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The Montessori Approach: 10 most interesting pieces of information I've discovered about Maria Montessori and the Key Principles of the Montessori Approach:

1. Montessori classrooms are multi-age groupings

2. Freedom within limits is practiced within the classrooms

3. A Montessori classroom is a community

4. A Montessori child is a peacemaker

5. A Montessori Guide needs to be a living example of "normalization"

6. Maria Montessori stood by her research and approach to eduction in 1914-1917 when it was criticized in the United States

7. Maria Montessori was the first woman to receive her Doctorate in Medicine in Italy

8. Hitler and Mussolini both closed the Montessori schools in their countries and Dr. Montessori was banned from Italy during World War II

9. 300 students attended the first Montessori Guide training course in India

10. Dr. Montessori created the Cosmic Education curriculum while detained for seven years in India during World War II

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Week #3 Final Project: Assignment #2

Guiding Principles

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Week 3 Final Project Guilding Principles

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Week #4: Final Project #3 - Prepared Environment: Classroom areas 

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Week #4: Final Project #3 - Prepared Environment: Classroom areas 

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Pictures of a Montessori elementary classroom from online and my homeschool classroom

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Week #5: Assignment #4 - Final Project: Creating a Class Culture and Community Building 

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Week #5: Assignment #4 - Final Project: Creating a Class Culture and Community Building 

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An activity that can help build community during the school year is morning circle time. This time can be 15-20 minutes of the class discussing anything from the formation of the class rules, to any issues within the classroom environment that are hindering anyone, to singing songs, telling stories, show and tell, and playing finger games together. This meeting can also be moved around to the end of the day, once a rhythm is made that meets the classroom dynamic.

A second activity that can help build community is to have a group project, such as designing a garden or even have a bake off competition. This allows the children to learn how to problem solve and address any personal disagreements that may arise. When the project is complete, a final result is available to celebrate together as a community.

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Week #6: Assignment #5 - Final Project: Role of the Assistant - Top 10 Duties and Responsibilities 

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Week #6: Assignment #5 - Final Project: Role of the Assistant - Top 10 Duties and Responsibilities 

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1. Observation of the environment

2. Tone keeper of the environment, peace keeper of community

3. Communication with the lead teacher and other team members of the community. Accept guidance from others with an open mind and heart.

4. Reinforce rules of the environment

5. Model a calm and peaceful demeanor

6. Daily personal spiritual preparation

7. Restock environment

8. Clean and maintain environment

9. Continual learning about Montessori and teaching

10. Learn students individual interests and routines

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Week #7 Final Project: Assignment #6 Peace Education 

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Week #7 Final Project: Assignment #6 Peace Education 

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1. I. The Practice of Sharing Authentic Feelings

At the school communication is encouraged and valued. Open sharing of any issues or concerns are respected and listed to actively by the administrator. Any concerns that are needed to be communicated after school hours are available to be spoken through email to the administrator.

Teacher openly communicate to one another with assistance or help is needed with a student/s.

2. IV. The Practice of Personal/ Professional Growth

Magazines and books related to education and philosophy are placed in the teachers areas.

Monthly teachers meetings are scheduled.

3. Ideas to improve practices:

1. Placing quotes of motivation or quotes of philosophy's of teaching in the teachers area.

2. Writing letters of appreciation and positive motivation for supporting and praise of teachers work

3. Funding one online course a year for teachers to better learn skills and structure for lesson planning, arts, and/ or positive redirection styles to better shape the schools environment.

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Week 9: Assignment #7 - Great Lessons and Cosmic Education 

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Week 9: Assignment #7 - Great Lessons and Cosmic Education 

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The Great Lessons are given when the "time is right." The first lesson is done around the first month of school, the second is given the next week or following month, and so on. Every year the 5 Great Lesson should be given. The time between them is not of importance. More importantly is following the lead of the child/ children after then lessons are given.

I have had the opportunity to watch the the Great Lessons being given a few times with different teachers. Listening to to personalizations and unique changes that are made with each lessons stories is so fun to observe. Even the differing styles of storytelling from guide to guide is a learning opportunity. The children respond in different ways. Some very interested and ready to ask questions, and others no so interested in the story that year. What's exciting to see is the changing of interests with a child through their elementary education of the Great Lessons. Each year something new is discovered, for both the child and guide.

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I absolutely loved this course. The knowledge I've gained from enrolling into it has been huge. It has increased my confidence as a guide for both my homeschool and students within my class. With observation, I am better able to see and meet the needs of my students. I am better able to follow the child and address any concerns or struggles they are having. Positive discipline has helped me learn a more peaceful and open hearted way to communicate and redirect.