Friday

Friday, 7 AM – 4 PM Registration Friday, 7 – 8:15 AM Teacher Educators Networking Session Peter J. Larrow, Facilitator This session will provide an opportunity for Montessori teacher educators (faculty members of teacher education programs) to get together with colleagues old and new. In particular, the discussion will focus on ways to improve teacher education programs and the delivery of course components to colleges. Please bring your ideas, information, and questions to share. (TE) Friday, 7 – 8:30 AM Coffee & Tea Friday, 8 AM – 6 PM Exhibit Hall Open Come explore an enticing assortment of high-quality Montessori materials, classroom furniture, gift items, and more. Friday, 8:30 – 10 AM Workshops: Session 1 The letters following each workshop description indicate target interest group(s): I&T (Infant & Toddler) • EC (Early Childhood) • EL (Elementary) • SEC (Secondary) • TE (Teacher Educators) • ADM (Heads & Administrators) • PUB (Public Schools) • PAR (Parents) • ALL (All Audiences) SPOTLIGHT PRESENTATION: Nonlinguistic and Visual Strategies to Improve Memory and Recall Robert Greenleaf The conscious mind deals initially and primarily with image and emotion. Research shows that when learners make simultaneous and explicit connections using nonlinguistic, visual representations in addition to language, student performance outcomes can increase dramatically. This presentation will introduce five natural learning systems and explore pairing them with nonlinguistic strategies and materials to enhance recall and transfer. Come discover “minds-on” learning, and explore the neurological profiles of learners who can most greatly benefit from nonlinguistic, “dual-coding” approaches to teaching. Sponsored by Montessori Schools of Massachusetts. (ALL) The Importance of Being Practical: Elementary Practical Life in the 21st Century Syneva Barrett Practical Life does not show up in state testing: it is the teacher's responsibility to understand its value and advocate for its presence in the elementary classroom. Rediscover the unique benefits that only Practical Life can deliver; learn about the urgency of these benefits in light of the many changes in students’ out-of-school experiences; and explore ways in which teachers can educate parents and administrators about the importance of a strong Practical Life curriculum. (EL, TE, ADM, PUB, PAR) Preparing the Environment for Early Self-Discovery Michelle Battistone , Lisa Smith Each child is on a journey of self-knowledge. What elements in the infant and toddler environment best support this discovery by building self-esteem and independence? This thoughtful workshop will examine teacher comportment, materials, and activities that support children’s most important work. (I&T) The Unique Opportunities of an Integrated Middle School Curriculum Meredith Beaton , Jennifer Haines Butler To capture the imagination of adolescents, academic experiences must be meaningfully connected to their world. This multimedia presentation of one fully integrated Montessori middle school curriculum will highlight several signature programs, including a middle school farmers’ market, “infraships” within the school community, and “farms and cities,” all of which recognize Montessori’s Erdkinder (“land children”) philosophy while celebrating the urban environment. (SEC, ADM, PUB) Stand and Deliver: Presenting Your Own Workshop Elaine Blasi , Heidi Larson You do have important information to share—and you can get up and share it! This session will help you move from daydream to reality so that, at a future conference, you’ll be the one up front. Explore proposal writing and formatting, workshop design, and performance and public speaking techniques. Whether at an AMS conference or for a small group at your own school, don’t keep your knowledge and creativity to yourself—learn how to share it! (ALL) Preparing for an Unknown Future Julie Bragdon , Stephanie Flanigan We can’t predict what the future will look like, but we can guess the skills children will need to navigate it: collaboration, economic literacy, leadership, empathy, stewardship, innovation, and communication as well as critical thinking and problem solving skills. Learn how one school audited its curriculum to ensure the development of these skills, and leave with a road map to use in your own community. (ALL) Writing for Montessori Life Kathy Carey , Carey Jones Join the editors of Montessori Life, AMS’s award-winning magazine, to discuss burning issues and topics you want to write (or read!) about. If you are involved in research, in or out of the classroom, Montessori Life is the ideal venue for sharing your work. You