go.uwrf.edu/montessorigo.uwrf.edu/montessori

January 11, 2020UW-La Crosse

Honoring Each Heart and Mind: Joyful Montessori Learning

Montessori Conference

www.uwlax.edu/ex/montessori www.uwlax.edu/ex/montessori

Reading with Miss Amanda

8-8:45 a.m. REGISTRATION, CONTINENTAL The Bluffs BREAKFAST & VENDORS

8:45-9 a.m. WELCOME The Bluffs

9-10 a.m. KEYNOTE The BluffsCultivating a Joyful Montessori Classroom—Jonathan Wolff, B.A.In this keynote address Jonathan Wolff will discuss how successful and resilient Montessori guides balance the tasks of organization, preparation, and meticulous presentation with bubbling enthusiasm, child-like wonder, relaxed mindfulness and ready adaptability.

10-10:15 a.m. BREAK The Bluffs

10:15- CONCURRENT SESSION 1: 11:30 a.m. Talking with Babies and Toddlers—Level: Infant/Toddler Rm 3115

—Tracey Hall, B.A.Together we will explore language development through both the lens of Dr. Montessori’s writings and that of current research on language and attachment. Within that context, we will discuss specific skills that caregivers can use to create a language-rich environment for the children in their care. We will consider both the tools to use throughout the activities of daily life as well as the specifics of creating a language environment that fosters communication.

Sleep for Young Children—Level: CH Rm 3130—Valerie Krage, Ed.D.Sleep is critical to healthy growth and development, and necessary for the well-being of individuals of all ages. Unfortunately, many young children are not getting the sleep that they need. According to the National Sleep Foundation, children are sleeping an hour less per night than they did 100 years ago. Sleep deprivation has been linked to learning and attention issues, depression, injury, diabetes, growth problems, juvenile obesity, and illness in general. In this workshop, we will review how much sleep individuals of all ages need and the symptoms of sleep deprivation, discuss the societal influences on sleep habits, and explore strategies for setting the stage for a good night’s sleep for the entire family.

Hatching the Cosmic Egg Part I—Level: EI Rm 3145—Michael Dorer, Ed.D.This strikingly unique interpretation of the five Cosmic Themes uses a set of originally designed nesting eggs with original art. The presentations will be accompanied by an original story written for this occasion, specially created for this material and presentation. Original, new children’s literature created especially for this material and new lessons will also be displayed. The workshop will alternate between presentation, discussion, reading aloud, and storytelling.

Nurturing Every Child’s Inner Writer by Providing Rm 3110 Authentic Writing Experiences—Level: EII—Sarah Buhmann, M.Ed.Students become empowered when their words have meaning. For that to happen, they need regular practice and they need an audience. The audience could be the recipient of a letter, someone who is reading their work, or even a crowd at a public speaking event. During this session, participants will learn how to: develop a comprehensive and flexible Writer’s Notebook, integrate writing with other subject areas, put students in charge of the editing process, ensure that every student becomes a published author and public speaker.

Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020 — UW-La Crosse Honoring Each Heart and Mind: Joyful Montessori LearningMontessori ConferenceFunny You Should Say That— An Amazing Look Rm3314 at English Grammar—Level: EI,EII—Rose Dorer, M.A.This presentation which uses cartoons, riddles, palindromes, and other amusing devices to highlight the grammar functions and mechanics we use in reading and writing English.

So You Want to Start a Montessori School: A Toolkit for Rm 3120Private and Charter Start-Up? —Level: Admin.—Nancy Schaitel, M.A.; Alexa Quam, B.A.; Sam Thelemann, M.Ed.Your dream is to start a Montessori school, but the task seems overwhelming! With a little help from Alexa, Sam and Nancy, you can make it manageable. During this session you will learn the steps they took to undertake the awesome endeavor to start a private and a charter Montessori school. You will walk away with a blueprint for each.

