Holiday Hint for Families: Keep It Simple

Holidays usually conjure visions of decorating, parties, family, fun, food, shopping, sharing, in general, good times. However, if children are a part of the routine, one might also envision tears, frustration, whining — in general, less than ideal times. With some forethought and strategic planning, it is possible to enjoy pleasant holiday time with less stress.

Combining sugary treats with busy schedules, shopping, parties, missed naps, and late bed times is most probably going to lead to not-so-happy children or parents. Nutrition and rest are even more important than usual during these times. Because there is often an abundance of sweet snacks and treats, well-planned meals are a must. Also, consider snacks and treats that consist of healthy ingredients. It isn’t necessary to provide high sugar foods (others will often do so in abundance).

Start early; plan menus to include less sugar, more protein, and natural ingredients such as fruits and veggies. Attractive trays can be arranged with healthy food choices depicting festive images (great ideas can be found on Google, Pinterest and Facebook). Be sure your child(ren) eat at regular times, following a routine schedule as much as possible.

For young children, breaks for naps are essential, as well as adhering to routine bedtimes. Take advantage of your child’s naptime to rest a bit yourself. Putting a child down to sleep is a great excuse to lie down. Avoid added pressure of guests, families, parties, imposed obligations. Resist feeling obligated to do everything asked of you. Prioritize and do only what is truly important to you and your family. By keeping “running around” to a minimum, you and your child will feel much happier and joyful for whatever you truly want to do.

Gifts from the heart are always best. It isn’t necessary to “break the bank” or even to spend hours shopping and struggling with crowds. Letting your child work with you to create homemade gifts is in itself a gift to your child. Perfection is not the key; it is the process, the time spent with your child that will make lasting memories. Creating decorations for your home is another wonderful way to celebrate with your child(ren).

For young (3-6+) children’s gifts, consider tools they can enjoy around their home. Child-size gardening tools, broom, mop (with a real mop head), hand broom/dust pan, pretty dusting cloths, aprons, art supplies (no markers, but crayons, paints, colored pencils, sketch books, an easel). Some of these are appropriate for older children as well. For readers, consider age appropriate books, novels, history, biographies, science, etc.

There are a myriad of “crafts kits” sold. But, why not make your own kit? Learning their main interests, you might put together a decorative box or bag of materials for sewing, crochet, knitting, cooking, painting, camping, or gardening. Gift cards for more supplies would be a fun addition.

The best idea is to “keep it simple.” No one benefits from overdoing. There is truly such a thing as too much of a good thing. Less is more. You get the idea. From Maria Montessori, herself: “It is a fact that strong stimulants do not make more acute but rather tend to weaken the senses, which, as a result, demand stronger and stronger excitement.” — By Judith Kemper

We Have a Logo!

You'll soon start seeing the Goodwater Montessori logo around Williamson County. We'll have booths at community events in Georgetown and Round Rock throughout the Fall. We'll post the schedule soon.

And just let us know if you'd like a logo t-shirt. We'll be getting some made.

Board & Community Meeting Minutes for July 29, 2014

Mission: To provide an exceptional Montessori education to all children and their families, encouraging a lifelong love of learning and active participation in their communities and the world.
Vision: We create a more peaceful world by developing conscientious citizens who approach their world with confidence, creativity and collaboration.
Values: Diversity, Independence, Joy, Passion & Respect


The meeting opened at 6:34 p.m. In attendance were Kate McSpadden, Mary Evelyn Bowling, Nancy Gribble-Tay, Kathy Anthony, Trevor Eissler, Judith Kemper, Ali Guajardo, Karen Stapley.

Welcome & Opening Thoughts
Trevor Eissler shared a math trick that helps with complex multiplication. The trick was so enlightening that the group was pleasantly shocked and intrigued. Several members began immediately to try and figure out how it worked. Trevor shared that this is what we are aiming to achieve in our future schools. We want to present the children with work that is so intriguing and interesting that they want to "dig in" straight away. This is one of the reasons that the Montessori day is based upon the three-hour work period.