will explore the ins and outs of the submission process, a brief history of AMS publications, and an overview of other magazines and journals for educators. (ALL) Music and Movement for Monday Morning! Deanna deCampos Developmentally appropriate music and movement activities can support reading readiness, auditory skills, coordination skills, and body awareness. Come discover a variety of engaging music and movement activities—including finger plays, songs, and dances—designed to support fine and gross motor development in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. (I&T, EC, TE, ADM, PAR) AMS and Public Policy: What’s Happening and How to Get Involved Rebecca D'Neil Duffy , Michelle Hammons Join the chairs of the AMS Public Policy Committee for updates on current policy topics, including what’s happening with Pre-K Now and the push for states to recognize Montessori teacher education credentials, and learn how you can get involved with the important work of championing Montessori education. Bring your questions, ideas, and enthusiasm! (ALL) Pencil Grip: Encouraging the “Write” Stuff Ruth Dyke What is a good pencil grip, and why is it so important? Can you recognize an immature or improper grip? This in-depth examination of grip and pencil skills will introduce several engaging and useful activities in conjunction with an examination of the important developmental stages of writing. (EC, TE, PUB, PAR) Strategic Marketing for Challenging Times David B. Harris , Patrick Horgan , Tracy Kukkonen In these times of changing economics and demographics, branding and promotion may well be critical to your school’s future. This case-study presentation will illustrate one school’s collaboration with a consultant to develop and implement a strategic marketing plan supported by research and analysis. You will learn what you need to know to launch your own marketing initiative as well as to monitor and analyze its effectiveness. (ADM) Managing Stress for Peace and Presence in the Classroom Jennifer Mercurio Leen The unscripted rhythm of a classroom can cause stress—if we let it. When we can identify and manage our stressors, however, both teachers and students stand to benefit greatly. In this inspiring session, practice meditative and simple movement techniques that will unlock the doors to calm and focus for everyone in the classroom community. (EC, EL, SEC, TE, ADM, PUB) As the World Turns: A Rotating Three-Year Continent Cycle Laurie Moreno , Jennifer Spikner Discover the three-year continent cycle, a fully integrated curriculum through which students gain a deep understanding of other cultures and are empowered to find their own place in the world. Learn how your whole school can participate in this cultural immersion and see examples of the art, artifacts, and activities that bring it to life. (EC, EL, ADM) A Parent’s Perspective on the Teacher–Parent Partnership Dolores Morra , Paul Szkotak Join a veteran Montessori teacher and a current Montessori parent for this interactive look at positive teacher–parent relationships. How can teachers set the tone for parent communication, and what critical pieces of information-sharing have the strongest impact on the student? Take a new look at the parent perspective, and discover ways to maximize synchronicity between home and school. (ALL) The Research of AMS Dissertation and Master’s Thesis Award Winners Moderated by Dennis Schapiro, Phyllis Povell Current research reinforces Montessori education’s inventiveness, appropriateness, and immediacy. Come hear AMS dissertation and thesis award winners discuss their studies, the process of choosing topics, survey and questionnaire design, interview techniques, and the differences between quantitative and qualitative research methods of Montessori education. (ALL) Friday, 10:30 AM – NOON Diane Levin: Friday Keynote Address So Sexy So Soon: How Media and Marketing Affect Our Children . . . and What We Can Do to Protect Them In her new book So Sexy So Soon, Diane Levin explores sex and violence in media and marketing and the ways in which these are harming children's development, learning, play, and social relationships. In her keynote presentation, Dr. Levin will explore findings from her years of research and offer an assessment of the current situation: how this onslaught from popular culture is affecting children, and how it makes the jobs of teachers and parents so much harder. Special focus will be brought to what we can do in school, homes, and the wider community to counteract the harm and promote children’s healthy development in these times. Diane Levin, PhD, is a professor of education at Wheelock College in