Presenter Workshops

 

Carol Scarratt

Beyond Phonetic Reading

This lecture presentation materials workshop will teach the process of decoding the English language with participants completing the decoding process in readiness for developing classroom materials.

Utilizing the small moveable alphabets and the entire scope and sequence of the “green” phonogram material, learners will participate (with the instructor),  in simulated presentations of the non-phonetic reading materials.

Participants will develop a greater appreciation for the value of such material designed to develop fluidity in reading and to encourage researching all subjects of interest, developing an increased vocabulary, and increased proficiency in spelling

 

Meet the King of Words! Grammer Can be Fun the Montessori Way!

Participants will learn the 8 basic parts of speech, their definitions and function in the English language. They will participate in movement and games and learn by performing the role of each part of speech in a sentence or phrase or a specific game or piece of material will be demonstrated and shared with the group to enjoy together. I will also intermittently share “The Story of The Land of the Parts of Speech”

Learners will also be able to discriminate these words in sentences and after learning the symbols for each. (Noun thru interjection) they will then use the symbols to parse sample sentences distributed by the instructor. They can then self-correct when the c/error is posted on the flip chart.

Time allowing. Participants will also create their own simple sentences or a short story to include the parts of speech they have learned using the simple – complex rationale from

Noun thru to noun, article, adjective, verb, adverb, preposition, pronoun, conjunction, interjection.

This workshop is intended to provide further practice for those who find grammar a challenge to master or an obstacle when required to create suitable reading material/ The emphasis will be on learning the function and definition of the parts of speech and where possible a control of error or opportunity for self-correction will be provided.

This workshop will be of considerable value to ESL teachers or those teaching ESL students.  

 

Cynthia Reimer

Indigenous Children’s Literature in the Montessori Classroom

This presentation will show different ways to connect Indigenous ways of knowing to the Montessori curriculum. As educators it is our responsibility to respond to the 94 Calls of Action for Truth and Reconciliation by developing within our students an understanding of Indigenous culture and practices. Education leads to understanding and understanding leads to healing. 

The Metis Flower Beadwork

There will be a short presentation on the Metis people and some of their cultural practices, which include the Michif Language, Metis Jigging, the Red River Cart, and the Metis Flower Beadwork. After the PowerPoint, instructions will be given so the participants can create their own flower beadwork.

 

Kitty Bravo

The Hidden Curriculum: How Practical Life Develops Confident and Capable Human Beings

Who would have thought that washing dishes could develop the mathematical mind while also feeding the soul? In this session we will explore the many benefits that come from the simplest transfer lessons to the more complex multi-step work. We will discuss the value of practical life extending beyond the shelf with ideas for the real daily tasks of caring for self, others, and the environment, both at school and at home. There is indeed more to Practical Life activities than meets the eye. Come learn their secrets.

This is My School, My Place to Work and Play Level Early Childhood

Play? We don’t play in Montessori school…. Or do we? Sometimes it seems like Montessori educators have a real problem with play… We say things like, “This is work time NOT play time,” or “You are playing with that work, you will need to put it away.” Our words and even more so our tone in these situations suggests that play is wrong, a bad thing. But research clearly demonstrates that play is essential for early childhood development. And doesn’t everyone learn more when it is fun? In this workshop we will explore the intersection between work and play with practical ideas for how to find the right balance in your classroom. We will look at ways to go beyond the initial lessons with games, extensions, projects, songs and more… We will play a little ourselves as search for that sweet spot that invites children to engage deeply with joy and enthusiasm.

Melissa Mulvaney

Montessori Movement Line and Silence

Line is for MOVEMENT, Silence is for EVERYTHING!

The Movement Line can be revolutionized if we as teachers use our daily observations to inform the design of movement sequences. As a movement response, the daily line should be a direct answer to the developmental needs of the children. How are the children needing to move? What exercises will aid their development? This workshop will involve examples of intentionally designed movement sequences and tools to inspire and support the educator. Let’s make the Movement Line fun!

