Trillium Montessori Talks

The Montessori method thrives on letting children explore on their own and engage in activities of their choosing. While we don’t have a traditional model of lessons, our teachers still teach several lessons throughout the day to elementary aged children. 

How do we accomplish the act of balancing presentations while still honoring independent work? In this episode, we are unveiling just how we reach this goal. You’ll hear about what concentration looks like for elementary aged kids (compared to their younger counterparts) and when it’s best to avoid interruptions. You’ll also learn the best method for supporting children who have difficulty with interruptions. 

What’s in this episode:

• What we avoid in Montessori that happens in traditional schooling
• Why we allow children to self regulate
• How we aim to balance presentations with honoring independent work
• How concentration looks different for elementary aged kids
• Examples of when an interruption is NOT in a child’s best interest 
• What to do when you’re met with resistance
• How to support children who have difficulty with interruptions

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit trilliummontessori.org/podcast

Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Explore the Montessori Principles to Practice Webinar Libraries

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For parents and teachers alike, one of the biggest draws to the Montessori method is our use of materials. They’re beautiful, they’re engaging, and they help students learn abstract concepts in a concrete way. But how do you know when your students are ready for abstraction, and when they are ready, how do you make the transition?

In this episode, we’re explaining how to decide whether or not your students are ready for abstraction. We’ll share tips for transitioning from concrete to abstract learning and what to do if some of your students aren’t quite ready to make the leap. Plus, we’ll break down the steps for getting students to set down their materials and pick up their pencils.

What’s in this episode:

• Why so many parents are drawn to the material aspect of Montessori 
• How materials make advanced concepts easier for students to grasp
• When to begin your students’ passage to abstraction
• In-classroom signs that your students are ready for abstraction
• How boredom can sometimes be a sign that students are ready to move on
• How to demonstrate the steps between concrete and abstract learning
• Why we should keep in mind that abstraction is the end goal

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit trilliummontessori.org/podcast

Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Explore the Montessori Principles to Practice Webinar Libraries

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No matter how skilled of a teacher you are, you’re bound to give a few lessons that just fall flat. This can happen for a multitude of reasons–from the structure of the lesson to your students’ attitudes that day. When it happens to you, don’t let it dictate your confidence in your teaching abilities. Instead, use it as an opportunity to understand your students better.

In this episode, we’re sharing my advice for what to do when a lesson inevitably falls flat. We’re explaining why our lessons sometimes don’t land with our students and how to recognize when they’re disengaging. We’re also sharing tips for creating an inspiring lesson and saving a failing lesson in the moment.

What’s in this episode:

• Why some lessons just won’t land with your students
• What it looks like when a lesson “falls flat”
• How to read students’ signals that they’re bored, confused, or disengaged
• How to activate prior knowledge to transition students into a new lesson
• Tips for “hooking” your students at the beginning of a lesson
• Why we strive to tell stories, not give lectures
• How to find the “just right” balance between a lesson that’s too easy or hard
• How student groupings can affect the success of your lesson
• Tips for problem solving in the moment and engaging with your students mid-lesson
• How to set behavior expectations at the beginning of a lesson
• Why you shouldn’t doubt your abilities if your lesson falls flat

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit trilliummontessori.org/podcast

Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Explore the Montessori Principles to Practice Webinar Libraries

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As teachers, we all know the feeling: your students return to the classroom after a long break, and it seems like they’ve forgotten everything you’ve ever taught them. It can be frustrating to feel a loss of routine or a disregard for procedures in your classroom, but it’s not uncommon. Often, students just need a refresher on how to interact with one another and their learning environment.

In this episode, we’re talking about how to return from a long break and get your students back into the swing of things. We’ll explain why students might “forget” classroom procedures over the break and the best ways to gently remind them upon their return.

What’s in this episode:

• Why students might struggle with executive function and routines after a long break
• How Montessori environments differ from traditional classrooms during these adjustment periods
• Systems you should give extra attention after breaks
• How to gently remind students of classroom procedures they may have forgotten
• How to guide students through conflict resolution after a break
• Modeling courtesy for your students to inspire them to practice it as well
• Why you should revisit your classroom agreements after a long break

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit trilliummontessori.org/podcast

Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Explore the Montessori Principles to Practice Webinar Libraries

Connect With Us
Visit our website
Follow us on Instagram
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Welcome to Trillium Montessori Talks, the podcast where we dig into the theory and application of Montessori methodology in the classroom and beyond. Join us for candid conversation about the challenges us Montessori teachers face and how we can enhance the classroom experience for our students and ourselves. Ready to optimize your Montessori practice? Head to https://www.trilliummontessori.org/podcast to learn more.