2012-13 Parent Education
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.
A “Peek” Inside Your Child’s Classroom: Infant, Toddler, Primary and Elementary Parents
Friday, October 19, 2012, 7:30-9:00 pm – Back to School Night
Infant and Toddler: Peek Inside My Class and Slideshow
Primary: Mathematics, the Montessori Way!
Elementary I: The Story of the Universe – A Child’s Discovery in a Magical Way
Elementary II: The Dynamic Daily Life of the JRII Student
Get your babysitter now! Come to see your child’s classroom, meet friends and
share time with the teachers.
CommonGround Lecture Series: Your Child’s Brain: Building Strong Minds from Preschool to College
Thursday, October 25, 2012,
7:30-9:00 pm
Princeton Montessori School – Crescendo Cultural Arts Wing
How children think is a mystery to most parents. But how can we tell marketing from real science? What really goes through your kid’s growing mind as an infant through adolescence?
Princeton University neuroscientist, Professor Sam Wang, Ph.D., will challenge popular myths and misinformation about brain development and how children think. Professor Wang will discuss surprising revelations from neuroscience and offer practical advice backed by reliable research on a wide range of issues including self-control, ADHD, redshirting and predictors of academic success. Professor Wang’s lecture will help you know when to worry, how to respond, and, most importantly, when to relax. Learn more at http://bigthink.com/samwang. All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Montessori – At Home and Play
Wednesday, November 28, 2012,
8:30-10:00 am
Presented by Rita Brenner, Toddler Teacher and PCTE Instructor
Authentic Montessori education is the most powerful way for children to learn. It encompasses a culture that is innovative, respectful of the child, peaceful, joyful, collaborative, child-centered, community- minded, developmentally exacting, and supported by research. Montessori classrooms include the outdoors and aid children in valuing and caring for the wonders of our Earth. Learn how to bring some of these techniques into the indoor and outdoor spaces around your home. Target Audience: Parents of Infants and Toddlers are encouraged to attend.
Good, Bad, and Ugly of Technology
Encore presentation! Thursday, December 6, 2012,
7:30-9:00 pm
Presented by Gwen Shangle, Director of Elementary Programs
There is no way to escape technology, nor should we. In today’s complex and wired world, parents need better information about creating a safe and appropriate journey for their children into the technological world of today. Gwen Shangle, Director of Elementary programs will share her expertise in social media and technology with parents of children from age 5 through adolescence. This meeting is invaluable for all parents who want to stay informed about technology and the hidden dangers lurking online. Gwen will provide useful tips for parents to help guide their children as they navigate into social media and the online world. Target Audience: Parents of children from age five through adolescence (Primary – Middle School)
Let Me Do It Myself – Honoring the Will of the Child
Wednesday January 23, 2013,
8:30-10:00 am
Presented by Rita Brenner, Toddler Teacher and PCTE Instructor
“This is my work!” “Let me do it myself!” “This is mine!” and “NO!” are words shared many times each day by toddlers to their parents. Parents don’t need to create a Montessori classroom but they can observe, use appropriate language and allow the child to have freedom within limits. Rita Brenner will give strategies for nurturing a healthy independence in your child. Enjoy sharing stories about life as it is with Infants and Toddlers. Parents of Infants and Toddlers are encouraged to attend.
CommonGround Lecture Series: Free Range Kids: Raising Self-Reliant Children Without Going Nuts
Thursday, February 7, 2013, 7:30-9:00 pm
Chapin School, 4101 Princeton Pike, Princeton 08540
Do you ever let your child ride a bike to the library? Walk to school? Make dinner? Why are we so much more protective of our children than our parents were? Lenore Skenazy believes in helmets, car seats, and seat belts, she just doesn’t believe that every time school age kids go outside, they need a security detail. In an engaging, informative and humorous lecture, Ms. Skenazy, author of Free-Range Kids, Giving Our Children the Freedom We Had Without Going Nuts with Worry, will explain why preventing every possible danger or difficulty in our child’s everyday life is harmful to kids. Her tips on positive parenting provide a common sense approach to parenting in these overprotective times. All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.
The World of the Child
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
, 8:30-10:00 am
Presented by Vandana Monteiro, Toddler Teacher
“Seeing” and “Living” in the world of the child takes keen observation and some inventing on the part of the parent. Come learn how to better accommodate your child to his or her environment through the design of your home, activities and furniture. Experience the child’s world in a way you may never have thought of doing. Parents of Infants and Toddlers are encouraged to attend.
CommonGround Lecture Series: Social Media Tutorial: From Facebook to Twitter and Beyond
Thursday, April 18, 2013, 7:30-9:00 pm
The Lawrenceville School, 2500 Main Street Route 206 N., Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Are you cyber-savvy or cyber scared? Our children are creating digital footprints with every click of a mouse. They are connected to the web through their phones, their laptops, their iPads and other devices. The digital world is an evolving landscape that parents have to learn to navigate. Facebook is just the tip of the iceberg – have you heard of Bebo, World of Warcraft or Second Life? How are our children using the Internet and what impact will it have on them today and in the future? Privacy settings, sex-ting, texting, cyber-bullying, and online social networks will be discussed. This practical tutorial will be chaired by Bill Freitas, Technical Director of The Lawrenceville School accompanied by IT experts from Princeton Common Ground member schools. All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.
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Princeton Center Teacher Education (PCTE) Evening Classes
Founded in 1989, the mission of Princeton Center Teacher Education (PCTE) is to educate and train adults according to the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori. PCTE’s accredited teacher training programs prepares Montessori teachers of Infant and Toddler children (birth to 3 years old), Early Childhood age children (3 to 6 years old), and Elementary children (6 to 12 years old). It provides a complete education for prospective Montessori teachers, offering quality academic and practical instruction through the experience and observation of an on-site model.
The following evening classes serve as an introduction to Montessori Philosophy and Child Development concepts. They are worthwhile for any parent interested in learning more about their children and the path that lies ahead.
Each of these classes runs for nine sessions, meeting from 6:00-9:00 pm each week. There is a fee for these classes. Register online at https://pmonts.wufoo.com/forms/pcte-evening-class-registration/.
Montessori Philosophy
Nine sessions; 6:00 – 9:00 PM; Begins Thursday September 13, 2012
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. Click here to register online. There is a fee for these sessions.
Child Development
Nine sessions; 6:00 – 9:00 PM; Begins Thursday, February 28, 2013
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. Click here to register. There is a fee for these sessions.