Motion to Approve June Minutes
Kate McSpadden noted that, since there was no quorum, we could not approve minutes. They will be presented for approval in September.

My Montessori Story
Nancy-Gribble-Tay shared her Montessori journey from its beginnings in Houston when Nancy was teaching in the local public schools. Her family moved to Germany where she taught in the International School. Relocating to the Austin area, Nancy found Community Montessori School to be a perfect fit for her daughters. She became hooked on the philosophy when she was asked to sub in the primary environment. Nancy sought her primary training and has now completed her elementary training and master's degree in education.

Fundraising Five
Mary Evelyn passed out cards for each of those in attendance to record the contact information of their five inner circle contacts. These are the five people that are “guaranteed” donations for each of us. These are the people that will give because of who we are and their relationship with us. Some people were able to turn in five cards, some need more time. Kate McSpadden passed out her donation pledge sheet. There was some discussion regarding removing the date so that people aren't inclined to postpone their donation. Kate will update the form before the next meeting.

Community Outreach
Kathy Anthony wants to start getting Nancy Gribble-Tay, our Head of School, out on the road. We discussed a donor party in late September. Some think we need a series of events.

Texas Charter School Association Consulting Package
Kate McSpadden shared the different consulting options available from TCSA.

New Business
We are on the cusp of publishing the website. We now have post office box. It is P.O. box 1896, 78627. We discussed the importance of naming the school prior to the start of fundraising activities. We will also be required to do criminal background checks for board members. Board members are asked to bring copies of their Social Security card and Texas Driver License.

Nancy closed the meeting with the presentation a glass vase, clear and simple, as our first piece of classroom material. We adjourned at 8:00 p.m.

Board & Community Meeting Minutes for June 2, 2014

Mission: To provide an exceptional Montessori education to all children and their families, encouraging a lifelong love of learning and active participation in their communities and the world.
Vision: We create a more peaceful world by developing conscientious citizens who approach their world with confidence, creativity and collaboration.
Values: Diversity, Independence, Joy, Passion & Respect
 
The meeting opened at 6:37 p.m. with Mary Evelyn Bowling, Elaine Steinbeck, Trevor Eissler, Nancy Gribble-Tay, Kathy Anthony, Tonya Hiland and Karen Stapley.

Opening Thoughts
Kathy Anthony, in the wake of Maya Angelou’s recent death, shared some of her very inspirational thoughts.

Motion to approve May Minutes
Mary Evelyn Bowling asked a motion to approve the May minutes. Trevor Eissler moved and Elaine Steinbeck seconded. The minutes were approved. 

My Montessori Story
Trevor Eissler welcomed Nancy Gribble-Tay, Goodwater Montessori Head of School, and opened the floor to her. Nancy shared her excitement about her experience working on her elementary training and her master's degree in education. She shared that she is more “smitten” with the elementary curriculum than she anticipated she would be. Trevor began by remembering John Lyon’s (Associate Director of the Chasco YMCA) presentation about fundraising. He recalled that we did not share our story with John. Trevor mentioned how easy it is to NOT tell your story. Trevor recalled how John told us his story about volunteering on a YMCA camping trip. He was hooked on camping from that moment on. John noticed and loved how the children learned outside the classroom. Trevor mentioned that if we were telling our story, we should then talk to John about camping, because this is what he understands and loves. We need to use their story to connect with them about what our story. Trevor shared that we need to make our stories personal. We need to go beyond the Mission, Vision and Values. We should highlight aspects of our stories and we need to make the stories relevant to the listener. Trevor also mentioned that we should highlight a specific principle of what we are doing. Montessori classrooms are special. Relate a special incident, that reveals a principle, to the person you are talking to. Tonya Hiland mentioned that she has a friend who authored a book entitled Lead with the Story. There is something about stories that light us on fire. 

