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Montessori Teachers Chatboard

Parts of Wonder

by Ann Wilson

Mar 21, 2010

Hi there,

Stop by [link removed].

Warmly, Ann Wilson

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anyone trained at CMTE in NY?

by Marsha

Mar 22, 2010

I am considering training in Elementary II (6-9) this summer at CMTE in New Rochelle, NY. I'm just wondering if anyone else trained there who could share their experience with me? Would you recommend it? Thanks!

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sheri On 3/22/10, Marsha wrote: > I am considering training in Elementary II (6-9) this > summer at CMTE in New Rochelle, NY. I'm just wondering if > anyone else trained there who could share their experience > with me? Would you recommend it? Thanks!

I did in 2001. It was a wonderful experience. You can catch the train on the weeken...See More

Mar 22, 2010

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newbie to Montessori at CMTE Hi, I am a newbie to the Montessori program after thirteen years in the public education sector. I need some help and advice. I will be working with 15 (6-9) starting this fall as a title 1 teacher. Is anyone out there who would be willing to mentor me through this? By the way, I will be going through the same program Marsha. I am finishing up my p...See More

Apr 16, 2010

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New owner...class rowdy, staff lazy

by Frustrated

Mar 28, 2010

Folks

this board has helped me in the last and I'm looking to get more help again.

I recently took over a Montessori school. With it, came the existing children and staff.

Here's my issue...it seems the previous owner/lead teacher was hardly there (she had another location) and so the teachers took things easy and in turn...See More

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micki eople, children and adults, will work harder for love than they will for fear. Unfortunately, your act of firing a teacher and your posts here reveal that you are taking the fear route. This is not going to work well for you. Unless you can change your approach and begin supporting the teachers (find SOMETHING positive they are doing, and praise th...See Moreeople, children and adults, will work harder for love than they will for fear. Unfortunately, your act of firing a teacher and your posts here reveal that you are taking the fear route. This is not going to work well for you. Unless you can change your approach and begin supporting the teachers (find SOMETHING positive they are doing, and praise that, just like with kids)you will continue in the wrong direction!

If you truly are a Montessorian the answer is already in your heart.

On 3/30/10, maureen wrote: > I will keep this brief as you have gotten some decent advice > already. My thoughts when I read this was that these teachers do > not seem to show any signs of being Montessorians. I just can not > imagine an authentic Montessori teacher displaying the > chararcteristics you described. > > > > > > On 3/30/10, teacher wrote: >> You move forward in a supporter manner, very slowly and very >> aware that you must make you staff feel they are valued and >> worthy. You can't tell someone what to do and have them do >> it...you need to gain their confidence and trust....and it will >> take time... >> >> You know what is correct..but that has not been the >> standard..you need to model the right way to do things and wait >> for the change to happen, with a little nudging ... it will be >> a very difficult task... >> >> You can "clean house" and let everyone go...and be the only >> teacher until you normalize you class...or you work with what >> you have....good luck... >> >> On 3/28/10, Frustrated wrote: >>> Folks >>> >>> this board has helped me in the last and I'm looking to get >>> more help again. >>> >>> I recently took over a Montessori school. With it, came >>> the existing children and staff. >>> >>> Here's my issue...it seems the previous owner/lead teacher >>> was hardly there (she had another location) and so the >>> teachers took things easy and in turn, the children have >>> suffered. I have yet to see one child that has actually >>> done an activity the "right" way from beginning to end. >>> >>> If we can get them to roll a mat properly, they won't carry >>> it properly. If we get them to carry it, they won't put it >>> away properly. If they pick an activity from the shelf >>> (esp practical life), they NEVER EVER put it back in it's >>> exact spot. The biggest issue is with practical life it >>> seems and then some sensorial materials. >>> >>> When I came in, I tried to get the staff to be more >>> vigilant with the children and how they use the >>> materials...it's not consistent...they do it some days, not >>> others. There's no head teacher per se. I'm a qualified >>> Montessori, I have another qualified Montessori (a >>> follower, not a leader so I guess she would be an >>> assistant), one Montessori assistant and another assistant. >>> >>> I'm trying to split my time between the classroom and the >>> office (fielding calls, inquiries, typing up schedules, >>> newsletters, arranging fieldtrips etc). I tried to get my >>> staff to do it, no one seems to take the initiative...all I >>> ever hear are excuses. >>> >>> I want the "ideal" Montessori classroom - within reason >>> ofcourse...understanding that children sometimes have bad >>> days... >>> >>> Some of the children have been in the school for 2+ >>> years...others that have just started and then others that >>> will be starting in September. >>> >>> How do I go back to the beginning...having ALL my children >>> learn how to use materials carefully and properly...work >>> that can keep them focused/entertained/busy so they don't >>> disrupt children. >>> >>> I do have a mixed age room...ranging in age from 22 months >>> to 5 years. It's one large room. >>> >>> How do I get the staff on board? I fired one staff member >>> (too much complaining, not enough work, no enthusiasm, >>> looked miserable all the time and that was even working >>> with the children...brought team morale down). I was >>> hoping that it would "scare" the others into pulling up >>> their socks...but it seems they only do what they are >>> supposed to...nothing more...there's no initiative and no >>> enthusiasm... >>> >>> I guess the staff can be replaced bit by bit but how do I >>> fix the classroom? >>> >>> Someone mentioned reducing the number of activities on the >>> practical life shelvs to maybe two-three so children get >>> used to using the ones that are out and then put them back >>> where they are supposed to go. Add more as time goes on... >>> >>> But what about over-all classroom management/normalization? >>> >>> Any ideas...??? >>> >>> PLEASE

