Montessori Scoop! - Fall 2012 - Volume III, Issue 3

Montessori Scoop!

TIME’s Biggest Event of the Year! Conference Details Inside!

Fall 2012 Volume III, Issue 3

Inside this Issue:

Austin Assistant Training Dr. Joyce Pickering TIME’s Services

Mariposa Montessori Mayor Annise Parker The Joy of Dr. Jean

The Montessori Academy Fall Conference & Expo Overview

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Welcome toHouston!

Mayor Annise Parker Interview, Page 18

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Although Dr. Jean Feldman has more than 40 years of experience working as an educator, author, and consultant, her childlike joy and enthusiasm for learning has never seemed to diminish. “I tell people I have been in early childhood for 65 years,” she says. “I just never grew up. I’m like Peter Pan. The world of children is the best world of all!”

As a proponent of lifelong learning, Dr. Feldman lives by example. She holds a degree for advanced study in teaching as well as bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in early childhood education and curriculum and instruction. She’s written more than a dozen books, presented several times at National Association for Education conferences, and been a keynote speaker at the National Kindergarten Conference.

“I’ve tried to take advantage of every conference I could attend, every class I could take, [and] every professional book I could read,” says Dr. Feldman. “The more I know about scientific-based research and brain development, the more I’m convinced that what Maria Montessori and thousands of parents and teachers

4 - Montessori Scoop

have been doing naturally and well for centuries are one and the same.”

While Dr. Feldman’s writings and speeches are popular with educators around the country, she may be even better known for the long list of children’s recordings she has released. The recordings feature silly, fun songs that teachers and parents can sing with kids, and Dr. Feldman makes a special effort to perform live concerts and sing with students herself whenever she has the opportunity. Her

most popular titles include “Dr. Jean Sings Silly Songs,” “Sing to Learn,” and “Kiss Your Brain!”

Although Dr. Feldman is not and never has been a Montessori

teacher, she holds Maria Montessori’s philosophy in high esteem. “Maria and I have the same dedication and love for children,” she says. “We both believe that less is more and want to fill children’s lives with ‘simple gifts.’”

Closely related to those gifts are senses of wonder, play, and accomplishment. To demonstrate the connection between fun and learning, Dr. Feldman rattles off a list of things she feels are essential for a child’s growth and development. They include happiness, music, art, authentic play,

The Joy of Dr. Jean


stories, outdoor experiences, hands-on materials, secure environments, healthy food, loving family members, caring teachers, and joy. “I think those same gifts are reflected in the Montessori philosophy,” she says.

In her teaching, Dr. Feldman has made an effort to focus on “multi-sensory, authentic play experiences [that] are essential to healthy brain development.” In particular, she loves singing, dancing, and related activities that celebrate the creativity and freshness of childhood. “Maria and I would be leaders for a ‘Save Childhood’ campaign,” she says. “[Children] only have one chance to be three or four or five. You’ve got to remember principles of early childhood development—intellectual, social, physical, and emotional development are intertwined and essential to a healthy child!”

Dr. Feldman prizes experiential and sensory learning over passive instruction, especially when it comes to technological resources. “We are in such a rush to give children computers and to push academics that we are failing to give them time, attention, and oral language experiences,” she says. “The more time children spend in front of a screen, the more we must provide them with music, art,

movement, and engaging materials. No matter how technical and fast-paced the world becomes, we have got to realize that children are the same as they were 50 or 100 years ago. They like to sing, move, play, learn, and be with their friends. They want to love and be loved.”

Although Dr. Feldman has seen great success in many of the children she’s worked with, she understands that teaching can be exhausting for both educators and students. “Believe in what you do and know that it matters,” she says when asked about the advice she’d offer Montessori teachers. “Hold on to your dreams.”

With children, grandchildren, an active Web presence*, and numerous personal projects of her own, Dr. Feldman might find it difficult to follow her own advice about prioritizing dreams—but she’s still inspired to spend the rare spare time she does have in continuing her work. “I still try to do one free concert each week in the schools of Charleston, South Carolina, where I live,” she says. “Children fill my heart with joy, and I hope I can keep on singing and dancing with them until they put me away in the nursing home!”

* Dr. Feldman provides a long list of games, songs, and resources for educators free of charge on her website, drjean.org.

Dr. Jean is our Pre-Conference Speaker!

Oct 19, 2012 | 2p-5pDon’t miss her wonderful Make and Take!

TIME offers a variety of services for your school, faculty and staff. We even have programs for families at your school!

CLASSROOM OBSERVATIONWe conduct assessments and obser-vations of functioning classrooms. Schools receive a comprehensive and confidential report on the strengths of each class, as well as ideas for areas which could use improvement.

TIME provides resources for these sug-gestions and can offer recommenda-tions for enhancement of the overall classroom program. These reports serve as an excellent end of year evaluation for your teachers.

COURSES FOR YOUR FACULTY

Positive Discipline

The secret to a normalized classroom lies in the ability of the teacher to remain the invisible observer. By ap-plying positive discipline methods, the teacher is able to fulfill this goal. Providing natural and logical conse-quences, as well as encouragement and choices are skills that can be internal-ized with daily practice.

TIME offers a course designed for a school’s entire faculty. We will come to your location and conduct sessions that will bring your staff on the same page. This continuity will prove to be a key ingredient in achieving a peaceful environment.