What is a "Founder?" Discussion
The group opened a discussion about founders of WilCo Montessori Partners. Some basic ideas were presented and discussed. What does being the founder get you? Does it get your child into the school? Does it get you a job? Do you get something for time? Do you get something for money? It might be incentive to get people to work. Trevor shared that Montessori for All in East Austin has no founders. A group member asked about the possibilities of us doing that. There was discussion about financial contribution and consensus that being a founder will not be tied to financial contribution. Nancy Gribble-Tay asked if this is something that other charter schools do. Kathy Anthony mentioned that, based on the Meridian School experience, maybe we as a group, cam come up with a list of tasks that need to be completed in the process. Elaine Steinbeck asked if the main task is the preparation of the charter application. Mary Evelyn Bowling mentioned that the writing is a significant portion of the work to be done, but there are many more tasks and much more work that needs to be completed in support of writing a viable application.

We've Named Our School!

WilCo Montessori Partners has some exciting news! Our board has officially approved the name of our Charter Montessori School. Wait for it. . . wait for it. . . GOODWATER MONTESSORI SCHOOL!

We're so thrilled to have chosen a name that draws upon the history of Native Americans' term for the land that will be our home, Williamson County. Water is life-giving and the flowing of refreshing water is like the flowing of a river of knowledge.

Join our celebration by telling all your friends that a tuition-free Montessori school is coming to Williamson County!

WilCo Montessori Partners Board & Community Meeting Agenda for July 29, 2014

Mission: To provide an exceptional Montessori education to all children and their families, encouraging a lifelong love of learning and active participation in their communities. 
Vision: We create a more peaceful world by developing conscientious citizens who approach their world with confidence, creativity, and collaboration. 
Values: Diversity, Independence, Joy, Passion & Respect.

1. Welcome & Opening Thoughts - Trevor Eissler (5 min)
2. Motion to approve June Minutes - Kate McSpadden (5 min)
3. My Montessori Story - Nancy Gribble-Tay (15 min)
4. Fundraising Five - Mary Evelyn Bowling(15 min)
5. Community Outreach - Kathy Anthony (15 min)
6. TCSA Consulting Package - Kate McSpadden (15 min)
7. September Meeting/Story volunteer - Kate McSpadden (5 min)
8. New Business (5 min)
9. Adjourn

Teaching Courtesy in the Montessori Classroom

 “Supposing I said there was a planet without schools or teachers, study was unknown, and yet the inhabitants — doing nothing but living and walking about — came to know all things, to carry in their minds the whole of learning: would you not think I was romancing? Well, just this, which seems so fanciful as to be nothing but the invention of a fertile imagination, is a reality. It is the child’s way of learning. This is the path he follows. He learns everything without knowing he is learning it, and in doing so passes little by little from the unconscious to the conscious, treading always in the paths of joy and love.” Maria Montessori

Do you notice when someone holds a door open for others to enter before him or her, replaces their chair when leaving the table, motions you ahead, smiles and greets you with a kind word?

These are examples of lessons learned in a Montessori environment every day, all day, as part of Practical Life. Opportunities occur throughout the day for each of us to learn how to live in society as a contributing member. An integral part of living in society includes courtesy, being kind or polite to others.

Although there is only a small group of specific lessons in grace and courtesy, they are invaluable as they psychologically enable the child’s social development. Interaction of the child with others in his society increases his knowledge and familiarity of courtesy. He is presented with lessons of what to say to another person when passing by and how to react in a kind spirit. He practices these lessons with others in the environment. Through adaptation (seeing others) the young child will absorb the etiquette of his culture. We role-play or dramatize situations in small groups to include the interaction of others in the environment.