Boston, MA. For most of her 30-year teaching career, she has written and spoken about how young children are affected by violence, war, and violent and sexualized media and commercial culture. Dr. Levin is the author or coauthor of eight books, including So Sexy So Soon: The New Sexualized Childhood and What Parents Can Do to Protect Their Kids; The War Play Dilemma: What Every Parent and Teacher Needs to Know; Teaching Young Children in Violent Times: Building a Peaceable Classroom; Remote Control Childhood?: Combating the Hazards of Media Culture; and From Conflict to Peace Building: The Power of Early Childhood Initiatives—Lessons from around the World. She is cofounder of Teachers Resisting Unhealthy Children’s Entertainment and the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood. Her work has been featured in international news outlets, including Good Morning America, the Today show, All Things Considered, Talk of the Nation, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Time magazine, and BBC News. Photo: Debi Milligan Friday, NOON - 1:30 PM Lunch Break Be sure to visit the Exhibit Hall and the AMS Hub. Friday, 1:30 – 3 PM Workshops: Session 2 The letters following each workshop description indicate target interest group(s): I&T (Infant & Toddler) • EC (Early Childhood) • EL (Elementary) • SEC (Secondary) • TE (Teacher Educators) • ADM (Heads & Administrators) • PUB (Public Schools) • PAR (Parents) • ALL (All Audiences) SPOTLIGHT PRESENTATION: Panel on 21st Century Skills Moderated by Renee DuChainey-Farkes From classrooms to Capitol Hill, the phrase “21st-century skills” is everywhere in education policy these days. While many experts believe that the focus on 21st-century skills is essential for student success in a global, entrepreneurial, and service-based workplace, others contend that embracing a new definition of important skills will come at the expense of core content. What skills are critical for success in this brave new world? Whatever your stance, how will we assess the outcomes? Join business and education experts in what is sure to be a thought-provoking conversation. Sponsored by Montessori Schools of Massachusetts. (ALL) Montessorians as Global Citizens Tom Jankowski , Patti Yonka , Montessori Middle School Students Montessorians of all ages strive to make a positive difference in their communities and in the world. The AMS Peace Committee provides a useful platform for educators and students who intend to effect positive change. Join adult Montessori peace activists and Montessori student activists to learn more about the example of Maria Montessori’s global citizenship and how you can bring peacebuilding activities to your community. (EL, SEC, TE, ADM, PUB, PAR) MSAC School Accreditation Q & A Marie Conti , Joanne Oh If your school is currently accredited by the Montessori School Accreditation Commission (MSAC), and you are thinking about beginning AMS school accreditation or are already in the process, this is your opportunity to ask questions of AMS accreditation staff and school accreditation commissioners. There will be no formal presentation and no agenda. If you register for this workshop, you will be contacted to schedule a 15-minute, one-on-one Q & A session; you may also purchase an accreditation information packet at this time. Note: If your school is a non-MSAC, AMS-member school, please attend the Q & A specifically designated for AMS members (Session 5). (ADM, PUB) What’s New In Montessori Research Sharon Damore , Angela Murray Join members of the AMS Research Committee for an update on accomplishments, including the hiring of a research coordinator and the organization of experts to assist Montessori researchers. Don’t miss this opportunity to look at AMS’s new online research page as well as explore the findings of several new important Montessori research projects. (ALL) The Revitalized Early Childhood Prepared Environment Sherry Doughty , Kate Mitchell In the 21st century, Montessori teachers are challenged to keep classrooms vital while staying true to Maria Montessori’s vision. What new structural components improve our environments, and what are the essentials for maintaining authenticity? This session, especially for new or student teachers, will explore Montessori’s own words and provide an open dialogue for creative contributions. (EC, TE) Seeing the “Invisible”: Demystifying Montessori Outcomes Pamela Dunbar Some of the most distinctive characteristics of Montessori graduates are difficult to measure and, thus, can go unseen by families. Learn how to create long-term partnerships with parents, engaging them in the assessment process and reminding