May 8, 2010

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some thoughts I think there are several issues to be addressed.

First, you need a strong lead teacher, who has a core belief and strong understanding of the Montessori philosophy. This lead teacher needs to be present at all times. If you cannot be in the classroom because of office responsibilities, you need to get someone who can. Is it possible to f...See MoreI think there are several issues to be addressed.

First, you need a strong lead teacher, who has a core belief and strong understanding of the Montessori philosophy. This lead teacher needs to be present at all times. If you cannot be in the classroom because of office responsibilities, you need to get someone who can. Is it possible to find someone who can be an office manager so that you can dedicate your time to the classroom, mentoring the other staff, etc.?

Second, what type of Montessori training does your staff have? Did they have a practicum portion in their training, and how detailed was it? It seems that there are several types of trainings now-a-days, with a huge range, from the most familiar (AMI and AMS) to distance learning. Not all are equal.

Do you have a school philosophy and statement? Were changes and expectations discussed with the staff? Do you hold staff meetings and provide staff development opportunities? Perhaps attending a Montessori conference or seminar / refresher would reconnect them to the philosophy.

Do you mentor your staff? Not just in classroom management, but in grace and courtesy lessons, how to observe, etc. By jumping between the classroom and the office responsibilities, the staff may also be experiencing a feeling of chaos.

I also feel that going back, emphasizing the grace and courtesy lessons should be a focus - not only for the children, but for the staff. Remember, it takes quite a while for these to become internalized, and you are already taking existing behaviors and trying to turn them around - again, not only in regards to the children, but also in regards to the staff.

It kind of sounds like you are looking for normalization to be in place so that the classroom operates, when you should be operating so that normalization CAN take place.

Have you done personal growth challenges with your staff? Do they have professional and creative goals they would like to work towards? Can you encourage them to choose something they would like to work towards and provide support and opportunities for them to do so?

Your role as the new owner may be to step out of the classroom as the teacher, and become a mentor to staff, at least initially. It may take a year or longer to get the school, staff and children are cohesive.

