Cheryl Ferreira vigorously pursues the Montessori principles that are implicit for preparing a classroom where "children find all that is needed to work at self-formation and to maximize their inner potential." The Montessori philosophy is precisely conveyed as Cheryl Ferreira details the specific elements and principles, both physical…

Maura Joyce's clear approach to initiating parent education is to recognize where the parents are on their own journey as parents. By listening to the parents' hopes, fears, and desired outcomes for their children acknowledges the family's perspective and brings mutuality into a shared community. Maura Joyce encourages the use of questionnaires…

In this three-part article, Molly O'Shaughnessy gives the first principles that break down the myths of poverty and discusses the actual community partnerships that impact the poverty cycle and make Montessori education accessible for all children. Next, Connie Black writes about the education process and outreach programs at the Montessori Center…

All the basics of the Montessori prepared environment are put into an extraordinary context of community and nurturing through personal encounter. The article emphasizes the longitudinal impact of an intentional community that results in character and concentration and looks to the spiritual attributes of the child in relation to the tangible…

Joachim Dattke describes a holistic approach to supporting the needs of the family when a child has a disability. The parent and child benefit from a two-pronged approach: working with doctors, psychologists, and therapists in clinic-based settings, and working with educators in schools and parent-child groups. He defines the importance of…

Calls for a "renaissance in civility," discussing definitions of civility and the need to encourage manners and responsible behavior in children and adolescents. Argues that it is essential that elementary school children develop social awareness and social skills and that secondary school students be encouraged to take a more active part in their…

Discusses the four "planes of development" posited by Maria Montessori: (1) from birth to age 6; (2) from age 6 to 12; (3) from age 12 to 18; and (4) full maturity. Although Montessori schools have been successful in dealing with children during the first two planes, efforts need to be focused on adolescents at the third stage. (MDM)

Considers the relationship between elementary and secondary education. Asserts that mixed-aged groups with a difference of 3 years promote cooperation and mutual support. Discusses scouting and sports as a means of fulfilling the void of purely academic schooling, asserting that organizations of this type provide youth with opportunities to…

Explains past influences on Howard Gardner's work and the present state of his Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Explores the educational implications of Gardner's work on multiple intelligences. Draws a portrait of the child as imbued with natural potentials in a wide range of areas. (JS)

Describes one teacher's approach to process writing, a mainstay for Montessori adolescent classrooms. The premise of the method is that everyone has the natural potential to write and that the emergence of the inner voice must be nurtured by extended conferencing and revision combined with taking risks, experimenting, and continually revising.…