027: The Pencil Problem

Co-teaching in a Montessori classroom can definitely be a challenge. And with so many differing opinions on how to best approach a co-teaching relationship, it can be confusing to know how to get started.In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Tania Torres-Delgado and Gabriela Gonzalez, co-teachers of a classroom of 48 students at Guidepost Montessori School in Hollywood Beach, FL. They’re sharing how they work together and manage such a large class, what works well for them when it comes to everything from transitions to lesson-planning, and their advice for other teachers on how to successfully build an environment where students can thrive.What’s in this episode:The benefits and challenges of having a large classroom, and how Tania and Gabriela navigate keeping the space cohesive and functionalThe systems they have in place for keeping such a large classroom organized and authentic to the Montessori philosophy, including student conferences and lesson planningHow they use silent transitions to keep the flow going between lessons, lunch, and breaksHow they divide responsibilities as co-teachers, the importance of constant communication, and how identifying each other’s strengths and weaknesses has made them more efficientWhy they do all of their planning together, and why they chose to divide their responsibilities by subject areasThe variety of interest and creativity that they see in a large classroom, and their advice for teachers who also have a large classroom, and why procedures help the students to be more independentHow their mentorship student program works, and how they pair up students with similar interests and choose leaders with strong executive functioning skillsFor full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit:https://www.trilliummontessori.org/Resources Mentioned in This Episode:N/AConnect With UsVisit our websiteFollow us on InstagramConnect with us on FacebookJoin us for the 2023 P2P Summit: Montessori and the Science of ReadingLearn more and register here: https://courses.trilliummontessori.org/p/reading-summit

Homeschool, especially since the pandemic, is becoming more and more common for many reasons—and the Montessori method is making its way into more homes than ever. As education continues to evolve, Montessori schools are offering homeschool programs that serve as a support for families who have shifted out of traditional schooling.In today’s episode, I’m talking to Chelsea Roberts, program manager at Guidepost Montessori Homeschool. She’s sharing how families are implementing Montessori practices into their homeschooling, the importance of setting big goals (and also remembering to have fun), and how she supports homeschooling families.What’s in this episode:The easiest and hardest aspects of Montessori for parents to implement in the homeschool environmentWhat it’s like for Chelsea to collaborate with homeschool parents as a support to them, and how she helps parents achieve their goals for their childrenHow setting family-specific goals can help you stay focused when you have moments of feeling like you’re not doing “enough”Ways parents can motivate their children and spark interest in what they’re learningHow long it takes for new homeschool parents to feel confident implementing basic Montessori principlesFor full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit:https://www.trilliummontessori.org/guide-to-montessori-homeschooling/If you enjoyed this podcast, you will love the practical and actionable classroom management advice in the Montessori Principles to Practice Webinar Libraries. Head to https://www.trilliummontessori.org/podcast for details.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Guidepost Montessori HomeschoolConnect With UsVisit our websiteFollow us on InstagramConnect with us on FacebookJoin us for the 2023 P2P Summit: Montessori and the Science of ReadingLearn more and register here: https://courses.trilliummontessori.org/p/reading-summit

The future of education is constantly shifting. Hybrid models that split the students' time between the Montessori classroom and homeschooling are giving way to entirely virtual homeschooling models utilizing the Montessori method.In today’s episode, I’m talking with 20-year veteran Montessori teacher Christine Sithichai. She’s sharing her experience as a teacher in the Montessori Voyage program at Springs Charter Schools. She’s talking about what it was like shifting from brick-and-mortar to virtual teaching, how she keeps students engaged virtually, and the skills that she prioritizes to instill in her young students as they prepare to enter the elementary classroom.What’s in this episode:How Christine’s experience as a Montessori student helped shape her decision to become a Montessori teacherChristine’s journey from a brick-and-mortar Montessori school with a homeschool component to teaching in a homeschool virtual settingHow approaching engagement is different in distance learning, and what it’s like to support parents virtuallyThe skills Christine believes are essential for students before entering first grade, and what she provides to those students ahead of entering their elementary years (especially writing, reading, and social skills)For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit:https://www.trilliummontessori.org/If you enjoyed this podcast, you will love the practical and actionable classroom management advice in the Montessori Principles to Practice Webinar Libraries. Head to https://www.trilliummontessori.org/podcast for details.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:N/AConnect With UsVisit our websiteFollow us on InstagramConnect with us on FacebookJoin us for the 2023 P2P Summit: Montessori and the Science of ReadingLearn more and register here: https://courses.trilliummontessori.org/p/reading-summit