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

These refresher courses are not intended as training. They are de-signed to revive and awaken ideas for your teachers.

*Partial Listing

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR PARENTS

Why Montessori?What about Kindergarten?Montessori at Home!Curriculum OverviewMontessori Journey by Barbara GordonPositive Discipline (extended presentation)

Team Building

TIME has a wealth of resources for developing a strong bond among teachers and assistants. When teach-ers develop clear and positive com-munication techniques, the classroom reflects it. These activities facilitate and nurture sustainable classroom relationships. It gives the Head of School tools to support your staff and keep the lines of communication open.

Practical LifeSensorialLanguageMathGeographyEarth Science

Physical ScienceLife Science HistoryArtMusicPhilosophy Refresher

Toddler SeminarTIME’s M ntessori

Do you work in a toddler Montessori classroom environment?

Do you need additional tools to establish an appropriate learning environment?

Do you need to enhance your classroom leadership skills?

Featuring Susan Tracy, Melody Patton and National Montessori Infant/Toddler Experts!

Information online at: www.montessoriedu.org

Seminar will be held in Dallas, Texas!

- Montessori Toddler Program Overview- Pedagogy and Environmental Design- Toilet Learning- Practical Life Activities & Food Prep- How to Facilitate Toddler Independence- How to Support Separation Anxiety- Parent Education

- Building Parent Support and Understanding- Classroom Prepared Environment & Set-up- Positive Discipline for Toddlers - Biting and Hitting- Montessori at Home for Toddlers- Handling Di�cult Parents

and Much More...

Presentation Topics Include:

Learn how to create an optimal Montessori toddler program that is meaningful and developmentally appropriate. Build the skills needed to facilitate an amazing Montessori classroom!

SAVE THE DATEJanuary 19 & 20 and

26 & 27, 2013

Seminar Fee: $365

you asked... we delivered! THE TODDLER WORKSHOP OUR MONTESSORI COMMUNITY HAS BEEN WAITING FOR!

Participants will receive a 32- Clock Hour Certi�cate of Participation


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Toddler SeminarTIME’s M ntessori

Do you work in a toddler Montessori classroom environment?

Do you need additional tools to establish an appropriate learning environment?

Do you need to enhance your classroom leadership skills?

Featuring Susan Tracy, Melody Patton and National Montessori Infant/Toddler Experts!

Information online at: www.montessoriedu.org

Seminar will be held in Dallas, Texas!

- Montessori Toddler Program Overview- Pedagogy and Environmental Design- Toilet Learning- Practical Life Activities & Food Prep- How to Facilitate Toddler Independence- How to Support Separation Anxiety- Parent Education

- Building Parent Support and Understanding- Classroom Prepared Environment & Set-up- Positive Discipline for Toddlers - Biting and Hitting- Montessori at Home for Toddlers- Handling Di�cult Parents

and Much More...

Presentation Topics Include:

Learn how to create an optimal Montessori toddler program that is meaningful and developmentally appropriate. Build the skills needed to facilitate an amazing Montessori classroom!

SAVE THE DATEJanuary 19 & 20 and

26 & 27, 2013

Seminar Fee: $365

you asked... we delivered! THE TODDLER WORKSHOP OUR MONTESSORI COMMUNITY HAS BEEN WAITING FOR!

Participants will receive a 32- Clock Hour Certi�cate of Participation

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In talking with Pam Dunbar, it’s impos-sible to ignore how passionate she is about bringing the best education possible to all of her students. “This work is more of a calling than a job,” she insists.

Dunbar is head of the Montessori Academy of Arlington (TMA for short), an AMS-accredited school that traces its roots back to 1981. It was first estab-lished as a private school and parent cooperative for preschool and elemen-tary students. Back then, it had just three classrooms, but now TMA has an enrollment of about 250 students from preschool through sixth grade and sprawls luxuriously onto a site of more than 10 acres. It’s been accredited since 1994 through AMS and is also accredited through the Texas Alliance of Accredited Private Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

One of the most distinctive features of TMA is its “wildscape,” an outdoor play and learning environment on its campus. Walt Montet, the school’s outdoor education specialist, designed the wildscape to build and develop three core skills: construction, garden-ing, and body movement. During their time outside, students might learn to layer clay bricks, take care of native grasses, or balance on boulders. “These are opportunities that children select to have,” explains Montet.

Amanda Rainey, TMA’s assistant head of school, elaborates. Each classroom has a limited number of necklaces hanging on a shelf, and if a necklace

is available, a child can take it and go outdoors to participate in wildscape activities. “It’s nice because it’s not a scheduled thing,” she says. “It’s just a giant extension of the classroom. As the students return, they seem to have a lot more focus.”

Another school activity of which Dun-bar is particularly proud is called Mile for a Miracle. Students find sponsors who are willing to pay them a small amount of money for every mile they run in fitness education class through-out the school year. Kids turn in their list of sponsors to the front office, and sponsors get periodic emails that up-date them on the kids’ progress. “This year we have 87 students who raised $3,000,” says Dunbar. “That’s twice what they’ve ever raised before!”