The psychological advantage of presenting this type of lesson — before seeing behavior that is inappropriate for the environment — allows for the child to understand how to perform before a situation arises. The child feels respected and secure because she knows how to demonstrate acts of courtesy and can use this knowledge at any time. The lessons are presented in a neutral time, before the need arises. She is able to avoid correction because she is prepared in anticipation of the need. Knowledge beforehand is always best.

When having observed a child in need of a courtesy lesson, the guide will wait for a ‘neutral’ time for presenting such a lesson separate from any inappropriate behavior. Then, the lesson can be presented in a group with that child included to avoid singling him out.

Practicing these scenarios of grace and courtesy is acceptable to the child in the situation of receiving a lesson. Applying them in actual experiences may be much more difficult. The guide continues to observe the child, presenting the exercises so that the child becomes comfortable incorporating these lessons into her routine activities. The guide remembers that she is the model at all times and the child will absorb and follow her lead.

The definition of grace encompasses several attributes such as walking in a room without bumping furniture or people. It demonstrates thoughtfulness, beauty, and harmony. The adult exhibits clarity of movement and efficiency as a model for the child. One might consider a dancer’s movements of elegance and precision to appreciate grace. The adult in the casa can model these attributes when lifting and carrying a tray, opening a door or simply walking in the environment. In a Montessori classroom, at least one lesson in grace and courtesy is presented daily to a small group. 

Other examples of lessons may include how to walk by another person, allowing a person to walk by, greeting someone, blowing one’s nose, giving comfort, serving a guest, how to give and receive a present, greeting someone for their birthday, welcoming a guest and offering a chair, offering refreshments, showing an observer where to sit.

When the adult, as a role model, exemplifies little ways of grace and courtesy throughout the day, children learn easily and naturally to incorporate these behaviors into their way of life. They learn to care for themselves, for one another, and for their environment. They learn to share, give and care for society and the world.

Common courtesies are exhibited by greeting one another each morning, closing doors and drawers after use, replacing chairs, excusing one’s self, setting a table to share a snack or meal, serving one another, asking please, and replying thank you.

If children can be so kind as to speak gently, kindly, courteously to one another, cannot adults do likewise? If our children can grow up learning to live graciously, perhaps we can learn from them. The Montessori adult demonstrates common courtesy as a way of life. It would seem if all would attempt to remember these “little ways” each day our world would truly become a better place to live with one another.

“What we need in the world is manners… I think that if, instead of preaching brotherly love we preached good manners we might get a little further. It sounds less righteous and more practical.” Eleanor Roosevelt, “My Day” (February 17, 1938)

— By Judith Kemper

Board & Community Meeting Minutes April 1, 2014

Mission: To provide an exceptional Montessori education to all children and their families, encouraging a lifelong love of learning and active participation in their communities and the world.

Vision: We create a more peaceful world by developing conscientious citizens who approach their world with confidence, creativity and collaboration.

Values: Diversity, Independence, Joy, Passion & Respect

1. Opening Thoughts (5 min)

The meeting opened at 6:20 p.m. In attendance were: Kate McSpadden, Mary Evelyn Bowling, Elaine Steinbeck, Trevor Eissler, Tonya Hiland, Leigh Anna Martinets, and Karen Stapley. Colin Bowling was a guest presenter.

Elaine shared inspirational thoughts. From the latest Montessori journal, she shared the story of the White Cross. In 1917, Maria Montessori conceptualized the White Cross Society. It was to bring aid to the children who were victims of the war. The White Cross worker possessed the skills of a teacher, nurse and psychologist. Their goal was to help children through the traumas of living with war.

2. Motion to approve March minutes: Kate McSpadden (5 min)

Kate asked if anyone had any comments or changes to the minutes. There were none. Trevor moved to approve the minutes. Elaine seconded the motion. All voted in favor.