Writing opportunities present themselves in the elementary classroom in a variety of ways. Some students are naturally inclined writers, and others might lack the confidence to write.In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Madeline Walk, Elementary Content Editor at Trillium Montessori. We’re discussing how writing fits into all aspects of the Montessori classroom, how to help students find confidence and creativity in writing, as well as common roadblocks students face when it comes to writing, and how to observe and assess, provide feedback, and help them overcome any barriers to writing.What’s in this episode:Common mistakes students make in their writing, and ways to help them overcome those mistakesFinding neutral moments to teach a mini-lesson and then allow students to see where they can apply the lesson in their own workHow to help students develop creativity and imagination in their writingLooking at writing from the perspective of cosmic educationThe importance of observing your students and their writingHow to assess student writing and provide helpful feedbackFor full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit:https://www.trilliummontessori.org/Resources Mentioned in This Episode:https://trilliummontessori.org/building-strong-writersConnect With UsVisit our websiteFollow us on InstagramConnect with us on FacebookJoin us for the 2023 P2P Summit: Montessori and the Science of ReadingLearn more and register here: https://courses.trilliummontessori.org/p/reading-summit

We all have fundamental needs as humans, and understanding them from an early age is so important to a child’s development. These needs affect all children, regardless of age or familiarity with the lesson. In today’s episode, I’m talking about how to use the Fundamental Needs of Humans Chart to engage both younger and older children, to encourage students to create their own needs charts, and to apply this lesson to basic and advanced research and fiction stories.I hope that something in this episode is helpful for you to explore and get creativity with this foundational lesson.What’s in this episode:[00:52] Why the fundamental needs of humans lesson is great for all ages and learners, plus activities for young learns and tips for students new to this lesson[05:03] Why there is a fundamental needs of humans food chart, and how students can use this chart for inspiration in creating other charts of their own[06:49] How you can engage older students in creating a more in-depth list of spiritual needs, and how to use Nonviolent Communication to help students expand their understanding of spiritual needs[09:03] Using the fundamental needs chart as an outline for researching a variety of topics, and, on the flip side, using it with fictional text[13:54] Coming up with stories of your own that pertain to this lesson, how to weave this lesson into all areas of cosmic education, and examining more advanced topics such as animals and social or health problems in communitiesFor full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit:https://www.trilliummontessori.org/fundamental-needs-of-humans/Resources Mentioned in This Episode:The Center for Nonviolent Communication Needs InventoryThe Deep Well of Time by Michael J. DorerConnect With UsVisit our websiteFollow us on InstagramConnect with us on FacebookJoin us for the 2023 P2P Summit: Montessori and the Science of ReadingLearn more and register here: https://courses.trilliummontessori.org/p/reading-summit

In teacher training, we are taught that there is no ideal or perfect number of lessons to present on a given day. And yet, in practice, many teachers often find themselves wondering how many lessons they should present or if they’re getting it right or need to be doing more or less.In today’s episode, I’m talking about the many reasons why there is no set number, from teacher pacing, to student needs and interests, to factoring in time for specials or guests or social and emotional learning. When you present too many lessons, you’re not leaving time for observation and supporting students who need additional support. There will also be impromptu lessons that pop up out of the flow of the day, or the need to reteach lessons to help students better master certain skills.Finding your sweet spot of how many lessons to teach will vary from day to day, class to class, and will be best implemented when you take time to observe the interests and needs of your students.What’s in this episode:[01:30] Some reasons there isn’t a prescribed number of lessons you should present on a given day[04:20] Why more doesn’t always mean better, the benefits of offering fewer lessons, and the importance of making time for observation and giving attention to students who may need support with follow-up work[08:07] Why impromptu, unscheduled lessons are essential (they happen more often than you realize, and yes, they do still count as lessons), and the importance of knowing when you may need to reteach a previous lesson[10:33] The importance of including social and emotional lessons throughout the day, and how to pivot with the number of lessons depending on the needs of the dayFor full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit https://www.trilliummontessori.org/when-less-is-more/Resources Mentioned in This Episode:N/AConnect With UsVisit our websiteFollow us on InstagramConnect with us on FacebookJoin us for the 2023 P2P Summit: Montessori and the Science of ReadingLearn more and register here: https://courses.trilliummontessori.org/p/reading-summit

Transition times in the elementary classroom can be tough. Children find it particularly difficult for a number of reasons, and it can be a struggle for teachers as well to make sure that the day flows as smoothly as possible for all of their students.In today’s episode, I’m sharing about best practices, as well as what to avoid, when it comes to different types of transitions throughout the school day. Considering psychological characteristics of elementary children, implementing tangible practices into your day, and observing both group (whole and small) and individual transitions will allow you to focus on what’s most important: student learning and engagement.What’s in this episode:[02:00] Why it’s important to watch for small group and individual transitions in addition to the more obvious whole group transitions, and the signs to look out for in a child struggling with a transition[05:36] How to consider Dr. Maria Montessori’s psychological characteristics of the elementary child when planning for challenging transitions in the classroom[15:21] How to support students during transitional times throughout the day, and what to steer clear of[23:05] Tangible systemic practices to incorporate into your daily transitions[26:17] An example of how to personalize a solution to a child’s transitional struggles For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit https://www.trilliummontessori.org/classroom-transitions/Resources Mentioned in This Episode:N/AConnect With UsVisit our websiteFollow us on InstagramConnect with us on FacebookJoin us for the 2023 P2P Summit: Montessori and the Science of ReadingLearn more and register here: https://courses.trilliummontessori.org/p/reading-summit

