Tour of the Toddler 1 Environment. By SJMS Toddler 1 teacher, Tammy Chabria
What makes a Montessori Toddler community special is the focus on learning independence and life skills (what we in Montessori call Practical Life), and a carefully prepared environment that provides activities tailored to each child that are just difficult enough to provide challenge and growth.
Read MoreWhy do Montessori Guides speak their own language? By Head of School Brenda Huth
The Montessori approach, much like any science, has its own set of vocabulary and terminology. Dr. Maria Montessori was one of the first educational theories to spring from direct, ongoing scientific observation of children. As a pioneer, Dr. Montessori did not have a ready-made vocabulary with which to describe the behaviors she observed and the developmental stages to which they pointed. As a scientist with the lens of a medical doctor, Dr. Montessori expected teachers to use her same scientific methods of observation and analysis to guide the children in their care. In order to share her knowledge and train future generations of teachers in pedagogy and methods, Dr. Montessori coined the necessary terms. These terms are taught today in Montessori Teacher Education Programs worldwide.
Our Relationship with Failure: Beginning Our Growth Mindset Journey in the Music Classroom
By Hannah Greer-Young, Music Specialist
Stanford University psychologist Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D. studied how students encountered failure and noted the different reactions of students to mistakes. In her work compiling her research, she identifies these differences as two separate mindsets: fixed mindset and growth mindset. She defines them as follows:
The How’s and Whys of Second Language Learning at SJMS
by SJMS Spanish teacher, Kristina Hartzell
Developing and implementing a Second Language curriculum in a preschool through 8th grade Catholic Montessori school has been inspiring yet also challenging in many ways. This article will address the factors that influence and give shape to our Global language program at SJMS.
Read MoreIndependence in Montessori
By Children’s House teacher Carolyn Thomas
Independence develops when the child has the liberty and freedom to act and learn within a structured and prepared environment. This prepared environment has Montessori materials, opportunities, and occasions for children to interact with the materials in an educative way.
What a year 2020 has been! We have all been challenged, felt anxious, and had to make adjustments to our everyday lives to accommodate our new reality. As a new member of the SJMS faculty, I am continually inspired by the creativity and care of our teachers, the resilience and persistence of our students, and the support and strength of our families. I brought my own daughter to SJMS last year because of the commitment to family and community that this school cultivates, and as a teacher, I have been so blessed to see this commitment close-up in all of our stakeholders. In this historical moment, confronting global health crises, political divisions, and environmental challenges, I am so proud of the work that this school and the community does to meet the moment and grow from it.
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