In this talk, Linda Davis discusses observation at the adolescent level. She explains that we must "adjust our approach for the third plane of development, for when they are becoming adults." Using examples, she discusses the characteristics of this plane, which are helpful to recall when thinking about what to expect when observing…

Bill Rupp offers practical wisdom from his perch as a Montessori parent of four children and as a self-proclaimed digital immigrant who has spent over twenty years in the information technology field. His list of "Considerations before Making Rules for Technology Use" builds on a positive environment of conversation and communication…

Drawing on both extensive professional and deeply personal experience, Sarah Werner Andrews' vision of working with children carries profound respect and love throughout her guiding insight. She shares an understanding of those children who are the most challenging and provides a framework that allows us to embrace these and all children.…

Jennifer O'Toole has an entertaining speaking and writing style and is a passionate advocate for children with Asperger's syndrome. She educates her audience with scientific descriptions of the phenomenon but also through metaphors that cause us to examine our own attitudes toward the way we treat people who are different. Most importantly, she…

Paul Hawken's commencement address presents a picture of the deterioration that is being wrought by human activity and motivates college graduates to join the invisible, ordinary masses who are already saving the planet with everyday processes. In a call to live and hope for something better, he stresses, in the language of a poet, how nature…

Martha Urioste tells a compelling history of public sector Montessori in Denver, from its socially charged beginnings in the 1960s to 2009. She played a huge role in creating the first public Montessori school in Colorado that was launched as an integration model with bilingual classes and staff. This inspirational story begins with her early…

Thomas Berry explores the meaning of work from the standpoint of human civilization responding to the call of the universe, replacing use and exploitation of nature with the wonder, rapport, and intimacy so important to the psychic balance of the developing human and natural harmony of life on Earth. The Great Work is defined as the work of…

Polli Soholt points to normalization in the first plane as leading to the successful realization of the human personality, which is the basis of social development. Children who have cultivated concentration and purposeful work at an early age develop the virtues to become world citizens. Normalization can be assisted by certain practices: 1)…

This reprint of a 1960 conference paper discusses the role of education in bringing about world peace, focusing on Maria Montessori's ideas for promoting peace through a student-centered, nurturing curriculum for young children. Argues that only through the eyes of children can humankind understand the necessity for peaceful coexistence. (MDM)

This reprint from a 1985 issue of "The NAMTA Journal" discusses the ideas of Maria Montessori and Erich Fromm in relation to world peace and the role of education in promoting peace. Also examines the nature of conflict, war, and peace, and the need to commit oneself to peace. (MDM)

Weaves into the adolescent concept of community those Montessori ideas related to laws of human personality, nature, and society. Examines components of Montessori practice and theory, including the importance of work, the prepared environment, social cohesion, the imagination, and the absorbent mind by linking early childhood and adolescence.…

Discusses specific teaching strategies to nurture creativity in young children that guide choice, highlight human potential, and distinguish those activities that help children from those that are more impulsive and less developmental. Suggests that teachers need to encourage a love of work, concentration, self-discipline, and sociability. (MDM)

Defines work built around a systems view of consumers and producers to characterize work as seen through different cultures as a mingling of enjoyment. Shows how emerging agricultural settlements and cities resulted in families assuming inherited work or labor specialties to be passed to the next generation. Discusses generational concepts of work…

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)

Suggests a Montessori elementary level physical education program that provides outlets combining physical and mental energies as well as moral and social awareness. Includes daily scheduling that avoids disruption of work cycle with different daily activities. Suggests the arrangement of key lessons, a healthy attitude toward competition,…