“The kids have learned that through exercise, they can actually make a re-ally big difference,” adds Montet. At the end of the Mile for a Miracle program, students donate the money they raised to a charity of their choice. For the past two years, the recipient has been Heifer International (http://www.heifer.org/). Students also had the oppor-tunity to take a three-day trip to the Heifer International Global Village in Arkansas, where they participated in a “third-world village experience.”

“It brought home to them how lucky they were living where they live [and] how easy they have it,” says Montet.

“We want students, before they leave here, to have a sense of how a lot of the world lives,” adds Dunbar. To that end, cultural studies make up a

The Montessori Academyof Arlington



significant part of the TMA curriculum. Dunbar teaches Greek and Latin, and all teachers make it a goal to serve the multicultural community of which they’re a part.

“I think a good Montessori school is one that can really meet the needs of the community—financially, socioeco-nomically, [and] culturally,” says Rainey.

Dunbar stresses that Montessori edu-cation works most successfully when it’s a group effort between parents, teachers, and children, as is illustrated in TMA’s “Portrait of a Graduate.” The tri-angular icon shows parent, child, and teacher at each of its three points and explains how fostering development, responsibility, and respect is a collabor-ative effort. “Our teachers understand that they are not just developers of children; they are educators of parents,” says Dunbar. “We want parents to feel confident in the Montessori philoso-phy so they continue the work we’ve begun together.”

TMA even has a “Parent-School Part-nership Agreement” that all parents are required to read and sign before their children enroll. The agreement outlines the school’s expectations for parents to take an active role in fostering posi-tive development for children, solving problems that arise along the way, and embracing the tenets of Montessori at home as well as in the classroom. “[It’s] a little different, but it’s pretty exciting,” says Dunbar.

Montet agrees. “We just continue to improve on everything that we make goals on, which is what I absolutely love about working here,” he says. “We’re always moving forward and looking to find ways to become an even better Montessori school.”

Does your school have a special story to share? Contact us to be featured in Scoop!

Dr. Joyce PickeringAmerican Montessori Society’s 2013 Living Legacy

"Surprised is too mild a word!" said Dr. Joyce Pickering when asked how she responded to receiving the 2013 AMS Living Legacy tribute. "Overwhelmed may express my reaction. When your peers honor you, there is nothing more meaningful."

Dr. Pickering certainly has the creden-tials to back up the honor. She holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction as well as an honorary doctorate in humanities from Dallas Baptist University. She is certified as a speech and language pathologist, aca-demic language therapist, and dyslexia therapist. She's also been an AMS key-note speaker several times, has served on the board since 2009 and is the current Vice President, is a past board member of the International Dyslexia Association, has been awarded a White House citation for her contributions to education, is the Executive Director

emeritus of Dallas's Shelton School, and has authored many articles ap-pearing in educational journals. In ad-dition, she’s given countless presenta-tions at Montessori schools across the nation and instructed both students and teachers.

When speaking with Dr. Pickering, it quickly becomes obvious that she holds a sincere passion for and belief in the Montessori method. "Montessori educational training is a gift," she says. "In my experience, there is no com-parison between traditional training and Montessori. Traditional schools and teachers do not have the breadth of scientific information about child development that the Montessorian is privileged to gain in their coursework."

Pediatrician and speech pathologist Dr. Sylvia Richardson was the person who first introduced Dr. Pickering to the Montessori method. At the time, Dr. Pickering was also working as a


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speech-language pathologist and had a particular interest in learners with language communication disorders. Dr. Richardson urged Dr. Pickering to review how Dr. June Shelton, founder of Shelton School, was using Mon-tessori to meet learning-disabled children’s needs. “I realized that the younger we helped [children], the bet-ter they progressed,” says Dr. Pickering.

Throughout her career, Dr. Pickering has continued to focus on children with learning differences that include dyslexia, comprehension disorders, ADHD, written expression disor-ders, motor disorders, oral language disorders, and social skills disorders. “Montessori has given me a way to match instruction to the specific needs of these students,” she says.

Dr. Pickering has seen the profound difference that Montessori makes in both her life and the lives of her children. "My educational experiences were in the '40s and '50s," she muses. "The schools I attended were the typi-cal public schools where one size fit all. In math, I memorized everything and never understood the patterns of mathematics until I was trained as a Montessori early childhood teacher." She also notices differences as a par-ent. "My two oldest did not have a Montessori education, and my three youngest did. They go about learning tasks in an organized and sequential way and have a foundation that the older children did not have the oppor-tunity to attain."

Public schools need to do a significant amount of work to reinvent their sys-tems to better serve their students, ac-cording to Dr. Pickering. Right now, she says, they’re not at all equipped to help students with different ability levels and learning styles reach their fullest

potential. “The most important change they can make is to study the eight principles of Montessori education and begin to share Montessori training with their staffs,” says Dr. Pickering. “There is no shortcut. Most schools need a radical overhaul and significant training in the Method to understand how to implement [it].”

After receiving the AMS Living Legacy tribute, it would seem natural to take a break from the daily grind—but Dr. Pickering has no such plans. Her role as Shelton’s Executive Director emeritus has her offering outreach training to schools worldwide, but that’s far from her only current project. “I am pres-ently working with a public school in Dallas, a school and learning center in Santa Fe, the adult literacy organiza-tion Lift, [and] an international school in Barcelona,” she says.

