Workshops & Webinars
Lower Elementary
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Professional development hours and credits are available.
Assistant's Workshop
Friday, August 9, 2024
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (CST)
In person instruction, in a Model Classroom
$85.00
This comprehensive one-day workshop, priced at $85 per person, is designed for individuals stepping into the vital role of an assistant within the Montessori classroom. Recognizing the assistant as an invaluable and necessary staff member, this program provides a foundational understanding of the assistant's role in supporting the lead teacher and the students.
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Participants will explore how to bridge the gap between having little to no prior Montessori experience and becoming an effective member of the classroom team. Key to this transformation is awareness of the day-to-day activities and the preparations required to ensure a smoothly functioning learning environment.
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The workshop delves into practical techniques and subtle nuances essential for assisting the lead teacher, tailored to align with the structured, child-centered Montessori approach. Additionally, attendees will gain insight into the basics of Montessori philosophy, equipping them with the understanding necessary to foster an inclusive, supportive, and nurturing classroom atmosphere.
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Through this workshop, assistants will learn to appreciate their critical role in the educational journey of each child, embracing the structured yet flexible nature of the Montessori method.
Science of Reading
Thursday & Friday, June 20 & 21, 2024,
2 Day Workshop
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (CST)
In person instruction, in a Model Classroom
$110.00
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This specialized course focuses on enhancing educators' expertise in the Montessori method of reading instruction, with an emphasis on integrating the latest science-based research into practical classroom strategies.
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Key components of the workshop:
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Latest Research in Reading: Educators will be brought up to date with the most recent findings in the science of reading. This research underscores the effectiveness of the Montessori reading approach and its alignment with evidence-based educational practices.
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Montessori Reading Methodology: The course provides an in-depth look at how the Montessori approach to reading is implemented in the classroom. Participants will explore the unique Montessori materials and techniques that facilitate reading development, and how these methods foster an engaging and enriching learning environment.
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Addressing Reading Gaps: A crucial part of the course will be dedicated to identifying and addressing gaps in reading skills. Educators will learn strategies to support children in developing phonemic awareness, sound segmentation, and blending skills. These foundational skills are critical for the development of fluency in reading and ensuring each child's success in the Montessori lower elementary environment.
Through this course, educators will refine their ability to guide children through their reading journey, ensuring a solid foundation for lifelong literacy.
Math Refresher
Thursday & Friday, June 6 & 7, 2024
2 Day Workshop
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (CST)
In person instruction, in a Model Classroom
$150.00
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This comprehensive workshop is designed for lower elementary Montessori educators seeking to rejuvenate their approach to mathematics instruction. The course focuses on reinforcing the foundational Montessori math presentations, cultivating an environment where mathematical understanding thrives, and equipping educators with strategies to foster confidence in mathematics among young learners.
Key highlights of the course:
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Revisiting Fundamental Montessori Math Presentations: Educators will receive an in-depth refresher on the essential Montessori math presentations. This segment emphasizes understanding how each presentation lays the groundwork for developing a mathematical mind in young children. Educators will revisit techniques for engaging students with these presentations, ensuring a solid foundation for their mathematical journey.
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Overcoming Math Phobias - Building Confidence: The workshop will address the crucial aspect of transforming apprehension into confidence in the realm of mathematics. Educators will learn how to identify signs of math anxiety in children and explore effective Montessori-aligned strategies to help students overcome these challenges. The focus will be on nurturing a positive mathematical mindset, creating a classroom environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities.
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Structuring Multi-Step Problem Solving: A significant portion of the workshop will be dedicated to guiding educators on how to assist students in building a structured approach to multi-step problem-solving. This involves teaching children to break down complex problems into manageable steps, fostering logical thinking and perseverance. Educators will gain insights into scaffolding these skills in a Montessori setting, ensuring students develop both the competence and confidence to tackle challenging mathematical concepts.
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Workshop Format:
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The workshop will consist of interactive sessions, including lectures, hands-on activities with Montessori materials, and group discussions. Participants will have opportunities to practice presentations, engage in problem-solving scenarios, and collaborate with peers to share insights and experiences.
Science in the Montessori Classroom
Saturday, May 11, 2024,
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (CST)
In person instruction, in a Model Classroom
$85.00
This dynamic workshop is curated for Montessori lower elementary educators who wish to refine their science teaching practices. It centers on presenting complex scientific ideas in ways that are developmentally appropriate for young learners. The course takes a comprehensive approach, seamlessly weaving together subjects like climate, weather, geography, ecology, and history to illustrate the interconnectedness of these disciplines through cause and effect, structure, function, and change.
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Workshop Highlights:
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Developmentally Appropriate Science Concepts: Educators will learn techniques to introduce complex science ideas in ways that are accessible to lower elementary students. The workshop will offer methods to simplify these concepts without losing their essence, making them relevant to students' everyday lives.
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Incorporation of Diverse Scientific Subject Matter: Special attention will be paid to integrating a variety of scientific topics, enriching the curriculum and allowing for a multidisciplinary educational experience. This approach encourages students to see the links between different areas of study and their cumulative impact on understanding the world.
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All-encompassing Approach to Climate and Weather: The program aims to provide educators with tools to help students grasp the multifaceted relationship between climate and weather. Participants will learn to create lesson plans that cover these topics in depth, fostering an appreciation for how they influence each other and the planet.
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Integration of Core Subjects: The workshop will guide teachers in combining weather, climate, functional geography (using impressionistic charts), ecology, and history. This integration aims to help students explore essential concepts and see the connections across these areas, enhancing their ability to think critically and understand complex systems.
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STEM Projects for Practical Understanding: Each concept discussed will be tied to STEM projects designed to highlight and contextualize key science and engineering practices. These hands-on projects will not only reinforce scientific knowledge but also develop students' skills in problem-solving, design, and innovation.
Workshop Format:
Interactive lectures, hands-on STEM activities, and collaborative planning sessions will make up this workshop, providing educators with the experience and resources to bring an integrated science curriculum to life in their classrooms.
