Trillium Montessori Talks

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 classroom
Facilitating an environment that allows the opportunity for children to choose their work
Building common core standards around a child's interest
Supporting children who struggle with independence and making choices
When teacher choice and child choice come into play
Ensuring students are progressing in key areas by using tools for accountability

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit:
https://www.trilliummontessori.org/
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
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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 games
For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit:
https://www.trilliummontessori.org/
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
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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 classroom
How older children can be helpful when explaining big picture ideas to younger students
Why departing before the leadership year is a missed opportunity for older students
How to engage parents on the benefits of keeping their older students in this classroom environment
Why 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 experience
For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit:
https://www.trilliummontessori.org/
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
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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 media
Advice for helping students self-regulate and find a balance with technology use
Preparing the environment for students’ technology use, according to their developmental stage and learning needs
Collaborating with students and creating agreements around technology use
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:
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-m2YcdMdFw

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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 neurodiversity
How the Montessori approach honors the unique pace and interests of all children
Tools and strategies that aid comprehension
Fostering better home-school collaboration
While 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.

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