If that doesn’t seem like a full enough plate, consider that Dr. Pickering is also a wife, mother, and grandmother. “As all women who do this, we are never perfect, but [we] do try to find the balance,” she says. “My family is truly loving. Without them, I could not have spent the years of dedication to the education of all children.”

Fortunately for Montessorians world-wide, she’s not hanging up her hat yet. “As long as I can continue to serve, I will consider it an honor to do so,” says Dr. Pickering.

Dr. Pickering is a Conference Keynote!

Oct 20, 2012 | 8:00aVisit the conference website for details

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Most Montessori teachers find places they would like to work rather than create them. But not Whitney Falcon. After receiving Montessori training and working at several Houston-area schools, she opened her own Montes-sori school in Austin. Falcon had no business background and no lengthy list of guaranteed enrollment, but since she founded her school in 2007, Mariposa Montessori has thrived due to her hard work and dedicated staff members.

“Opening Mariposa has been one of the most challenging yet most reward-ing experiences of my life,” she says. “There was a huge learning curve, to say the least! [But] I started because I wanted to work with children the way I had been trained, and that was authentically Montessori.”

I was never worried about finding students. I knew in my heart that if we built it and followed the philosophy, the families would come.”

And come they have. According to parents who send their children to Mariposa, the school has become a tremendous part of their families. Mariposa has “wonderful, loving teach-ers and a close community,” writes one parent. Another raves, “Sending my daughters to Mariposa was, by far, the best decision I have ever made. My girls have received unconditional love and gentle guidance, [and] I have learned so much about parenting from this amazing school.”

Falcon seems to have an instinctive understanding for how to nurture and develop children to their greatest potential. “A good Montessori school is so much more than the curriculum and materials,” she says. “Dr. Montessori

Mariposa Montessori School


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was passionate about her pedagogy, but her true passion was respect for the child. At Mariposa, we honor her life’s work by putting the child first in all things.”

Falcon’s specialty and certification is Birth to 3, so Mariposa focuses on very young children. Its “Nido” program cares for children between the ages of eight weeks and 17 months, while its Young Children’s Community (YCC) guides children from 18 months to three years and its Children’s House takes students from the ages of three to six.

“The development of the human being at [these stages] is fascinating,” says Falcon. “Watching an infant enter our school is a privilege. We get to partici-pate in and observe the acquisition of countless milestones of cognitive development [and] observe the child move from his own universe into the social realm. We become as close to and trusted by the child and parents as a family member. This is a beautiful gift to us.”

Nido, which means “nest” in Italian, admits a maximum of eight children and aims to give all of them the chance to explore, move, and learn freely. Nido has a lead teacher and two assistants who focus on stimulating the five senses, developing motor control, and encouraging self-help skills.

The YCC admits a maximum of 12 children, again with a lead teacher and two assistant guides. Staff work toward goals of teaching students independence, focusing their attention on specific tasks, and providing them with the chance to explore their own interests.

Does your school have a special story to share? Contact us to be featured in Scoop!

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In Mariposa’s two Children’s House classrooms, a guide and assistant lead a maximum of 23 students. All of the children follow a Montessori curriculum with topics such as culture and nature as well as a core curricu-lum featuring practical life, sensorial subjects, language, and math. “One of my favorite shelves in these rooms is the practical life area,” says Falcon. “The children make toast in the toaster, heat water for tea, and serve each other. It is not the norm in preschool classes to see a five-year-old working on division while her younger classmate serves her the tea and toast he just made!”

Falcon recognizes the importance of keeping parents as involved as pos-sible in the care and education that children receive at Mariposa. “We foster a culture of community, [and] we are


partnered with the whole family, not just the children,” she says. “It is the most difficult act in the world to allow another person to care for your [child] while you are away. We are sensitive to this, and as a mother who has always worked outside the home, I under-stand the emotions firsthand.”

In the future, Falcon hopes to grow Mariposa to the point where it can serve more students, including ele-mentary-aged children, with a larger staff and facility. She’s also begun the process of seeking accreditation from the American Montessori Society.

“We’re here for the children and the beauty of the philosophy,” she says. “If you stay true to those two things, you’ll have a great program.”

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Keynote Presenter: Eric JensonAuthor of Teaching with the Brain in Mind

Save the Date: February 23, 2013The Church of St. John the Divine

Eric Jenson

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Welcome, Y`all!You may be aware that The Institute of Montessori

Education’s (TIME) conferences have gotten rave reviews

from participants. In the past, we’ve featured the likes of

Dr. JoAnn Deak, author of Your Fantastic Elastic Brain, and

Dr. Jane Nelsen, author of the Positive Discipline series.

We’ve also welcomed Grammy award-winning children’s

artist Ella Jenkins and Regina Barnett, author of Let

Out Your Sunshine. Now, for our fifth conference, TIME is

proud to invite you to experience southern hospitality

Montessori-style when we meet October 19-21, 2012 at the

InterContinental Hotel near the Galleria in Houston, Texas.

Detailed conference schedule, hotel info and other pertinent information can be found in this edition of Montessori SCOOP or online: www.montessoriconference.org.

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Mayor Parker Welcomes Montessorians to Houston


The Institute of Montessori Education had the splendid opportunity to interview Houston’s Mayor, Annise Parker for Montessori SCOOP.