3. Children’s Newsletter: Children (10 min)

Colin Bowling presented the children's newsletter. He shared the process that he, Kira Bowling, and Grace McSpadden went through to write, edit, and publish it. There was some discussion about how other children could participate. At the end of each submission in the April issue is a contact for submitting copy for the upcoming May issue. There were questions about distribution. Colin indicated that the children wanted to mail the newsletter to the families involved. The group decided to request physical mailing addresses. The next newsletter will come out on Tuesday May 6, at our next Board/Community meeting. The plan is to mail this one to families. Tonya Hiland has funded the initial mailing.

4. Fundraising: Kate McSpadden (20 min)

Kate indicated that soon we will need to begin fundraising. She passed out a presentation titled “Board Roles." She has done some research on the Board’s responsibility for fundraising. Kate shared the importance of 100 percent participation from board members. Kate shared that fundraising is critical at this point. We have to have funds to get through the application phase. Geovanna Ricaldi, our fundraising Charter Development Chair is currently in the middle of a large campaign. Soon, she will be able to begin working with us on a more regular basis. We also plan to invite John Lyon, Associate Director of the Chasco Y, to discuss the Y’s approach to fundraising.

5. Marketing & Communications Update: Kathy Anthony (5 min)

Kathy Anthony presented the conversation cards that she created and had printed. Each member may use them when they are in discussion with others about our mission and goals. They were distributed to everyone present. Kathy also shared that the website is nearly ready to launch. It will be a work in progress but we will have something to present soon. Kate expressed gratitude for the presentation materials that Kathy prepared for the meeting at the end of March with Southwestern University.

6. Community Outreach Update (10 min)

Texas State University: Kate shared that Joan Morieta from Texas State University was able to talk with the administration about partnering with us to do a lab school. An endeavor like that is not in the University's plans at this point. Joan, however, is still interested in being involved with us. We will meet with her in early April to discuss the possibilities.

Southwestern University: Kate met with Dr. Jim Hunt of Southwestern University. His passion is teacher training. SU is also not in a position to do a lab school. They have an average of 12 education students per year. He does intend to put us in touch with the head of the education department so that we can explore possible ways to work with them.

United Way: United Way is hosting the Community Impact Summit on 4/22. Several members plan to attend. We hope to gain information that will assist us in determining the best location for our first site.

YMCA of Greater Williamson County: YMCA- we are planning on meeting with the Y sometime in May or June. They are currently in the middle of their annual campaign and all of their resources are taken up with that.

Project Plan: Mary Evelyn Bowling shared the Project Plan for the Charter Application. The plan/timeline begins in July of 2013 when the original group of founders began to meet. It goes through the opening of the first campus in 2016. The plan is very broad at this point, but gives a picture of what we need to focus on and when

7. AMS Conference Update (10 min)

The National AMS conference was held in Dallas in March. There were 2,800 people in attendance. Kate McSpadden attended sessions on Montessori in the public sector. Kate learned that it is difficult to start a charter school anywhere. But it is much harder in some places than others. She attended a session on high stakes testing. Some schools are beginning to oppose standardized testing, and there is a movement of people who are "opting out" of such tests. There is a school in Connecticut that that has begun an official movement opposing this testing. They have a website and Facebook page. Mary Evelyn added that Kira is writing a paper in Language Arts about this exact topic. When she finishes the final draft, we will post it on the blog and Facebook page. We will also give a copy to Trevor Eissler to distribute amongst the Montessori community.

8. New Business (5 min)

There was discussion about private schools changing to charter schools and also about ISDs opening charter schools.

9. Adjourn

Mary Evelyn moved to adjourn at 7:50. Trevor seconded the motion. All voted in favor.

Board & Community Meeting Minutes - March 4, 2014

Mission: To provide an exceptional Montessori education to all children and their families, encouraging a lifelong love of learning and active participation in their communities and the world.

Vision: We create a more peaceful world by developing conscientious citizens who approach their world with confidence, creativity and collaboration.  

