Freedom & Responsibility: The Power of Self-Discovery in Late Childhood & Early Adolescence
By Jennifer Robertson, UE Guide
Dr. Montessori considered the late elementary and early adolescent planes of development to be the gateway to adulthood. When she and her son Mario were creating the Cosmic Curriculum, they believed that students in the 9-12 age range were at a point in their development when their minds were opening to the world around them. And then after, during the adolescent period from 12-18, the child's mind becomes focused on the creation of self-identity in relation to this knowledge of the outside world.
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Peaceful Conflict Resolution
Peaceful Conflict Resolution
By: Sarah Weber, Upper Elementary Guide
Because we are social creatures, conflict is inevitable. Conflict exists, at times, in all relationships. Our goal is not to avoid the conflict itself, but to engage in a process of peaceful resolution when conflict occurs. In order to support children in peaceful conflict resolution, we must first understand our supporting role as an adult in their lives. It is our responsibility to create a loving space to offer opportunities to use this technique and to model the process in our own relationships.
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What does the Student Services Manager Do?
What does the Student Services Manager Do? By Student Services and Student Support Manager, Chelsea Hinshaw
Hi! My name is Chelsea Hinshaw and I am the Student Services and Student Support Manager here at St. Joseph Montessori School. I have been working at SJMS since last October, and have learned so much already from this wonderful community. Being a lifelong learner is an important quality in Montessori education, and over this summer, the school invested in me and paid my way for myself and two other teachers to attend a one-week intensive Orton-Gillingham training program. I will use this training to support students at the Lower Elementary level.
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Montessori for Adolescents
Montessori for Adolescents
By SJMS Middle School Teacher, Jenn Jordan
Adolescence is a period of tremendous personal growth and change. The Montessori-prepared environment for this age group is designed to respond to the sensitivities of this age: personal dignity, social justice, and belonging. The positive sense of belonging is nurtured through weekly community meetings run by the students.
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The Importance of Outdoor Education
The Importance of Outdoor Education
by UE Teacher Laura McCrady
Maria Montessori believed deeply in the value of children being offered the opportunity to explore the natural world as an extension of their classroom. In our Upper Elementary classrooms, this takes a variety of forms. Our immediate outdoor space provides us with the ability to work and give lessons outside, explore the diversity of plant life found within our many gardens, and observe and work with our new beehives. These opportunities not only allow the child to become fascinated with the wonder that is Creation, but also learn how to be thoughtful and caring stewards of the earth. However, our school’s location in a residential area limits our ability for outdoor exploration. We supplement these outdoor opportunities by taking the 5th and 6th-grade students to outdoor school each fall.
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Welcome back to a new school year!
Welcome back to a new school year!
By SJMS Head of School, Brenda Huth
Our mission, as a Catholic Montessori community, is to provide a learning environment that respects the uniqueness of each child in reaching his or her full potential. It is our goal to address the intellectual, emotional, physical, spiritual, and social growth of each child entrusted to our care. We do all of this in the spirit of service and preparation through Montessori pedagogy and practice.
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