Mayor Annise Parker is Houston’s sixty-first Mayor and one of only two women to hold the City’s highest elected office. As the City’s chief executive officer, she is responsible for all aspects of the general management of the City and for enforcement of all laws and ordinances.

During Mayor Parker’s first term in office, the Houston area added more than 125,000 private sector jobs and the City’s direct economic development efforts resulted in more than $650 million of new investment. She bucked the trend of most other major U.S. cities by balancing two City budgets during tough economic times with-out raising taxes or having to eliminate police or firefighter jobs.

Despite her duties as mayor, Ms. Parker remains active in the Houston community, currently serving on the boards of the Texas Environmental Research Consortium and Houston Galveston Area Council, and as an advisory board member of the Holocaust Museum, Center for Houston’s Future and Montrose Counseling Center.

Parker and her life partner Kathy Hubbard have been together for more than 20 years and are advocates for adoption, with two adopted daughters and a son.

Montessori Scoop: Why is Houston special to you?

Mayor Parker: I was born in Houston, as were my parents, and have lived my adult life here. It’s a great city, full of di-verse people from all walks of life and from around the world. Houstonians are more interested in what you can do than who you are.

Montessori Scoop: What are some of your favorite places in Houston?

Mayor Parker: My favorite place is my own home. But I enjoy Buffalo Bayou and the Waugh Drive bat bridge. I take visitors to the Houston Zoo and the Museum of Natural Science.

Montessori Scoop: Tell us a little about yourself (your childhood, parents, school, education, etc.)

Mayor Parker: I grew up in Spring Branch, a neighborhood in Northwest Houston, and went to public schools in the area.

I was a very shy person, and still struggle with that. I have spent many years learning to speak in public and adapting to being in public life. I grew up around very strong women. My mother and both my grandmothers worked outside the home. I was close to my dad and granddad, and they taught me to play sports. I spent a lot of time on my grandparents farm and in the woods, so I love being outdoors.

I am a graduate of Rice University where I majored in sociology, anthro-pology and psychology. I like orchids and am a member of the Cactus and Succulent Society of Houston.

Montessori Scoop: Before becom-ing Mayor, you served as an at-large member of the Houston City Council from 1998 to 2003 and city controller from 2004 to 2009. What attracted you to pursue politics?

Mayor Parker: I’ve been a civic activ-ist since I was in college. And I was president of one of the largest civic as-

sociations in town before I ran for City Council. I’ve always wanted to make a difference. I like tackling problems, but I really like finding effective solutions for people who just need their trash picked up, water turned on or to drive to work without their car flooding.

Montessori Scoop: If not politics what would you be doing today?

Mayor Parker: I was in the oil and gas industry for 20 years before taking public office, doing project economics. I really love my job now, and cannot imagine going back into the corpo-rate world. If I left politics it would probably be for a non-profit leadership position.

Montessori Scoop: Taken as a whole, what do you want your career to stand for?

Mayor Parker: I want to be remem-bered as a leader unafraid to tackle tough issues. I hope I am respected as an effective manager of our city who doesn’t kick the can down the road. Fiscal responsibility has been a large part of my administration’s goals and actions, but it is one of five priorities I have for Houston, along with jobs and sustainable development, public safety, infrastructure and quality of life.

Montessori Scoop: What is a typical day look like for you as Mayor?

Mayor Parker: There is no such thing as a typical day for me. Weekdays al-ways have a morning meeting with my senior staff, and then I am scheduled on the half hour with meetings, with a few events where I give a speech or brief remarks thrown in. My day begins

at 5:50 am if I go to work out or have a breakfast meeting, otherwise I leave for the office at 8:00 am and try to be home around 8pm, if all goes well. Weekends usually have a morning event or two, and a Saturday night gala.

Montessori Scoop: What are current projects you are working on for the City of Houston?

Mayor Parker: It is my goal to make Houston the best place to live, work and raise a family. This means there are many projects I’m working on, but many people will tell you one of the worst problems we have is flooding during and after a storm. We are cur-rently implementing a new approach to fixing the drainage system in Houston. Voters approved an initiative called ReBuild Houston in 2011, which allows us funds to systematically re-place the antiquated drainage system. I also have major initiatives in sustain-ability, ending homelessness, and pension stability.

Montessori Scoop: You speak often about the importance of community service. Why is it important? How can Montessori families get involved?

Mayor Parker: I was expected by my family to volunteer. Volunteering be-comes a habit. Volunteers are always needed to supplement the work of government. Parents can make vol-unteering a fun family day and should certainly take advantage by setting an example for their children.We each have a responsibility to give back to our community, and even the simplest act can help many others. Anyone in the Houston area can go to www.houstontx.gov and under “I want to” click on Volunteer in Houston. There


one can see the many opportunities available in our city across an array of services.

Montessori Scoop: You encourage the City of Houston and the citizens to make Houston green. How can schools help? What progress has the city seen so far for the going green initiative?

Mayor Parker: Houston’s reputation is quickly growing for its approach to green initiatives such as renewable energy. Houston is actually the top municipal purchaser of wind energy. We’ve implemented our Green Office Challenge to give businesses incen-tives to save energy and water and increase recycling. We are now provid-ing bikes for rent around downtown. And we are launching community gardens all around the city, including at City Hall.