We’re living in an age of AI, and education is no stranger to technological advancements. While some teachers see this as a challenge to overcome, technology can help transform how you approach planning and preparing in the Montessori environment.In today’s episode, I’m talking about a new language tool called ChatGPT, and the many ways teachers can use it as a resource for their classrooms to support student learning and development. There is certainly a learning curve, but over time, you can enhance your teaching experience with ChatGPT. What’s in this episode:[03:13] How ChatGPT can help students improve their language skills with lessons on grammar and parts of speech by creating high interest text that keeps students engaged[06:01] How ChatGPT can aid with sentence analysis to help break down the complexity of sentence structure, and creating sentences by ability, interest, or age group[07:42] Generating topic specific word problems with ChatGPT, and how creating comprehensive-level text provides a more targeted experience for students[10:54] Generating lists of follow-up activities to further engage students on different topics[13:31] Creating lists for procedures, such as a list of steps for a sequence of tasks (e.g. getting snack)[15:35] Why you have to be very specific when giving ChatGPT instructions and taking time to figure out the right questions to ask to get what you needFor full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit:https://www.trilliummontessori.org/chatgpt-for-teachers/Resources Mentioned in This Episode:N/AConnect With UsVisit our websiteFollow us on InstagramConnect with us on FacebookJoin us for the 2023 P2P Summit: Montessori and the Science of ReadingLearn more and register here: https://courses.trilliummontessori.org/p/reading-summit

Montessori schools are becoming more and more popular in the public school setting—both as charter schools and within district programs. While there are more than 500 public Montessori schools, the growing education trend is still not exactly common knowledge. Today’s guest aims to bring advocacy and awareness to this sector.In today’s episode, I’m talking to Katie Brown, Director of Research and Professional Learning at the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (NCMPS). The mission of NCMPS is to promote Montessori for social change in the public sector. Katie is sharing all the ways that NCMPS offers support—from teacher training, to classroom observation tools, to connecting people to state level advocacy organizations—as well as conversations around equity in public Montessori and new trends that are popping up for the future of this model.What’s in this episode:[01:51] How NCMPS offers support, resources, and connections  to schools, teachers, families, and students through both research-based and classroom-based opportunities[11:46] Katie’s take on new trends in this setting and what the future of public Montessori looks like[14:52] How teacher trainings and residencies are becoming more popular in hopes of addressing teacher pipeline difficulties[16:48] The challenges around equity and anti-racism efforts in the Montessori public setting and how to keep this important work at the forefront[19:13] Information about Visual Thinking Strategies course offered through NCMPS and how the tools presented support language development and critical thinking For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit https://www.trilliummontessori.org/Resources Mentioned in This Episode:National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (website for resources and courses)Visual Thinking Strategies in Montessori Environments (book)Primary Montessori Curriculum to Standards Alignment (course)Elementary Montessori Curriculum to Standards Alignment (course)Teach Montessori (NCMPS project for teaching trainings and job boards)The Montessori Event 2023 (conference)Connect With UsVisit our websiteFollow us on InstagramConnect with us on FacebookJoin us for the 2023 P2P Summit: Montessori and the Science of ReadingLearn more and register here: https://courses.trilliummontessori.org/p/reading-summit

Traditional public school classrooms operate in a very different way than Montessori classrooms. But there is a growing trend for implementing Montessori practices into the public school setting. Enter Wildflower Schools, a network of small Montessori charter schools run by Montessori teachers.In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Rachel Kimboko, Executive Director for Stakeholder Engagement at DC Wildflower Public Charter School. She’s sharing her thoughts on what it’s like bringing Montessori into the public school setting and engaging with the community, how she works alongside the Montessori teachers to create the schools, and why it’s important to attract younger and more diverse candidates.What’s in this episode:How Wildflower Schools are bringing Montessori into the public charter school system and building relationships in the communityWhat makes their work unique while also being aligned with Montessori practicesThe importance of having structures in place that support flexibilityThe joys and challenges of implementing Montessori in a public school settingWhat public Montessori schools need to be successfulCreating access and support for bipoc people to become Montessori teachers and role modelsFor full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit https://www.trilliummontessori.org/Resources Mentioned in This Episode:DC Wildflower Public Charter SchoolWildflower SchoolsConnect With UsVisit our websiteFollow us on InstagramConnect with us on FacebookJoin us for the 2023 P2P Summit: Montessori and the Science of ReadingLearn more and register here: https://courses.trilliummontessori.org/p/reading-summit