054: Choice in the Elementary Classroom

Understanding how to facilitate, organize, and prepare an environment that fosters student choice is one of the most challenging aspects of being a Montessori Elementary teacher. Educators who follow the Montessori approach know that Maria Montessori placed a lot of emphasis on the idea of “choice,” and while the notion of choice is universally celebrated and held sacred for young children up until the age of 6 (such as in other Montessori environments or in play-based preschools), this idea sometimes falls to the wayside when children enter into elementary and adolescent programs. In today’s episode, Letty Rising explains that there are different levels of choice, and that students can have choice in their work and still develop the skills needed to master standards.What’s in this episode:What different levels of choice look like in the Elementary classroomFacilitating an environment that allows the opportunity for children to choose their workBuilding common core standards around a child's interestSupporting children who struggle with independence and making choicesWhen teacher choice and child choice come into playEnsuring students are progressing in key areas by using tools for accountabilityFor 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 Facebook

One of the best ways to create a learning environment that promotes positivity and productivity is play. When playing games, students become more comfortable with not only their peers but also their teacher.In today’s episode, I’m sharing how both structured and unstructured games can build a variety of social, emotional, and executive functioning skills in elementary students, and how games contribute to students’ success in all areas of curriculum as well.What’s in this episode:[02:04] How games can be a strategy for fostering connection in the classroom and examples of games that require communication and teamwork[06:49] How games help develop social, emotional, and executive functioning, including conflict resolution skills, self-esteem development, and organizational skills[14:35] Examples and benefits of unstructured vs. structured play[19:36] The positive outcomes that result from playing gamesFor 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 Facebook

As students get older, parents seem to become more inclined to pull their children out of Montessori programs. Especially when those classrooms have smaller groups of older students.  Parents often think that there are disadvantages to keeping their older children in this setting, but it’s actually quite the opposite: there are numerous benefits to older children in mixed-age classrooms.In today’s episode, I’m sharing the unique experiences offered by a mixed-age Montessori classroom, including how older children can mentor younger students, and develop leadership skills, problem-solving skills, and creativity, among other benefits. There are tremendous opportunities for older students in the Montessori school setting, and when teachers offer individualized lessons and activities, students of any age can thrive. What’s in this episode:The benefits of older children teaching and mentoring younger children in the classroomHow older children can be helpful when explaining big picture ideas to younger studentsWhy departing before the leadership year is a missed opportunity for older studentsHow to engage parents on the benefits of keeping their older students in this classroom environmentWhy it’s important to consider the individual needs of students when you have a small group of older children in your classroom, and how to create a positive learning experienceFor 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 Facebook

How does technology affect brain development in children? How can we mindfully incorporate technology into Montessori classrooms? Is social media inherently bad for adolescents?In today’s episode, Letty is joined by Dr. Luz Casquejo Johnston to discuss technology in relation to Montessori education, particularly for upper elementary and adolescent students. Luz shares insights into child and adolescent brain development, and offers advice on how to mindfully integrate technology into the Montessori environment.  What’s in this episode:Why the adolescent brain is particularly receptive to social mediaAdvice for helping students self-regulate and find a balance with technology usePreparing the environment for students’ technology use, according to their developmental stage and learning needsCollaborating with students and creating agreements around technology useFor 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:The Whole Brain Child by Dan Siegel: https://drdansiegel.com/book/the-whole-brain-child/Brainstorm by Dan Siegel: https://drdansiegel.com/book/brainstorm/Dr. Dan Siegel's Hand Model of the Brain video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-m2YcdMdFwConnect With UsVisit our websiteFollow us on InstagramConnect with us on Facebook

As Montessori educators, we learn a lot through training and practical experience about how to guide our students. However, we often find ourselves lacking knowledge when it comes to supporting students with additional needs. In today’s episode, Meghan Hicks joins Letty Rising to thoughtfully explore how we can best support children with learning disabilities. With over 20 years of experience training teachers to work with children across all age levels, Meghan shares her wisdom grounded in experience.Our conversation ventures into common conditions like dyslexia and dyscalculia. Yet Meghan artfully broadens the frame to consider the needs of the whole child before us. Varied pacing, continuous repetition, and strong partnerships with families are mentioned as keys to helping all children thrive. The Montessori method’s inherent adaptability is perfectly suited for working with children of varying ranges of abilities.What you’ll hear about:How Montessori principles align closely with modern understandings of neurodiversityHow the Montessori approach honors the unique pace and interests of all childrenTools and strategies that aid comprehensionFostering better home-school collaborationWhile some gaps may exist in training programs, Meghan explains how our timeless philosophy has exactly what we need to nurture diverse learners. Jump into this podcast here to further expand your perspective!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.Connect With UsVisit our websiteFollow us on InstagramConnect with us on Facebook

The elementary age is the time when children are really developing their executive functioning skills. A highly teacher-directed environment doesn’t really give students the space and grace to explore and develop these skills. A Montessori environment, on the other hand, is built for such exploration.In today’s episode, we’re talking about the various executive functioning skills that children need to develop, how the Montessori classroom encourages students to learn at their own pace, and ways that teachers can support their students in developing these skills.What’s in this episode:[01:12] What executive functioning is, and how the Montessori environment supports the development of independence and give students the space to practice a variety of skills[04:47] How Montessori students are encouraged to learn planning skills, including collaboration, and how an emphasis on flexible thinking helps children learn how to be adaptable[08:17] How choosing their own activities and setting their pace helps students learn how to manage their time effectively[10:21] How teachers can create a supportive and nurturing environment for students to feel comfortable and confident developing their executive functioning skills, and why the Montessori environment is conducive to this learningFor 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 Facebook