Schools are becoming greener physically, but are already helping by educating our future generations about the importance of recycling and conserving energy.

“Houston is a dynamic, culturally unique city full of wonderful attractions. More than 30 million people visit the Greater Houston area every year to experience Houston’s restaurants, muse-ums, attractions and sports arenas. Welcome to our city and please enjoy all we have to offer”.

Mayor Annise Parker’s message to TIME’s October 2012 conference attendees


Schedule Rundown

Friday October 19, 2012

8:00 am - 1:00 pm - SOLD OUTAPAHA (Asian/Pacific American Heritage Association) will host a Bus Tour to visit architecturally and spiritually significant religious institutions across Houston. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the diversity of the local community and learn how they celebrate faith.

2:00 pm - 5:00 pmPre-Conference Workshop Session featuring Dr. Jean Feldman.

5:00 pm - 7:00 pmExhibit Hall Opens for Public Viewing

7:00 pm - 10:00 pmConference Opening Ceremony, Book Launch, Lecture by Dr. Catherine McTamaney and Music/Cocktail Party

Saturday October 20, 2012

8:00 am - 9:00 am Morning Keynote Presentation by Dr. Joyce Pickering

9:15 am - 10:30 am A Conversation with Helen Hunt* and other Montessori Alumni10:30 am - 11:00 am Break11:00 am - 12:15 pm Session 1: Workshops12:15 pm - 1:30 pm Lunch Break1:30 pm - 2:45 pm Afternoon Keynote Presentation by Dr. Edward Hallowell3:00 pm - 4:15 pm Session 2: Workshops4:15 pm - 4:45 pm Break4:45 pm - 6:00 pm Session 3: Workshops

Sunday October 21, 2012

9:00 am - 12:00 pm Session 4: Three Concurrent Workshops by Erika Ohlhaver, Dr. Sharon Damore, and Anna Perry

22 - Montessori Scoop *Pre-recorded interview

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ConferencePresenters

Morning Keynote Presentation: 8.00a – 9.00a Montessori: the science and art of teaching students with Varied Learning abiLities

Presenter: Dr. Joyce PickeringLevel: All

Dr. Maria Montessori, a physician and scientist, is unique in the field of education because she used the scientific method of hypothesis, experimentation, and observation to create an approach that works for students at every age and stage of development. Training in the educational method based on her findings provides teachers with the knowledge and materials to enhance learning in every child—even those who face serious challenges. Once Montessori philosophy and techniques have been mastered, the teacher must develop the art of applying Montessori to each unique human being. The greater the teacher’s understanding of the gifted student, the typical learner, the student with a learning difference, the mentally challenged student, and the autistic student, the more effectively the teacher can apply the tenets of Montessori to match the needs of the individual child. Come join Dr. Joyce Pickering as she explores the full range of learning, contrasting the ways in which the Montessori Method is applied to the typical learner and the student affected by visual and auditory processing disorders.

Saturday Sessions

Feature Presentation: 9.15a – 10.30a a conVersation with actress heLen hunt

Level: All

Rumor has it, Montessori students succeed! Discover Montessori outcomes in a conversation with Actress Helen Hunt, other Montessori alumni, and current students!

Montessori-educated and award winning actress, Helen Hunt, has been offered a film role that she does not wish to decline. Unfortunately, she will not be available to attend TIME’s October 2012 Conference and Expo in Houston, Texas. In lieu of her absence, she graciously agreed to film the feature presentation, “A Conversation with Helen Hunt” at her Hollywood home prior to the event. This video production shall be exclusively viewed by only those attending the October Conference and Expo.


Session 1: 11.00a – 12.15p visit www.montessoriconference.org/workshops for detailed descriptions

Afternoon Keynote Presentation: 1.30p – 2.45p Mining Magnificent Minds: adhd for teachers

Presenter: Dr. Edward HallowellLevel: All

In this presentation, Dr. Edward Hallowell will reveal ways to celebrate the strengths of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder amidst its challenges. He will review how ADHD affects academic achievement and offer scientific underpinnings of positive psychology for educators to use to unwrap the gifts embedded in ADHD, while also dealing with the problems this trait creates. There is no easy solution for the management of ADHD in the classroom—or at home, for that matter. At school, the outcome for any student with this disorder depends upon the knowledge and persistence of the school and the individual teacher. Dr. Hallowell will provide effective tips on teaching children with ADHD. He will discuss how these children can transform over the school year, changing from being your most frustrating students to your most rewarding. With the persistent and consistent application of the proper techniques, and with the cooperation of the school’s faculty as a whole, the parents, and the student, you can see frustration evolve, step by step, into mastery and success. Join Dr. Hallowell as he invites you into the world of ADHD and shows you how to mine the magnificent minds of these students.

Session 2: 3.00p – 4.15p

Session 3: 4.45p – 6.00p

visit www.montessoriconference.org/workshops for detailed descriptions

visit www.montessoriconference.org/workshops for detailed descriptions


The Institute of Montessori Education, in collaboration with a Los Angeles-based production studio and Hollywood film crew, has produced a very unique video interview of Helen Hunt. You will be positively inspired by her remarks on Montessori education and how much it has impacted her life.


