Elements of a Learning Community
Successful Montessori learning communities provide an inclusive atmosphere and actively nurture the social-emotional development of every child. In order to learn, a child must first feel safe. An emotionally safe environment allows for exploration and discovery, including the vital experience of making mistakes. Nested communities of multi-aged groupings allow deep bonds between teacher and child to develop while fostering the ability to live in harmony with others.
VIDEOS IN THIS CATEGORY:
A TO I & PRIMARY:
JOURNEY TO INDEPENDENCE (21:47)
An exploration of how Montessori practice supports the natural unfolding of human development in the earliest years. This video includes topics such as the need for sharp observation skills, the importance of dynamic language, what "toddler" concentration looks like in the infant community and a brief overview of when a child is ready to transition from the infant community into a primary setting.
ASSISTANTS TO INFANCY (0-3):
THE CHILD’S WORK (19:56)
Young children are driven by an internal growth process to seek out experiences that meet their constantly evolving developmental needs.This video includes a discussion of the development of the child's will, how learning is deeply tied to movement in these early years and how nature provides a road map for the adult in meeting the constantly changing needs of children.
HUMAN BONDS (19:00)
An examination of the human relationships and settings that best support our youngest children on a daily basis.
PRIMARY (3-6):
MY DAY (18:57)
Experience the Montessori approach through three primary children as they journey through their morning work periods.
MY PINK TOWER (7:26)
A story of matching the primary child to appropriate work.
PEER TO PEER LEARNING (9:39)
Nested primary communities of multi-aged children automatically create and expose children to a variety of social roles.
RITUAL OF THE MEAL (5:58)
Opportunities for children to practice a variety of social tasks and develop relationships are woven into the daily rituals of a Montessori primary environment.
SNACKS (5:17)
Capturing ordinary days in Montessori environments… Snack is a social interaction in the Montessori primary setting. The practical life tasks built into the child’s snack experience further reinforce the cultivation of independence and problem solving abilities. Quiet conversations enhance literacy development in the young child.
THE BUCKET (9:10)
A story of problem solving in a primary classroom.
Primary & ELEMENTARY (6-12):
CREATING A LEARNING COMMUNITY (23:40)
Capturing ordinary days in Montessori environments…Montessori focuses on meeting children’s needs.
GOING OUT (12:40)
Preparing the elementary child for the future includes going beyond the classroom.
OBSERVATION OF THE TEACHER (16:16)
An exploration of the role observation plays in our daily practice in both the primary and elementary setting.
ELEMENTARY (6-12):
COLLABORATIVE LEARNING (15:34)
The elementary age child is naturally drawn to working in a group and challenging herself.
MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES (17:33)
A look at the Montessori teacher’s role in setting the tone and supporting social-emotional development in the elementary classroom.
All Age Levels:
SUPPORT FOR MONTESSORI PRACTICE: NEW TEACHERS (16:30)
The first years of Montessori practice present unique challenges for newly trained teachers. Teacher trainers from all age levels of practice explore some of the dynamics involved. They describe the type of support a budding guide needs to successfully navigate his/her critical beginning years.