This report presents guidelines for use by architects, designers, and teachers in designing an environment that will complement and enhance the Montessori teaching method. The report provides a history of the Montessori Method, analysis of books written by Montessori and her followers, review of methods and settings, and a section containing…

Briefly compares the actual practice of five Melbourne Montessori preschools with the practice of four Melbourne traditional kindergartens, in an effort to identify discrete and common philosophical and applied elements of the two kinds of programs. (Author/CM)

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…

Draws on the principles of architect Frank Lloyd Wright and educator Maria Montessori to create a new genre of architectural design for schools--schools that nurture. Suggests that Montessori schools may develop their own architectural statement as they integrate indoors and outdoors with Montessori-specific requirements for the prepared…

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…

Articulating a philosophy of education for oneself, and getting the meaning across to others, is complex work. Here, the author presents some questions to ask that help identify the school's philosophy. The author also emphasizes re-examining the goals as well as starting the school year with confidence.

In this article, the author discusses several approaches in facilitating teachers, faculty, and staff members in giving birth to publishable writing that will allow them to share their ideas with other professionals. One effective approach is to find the strongest angle for a story and then narrowing it down.

Lawrence Kohlberg, a psychologist, coined the term "Just Community" to describe a community built on trust and resolution, in which each member participates democratically in the development of the rules and regulations that govern their community life (Kohlberg, 1985). In a school, this means that students and teachers alike actively participate…

Addressing the many complex issues associated with culture, race, and diversity is tough under any circumstances. But such issues become even more complex in school settings where large numbers of students speak different languages and reflect diverse ethnicities and socioeconomic statuses. In this article, the author describes how the faculty…

Discusses an orientation to the local environment as the lens through which to detect global change. Discusses how students can relate to a structure that includes the intertemporal, interspatial, intergenerational, and interspecies realities of place leading to a comprehensive view of biology. Discusses the existential tensions intrinsic to…

Suggests a Montessori elementary level physical education program that provides outlets combining physical and mental energies as well as moral and social awareness. Includes daily scheduling that avoids disruption of work cycle with different daily activities. Suggests the arrangement of key lessons, a healthy attitude toward competition,…

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…