Values: Diversity, Independence, Joy, Passion & Respect

1. Opening Thoughts  

The meeting opened at 6:29 p.m. Board members in attendance were: Kate McSpadden, Mary Evelyn Bowling, Elaine Steinbeck and Trevor Eissler. Mary Evelyn Bowling began with a quote from Antoine de Saint-Exupery. 

2. Motion to approve January & February minutes - Kate McSpadden  

Kate McSpadden asked for a motion to approve Board minutes from January and February. Kate McSpadden made a correction to the mission. The last words "in their world" were inadvertently omitted. Mary Evelyn Bowling made a correction to the date referenced as 4/4/14 in the February minutes in the section about emails. Trevor Eissler motioned to approve the minutes with the changes. Elaine Steinbeck seconded the motion. All voted in favor of the motion. 

3. Motion to approve Bylaws - Kate McSpadden  

Kate McSpadden asked for a motion to approve the changes in the bylaws. The group discussed the change. The revised bylaws omit the section referencing the giving of grants by WilCo Montessori Partners (WCMP). Kate McSpadden asked for a motion to approve Bylaws. Trevor Eissler made a motion to approve the amended bylaws. Elaine Steinbeck seconded the motion. All voted in favor of the motion. 

4. Charter Development Team Update - Elaine Steinbeck  

Elaine Steinbeck shared that she that she was not able to contribute to the EPPT in the leadership role the way she wanted. She explained that her expertise is birth to 3 and not necessarily elementary and middle school years. She wants to focus her attention on her primary business, Best Start. Judith Kemper will assume some of the responsibilities of leadership for the EPPT for a while.

Why More Public Schools Are Adopting the Montessori Model

Austin's KUT explores how Montessori methods are growing in public school settings.

http://kut.org/post/why-more-public-schools-are-adopting-montessori-model

Community Meeting Minutes 2/4/14

WilCo Montessori Partners

Community Meeting Agenda

February 4, 2014 

Mission: To provide an exceptional Montessori education to all children and their families, encouraging a lifelong love of learning and active participation in their communities.

Vision: We create a more peaceful world by developing conscientious citizens who approach their world with confidence, creativity and collaboration.

Values: Diversity, Independence, Joy, Passion & Respect

1.     Welcome New Members - Mary Evelyn Bowling — We all introduced ourselves and shared our connection with Montessori and the group. We welcomed a new member, Claire Kosckacovich. Kate shared that her interests lie in creating a legacy for other children.

2.     501c3 Status - Kate McSpadden — The 501c3 paperwork has been submitted and was received on 1/30. We anticipate a 3-6 month approval. When communicating about Wilco Montessori Partners, we can state that we are a 501c3, pending.

3.     Demographics - Kate McSpadden — Omitted. Please see Board minutes dated 2/4/14.

4.     Public Relations Update - Kathy Anthony — Kate shared the PR update as Kathy was not able to attend the meeting. Kathy Anthony is a founder and former Montessori Parent. She has worked many years for public schools in communications and public relations. She has created a comprehensive plan for us to follow as we develop our school and become involved in the community. The blog and FB page are up. We are researching the development of a website.

Charter Development Team Minutes for 2/12/14

Demographics

We reviewed the demographic information and student numbers discussed in the February Board and Community meetings. The numbers of children ages 5-18 in Hutto/Taylor and Killeen make these two areas very good locations for our second and third campuses. There are very few educational choices for families in these areas, which strengthens the argument for locating in and serving these communities.

Generation 19 Application

The Generation 19 charter school application is out. It is much more streamlined than previous years’ applications. It only allows for a 60-page narrative regarding the educational plan. The overview must be kept to four pages. The State Board of Education is also looking for more data and research to substantiate the application. Previously, there were no limits on the length of the document.