Teaching with Love and Logic—Level: General Rm 3310— Chris Peterson, M.S.Who should be tired at the end of the day? The kids! Is that usually the case? A large percentage of our time is not spent in instruction or having fun with our children. Using a discipline model that allows the student to be accountable is critical. Love and Logic is a philosophy of teaching children which allows adults to be happier, empowered, and more skilled in the interactions with children. Love allows children to grow through their mistakes. Logic allows children to live with the consequences of their choices. Love and Logic is a way of working with children that puts teachers back in control, teaches children to be responsible, and prepares young people to live in the real world, with its many choices and consequences.

May the Farce be With You: A Light-hearted Rm 2130Look at our Montessori Legacy—Level: General— Jonathan Wolff, B.A.Hey! We’re talking about the importance of the “work of the child.” There’s no place for levity in a Montessori classroom. Really! “Following the child” is serious business. Seriously? Take a look at the “Habits of Mind,” sixteen thinking, communication, and collaborative learning skills required for success, according to the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. One of the habits is “Finding Humor.” You’re kidding! Explore how a little wit and wackiness are essential to the development of self-directed learning—not to mention the preservation of sanity in a Montessori classroom community.

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. LUNCH & VENDORS The Bluffs

1-2:30 p.m. SPECIAL SESSION FOR ASSISTANT TEACHERS: Rm 2130The Assistant: First Mate to the Captain—Nancy Schaitel, M.A.This workshop is for new assistants in a Montessori classroom. It covers what’s in the environment, the basic ground rules, what the teacher’s role is, what the assistant’s role is, and the “dance” between them. It will also provide insight for maintaining the Montessori approach, as well as questions regarding procedures and philosophy the teacher and assistant should discuss to insure consistency between the two adults in the room. A list of typical duties for the assistant is provided at the CH, Lower and Upper levels. Finally, I offer some classroom management ideas consistent with Montessori principles.

1-2:15 p.m. CONCURRENT SESSION 2: Infant and Toddler Mental Health—Level: Infant/Toddler Rm 3314—Tracey Hall, B.A.Join us to consider these questions: How do we define infant mental health? What are the keys to supporting the development of healthy social and emotional behaviors? Why do relationships matter? How do we prepare the relational environment in our Montessori communities?

Adaptation of the Primary Classroom for Children Rm 3310 with Special Needs—Level: Infant/Toddler, CH—Amy Soni, CME; Loretta Dundure, M.Ed.; Anna Steinke, B.S. Let us show you how to meet the needs of your special education students. We can equip you with ways to meet the needs of your special education students by adapting the Montessori materials specifically for each individual student and align them with their IEP goals. We will share ideas and concrete ways to use the materials to maximize student learning. Bring your needs of students and we can brainstorm and plan ways to adapt.

Hatching the Cosmic Egg Part II—Level: EI Rm 3145—Michael Dorer, Ed.D.This strikingly unique interpretation of the five Cosmic Themes uses a set of originally designed nesting eggs with original art. The presentations will be accompanied by an original story written for this occasion, specially created for this material and presentation. Original, new children’s literature created especially for this material and new lessons will also be displayed. The workshop will alternate between presentation, discussion, reading aloud, and storytelling.

Joyful Literacy Learning - Differentiating Instruction Rm 3120 through Traditional Tales—Level: EI, EII—Gay Ward, Ph.D. & Margaret Phinney, Ed.D.Participants in this workshop will explore key literacy strategies in the rich context of traditional literature. Hands-on activities will model differentiating instruction in a prepared environment while supporting readers in engagement, comprehension and language-to-print. The activities are designed to support Montessori students in joyful literacy learning as they make connections between varied subject areas in the Montessori classroom.

Mental Health in the Montessori Classroom—Level: EA Rm 3130—Michelle Uetz, M.Ed.More students and families are experiencing mental health challenges than ever before. This affects every aspect of a child’s life, especially school. In this session, we will discuss how to create inclusive learning environments that help students feel safe, provide differentiated learning in order for every student to receive what they need to learn, discuss trauma in a different way than you likely have before, and learn to collaborate with families. Resources within the state and at county levels will be shared as well as simple, practical strategies to incorporate in your classroom on Monday.

