Trillium Montessori Talks

It’s no surprise that Montessori education is still growing in popularity and many people are becoming more interested in this model - as parents, as educators, and especially as owners. If you’ve wanted to own a Montessori school but don’t have an education background, it’s OK, it’s definitely possible to do so.  

In today’s episode, I’m talking to a couple who has done exactly that. Najee and Sesealy Owens are owners of Decatur Montessori School in Atlanta, Georgia and utilized their business and marketing backgrounds to pursue ownership of the school. We discuss why they wanted to become owners, the challenges they faced, and how they want to inspire other Black entrepreneurs. 

We also discuss how the pandemic greatly impacted the operations of their school and how they were able to retain their staff and keep the doors open during that time.  

What’s in this episode:

What inspired Najee and Sesealy to pursue the path of Montessori school ownership

How their business background helped them establish and run a Montessori school

The challenges, surprises, and opportunities that Najee and Sesealy faced as school owners, especially in the midst of the pandemic

How they hope to inspire other Black educators and entrepreneurs with their story

Najee and Sesealy’s plans for the future of their school and their personal mission to promote Montessori education

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit:

https://www.trilliummontessori.org/new-school-owners/

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Decatur Montessori School

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There are unique challenges in implementing a bilingual education program at the elementary age in Montessori schools for a variety of reasons, but it can be done successfully.

In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Marikay McCabe, founding partner of the Bilingual Montessori Project. We talk about the challenges, the common misconceptions, and the research behind bilingual education programs.  

We also discuss why bilingual education is worth pursuing, despite the many challenges and considerations, and how the Bilingual Montessori Project and its resources will help with further implementation. 

What’s in this episode:

What the Bilingual Montessori Project is and how it got started

The unique challenges of implementing a bilingual program for elementary age children
Marikay’s thoughts on immersion language vs bilingual language programs

The fundamental values and priorities that you need to consider when developing a bilingual Montessori program

How to evaluate what’s working and what’s not in your bilingual program and the importance of making changes to see the outcomes you want

Marikay shares the research she’s conducted on bilingual education and what she’s learned so far

The misconceptions of bilingual education and how to address them

Why bilingual education is worth pursuing, despite the challenges

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit:

https://www.trilliummontessori.org/new-school-owners/

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

The Bilingual Montessori Project

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If standard Montessori teacher training taught you everything you needed to know before you stepped into the classroom, it would last way longer than two years! Chances are, you learned the content but not necessarily how to implement it in a real, everchanging classroom environment. That’s where supplementary education like the Elementary Bootcamp comes in!

In this encore episode, we’re talking about our upcoming Elementary Bootcamp and how it can prepare you for the approaching school year. We’re explaining how supplementary education can help new and experienced teachers. Plus, we’re taking a sneak peek at what’s covered in the program. This episode originally aired in July 2022.

What’s in this episode:

• Managing your stress as you approach the beginning of the school year
• This summer’s Elementary Bootcamp (opening soon!)
• How the bootcamp can supplement your knowledge and make you more confident in the classroom
• Why standard Montessori teacher training doesn’t often cover everything you need to know before you step in the classroom
• Who the bootcamp is designed for and what’s included
• How to join the waitlist for the Elementary Bootcamp

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit https://www.trilliummontessori.org/elementary-planning-bootcamp/

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Learn more about the Elementary Classroom Planning Bootcamp: https://courses.trilliummontessori.org/p/elementary-bootcamp

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Studies have shown that children who are in language immersion programs through the elementary years end up becoming more proficient in their home language as they get older, and they also experience the benefits of cultural awareness. 

In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Lindsey Barnes, Executive Director, and David Hernández, Elementary Teacher Leader, of The Dahlia School in San Francisco. We dive into language immersion and why they prefer that method versus bilingual education, as well as why they encourage their students to speak Spanish to each other in the classroom. 

We also discuss why diversity is a priority for Lindsey, the challenges and successes of starting and running a micro school, and her vision for The Dahlia School going forward.   

What’s in this episode:

Why Lindsey was inspired to start The Dahlia School, offer a Spanish immersion curriculum, and why diversity was a big priority for her as a Black mom

The benefits of exposing children to a multilingual curriculum and integrating languages into curriculum at the elementary level

Why The Dahlia School is 100% language immersion instead of a bilingual classroom

Why Lindsey and David encourage their students to speak Spanish to each other and set up natural environments for the language education to flourish

The challenges and successes of starting and running a micro school

Lindsey’s vision for the future of The Dahlia School

Lindsey’s advice for starting a Wildflower school

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit:

https://www.trilliummontessori.org/podcast/ 

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

The Dahlia School of San Francisco

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Over time, as more interpretations are overlaid on top of older theories, sometimes we can lose track of the actual meaning behind the source material. And when it comes to the 3 hour work cycle as applied in a Montessori setting, this seems to be the case.

In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Jana Morgan Herman, national director for Endeavor Schools and former teacher trainer for the Center for Guided Montessori Studies. We talk about how Maria Montessori never actually implemented a strict 3 hour work cycle, and where that misunderstanding might stem from. 

We also discuss how much of what we consider “work” has been narrowed, leaving out more physical and practical activities, how we might go about implementing a more faithful version of the schedule Maria Montessori originally envisioned, and why expanding our view of academic or intellectual work should include more outside time as well. 

What’s in this episode:

How over time, interpretations of Maria Montessori’s work, have strayed from the source material

The actual schedule that Maria Montessori laid out in her work (and it’s not a stringent 3 hour work cycle)

How what is considered “work” has become more narrow over time, instead of including passive activities and movement as well, and how to expand our definitions again

How to gently progress from physical and practical life to intellectual activities and how those initial practical life activities are relevant even to older children

Why the focus should always be on enticing children into more intellectual activities, instead of forcing or coercing them into something they aren’t interested in

Why spending time in nature is one of the best ways for children to learn and develop intellectually and how to implement outdoor time even in more crowded urban areas

Why Montessori organizations might want to reconsider their program scheduling

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit:

https://www.trilliummontessori.org/debunking-the-three-hour-work-cycle/

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

1946 London Lectures by Maria Montessori

The Advanced Montessori Method

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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 functional

The systems they have in place for keeping such a large classroom organized and authentic to the Montessori philosophy, including student conferences and lesson planning

How they use silent transitions to keep the flow going between lessons, lunch, and breaks

How they divide responsibilities as co-teachers, the importance of constant communication, and how identifying each other’s strengths and weaknesses has made them more efficient

Why they do all of their planning together, and why they chose to divide their responsibilities by subject areas

The 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 independent

How their mentorship student program works, and how they pair up students with similar interests and choose leaders with strong executive functioning skills

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit:

https://www.trilliummontessori.org/

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

N/A

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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 environment

What 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 children

How 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 learning

How long it takes for new homeschool parents to feel confident implementing basic Montessori principles

For 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 Homeschool

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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 teacher

Christine’s journey from a brick-and-mortar Montessori school with a homeschool component to teaching in a homeschool virtual setting

How approaching engagement is different in distance learning, and what it’s like to support parents virtually

The 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/A

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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 mistakes

Finding neutral moments to teach a mini-lesson and then allow students to see where they can apply the lesson in their own work

How to help students develop creativity and imagination in their writing

Looking at writing from the perspective of cosmic education

The importance of observing your students and their writing

How to assess student writing and provide helpful feedback

For 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-writers

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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 communities

For 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 Inventory

The Deep Well of Time by Michael J. Dorer

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