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Montessori Teachers Chatboard

Circle time

by Lily

Dec 4, 2010

Sometimes my circle time was a mess and gave me big headache. I usually sing songs and read books to the children. But when I start to maintain the discipline in the classroom, I know I would lose them soon. I only have 5-6 children around 2 -3 yo!

How long is the circle time in your classroom? What kind of activities do you usually do? D...See More

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Mary We don't do circle time everyday either. We do gather the group together (as an invitation) for birthdays, walking on the line and the silence game. These activities are culminating activities - not introduced until the children have been given some preliminary lessons to prepare them for the control of movement necessary. In my training, I was tau...See More

Dec 4, 2010

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CS You don't have to do it everyday. It's your choice - it depends on what you want to accomplish.

In my primary classroom of 26 (between ages 3-6), I do circle time every morning for about 20 min (we do the calendar everyday & other days something specific)

Monday - Letter of the week Tues - Sharing Wednesday - Games/songs Thurs...See MoreYou don't have to do it everyday. It's your choice - it depends on what you want to accomplish.

In my primary classroom of 26 (between ages 3-6), I do circle time every morning for about 20 min (we do the calendar everyday & other days something specific)

Monday - Letter of the week Tues - Sharing Wednesday - Games/songs Thurs - Show & Tell Fridays - Bingo

I like structure so my kids knew what to expect & honestly I had minimum disruption during circle. But for your age group, I would really limit circle to 5-10 min. Maybe try a schedule so kids know what is expected each day(?) It may be that they are bored so they don't care to sit still. Use quiet voices, maintain eye contact & try to keep it interesting.

Mondays, you can practice walking the line. Tuesdays - practice carrying trays quietly on circle. Wednesdays - Games/songs (get them moving with some gross- motor skills) Thurs - Stories Fri - maybe let them choose from a list of acceptable choices.

If you give them a small percent of power in this matter, they may be more willing to sit & listen. Just a thought. Don't WAIT to maintain discipline. You can establish simple rules before they sit down (not too much, for your age, limit to 2-3 simple rules they must follow) & perhaps remind them of that each morning. Also, when they do behave, give them LOTS of verbal praise.

Good luck.

On 12/04/10, Lily wrote: > Sometimes my circle time was a mess and gave me big > headache. I usually sing songs and read books to the > children. But when I start to maintain the discipline in the > classroom, I know I would lose them soon. I only have 5-6 > children around 2 -3 yo! > > How long is the circle time in your classroom? > What kind of activities do you usually do? > Do you plan a theme for every month or you don't do any > themes, just choose songs/books for your children? Besides > singing songs, reading books, is there anything else you > would do during circle time? How do you maintain the > discipline in the circle time? > > Thanks for sharing your experience.

Dec 5, 2010

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what is montessori

by public montessori

Dec 5, 2010

I work in a public montessori school in an area where montessori is not well known. When a parent ask me "What is Montessori?" and "How is it different from a regular public school?" what is the best answer to give them.

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good quality materials

by Julie

Dec 14, 2010

can anyone please recommend a quality source of montessori materials. I am just stocking up a pre school classroom and I want to make it a worthwhile investment. thanks, Julie

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Mary I set up a classroom with Nienhuis materials about 12 years ago and we are just starting to replace some of the most often used items

Dec 15, 2010

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Monthly Newsletter

by CM

Dec 15, 2010

Does anyone writes monthly newsletter. I have looked at the traditional school newsletters where all the children are and will work on the same thing. But in the Montessori classroom except the discussion and few activities regarding the monthly theme there is nothing common. could you please guide me what to write in the newsletter. Thanks a lot a...See More

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Shawna On 12/16/10, maureen wrote: > and I forgot that I ALWAYS thank parents for anything and > everything they might have done for the school be it attend a > parent ed class, donate materials for a celebration, etc. That > is very important, probably the most important to always > include.

Do you have a newsletter template that ...See More

Aug 24, 2011

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maureen On 8/24/11, Shawna wrote: > On 12/16/10, maureen wrote: >> and I forgot that I ALWAYS thank parents for anything and >> everything they might have done for the school be it attend a >> parent ed class, donate materials for a celebration, etc. That >> is very important, probably the most important to always >> includ...See More

Aug 25, 2011

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How long Do you switch some of the materials on the shelves?

by Lily

Dec 24, 2010

If so, how long would you Like pouring water, pour grains, do you always keep them on the shelves for the whole semester? I know trays, mug etc. should be replaed now and then to raise the interest.

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Lily Thanks a lot, Maureen & Donna. Would you like to share some of your PL activities?

I have opening & closing (bottles, purses, safety pins, locks),spooning, tonging, pouring water from jug to jug, pouring water with funnel, pour grains from jug to jug, polishing activities(glass, metals, wood), folding cloth & clothes, dusting,...See More

Dec 27, 2010

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Donna Leffler Lily I would love to exchange ideas, email me sometime.leffler.[email removed].

On 12/27/10, Lily wrote: > Thanks a lot, Maureen & Donna. Would you like to share some of > your PL activities? > > I have opening & closing (bottles, purses, safety pins, > locks),spooning, tonging, pouring water from jug to jug, pourin...See More

Dec 29, 2010

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New Montessori Teacher

by Leoa

Dec 25, 2010

I will begin teaching in a Montessori school in approximately 1 week. Although I have many years experience as a pre-school teacher, this will be my first in a Montessori setting. My son attended Montessori years ago and now that I have an opportunity to work in this setting I am so happy. I have to begin my training within a month of starting this...See More

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Donna Leffler Leoa it helps to visit as many other classrooms as you can. I spend a lot of time observing other schools and become friends with teachers. I don't have very many schools here so i also search schools on the internet. If you are able to go to the AMS conferece in Chicago this March it is a fun weekend and a chance to meet other Montessori teachers....See More

Dec 29, 2010

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Cultural programs & in-house field trips

by Rolling Thunder Enterprises

Jan 7, 2011

Dear Educator,

Please read the attached information pertaining to a cultural showcase that lends to the best of edutainment programming and in-house field trip alternatives.

With the winter lockdown contributing to cabin fever within our homes and schools, teachers and program directors are becoming anxious and creative in their...See More

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Re: Starting a Montessori School

by CM

Feb 27, 2011

Hello everyone,

I have looking for a place to open a Montessori school for quite a long time now in San Francisco bay area. I have not found anything yet. Please advise. Thanks.

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