Montessori and Brain Research: Moving Forward

Last week, NAMC tutor Collean G. attended the AMS Conference in San Francisco and made the most of her time there, taking in as many of the conference offerings as possible. One of her favorite workshops was an inspiring presentation by JoAnn Deak, PhD, entitled “The First Magic Decade: Windows of Neurosensitivity in Children from Birth to Age 10.” Dr. Deak’s expertise encompasses brain research, gender issues, and education (school life).

Brain research is a fairly recent and growing field of study, and we think Dr. Montessori would be excited to learn that her observation and theories about early childhood development are now being examined and supported through scientific research.

We’ll have more to share on Collean’s trip in upcoming posts. For now, you may find Dr. Deak’s book interesting: Your Fantastic, Elastic Brain. 

 

More on Dr. Deak and her organization: http://www.deakgroup.com/

As much as possible, NAMC’s web blog reflects the Montessori curriculum as provided in its teacher training programs. We realize and respect that Montessori schools are unique and may vary their schedules and offerings in accordance with the needs of their individual communities. We hope that our readers will find our articles useful and inspiring as a contribution to the global Montessori community.

March (Vernal or Spring) Equinox - Montessori Culture & Science

The March Equinox, also known as the Spring or Vernal (meaning spring) Equinox in North America, takes place around March 21 annually. We choose to use the term March Equinox, because of our international student base. While it is spring in the Northern Hemisphere, it is fall in the Southern Hemisphere. The word Equinox is taken from the Latin words meaning equal and night. During an equinox, the days and nights are almost equal in length.

This is a great opportunity to study the relationship between the earth, sun and moon and the earth’s seasons. Most of the time, the earth is tilted either away from the sun, giving us our fall and winter seasons, or toward the sun, giving us our spring and summer seasons. Twice during each year, the earth is not tilted and the sun is pointed straight at the equator, giving us the equinox (around the 21st of March and the 21st of September).

Many cultural celebrations take place around the equinox, giving your students even more interesting topics to explore that are related to the equinox. Here are a few ideas to kick-start your plans to explore and enjoy the equinox with your Montessori students:

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day: Montessori Activity Ideas

There is a saying that “there is a little Irish in all of us.” Even if this is not the case, St. Patrick’s Day - sometimes referred to as Saint Paddy’s Day – brings us the opportunity to have some fun with cultural activities that explore the “Emerald Isle” and its people, history, and traditions.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Montessori Activity Ideas

Here are some previous NAMC blogs to give you some great activity ideas. Enjoy!

• Montessori Cultural Celebrations and Activities – St. Patrick’s Day, March 17
• Cooking for St. Patrick’s Day and Other Montessori Classroom Activities
• Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day With Montessori Classroom Activities

As much as possible, NAMC’s web blog reflects the Montessori curriculum as provided in its teacher training programs. We realize and respect that Montessori schools are unique and may vary their schedules and offerings in accordance with the needs of their individual communities. We hope that our readers will find our articles useful and inspiring as a contribution to the global Montessori community.