Presents anecdotal reflections on the serenity and revelations of the "new child" in relationship with God. Maintains that knowing one's religious tradition provides the basis for being open to all religions. (KB)

Examines Maria Montessori's views on coordinating medical practice and educational theory and her spiritual convictions. Maintains that her rigorous scientific orientation is coupled with clear exhortations for the spiritual development of teachers so that they could see the spiritual "epiphany" in each child. (Author/KB)

Challenges Montessori educators to assess how effectively a Montessori education achieves its spiritual goals in the formation of character. Maintains that the prepared environment may not be enough, given the assault of commercialism on the growing minds of children, especially in the form of advertising. (Author)

Provides a participant's commentary on a seminar discussing authentic progress in innovative educational practices such as those of Maria Montessori and Frank Lloyd Wright. Notes that there was agreement among participants regarding basic parameters around which innovation within limits was possible. Concludes that innovation is possible when…

Chronicles a teacher's experiences and impressions of a tour of six farm schools visited in New England. Integrates these experiences within a perspective of research and history. Concludes that the possibilities for a variety of experiences and intellectual, social, and spiritual growth abound on the farm, particularly a fully integrated farm…

Discusses the use of self-directed learning within the framework of shared inquiry. Compares this concept of authentic engagement--whereby students are held responsible for group problem solving and working together to discuss ideas related to difficult texts--to Maria Montessori's focus on independent learning within a prepared environment. (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…

Discusses the meaning of discipline and the absence of coercion within a Montessori framework, noting the importance of social skills for the development of creativity. Highlights aspects of teaching methodology for elementary and high schools. (JPB)

Argues the need for children to have contact with the natural world and a role in the preservation of the environment. Explains that children's roles in sustainable development can occur only when adults allow children to act independently. Outlines problems with current ways of involving children in environmental movements. (JS)

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.…