Cobb School Parent Education Series 2011-2012

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year. At The Cobb

School, Montessori parent education has always been a core

component of our program. The Cobb School, an Association

Montessori Internationale school, offers a classic Montessori

education. There are certain principles and methods that are

important to understand in order to support your child during

this unique educational experience. In addition, our Montes-

sori-trained teachers enjoy discussing with you the joys and

struggles of raising children to be moral and competent

young people. The parent-school connection is vitally impor-

tant, and we encourage all of you to attend as many parent

education events as you can.

This year we have put together an exciting and comprehen-

sive program with both invited speakers and our own Cobb

staff. Our hope is that these parent education offerings will

support you and your family during the current school year

and beyond. Dr. Maria Montessori wrote that the Montessori

Method could be best described as “an aid to life.” It is our

earnest wish that our time together will provide such an aid.

With enthusiasm and anticipation,

Gerry Leonard

Program Coordinator & Director of Parent Education

Tuesday, September 20 at 8:30am drop-in

“What happens each school day? My child won’t tell me.”

Snack time might be more important than

you realize, but rest assured, it’s not all

your child is doing at school. Find out

what your YCC or Primary child is really

learning at The Cobb School & gain a

deeper understanding of your child’s work.

Parent Coffee for YCC & Primary Parents

hosted by Mary Lou Cobb with guest

Marisa Gallagher

Thursday, October 13 at 8:30am drop-in

Montessori Principles: Understanding the Fundamental

Differences Between a Montessori Education & Others Join Mary Lou & Mary Anne for an informative

discussion of Montessori basics. Find out how

this unique approach to education challenges

common assumptions about children & learn-

ing. Discover the Montessori difference.

Parent Coffee for YCC & Primary Parents

hosted by Mary Lou Cobb & Mary Anne Creto

Thursday, October 20 at 8:30am drop-in

Montessori at the Elementary Level

Hear a history story & enjoy a science presentation. Do

hands-on work in geometry & grammar. Discover what

we mean by the universal syllabus in the Montessori

Elementary classroom. Gain a deeper understanding of

your child’s experiences at our school.

Parent Coffee for Elementary Parents hosted by Gerry

Leonard with guest Mark Hilsdon

Tuesday, October 25 at 6:30pm registration required

Talking Straight about Montessori:

A Parent Evening with Dr. Steven Hughes

Please join us for this rare opportunity to hear neuropsy-

chologist Dr. Steven Hughes discuss the intellectual & so-

cial benefits of a Montessori education. Using current re-

search & years of experience, Dr. Hughes will explain how

& why Montessori works. He’ll explain how life & work in

the 21st century have placed increasing pressures on the

School 1.0 model & what young people should be learning

(or learning to do) to experience successful, happy – indeed

interesting – lives.

Tuesday, November 15 at 8:30am drop-in

“She’s mean!” “He’s a bully!” Understanding & Guiding Social Development During the Elementary Years.

Discover what constitutes normal social development during the 6 to12 year old

stage. Understand when & how to best intervene, guide & protect young boys

& girls from extremes of social exclusion or

social cruelty.

Parent Coffee for Elementary Parents hosted

by Gerry Leonard with guests Dr. Craig

Schoon & Joan Gwillim

Thursday, January 12 at 6:30pm registration required Outcomes of Montessori: Cobb School Alumni Share Their Stories A Very Special Evening Event You Won’t Want to Miss!

Join us for a panel discussion with our alums. Hear former students reflect on

their experiences at The Cobb School & what Montessori has meant in their

lives. You’ll even get a chance to ask our panelists your questions.

Friday, January 20 from 6:30pm-8:30pm &

Saturday January 21 from 8:30am-11:30am registration required

The Silent Journey

All parents are invited to attend this two-day

workshop to gain a deeper understanding of

the Montessori curriculum. Parents, admin-

istrators & teachers will gather Friday night

for a silent walk through the classrooms.