Part 1 - What Would Maria Do?Facilitator: Erika OhlhaverHave you ever wondered, if Dr. Maria Montessori was still with us, what she would say about the implementation of Montessori today? Join us for this engaging skit and workshop in which we interview Maria and get her straightforward opinion on how we do things today.

Part 2 - “What Do You Mean By Trust Me.. Montessori Works”? Using Research to Increase Montessori Credibility and TrustPresenter: Sharon Damore, EdDParents today are counseled to be savvy consumers as they make choices about their child’s education. They are easily influenced by media bits and pieces about test scores or research study results. Alarming reports that the majority of American students are falling behind their international counterparts sometimes don’t seem to validate Montessori. When parents express concerns, effective Montessori educators are able to discuss how the latest research relates to – and affirms – Montessori education. Come learn strategies for addressing misinformed parents.

Part 3 - Nurturing the Leader WithinPresenter: Anna Perry Leadership is an individual quality that comes from within and can be demonstrated by anyone. It is not something that shows up suddenly upon receiving a specific title in an organization or a degree from a university. In a school community we are all called to be leaders in some way or another. What does it take to be perceived as a leader? How do we refine our own leadership skills? What are some of the opportunities for leadership for Montessorians within our own schools? Join us as we discuss some well-known leadership theories and concepts and apply them directly to the practice of leadership within Montessori education.

The conference finale on Sunday, October 21, 2012 – a 3-hour presentation featuring Erika Ohlhaver, Dr. Sharon Damore, and Anna Perry – will connect us all with Dr. Montessori’s timeless philosophy as we explore 21st-century best practices in the field, explore current research and re-examine our roots and fundamentals.

Sunday Session


The beautiful Royal Sonesta Houston (formerly known as InterContinental Houston near the Galleria) will play host for The Institute of Montessori Education’s Conference and Expo. The hotel is located in the heart of Uptown Houston, just one and one half blocks from the world-class shopping, dining and entertainment at The Galleria. The four-diamond property is just minutes from Downtown, the Texas Medical Center, the Museum District and all major sports venues. The InterContinental Houston near the Galleria is ready to welcome you!

We emphasize both the convenience of staying at the conference hotel and the value of booking early while rooms are still available at the negotiated conference rates. We encourage you to make your room reservations early to avoid the disappointment of finding the guest-room block sold out.

Venue : Houston, Texas

Rates: These rates are specially priced for TIME conference attendees.

Single $109

Double $129

Triple $139

Quadruple $149

www.montessoriconference.org/hotel

Address:2222 West Loop SouthHouston, TX 770271-800-SONESTA

Parking:Valet parking and garage parking are available:

Self-Parking:Day $ 6Overnight $12

Valet Parking: Day $16Overnight $27

InterContinental Houston is now known as the Royal Sonesta Hotel


Sponsors & Exhibitors

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Exhibition Questions?Please contact [email protected] or visit online to download our Prospectus.

Exhibitors at the time of printing

TM


Elanbe Publishing

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Conference Overview

Early Bird RegistrationMar 1 - June 30, 2012$229.00

Regular RegistrationJuly 1 - Sept 30, 2012$249.00

Late/On-site RegistrationOctober 1-21, 2012$300.00

Registration includes:• Entrance to Friday night’s social, Dr. Catherine McTamaney’s Book

Launch, Saturday/Sunday conference sessions, and a conversation featuring Academy Award-winning actress Helen Hunt

• Eighteen (18) Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Clock Hour Certificate*

12280 Westheimer Road #50Houston, Texas 77077www.montessoriedu.org

tel: 281.496.4565fax: 866.635.2373em: [email protected]

Pre-Conference session with Dr. Jean Feldman on Friday afternoon,

ONLY $35. Limited Space Available!

TIME’s Contact Information

Register Online at www.montessoriconference.org

* Includes Dr. Jean Feldman Session


Be a part of theLegacy....

Join us for a Champaign Reception, Hors d'oeuvres, Pampered Treats from Dior while enjoying a live DJ to support the American Montessori Society's Living Legacy Fund.

Saturday, October 20, 2012 Saks Fifth Avenue - Houston Galleria

5115 Westheimer Road 7 - 9 PM

Silent Auction and Raffle Prizes throughout the Evening

DIOR artists will personally show you the latest trends in makeup application, skincare and fragrance. Ten percent of proceeds and one-hundred percent of

your ticket fee of $100 will benefit the AMS Living Legacy Fund! This fund is an annual tribute to an individual whose dedication and leadership has made a

lasting impact on the AMS community.

Your donation in honor of Dr. Joyce Pickering will support the awarding of scholarships to aspiring Montessori educators. AMS is a nonprofit corporation - Tax ID# 06-0766308. Your gift is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Please contact Co-Chairs, Suzanne Gusemano at [email protected] or Munir Shivji at [email protected] for more information or to RSVP.

Please contact Silent Auction Chair, April McMayon at [email protected] to donate an item.

THE INSTITUTE OFMONTESSORI EDUCATION

Hosted By

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Be a part of theLegacy....

Join us for a Champaign Reception, Hors d'oeuvres, Pampered Treats from Dior while enjoying a live DJ to support the American Montessori Society's Living Legacy Fund.