University Relationships

Earlier in the week, Mary Evelyn and Kate met with Joan Morieta. Joan is a professor of education at Texas State University in San Marcos and Round Rock. Joan is a firm believer in the Montessori Method and is very familiar with its philosophies. She has been involved in Montessori through her grandchildren who attended Montessori and also as a substitute teacher in the classrooms. We discussed the many ways that we could work with TSRR and Joan. One idea presented by Kathy was the possibility of a dual certification path for teachers: State Certification and Montessori certification. Joan will arrange a meeting with the Assistant Director at the Round Rock campus.

Community Outreach

Kate has a meeting with the United Way next week to learn more about the area’s social service profile and needs.

Conversation Cards

Kathy will send our some ideas to the group for comment.

Meet the Wilco Montessori Partners Board

Wilco Montessori Partners is proud to introduce its Board of Directors. With backgrounds in Montessori philosophy and practice, these individuals are guiding the process to develop a charter Montessori school in Williamson County, Texas.

Kate McSpadden, President

Kate has been a Montessori parent for seven years, and served on the Board of Directors of Community Montessori School in Georgetown, Texas, where she was president and marketing committee chair. Other community service includes Ride On Center for Kids and Seeds of Strength. Professionally, Kate has been a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty, representing properties in Georgetown and Round Rock. Earlier, she worked in the entertainment industry in New York and Los Angeles for 18 years, including positions with NBC's cable division (providers of MSNBC and CNBC), FOX Sports Networks, and the on-demand entertainment network, Intertainer.

Mary Evelyn Bowling, Secretary

Mary Evelyn Bowling holds a bachelors degree from Vanderbilt University in Education. She enrolled her twin toddlers in Community Montessori School, knowing that they would thrive in the community. She served the school as a board member and led several committees including fundraising, community events, and classroom support. She soon joined a lower elementary classroom as the guides’ assistant. After three years in the classroom, Mary Evelyn joined the administrative staff as Associate Director, where she worked for four years. Prior to working in the Montessori environment, Mary Evelyn worked for the YMCA for nearly 20 years. She began in Program Development and Management, worked in Volunteer Development, worked as Associate Director and as Director of a satellite branch. She served as a board member and president of the Austin YMCA for several years. She is a substitute teacher and volunteer at Meridian School. She is also involved in USA Swimming as a club coach and team volunteer.

Angela Washburn, Treasurer

Angela began her Montessori journey 15 years ago when her oldest child entered the Toddler program at Community Montessori School. Her three children all attended CMS and are now in public schools in Georgetown. She served on the CMS board as treasurer. Angela is the owner of a small CPA accounting and tax firm in Georgetown.  She has been practicing as a Certified Public Accountant for more than 25 years and as a business owner for 17 years. Prior to venturing out on her own and establishing her accounting practice, she worked in the audit department of Ernst & Young and then as a Corporate Accounting Manager at a Fortune 500 company. Angela received a BBA degree with a major in Accounting and a minor in Marketing from The University of Texas, Austin. Angela is committed to community service, especially to those causes that serve women and children. She has worked with numerous non-profit organizations, including Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Junior Achievement, Wellspring United Methodist Church Preschool, Empowering Women as Leaders, and Habitat for Humanity. She is a graduate of the Leadership Georgetown program sponsored by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce.  

Trevor Eissler, Member

Trevor is the author of Montessori Madness! A Parent to Parent Argument for Montessori Education, as well as three Montessori-themed children's books: 4,962,571, That 17th Hat, and N is for North Korea. He has traveled in the U.S. and internationally, speaking with parent groups about Montessori education. Trevor is the co-founder of the Montessori Madmen, an advocacy group composed of dads around the country. He is a business jet pilot and flight instructor at Netjets, and owner of Georgetown Paintball. Trevor is married and has three children who attended Community Montessori School in Georgetown.

Elaine Steinbeck, Member

Elaine is a Montessori guide certified by the Association Montessori International, and is owner of Best Start Birth 2 Three, a Montessori home resource for parents, located in Georgetown. For 17 years, she was an infancy guide at Community Montessori School where she was also a parent, board member, and volunteer. She assisted in the design of Casita environments and in developing Transition to Primary guidelines, and led successful parent education sessions several times per year. Elaine also is an Integral Hatha Yoga instructor.