This session will close with Silence techniques and ways to respond to behavior and classroom management challenges during line and silence. Silence inspires peace and hope for the future! Let’s embrace this centering, grounding, daily practice to foster positive change in our world!

Please note: participants will be invited to join in movement activities (to their comfort level) during the presentation. Observation only is welcome!

Biscuit Making!

During the workshop – the first sequence of activity will be biscuit making – volunteer participants will actually work through this simple set up – experiencing the design to foster independence. The dishes will be washed, the table will be scrubbed, the café table will be set up, the invitation will be made using a moveable alphabet! Multiple work cycles of activity will be demonstrated to show how wonderful daily biscuit making can be in the classroom each day.

 

Mary Navarro

I’ve Tried That, Now What?

Has your peace area ever been destroyed? Has anger ever gotten ahold of a child and you were at a loss of what to do? This workshop will help guides and administration upgrade their skill sets and better equip themselves for children in anger.

Let’s Move!

This workshop will deepen understanding of why a child tattles and how we can use tattling as an opportunity to teach new skill sets.

 

Shawn Edwards

Conflict Resolution and Solution Orientated Problem Solving

This workshop provides educators with tools and strategies for engaging students in effective conflict resolution – for all ages in Montessori. It also focuses on solution- oriented problem solving. How do we engage students so they can develop these skills? How can teachers come together to do the same.

Creating Your Positive School Culture

This workshop is for educators and school leaders. The content focuses on the idea that the culture created in our schools begins with us! What are we unconsciously inviting from others? What role are we and others (including students and parents) playing when negative drama is swirling in our schools? How do we get ahead of this and shift the energy so that the culture of our schools is rooted in accountability and authenticity?

 

Jorge Haro

Is Your Grammar”Grammaring”?

Explore the Montessori Grammar Sequence. Discover parts of speech like nouns, verbs, and adjectives. Learn how to analyze sentences in a fun way through stories and interactive lessons. See how grammar basics apply in Montessori education. Enjoy hands-on activities that make learning engaging, such as creating sentences or going on grammar hunts. Get inspired with new ideas for teaching grammar in exciting ways. Join us for an adventure in grammar learning that will spark curiosity and passion for language.

From Multiplication to Square Root sequence (The Amazing Multiplication Journey)

Join us on a captivating journey through the Montessori multiplication sequence. Beginning with the tangible experience of the Golden Beads and progressing through the engaging activities of the Stamp Game, Golden Mat, Checkerboard, and Peg Board, you will explore various multiplication lessons. Explore the connections between multiplication and square roots, gaining a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. This immersive workshop promises a hands-on approach to learning, providing a dynamic experience that will enhance your knowledge and teaching skills. Don’t miss this opportunity to enrich your understanding of multiplication in the Montessori classroom.

Unboxing Your Inner Storyteller and Your Student’s Imagination

Unleash the power of storytelling and transform your classroom into a vibrant space of imagination and engagement! Join us for an inspiring session designed to help you discover your inner storyteller and captivate your students across all areas of learning. Together, we’ll explore a delightful array of both famous, lesser-known and my own Montessori stories, diving deep into the elements that make each tale special and memorable. Throughout our time together, we’ll unravel the essential characteristics that define a great storyteller, from the art of voice modulation to the magic of timing and expression. You’ll learn how to weave your unique narrative style into your teaching, ensuring your stories resonate with your students on a personal level. This journey into storytelling is not just about sharing tales; it’s about igniting a passion for learning and fostering connections that will enrich your classroom experience. Come ready to tap into your creativity, share your experiences, and leave inspired to bring the gift of storytelling to life for your students!

 

Lindsey Pollock

Stories to Encourage, Empower and Excite!

Storytelling has been a part of the human experience for over 50,000 years! How do we use the power of storytelling to encourage, empower and excite ourselves and the people around us? What are the stories we tell ourselves and the stories we repeat to others? How do we prepare and present our Great Lessons and how have we internalized them into our daily practices?