May 14, 2010

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Furthering Montessori credentials

by Cheryl Advani

Apr 4, 2010

Hello everyone,

I am AMS primary & elementary certified & have been teaching for 7 years (the last year as an elementary directress). I am contemplating adding a Masters in Education to my credentials.

I am wondering if a M.Ed will benefit me in the long run. Any advice for me? Has anyone done this or even contemplating t...See More

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Autistic and partially brain damaged children

by Sandra Liao

Apr 4, 2010

I am about to start a volunteer work with disable children in different forms in a orphanage in Asia. Does anyone has experience working with special needs children esepcially the austistic ones? Thanks.

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Matt I got the chance to meet with Sandra while she was here in Taiwan for a visit. It was great meeting someone who really enjoys Montessori at the level she does.

I hope China works well for you, Sandra.

Matt

On 4/07/10, Robin wrote: > Nicley put Susan! Sandra, I am a Special Education Assitant. > Please feel free to ...See More

May 17, 2010

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Sandra Liao Hi Matt, Nice to see you here again. Not much to share now since I returned only for the 3rd day. I plan to read a book called "the curious incident of the dog in the night-time", haha!

On 5/17/10, Matt wrote: > I got the chance to meet with Sandra while she was here in Taiwan for > a visit. It was great meeting someone who really en...See More

May 20, 2010

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School Opening Project

by Holly Reardon

Apr 14, 2010

I am looking to open a montessori school in Mass - I am in need of a highly trained Montessori teacher to help me develop the business plan and share input on the design and layout of the school as well as the course plan. I also need to decide if I want this school to be charter or private. I have already decided to go with K-3 to start. I have th...See More

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Mary Hey Hollly! While I have lots of experience, I can only help you with online support but I do think it's a great idea for you to partner with someone interested in joining you long- term. Did you consider posting your notice on NAMTA? Good luck! Mar

Apr 15, 2010

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Toddler presentations and classroom guidelines

by GG

Apr 18, 2010

I am thinking of setting up a Toddler class for 2-3 year olds and was wondering what classroom guidelines are appropriate for this age group. Does each material need to be presented? And must the child wait for a presentation before choosing the activity? Any advice would be a huge help since I am currently a 3-6 directress. Thanks GG

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Mary A book recommendation: Understanding the Human Being: the first three years of life by Silvana Montanaro Two website recommendations: toddlertutor.com guideyourchild.com

Good Luck

Apr 28, 2010

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Newbie to train at CMTE this summer

by gcat

Apr 23, 2010

Hi, I am a newbie to the world of Montessori teaching after teaching for thirteen years in the public school. I am going to CMTE/NY this summer. Has anyone done this and taught at a Montessori school before? How can I get a hold of what lesson plans and grades are like in a Montessori classroom? How can I be organized and ready to go for the new jo...See More

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CJ Hello,

Welcome to Montessori. I would say you could use your existing lesson plans and adapt it to the Montessori materials/lessons for the children. At least you have something to start with and make improvements as you go along to suit the individual needs of each child.

I am also interested in why you are entering Montessori af...See More

Apr 23, 2010

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gcat Thank you so much CJ for sending me a response so quickly. I am interested in pursuing Montessori because it is another area that has interested me for sometime, but never truly pursued. I also applied for an assistant position with a Montessori school last summer, but I never got it. Now I have been hired as a Montessori school teacher.

...See More

Apr 24, 2010

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looking for photographers

by PAV

Apr 29, 2010

Hi there I am looking for a photographer from Toronto and GTA for my school.please help thank you PAV

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Shary Hi,

Please visit my website where I have posted various images (events, portraits etc.).

Contact me back if interested.

Best, Shary

On 4/29/10, PAV wrote: > Hi there > I am looking for a photographer from Toronto and GTA for my > school.please help > thank you > PAV

Apr 30, 2010

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staff development and supervision for early childhood progra

by cm

May 5, 2010

I want to take this course during summer. Does anyone know of any college offering this course in bay area in summer. I would appreciate any help. Thanks.

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