Montessori Schools

Montessori education is characterized by an emphasis on independence, freedom within limits, and respect for a child’s natural psychological development, as well as technological advancements in society. Although a range of practices exists under the name "Montessori", the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) and the American Montessori Society (AMS) cite these elements as essential

Mixed age classrooms, with classrooms for children aged 2½ or 3 to 6 years old by far the most common

Student choice of activity from within a prescribed range of options

Uninterrupted blocks of work time

A Constructivist or "discovery" model, where students learn concepts from working with materials, rather than by direct instruction

Specialized educational materials developed by Montessori and her collaborators

In addition, many Montessori schools design their programs with reference to Montessori’s model of human development from her published works, and use pedagogy, lessons, and materials introduced in teacher training derived from courses presented by Montessori during her lifetime.

I have many unanswered questions about these schools. A lot of what I am reading and hearing makes sense but there is a lot that still doesn’t. I plan on doing some research on my own  once this semester comes to an end. 

Geography Awareness week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Geography Awareness Week has been held the third week of November since 1987. The purpose of Geography Awareness Week is to promote geographic education in schools and among the public. Each year Geography Awareness Week as promoted in the schools has a specific theme;

Geography Awareness Week was established in 1987 when U.S. President Ronald Reagan signed legislation that established the third week in November as Geography Awareness Week. Geography Awareness Week is sponsored by the National Geographic Society and other geographic organizations at the national, state, and local level.

Geography is all about exploration and the innovation of new places, new cultures, and new ideas. Teachers who use this as a tool to have their students do a project based on their own communities is a great way for students to explore their communities and experience a real life experience. This is what meaningful powerful and integrated Social Studies is all about!  I loved watching the students explain what they learned and what they enjoyed!  I would definitely use something like this lesson in my very own classroom one day! This was awesome!

Is Assessment Really THAT Important????

 

 

Assessment is an integral part of instruction, as it determines whether or not the goals of education are being met. Assessment affects decisions about grades, placement, advancement, instructional needs, curriculum, and, in some cases, funding.

 Assessment inspire us to ask these hard questions: "Are we teaching what we think we are teaching?" "Are students learning what they are supposed to be learning?" "Is there a way to teach the subject better, thereby promoting better learning?"

Today's students need to know not only the basic reading and arithmetic skills, but also skills that will allow them to face a world that is continually changing.

They must be able to think critically, to analyze, and to make inferences. Changes in the skills base and knowledge our students need require new learning goals; these new learning goals change the relationship between assessment and instruction.

Teachers need to take an active role in making decisions about the purpose of assessment and the content that is being assessed.

When assessment works best, it does the following:

Provides diagnostic feedback

Helps educators set standards

Evaluates progress

Relates to a student's progress

Motivates performance

Assessment is imperative for not only a student's success but also for teacher's success!

We're Going on a Scavenger Hunt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YAY!! Today was the last formal lesson that was being taught at BDMS for our Social Studies class. I thought it was the best way to have ended our stay at the 5th grade class.

The team really did an awesome job, the students were excited, engaged and really eager to take part and participate. This lesson was the perfect example of collaboration at it's finest. After following a map and gathering all of the clues the students had to guess what group had who. It was such an amazing lesson I would definitely do it in my classroom one day in the future.

 Corey is going to be an awesome teacher. Erica, Irene, Jennifer, and Claudine all did great. If there was just one thing I would change about this lesson, it would only be for each member to have a more equal role during the lesson. Overall excellent job guys!!!!!