'Sensitive Periods' Lead Child to Learning

 “Supposing I said there was a planet without schools or teachers, study was unknown, and yet the inhabitants—doing nothing but living and walking about—came to know all things, to carry in their minds the whole of learning: would you not think I was romancing? Well, just this, which seems so fanciful as to be nothing but the invention of a fertile imagination, is a reality. It is the child’s way of learning. This is the path he follows. He learns everything without knowing he is learning it, and in doing so passes little by little from the unconscious to the conscious, treading always in the paths of joy and love.” Maria Montessori

So now, we discuss the sensitive periods which lead the child to learn in the most natural way by following her inborn tendency to explore. We are born with sensitivities to explore specific paths from birth. We are born with the ability to hear, immediately becoming aware in some way of sounds all around us, the voices (soft spoken, gentle), the rustling of clothing, perhaps gentle music, and the very soft ticking of a clock. The senses connect the inner life with the physical environment outside of ourselves. We are able to experience enrichment by using our senses.

“…it is in this period of development (of the senses) that the basic ideas and habits of the intelligence are formed.” (MM in “The Discovery of the Child”)

The infant is right away drawn to the sounds of voices murmuring words. Since before birth, there has been this sound that now has become more audible — not muffled so much. The words are absorbed into the infant’s not yet conscious mind to remain always. Within a very short period of time, the infant can begin to relate and even respond to certain words, the tone in which they are spoken and the person who is speaking them.

In yet another short period of time, the infant begins to mouth as she sees others speaking, their mouths forming words. The unconscious effort to speak has begun. This effort, or drive will continue throughout life as this person grows, continuing to learn speech, perhaps several languages, always honing her skill.

But, never again will the acquisition be so effortless, natural, and automatic. During this sensitive period when language is acquired through unconscious effort, this person can acquire multiple languages as her native tongue when hearing them spoken in their native voice. It is most important for this infant to hear each language spoken by one born to that language.

There are sensitive periods for learning regarding all the senses. We want to expose the child to materials developed for the senses of tactile or touch, smell, sight, sound, and taste. These materials are only “keys” to unlock the potential and awareness of a child’s sensitive periods for each area. Lessons are offered with beautifully designed wood, fabrics, jars, color (natural or only primary red, yellow, and blue) bottles, and spoons. Does this not entice you to see a child enjoying his work with such lovely objects, learning without knowing he is doing so? He is only following his inner guide, exploring because he is driven to do so simply by virtue of the fact these items are placed and carefully, diligently, knowingly in such ways as to draw him to them. He cannot resist.

In the first three years, the child indiscriminately takes in all that is in her environment, classifying everything. There is a wealth of information absorbed in this period. By unconsciously relying on the strong sense of order, the child classifies her impressions with essential qualities of each object including essences of coldness, heat, softness, size, color, sound, etc. These innumerable impressions are brought into order or classification so she can make sense out of chaos.

The child, through ardent exploration, needs a road that is limited and direct, leading him to his objective while protecting him from wearying derivations. Compare this to the thought of a large library with no cataloging of the books. There are innumerable books available, but no way to determine where any specific information is located. 

 Bold, loud, brightly colored, very visual qualities may lessen the essence of fine, delicate aesthetics the world presents all around us. The delicate differences may not be distinguishable if one is drawn by sharp sensations to arouse interest and joy. In fact, strong, bold stimulation does not make awareness stronger, but rather tends to weaken the senses, thus demanding even stronger stimulation.

As the child’s world of exploration expands, she is introduced to lessons developed for her individual sensitive periods for learning through movement, language, music, math, reading, history, geography, and science. These periods present in varying order for each child. To some degree, there is a pattern and the environment is arranged accordingly.

— By Judith Kemper