Larry Schaefer's history of civility is a succinct summary of the implicit and evolving definitions of civility over 2500 years of civilization. Beginning with the Romans and the root word "civitas," meaning the rights and duties of citizenship, civility appears in classical literature as integral to the roots of democracy in the context…

Another historic Montessori essay puts into writing a landmark activity in the middle school world: the school Odyssey trip. This type of trip challenges the group's ability to cooperate around daily living and is combined with the "testimony of the spade" that is so much a part of the archaeology discipline of physical work and study at…

Uses metaphor of the dance to suggest reciprocity, harmony, and a mutual exchange of leadership as key components of adolescent-adult relationships. Suggests that adolescents have high expectations of adult's character and competencies; therefore, teachers should elicit the highest values and behaviors from their students. (KDFB)

This article focuses on Maria Montessori's pedagogy of history. Part one traces the development of Montessori's thoughts on the pedagogy of the past, and parts two and three are meditations on "cosmic history": one on creation and the creation story and the other on time and timelines. (KB)

Describes components of Lake Country School's junior high school Montessori program in relation to the developmental characteristics of adolescents, their needs, and their noble aspirations. Maintains that healthy environments where young adults are challenged to act constructively and creatively will help develop youth who are integrated,…

Argues farming can teach the populace that human existence has purpose and dimension beyond material acquisition. Emphasizes the proper balance between nature and culture, word and deed, tragedy and therapy, shame and guilt which leads to the formation of an informed, humane, and stable citizen. Includes response on the relationship of this…