them of the inherent value of Montessori education—including Montessori’s unique alignment with 21st-century skills development. (ADM, PUB, PAR) Is Opening an AMS-Affiliated Teacher Education Program in Your Future? Abbie Kelly , Doris Sommer If so, this workshop is for you! You will learn the process, become familiar with the AMS-affiliation application and required documentation, and leave ready to begin your journey into the education of adult learners. Bring your inquiries: there will be time for questions after the formal presentation. (I&T, EC, EL, SEC, TE, ADM, PUB) Balanced Literacy in the Montessori Classroom Kathryn S. DeMarco Complement the Montessori language materials with the elements of a balanced literacy program. In this interactive session, especially for teachers without a traditional education background, discover readers’ workshop model and teaching strategies that nurture stronger reading comprehension, connection-making, and critical thinking. (EL, PUB) Following the Child in the Public Montessori School Linda Massey In an era of pervasive state testing, what does it mean to follow the child in a public Montessori setting? This interactive session will share collected reflections of several experienced, dedicated public Montessori teachers and allow participants to further explore this important question. (EL, TE, ADM, PUB) Little Hands Can Make a Big Difference Sharleen A. McCorrister Charitable works for others are a natural way to support character development. Discover how to nurture global thinking and action in your community by learning how to choose an appropriate cause, keep students focused with developmentally appropriate fund-raising activities, and integrate campaign events into your global curriculum. (EC, EL, SEC, TE, ADM, PUB, PAR) Much More Than Number Rods Greg Nelson There is so much math for children to do before the number rods, and so much more before moving on to colored bead bar addition! This straightforward presentation will offer myriad brain-stretching activities that encourage deeper mathematical thinking using simple, inexpensive materials. (I&T, EC, TE, PUB, PAR) Public and Charter Schools Networking Session Dennis Schapiro, Richard A. Ungerer, Facilitators This open-forum session will provide a networking opportunity for Montessori administrators, teachers, and teacher educators working in or with Montessori public and charter schools. It will also provide a chance to communicate to AMS the emerging needs of public and charter schools and an opportunity to learn about the Web-based AMS networking “Caucus Conference,” which has been designed for ongoing informational exchanges. (ALL) ABC Shoe Box Science Ingrid Sherwood Are you ready to revolutionize the way you introduce science to your youngest students? With the simplest materials—a lima bean, a shoe box, and some lively songs—your students will internalize Newton’s Laws of Motion and other profound building blocks of scientific literacy. You’ll never teach science the same way again! (EC, TE) Defining Roles and Best Practices for Montessori Trustees Clay Stites What does a board of trustees do, anyway? If you serve on a school board (or would like to), or if you work with board members as a teacher or administrator, you can avoid major pitfalls by understanding board best practices and appropriate relationships between constituents. This session will cover everything you need to know about boards and examine several leadership challenges unique to Montessori schools. (I&T, EC, EL, SEC, TE, ADM) Children’s Learning Profiles and the Obstacles to Language Development, Part 1 Joyce S. Pickering , Casey Barnett Weaknesses in oral and written language development can range anywhere from severe to quite subtle. How can you determine the nature of the at-risk or learning disabled student’s abilities, and what kind of classroom support can you give to foster remediation and success? This two-part workshop will begin with an extensive overview of oral language disabilities; tools and resources for their accurate assessment; and appropriately matched, multisensory approaches to nurture receptive and expressive language in a Montessori environment. In Part 2 (Session 3), the focus will shift from oral to written language, with a special look at the obstacles to reading, writing, and spelling; appropriate assessment techniques; and structured language strategies for helping the struggling student. (EC, EL) Friday, 3:30 – 5 PM Workshops: Session 3 The letters following each workshop description indicate target interest group(s): I&T (Infant & Toddler) • EC (Early Childhood) • EL (Elementary) • SEC (Secondary) • TE (Teacher Educators) • ADM (Heads & Administrators) • PUB (Public Schools) • PAR (Parents) • ALL (All Audiences) SPOTLIGHT PRESENTATION: Classroom Conversation: Integrating Productive Talk to Increase Learning Cathy O’Connor Montessori teacher education rightly emphasizes the use of tasks and materials, but research over the past decade points to yet another critical factor in student learning: productive talk. How can we integrate various forms of talk with well-chosen activities to optimize children’s learning experiences in the classroom? This introduction to methods for fostering academically productive discussion will shine a special focus on mathematics and science. Through videotaped excerpts of actual classroom lessons, you will see the power of talk in improving learning and performance and explore common pitfalls as you foster productive interaction. Sponsored by Montessori Schools of Massachusetts. (ALL) Supporting Toddler Language with Reading Kavita Verma Sahay , Manasi Bhattacharya Between 18 and 36 months, most toddlers experience an explosion of language; reading with children is one of the very best ways to support this phenomenon. Explore introducing language’s sounds and rhythms with reading and other classroom activities to help build a diverse vocabulary, and discover ways to greatly influence verbal ability and empower children with a means of self-expression. (I&T, EC, ADM, PAR) Practical Peace Education: Montessori Model United Nations Judith Cunningham One teacher described Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN), which allows students to research and become UN ambassadors, as “life-changing.” Learn how to use MMUN to increase understanding of responsible global citizenship by illuminating global issues and engaging students in debate and conflict resolution. (EL, SEC, TE, ADM, PUB, PAR) Leadership without Fear: Managing Unexpected Problems Marta Donahoe , Marie M. Dugan , Bretta Weiss Wolff When the unexpected happens—a sudden tragedy, a health emergency, a recession—leaders need specific skills, and no one leader alone possesses all of them. In times of crisis, good leaders know where to turn to formulate the best action plan. Using group simulations of challenging situations, you will examine leadership strategies and the key relationships that pave the way for them. (TE, ADM, PUB) Monitoring Performance in Public Schools Elda Guadalupe Pacheco , Guadalupe Espejel How can public Montessori teachers balance school progress reporting demands with an authentic Montessori approach? This session will explore effective, ready-to-implement tools for progress reporting, including team planners, target folders, and action plans. You will leave with a clear understanding of how these tools work in conjunction with classroom management, instruction alignment, and individual or global reports. (EC, EL, SEC, TE, ADM, PUB) Practical Math for Young Children Yayoi Kobayashi , Irena Kubinova Math is everywhere! Discover all sorts of teacher-made, hands-on activities, including attributes, one-to-one correspondence, and operations games. Learn how to guide children to collect, chart, and graph data, all within the regular routine of daily activity. You’ll be inspired to “see” math in all areas of your classroom—and where you see it, your students will see it, too. (EC, EL, TE, PAR) Think Globally, Act Locally Lisa A. Lalama , Laura Z. Orsic “What is the task of man in this wonderful universe?” —Maria Montessori An essential role of 21st-century teachers is to prepare students for the responsibilities of global citizenry. This demonstration of a project-based approach to lesson planning, student projects, and field trips related to environmental sustainability will provide exciting ideas about how to nurture students’ abilities to shape the future. (EL, TE, ADM, PUB, PAR) A Classical Approach to Montessori Art Education Anna Langstaff , Joshua Langstaff Art appreciation education for young children often relies upon a narrow selection of artists and simplified “children’s art materials.” Discover an approach to art appreciation and studio work that presents concrete examples of art before abstractions and puts authentic, studio-quality materials in children’s hands. With a Montessori-inspired curriculum, modeled on the atelier system of classical painting training, you can ignite a lifelong passion for art in your youngest students. (EC, TE) Weaving a Tale: Encouraging the Art of Storytelling Heidi Larson , Madalaine Patzalek Montessorians work in an environment uniquely suited to teaching the ancient art of storytelling to children. In this interactive session, listen to stories, learn