Christine's Final Project by

Final Project Assignment #1

chenso26 — 2024-07-24 00:13:02 UTC

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

Montessori classrooms are multi-age groupings
Freedom within limits is practiced within the classrooms
A Montessori classroom is a community
A Montessori child is a peacemaker
A Montessori Guide needs to be a living example of "normalization"
Maria Montessori stood by her research and approach to eduction in 1914-1917 when it was criticized in the United States
Maria Montessori was the first woman to receive her Doctorate in Medicine in Italy
Hitler and Mussolini both closed the Montessori schools in their countries and Dr. Montessori was banned from Italy during World War II
300 students attended the first Montessori Guide training course in India
Dr. Montessori created the Cosmic Education curriculum while detained for seven years in India during World War II

chenso26 — 2024-08-01 18:26:17 UTC

Week #3 Final Project: Assignment #2

Guiding Principles

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

chenso26 — 2024-08-16 21:56:40 UTC

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.

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

chenso26 — 2024-08-17 10:42:31 UTC

Observation of the environment
Tone keeper of the environment, peace keeper of community
Communication with the lead teacher and other team members of the community. Accept guidance from others with an open mind and heart.
Reinforce rules of the environment
Model a calm and peaceful demeanor
Daily personal spiritual preparation
Restock environment
Clean and maintain environment
Continual learning about Montessori and teaching
Learn students individual interests and routines

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

chenso26 — 2024-08-17 10:44:02 UTC

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

Week #7 Final Project: Assignment #6 Peace Education

chenso26 — 2024-09-02 13:32:03 UTC

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.
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.
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.

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

chenso26 — 2024-09-05 13:31:04 UTC

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.

Week 10: Assignment #8 Math

chenso26 — 2024-10-03 11:01:42 UTC

Week 11: Assignment #9 - Language

chenso26 — 2024-10-03 11:02:04 UTC

Week 12: Assignment #10 - Reflection

chenso26 — 2024-10-03 11:05:52 UTC

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.