Maria Montessori’s theories of developmental psychology include her foundational observations of the planes of development for children. These planes outline various milestones physically and mentally as the child’s education progresses, and it’s so interesting to see common threads emerge when observing Montessori students in the classroom.In today’s episode, I’m talking to Luz Casquejo Johnston, a parenting and life coach and a seasoned Montessori educator. Luz shares what she learned after experiencing all three planes of development in the span of one summer. She offers insights on the importance of reflection, observation, and the preparation of the Montessori teacher.Luz also shares the importance of asking “why?” - not only to find out the answer to educational concepts, but because our students will also be asking “why?”. We are better teachers when we are well-informed. What’s in this episode:Luz shares about experiencing all 3 planes of development in one summerThe debate on the appropriateness of didactic materials in the Montessori classroomWhy observation is crucial for Montessori teachersThe common threads Luz noticed when going through the 3 planes of developmentHow self-reflection helps students and teachersFor full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit:https://www.trilliummontessori.org/podcast/ Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Do Didactic Materials Belong in the Infant & Toddler Classroom? by David Shelton-Dodge (From the Spring 2023 Issue of Montessori Life Magazine)Connect With UsVisit our websiteFollow us on InstagramConnect with us on Facebook

There’s a Montessori notion out there that we shouldn’t teach letter names along with letter sounds to our young learners. We’ve often heard that children don’t need to know the names of letters to read a word. And while that’s technically true, the Science of Reading suggests we should reframe our thinking around letter names.In today’s episode, I’m talking to Zil Jaeger, an experienced Montessori teacher, consultant and coach with a passion for literacy and steadfast commitment to anti-biased and anti-racist education. Zil shares what we can learn from the growing body of science about how children learn to read, how we can support learners who don’t have foundational literacy skills, and what Zil thinks educators should stop doing when it comes to literacy for young learners. Zil also emphasizes how important repetition is to children learning to read. The more exposure they have to letter names and sounds, the better for their reading journey.What’s in this episode:What Montessorians can learn from the growing body of science about how we learn to readWhy Zil recommends teaching letter names as well as sounds for young Montessori learnersHow we can empower learners to understand how human brains learn how to readHow educators can best support learners who enter a younger elementary classroom without foundational literacy skillsZil’s recommended resources for teachers who want to learn more about the Science of ReadingWhat Zil thinks educators should NOT be doing in terms of literacyFor full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit:https://www.trilliummontessori.org/podcast/ Resources Mentioned in This Episode:University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI)Visit Zil’s WebsiteFollow Zil on InstagramBook: Powerful Literacy in the Montessori Classroom by Susan Zoll, Natasha Feinberg, and Laura SaylorBook: Speech to Print by Louisa Cook MoatsLexia LETRS Professional LearningThe Literacy NestBook: Uncovering the Logic of English by Denise EideConnect With UsVisit our websiteFollow us on InstagramConnect with us on Facebook

As Montessorians, we’re not necessarily known for our humor in the classroom. The focus is, understandably, more on the learning environment. We don’t want to come across as being too silly or lose control of our learning environments. But what if a sense of playfulness could actually help enhance our learning? In today’s episode, I’m talking to Lisa Thauvette, former head of International Montessori school, and a speaker, trainer, and educator. Lisa shares why we should bring joy and levity into Montessori education, how it’s linked to student learning, how to incorporate play in the classroom, and how joy can be felt among the adults in the community as well.Creating a culture of levity in our schools can build trust and bonding with your students. Remember that it’s okay to play and laugh together.What’s in this episode:Lisa explains the concept of bringing joy and levity into Montessori education, and how it’s linked to student learningHow play can be incorporated into the elementary school environment to enhance their learning experienceHow to maintain a sense of joy and resilience among adults in the community, especially during challenging timesLisa shares how she’s successfully merged her personal passion for improv with her professional life as a Montessori educatorFor full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit:https://www.trilliummontessori.org/podcast/ Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Visit Lisa’s WebsiteConnect With UsVisit our websiteFollow us on InstagramConnect with us on Facebook

Planning and recordkeeping is essential for Montessori educators. It provides alignment for your classrooms and allows you to articulate to parents what their children are learning. Meanwhile, it still allows educators the freedom and adaptability to explore their students’ interests more in depth.In today’s episode, I’m talking to Elizabeth Slade of Public Montessori in Action, which aims to ensure fully-implemented Montessori education for children, families, and educators of the global majority. Elizabeth has created a Montessori Planning and Recordkeeping Guide and we discuss how it’s been beneficial for the schools that have piloted it, how it creates structure in the classroom, and how it can address equity in the learning environment. If your school doesn’t already have a planning and recordkeeping system in place, there are tools out there to help you simplify the process, and this is your reminder to get started. What’s in this episode:How the Montessori Planning and Recordkeeping (MPR) Guide that Elizabeth created simplifies those tasks for educatorsHow educators in the public Montessori schools that Elizabeth has worked with have piloted the guide and found it beneficialWhy recordkeeping tools can create alignment and structure in the classroomHow the MPR Guide focuses on and addresses equity in the learning environmentHow planning and recordkeeping tools help increase a program's fidelity to high quality Montessori implementationFor full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit:https://www.trilliummontessori.org/planning-is-essential/Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Public Montessori in ActionMontessori Planning and Recordkeeping GuideFree Tools for Montessori practitionersConnect With UsVisit our websiteFollow us on InstagramConnect with us on Facebook