how to include them in lessons, and use your voice and imagination to practice telling them. You’ll leave with tales to tell and with the tools to empower children to create and share their own. (EC, EL, PUB) Evaluations and Diagnoses: Challenging Conversations for Challenging Students Anna Perry , Jennifer Nolan It is hard to approach families about suspected developmental issues observed in the classroom setting. In this presentation, practice beginning this conversation in a sensitive way; discover and share ideas for finding appropriate and effective resources; and discuss how to compassionately mentor families through this difficult process. (I&T, EC, TE, ADM, PUB) What Use Is Technology in Montessori Classrooms? Mark Powell Technology is altering the experiences of childhood: today’s 11-to-30-year-olds have been dubbed the “Net Generation.” This workshop explores important learning opportunities offered by technologies that do not compete with Montessori’s traditional hands-on materials. This session focuses on how to integrate technology with a big picture look at broad categories of tools and Websites (with specific examples) appropriate for elementary and middle school classrooms. (EL, SEC, TE, ADM, PUB, PAR) Reaching for the Stars: Dance for Young Children Colleen Quinn Learn to share the joy of dancing using poems, songs, and simple choreography, all of which promote creativity. This workshop will explore warm-up exercises to stretch and build strength before moving on to creative dance exercises that allow for individual expression. You’ll be up on your feet in this lively and empowering session. (EC) Using Our Voices: Nurturing Musical Aptitude Pamela Ruiter-Feenstra Musical aptitude enhances language development, perception, organization, and memory—and the optimal way to develop musical aptitude is through listening to and singing unaccompanied songs. So why aren’t we singing all the time? This participatory session will offer a multidisciplinary, Montessori-based, vocal music curriculum that any teacher, regardless of musical background, can integrate into the classroom. (EC, EL, TE, ADM, PUB, PAR) Second Annual Montessori Research Poster Session Ann Epstein , Maureen Harris What are researchers learning about Montessori education in 2010? Find out while browsing the wide range of current research work on exhibit. The informal atmosphere will provide plenty of opportunity to ask questions and share your ideas with Montessori researchers as well as find out how to pursue your own research ideas.     1. The Power of Music: A Study of the Impact of Music on Attention, Behavior, and Productivity Erica Patterson 2. Findings from a Public School Research Project Paul Epstein, Michelle Cutler 3. Emergent Readers in Early Montessori Classrooms: The Relationship between Three Dimensional Print and Flat Print Ginger Kelley McKenzie, Victoria Zascavage, Carol Smith Woods, Max Buot 4. Analysis of Test Data for Public School Montessori Programs in Rural and Urban Settings Ginny Riga 5. The Impact of Public Montessori Education on Urban Students: A Longitudinal Study of Outcomes Elizabeth Slade, Margaret Woodman-Russell 6. Differences in Mathematics Scores between Students Who Receive Traditional Montessori Instruction and Students Who Receive Music Enriched Montessori Instruction Maureen Harris 7. The American Montessori Method: Considerations of Culture and Innovation Jerry Richmond, Louise Bogart, Nanette Schonleber, Elizabeth Park 8. Linking Montessori Elementary Education to Theories of Motivation Angela K. Murray 9. Evaluation of the Effectiveness of The Nightingale Montessori Pre-Primary Reading Program Jeanne Nightingale 10. An Examination of Implementation Practices in the Montessori Early Childhood Classroom Carolyn J. Daoust Children’s Learning Profiles and the Obstacles to Language Development, Part 2 Joyce S. Pickering , Casey Barnett Please see Session 2 for workshop description. (EC, EL) Friday, 5:30 – 6:30 PM AMS Annual Meeting The American Montessori Society is your organization, and the AMS Annual Meeting is your opportunity to join the AMS executive director and members of the AMS Board of Directors to reflect upon the accomplishments of the past year and preview AMS's vision for the future. The AMS Annual Meeting will also be a forum to distribute the 2008-2009 Annual Report and announce the 2011 Living Legacy honoree, the results of the election for the Board of Directors, and the winner of the AMS Peace Seed Grant. This is our most important meeting of the year, so please come share your ideas about how AMS can continue to best serve your needs. We look forward to seeing you there!