This same group will gather Saturday morn-

ing for Montessori lessons & to reflect on

their unique experiences through their “silent

journey.” If you have not yet attended our

Silent Journey, please carve out time for this

memorable experience.

Tuesday, February 7 from 6:00pm-8:00pm registration required

Growing Up & Moving Up The Transition from ED to LEL 6:00pm-7:00pm

The Transition from LEL to UEL 7:00pm-8:00pm

Children need help during times of

transition. It is important to know what

to expect & how to both support their

vulnerabilities & encourage their step-

ping forward into new challenges. Our

staff members will help you gain a bet-

ter understanding of the level your child

will be moving to as they help you pre-

pare your child for the transition.

The child has a power that we do not have— that of building man himself. ~Dr. Maria Montessori

Thursday, April 12 at 8:30am drop-in Technology for the Primary & Elementary Child:

What Do Montessorians Say Find out what Montessorians have to say

about technology & children. Find out how

we integrate technology into our Elementary

classrooms & how we prepare our students

for the future. We will also discuss appropri-

ate & safe use of technology at home. Bring

your questions & insights for a lively discus-

sion on a pressing topic.

Parent Coffee for both Primary & Elementary Parents hosted by Mary Lou Cobb

& Gerry Leonard with guest Phil Pawelcyzk

Tuesday, April 17 at 8:30am drop-in Creativity in a Montessori Classroom

The arts play an integral role in our students’ lives. Children at

every level have opportunities to explore various mediums &

discover their own artistic nature. Find out how creativity is

woven through the YCC & Primary Montessori curricula.

Parent Coffee for Primary Parents hosted by Mary Lou Cobb &

Mary Anne Creto with guest Lhamo Pemba

Tuesday, May 1 at 8:30am drop-in

“Who is this young adolescent?”

This coffee will focus on the transition

from childhood into the adolescent years

& the challenges & opportunities offered

to parents & adults who work with this

age group. Bring your insights & experi-

ences to share.

Parent Coffee hosted by Gerry Leonard

with guest Grail Kearney

Wednesday, May 16 at 8:30am drop-in

The Child in Nature & Planning for Summer

Please join us for our final Parent

Coffee of the year! Connecting

with the earth enriches our chil-

dren’s lives, but too many parents

& educators have forgotten this. At

this coffee we will discuss the im-

portance of nature in our children’s

lives. We will also provide you

with many ideas to help make the

summer months spent with your children joyful &

fruitful. Turn apprehension into enthusiasm & get

ready for a wonderful summer.

Parent Coffee for YCC, Primary & Elementary

Parents hosted by Mary Lou Cobb, Mary Anne

Creto & Gerry Leonard with guests Maureen

Hilsdon & Carol Ebersol

The land is where our roots are. The children must be taught to feel and live in harmony with the Earth. ~Dr. Maria Montessori

Suggested Reading for Parents

The Absorbent Mind by Maria Montessori

The Child in the Family by Maria Montessori

The Secret of Childhood by Maria Montessori

The Discovery of the Child by Maria Montessori

To Educate the Human Potential by Maria Montessori

Montessori–The Science Behind the Genius by Angeline Stoll Lillard

Montessori–A Modern Approach by Paula Polk Lillard

Understanding Montessori: A Guide for Parents by Maren Schmidt

Montessori Madness! A Parent to Parent Argument for Montessori

Education by Trevor Eissler

Montessori in the Classroom by Paula Polk Lillard

Montessori from the Start by Paula Polk Lillard & Lynn Jessen Lillard

Best Friends, Worst Enemies: Understanding the Social Lives of

Children by Michael Thompson

Nurture Shock: New Thinking About Children by Po Bronson &

Ashley Merryman

Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv

The Moral Intelligence of Children: How to Raise a Moral Child

by Robert Coles

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink

Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

The Genius in All of Us: New Insights into Genetics, Talent, and IQ

by David Shenk

The Genius in Children: Bringing Out the Best in Your Child

by Rick Ackerly

Parenting from the Inside Out by Mary Hartzell

Punished by Rewards by Alfie Kohn