori philosophy. (SD)

A Head Start program located on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation in Colorado incorporated the Montessori approach in their program beginning in 1997. Findings from numerous focus group interviews with a cross-section of community members suggest that the educational materials, learning environment, and teaching techniques appropriately…

Advocates the use of Socratic dialogue as a paradigm of classroom organization that supports the primary goals of Montessori secondary education. Describes similarities between the structure of the Socratic seminar and first- and second-period Montessori lessons. Argues that Socratic practice provides a safe, structured environment in which…

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 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…

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…

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…