Saturday, October 20, 2012 Saks Fifth Avenue - Houston Galleria

5115 Westheimer Road 7 - 9 PM

Silent Auction and Raffle Prizes throughout the Evening

DIOR artists will personally show you the latest trends in makeup application, skincare and fragrance. Ten percent of proceeds and one-hundred percent of

your ticket fee of $100 will benefit the AMS Living Legacy Fund! This fund is an annual tribute to an individual whose dedication and leadership has made a

lasting impact on the AMS community.

Your donation in honor of Dr. Joyce Pickering will support the awarding of scholarships to aspiring Montessori educators. AMS is a nonprofit corporation - Tax ID# 06-0766308. Your gift is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Please contact Co-Chairs, Suzanne Gusemano at [email protected] or Munir Shivji at [email protected] for more information or to RSVP.

Please contact Silent Auction Chair, April McMayon at [email protected] to donate an item.


Hosted By

creo

EETCM O N T E S S O R I

Solutions for all classrooms designed to meet your needs

Requirements & design Personal assistant Custom support and service enhancement

Premium hardwood Montessori materials Authentic Montessori curriculum

Existing Classrooms - Innovative curriculum solutions

New Classrooms - Full classroom solutions

Your satisfaction is how we measure our success. No one knows your plans and needs better than you do. However, when it comes to setting up a classroom and using materials that carry our name, we need to make sure that you are completely satisfi ed. To do this every one of our packages contains premium materials, and complete, up-to-date Montessori curricula. We also begin by listening carefully, and continue to listen throughout our relationship. Once we understand your needs for today and the future, we can show you how using our classroom set-ups can improve your educational processes while allowing you to maintain a competitive edge.

For our clients who wish to simply update their Montessori curriculum while keeping their existing hardwood materials.

Elementary I (Level 6-9) complete curriculum solutions - includes 12 months of free update assuranceElementary II (Level 9-12) complete curriculum solutions - includes 12 months of free update assurance

For our clients who wish to open a new classroom with new Montessori curriculum and new hardwood materials.

Elementary I (Level 6-9) complete classroom solutionsElementary II (Level 9-12) complete classroom solutions

ETCmontessori.com


Existing Classrooms - Complete curriculum solutions


For schools who wish to update their Montessori curriculum while keeping their existing hardwood materials.

Early Childhood (Level 3-6) complete curriculum solutionsElementary I (Level 6-9) complete curriculum solutions - includes 12 months of free update assuranceElementary II (Level 9-12) complete curriculum solutions - includes 12 months of free update assurance


Early Childhood (Level 3-6) complete classroom solutionsElementary I (Level 6-9) complete classroom solutionsElementary II (Level 9-12) complete classroom solutions

E T CM O N T E S S O R I

603 Chedwor th Dr.

Su i te 102

Houston, Texas

77062

877-409-2929

Fax 281-486-0667

www.etcmontessor i .com


Founded in 2008 and based out of Houston, Texas, The Institute of Montessori Education’s (TIME) purpose is to inspire, engage, and motivate all things Montessori.

We believe that Montessori education has the power to bring about positive changes in the world, and by cultivating the natural evolution of its practice, we ensure that Montessori continues to make the most impact and that the philosophy transcends time. We aim to apply the Montessori principles of human development to the advancement of our organization.

The scope of our mission is to:

• Provide exceptional professional development and training programs

• Foster outreach opportunities to promote Montessori education

• Build community among Montessori patrons and kindred organizations

Our current activities include:

• Montessori Conference & Expo• Back to School Conference• New Year’s Conference• Teacher Assistant Workshops• Toddler Seminars• Leadership Forums

• Montessori SCOOP!• Master-level Workshops• Head of School Network• Social Mixers• Outreach Initiatives


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EETCM O N T E S S O R I

Solutions for all classrooms designed to meet your needs

Requirements & design Personal assistant Custom support and service enhancement

Premium hardwood Montessori materials Authentic Montessori curriculum

Existing Classrooms - Innovative curriculum solutions



For our clients who wish to simply update their Montessori curriculum while keeping their existing hardwood materials.

Elementary I (Level 6-9) complete curriculum solutions - includes 12 months of free update assuranceElementary II (Level 9-12) complete curriculum solutions - includes 12 months of free update assurance


Elementary I (Level 6-9) complete classroom solutionsElementary II (Level 9-12) complete classroom solutions

ETCmontessori.com


Existing Classrooms - Complete curriculum solutions


For schools who wish to update their Montessori curriculum while keeping their existing hardwood materials.

Early Childhood (Level 3-6) complete curriculum solutionsElementary I (Level 6-9) complete curriculum solutions - includes 12 months of free update assuranceElementary II (Level 9-12) complete curriculum solutions - includes 12 months of free update assurance


Early Childhood (Level 3-6) complete classroom solutionsElementary I (Level 6-9) complete classroom solutionsElementary II (Level 9-12) complete classroom solutions

E T CM O N T E S S O R I

603 Chedwor th Dr.

Su i te 102

Houston, Texas

77062

877-409-2929

Fax 281-486-0667

www.etcmontessor i .com


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Montessori Scoop! - Fall 2012 - Volume III, Issue 3

Documents

montessori philosophy

montessori teacher

montessori scoophave

montessori scoop readers

joy of

jean feldman

feldman lives

childlike joy