 Conflict Strategies to Support Understanding and Inner Peace

With an increasingly divisive and angry world landscape filled with wars, unrest and uncertainty, what can adults do to maintain their inner peace and navigate the world with conflict strategies to promote peace both internally and externally?

 

Claudia Mann

Finding Love in Times of Strife

We’ve all had them: those children, or parents, who try our patience, push our buttons, or frustrate the heck out of us. In this workshop, we’ll look at practical ways to address the behaviors that resist change or the illusive solutions to helping children who learn differently or struggle to engage. This workshop, which builds on the Keynote address, will teach strategies for developing practical and pragmatic responses that are both effective, repeatable and teachable.

Designing a Balanced Teacher-Life

This workshop is about balance: defining it, identifying it, designing it into your life, and exercising the practice that will make it a habit. There are few professions that demand so much of our focus and attention, both in and out of the classroom, than teaching. If we are to continue to find joy and excitement for this work we love, it is imperative that we learn to manage our lives in balance. The good news is that using a few simple tools, we actually can commit to achieving the balance we desire.

 

Tajali Tolan

Grace and Courtesy.  Coming Home To Peace.  Mindfulness, Kindness and a Caring Classroom.

What is the Montessori approach to teaching manners? Most manners can be taught through Grace and Courtesy lessons at home and in the classroom. We don’t teach manners to have quiet and obedient children. We teach manners to promote friendship, respect, family values, citizenship, and social cohesion

Come Join the Circle

Songs, Dances and Movement for Peace.  (Similar to last year).  Multicultural songs for ever age to engage children for attention, awareness and peacebuilding.

 

Jonathan Wolff

The Delicate Dance of a Montessori Teaching Team

Cohesive and resilient teaching teams exhibit certain partnership behaviors that are the underpinnings pf their success. Foundational to everything is trust, respect, and empowerment. Team members feel heard and appreciated. There are ample opportunities for professional growth and making contributions to the children’s learning experience. It is the role of the Montessori Guide to create a prepared environment of inquiry, learning, and support for their classroom team. How this can be accomplished on a daily basis, through guided observation, guided practice, guided experimentation, and supportive feedback will be the focus of this workshop.

Four Aspects of the “Spiritual Preparation” of the Montessori Guide

This workshop addressed four key questions regarding the inner work and self-care of the Montessori Guide

1. Why am I a Montessori Guide? In addition to serving children and humanity, am I open to seeing teaching as a way to improve my own wellbeing, health and happiness?
2. Am I “walking my talk?” Whatever I am presenting to the children – Grace and Courtesy behaviors, qualities of character, work/study skills – do the children view me as a committed role model of these life skills?
3. How do I respond to unexpected contingencies and conflicts? Do I see them as opportunities for learning and self-improvement?
4. How well do I monitor and manage my emotions, energy and stress around children? How can I do better?

 

Montessori Partners – Tracy Grisdale and Regina Lulka

The Joys of Geography: Connecting Young Children with the World (Casa)

Together, we will explore the joy of introducing geography to the youngest children in a way that builds meaningful connections to their immediate world. We will focus on using Montessori materials—such as puzzle maps, globes, and cultural objects—that are both beautiful and often underutilized.

This workshop highlights engaging activities that combine motor skills with learning, helping children connect to the world while discovering continents, and oceans, and making connections to science, botany, and zoology.  Explore ways to inspire curiosity, collaboration, and a love for learning through meaningful geography experiences.

The Gifts of Geography: Interdisciplinary Learning for the Elementary Child

Geography serves as the foundation of the Montessori cultural curriculum, bridging history, biology, science, and art. This workshop showcases practical ways to use geography to connect children with the natural world, the evolution of life on Earth, and human cultures through hands-on materials and collaborative activities.

Explore strategies to integrate geography into your program, fostering curiosity, teamwork, and meaningful project work. Learn how geography transforms abstract concepts into tangible experiences, igniting inquiry and offering students a framework to understand the interconnectedness of life, land, and culture, embodying the spirit of Cosmic Education.