2011-12 Princeton Montessori School’s faculty and administration believe that teaching children effectively requires close collaboration between parents, teachers, and administration. A strong supportive community is paramount and the involvement of family is an important part of the commitment to the school. Our goal is for parents and teachers to work together and support each other in educating and raising self-sufficient, healthy children.
Each year, we present Parent Education presentations and discussions to help parents with the various developmental stages and challenges that arise when parenting. Topics vary and are developmentally tailored to parents of children within different age groups and complement the Montessori philosophy. Princeton Montessori School also participates in CommonGround, a collaborative effort of fourteen Princeton area independent schools. Each year, CommonGround sponsors a lecture series featuring distinguished speakers who address contemporary educational and parenting issues.
We look forward to seeing you at these very informative sessions. All are welcome and for many of these workshops there is no charge. For more information, contact Ann Wilson, Director, Princeton Center Teacher Education (PCTE) at awilson@pmonts.org.
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Montessori Philosophy
Nine sessions; 6:00 – 9:00 PM; Begins Thursday September 22, 2011
Princeton Montessori School; Instructor: Rita Brenner
The Montessori Philosophy provides the foundation for developing purposeful, responsible and fulfilling lives for children. This class is based on the principles of the Montessori method as found in the primary works of Maria Montessori and various contemporary authors. Topics covered are the study of Dr. Montessori’s life; development of the Montessori method; preparation of an environment; observation; role for the adult; nature of the child; discipline, spiritual preparation and personal development of the teacher; Montessori child care and its historical foundations. There is a fee for these sessions. Click here to register online.
The Genius in Children: Bringing Out the Best in your Child
Wednesday February 29, 2012, 8:30 – 10:00 AM
Princeton Montessori School, Summit Room; Presented by: Michelle W. Morrison
This informative session will use the book “The Genius in Children” to make the case that each child has a genius, a spirit, spark, and a uniqueness that is “becoming.” When speaking of cultivating the “genius” in children, we are not talking about test scores or preparing for college, but more like uncovering the teacher that resides within the child. The role of the parent and teacher is to create opportunities that help children teach themselves. Michelle will also talk about ways parents and teachers can share, rather than duplicate, the roles they play in the child’s life. Parents being parents, and teachers being teachers, allow children to be children with space to develop their own authority.
Child Development
Nine sessions; 6:00 – 9:00 PM; Begins Thursday March 1, 2012
Princeton Montessori School, Instructor: Gwen Shangle
The Child Development Course provides a study of basic theories of child development according to the major child developmentalists: Rousseau, Dewey, Piaget, Froebel, and Vygotsky, etc. You will examine social, emotional, physical, cognitive and spiritual characteristic of children at their developmental stages. Current research based on scientific findings is woven into the lectures, videos and class discussions. There is a fee for these sessions. Click here to register.
CommonGround: Transforming Education for the 21st Century
Thursday April 19, 2012, 7:30 – 9:00 PM
The Peddie School; Presented by Tony Wagner
One of the foremost proponents for change in American education describes the skills needed in the “innovation society” that is supplanting our unsustainable “consumer society” — and identifies best practices for cultivating these skills in the next generation. Dr. Wagner, the founder of Change Leadership Group at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, consults nationally on school improvement. Visit www.tonywagner.com for more information.
Global Luncheons
Global Luncheons are a way to gather as adults to share our diverse community though food. These three luncheons are themed by ethnicity and will provide a delightful means to learn the ways of others while, perhaps, sharing your ways! Mark your calendar now and expect more information to follow as the year unfolds.
Wednesday, November 9 | Indian Theme
Tuesday, January 31 | Mediterranean Theme
Friday, March 30 | Asian Theme
Meditative Yoga
Parent yoga classes focus on poses, breathing and meditation techniques. They are relaxing and offer wonderful health benefits such as flexibility, strength, and balance. Classes begin promptly at 8:30 and end promptly at 9:30 AM. Coffee and tea afterwards and a chance to chat! Erin Galbraith, a Princeton Montessori School parent, has practiced yoga for 16 years. She became a certified teacher in 2007 at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. She was initially drawn to yoga as an extension of her interest in dance, and soon came to see the transformative effects of yoga in her life. She offers her gifts and her experience to you. 2011-12 Session Dates TBD.