Integrating Comprehensive Systems for Equity—Level: Admin Rm 3115— Nathan Wells, M.A.Over the last two years, the River Falls School District has been working on high quality learning and teaching for all (equity) by working through the Integrated Comprehensive System(ICS) which was developed by Dr. Colleen Capper and Dr. Elise Fraturra. The Montessori Method and Pedagogy naturally aligns with many of the foundational practices and has allowed River Falls Public Montessori to easily operationalize many aspects of ICS. Participants will learn about key components of equity and how Montessori aligns to those components.

Conscious Discipline—Level: CH Rm 3110—Martha Carver, B.A.Participants will review connections among brain science; the Montessori philosophy of honoring each individual child’s choices, strengths and needs; and adult mindfulness. The session will explore opportunities to develop Conscious Discipline as a habit of practice and mind by becoming aware of our internal responses to children’s challenging behaviors first and then addressing individual children. Martha Carver, head of Rock Prairie Montessori School, will share her school’s application of Conscious Discipline, in particular understanding discipline from an organic perspective.

2:15–2:30 p.m. BREAK The Bluffs

2:30- CONCURRENT SESSION 3: 3:45 p.m. Conflict of the Emergent Will and Desire to Learn Rm 3120

Group Dynamics—Level: Infant/Toddler —Sarah Turnbow, CME 0–3This session will discuss the toddler’s need to express his will as well as his need to contribute positively to groups, both large (classroom) and small (family) and how discipline and impulse control ultimately help the child gain a positive self-image and confidence. Participants will learn the root causes of toddler behavior struggles, effective and healthy strategies for addressing challenging behavior and tips for encouraging families as they navigate what can seem to be a tumultuous period of development.

Two Beautiful Flowers—Level: EI Rm 3314— Michael Dorer, Ed.D.Two flower figures are traditional in Montessori. These are the quatrefoil and quadrilobe. Starting in the 1920s, these were called flower figures. Join Michael to examine these two figures in depth. Discover their roles as the heads of two extensive and infinite flower families. Examine their role in perimeter, area, ratio and art. You will leave with new exercises and exciting variations that can be used immediately in your class. Come watch the flowers bloom!

Digital Portfolios for Montessori Classrooms—Level: EI, EII, EA Rm 3115—Melissa Bullerman, M.Ed.As a guide in a public Montessori classroom, I often have to find ways to assess students. I came across an app called Seesaw that has proven to be an incredible tool. This app allows for children to record their practice, it allows parents to see what is going on in the classroom, and provides communication between teachers and families. Participants will learn how to use this free, versatile app.

Children’s House Sharing Showcase—Level: CH Rm 3110—Ann Epstein, Ph.D.Participants will be able to view and explore a wide array of activities across curricular areas. Our hope is that conference attendees will bring actual materials or videos or images displayed on laptops of extensions, variations and creative activities. Attendees will walk away with a treasure trove of new language, math, science, social studies, art, music, practical life and sensorial ideas.

Round Table for Administrators—Level: Admin Rm 3105—Martha Carver, B.A. School leaders will have a rare opportunity to share current challenges and brainstorm possible solutions. In keeping with this year’s conference theme, be ready to also share your successes and joyful moments!

Montessori Research: Reading, Learning, and Doing Rm 3130 the Work! —Level: General —Olivia Christenson, M.Ed.This session will provide an overview of Montessori research, discuss forms of research dissemination, provide time for brainstorming research topics and answer specific questions regarding approaches to research. The session will highlight current studies (e.g., literacy, anti-bias/anti-racist teaching). Participants will discuss the value of conducting and publishing research to contribute to a growing field, but also spend time exploring the ways research can be used to enhance self-reflective practices and evolve teaching.

One World: Peace Education Through Rm 3310 Cultural Studies—Level: CH—Deepa Shreekumar, M.S.Honoring the importance of Cosmic Education in Montessori philosophy, this presentation details a year long curriculum that has been tried and tested for several years in a primary classroom. An extension of Geography, it presents the value of cultural studies as a way to awaken in the young child’s mind an appreciation for the diversity and richness of the human race while laying the foundation for tolerance and acceptance.

3:45-4:15 p.m. CLOSING CELEBRATION & DOOR PRIZES The Bluffs