Age of Montessori Upcoming Live Webinars

DESCRIPTION:  Why do only 17% of American high schools graduates know about American history, according to the 2018 National Assessment of Educational Progress? Why do only 22% know anything about world geography? In some communities in this nation, barely 40% can read and write with proficiency and even fewer can do math well.

We will examine these problems and take a look at the huge gap between what American students used to learn, what Montessori elementary offers and what they are learning today. We will give you tips on how to supplement what your children are learning, whether you are their teacher or their parent. We can begin to fill that knowledge gap. We invite entire schools to join us to begin this important discussion.

PRESENTERS:  Janet Nordemann, M.Ed., Elementary Faculty, Age of Montessori
Mary Ellen Maunz, M.Ed., Founder and Program Director, Age of Montessori

DESCRIPTION:  In this one-hour webinar, we will introduce songs and teach you simple melodies that can be used in the classroom at circle time, transition times and special occasions. Even if you do not feel musical or are not comfortable singing, this webinar will give you the tools you need to create a repertoire of songs that both musically timid and musically experienced Montessori teachers can use! 

PRESENTERS:  Karen Walton, M.Ed., Early Childhood Faculty, Age of Montessori

Erin Lanigan, B.A., Early Childhood Faculty, Age of Montessori

DESCRIPTION:   Join Stephen and Mary Ellen for a lively discussion of the amazing process of normalizing an entire class. ‘Normalization’ in the Montessori classroom refers to the freewill choices of work, spontaneous concentration, and independence of the children in the prepared environment. Steven received his Montessori diploma from the first class Mary Ellen taught with Dr. Elisabeth Caspari, in 1980.

Stephen’s years of practice demonstrated the normalization that many parents and newly minted Montessori teachers struggle to believe, let alone achieve. As Montessori began her work, her attitude as she saw children become calm and centered was one of skepticism: “I won’t believe this time. I will wait until the next time to believe.” After decades of work she realized that: “Normalization is the single most important result of our work.” 

PRESENTERS:   Mary Ellen Maunz, M.Ed., Founder, Program Director, Age of Montessori

Stephen Macchio, B.A., Retired Montessori School Director and Teacher

DESCRIPTION:   It’s during the elementary years that the concept of justice is born within the child. Children are trying to distinguish between what’s right and wrong and understand this within context of their relationships and their view of the world around them. It is also at this age that the child begins to work with others and is interested in being a part of their classroom and school community.

Join us as we focus on ways to build community in the class with morning meetings, afternoon meetings and community meetings. We will share rituals and activities that will help your class become more united as a community. Parents may find this equally applicable to their family dinner table conversations.

PRESENTERS:   Janet Nordemann, M.Ed., Elementary Faculty, Age of Montessori

Mary Ellen Maunz, M.Ed., Founder, Program Director, Age of Montessori