Montessori Minute
Friday, October 12, 2018
New Quarter, New Lunch Rotation
11:20 Farlee
11:23 Marsden
11:26 Mather
11:30 Vanness
11:33 Shoemaker
Future of Montessori
On Tuesday, I had my first "real" discussion with Dr. Thompson about the future of Montessori and what Lincoln school could look like once the pre-school moves out this summer.
We would like your feedback on a number of items, including the hallmarks of a "textbook" Montessori school, how our current program compares to a "textbook" program, how to transition to a more Montessori-y school (how can we be more Montessori-like than we already are?) and how can/could we grow the program?
You can start thinking about those questions and you can discuss them openly at our PLC on Oct. 17 (I will be at Grant that day). We will review your ideas/responses at our building PLC on Oct. 24--but I know Julie and Kathy will be gone on their field trip that day.
I'm sure we will get some more ideas (and probably a few questions answered) when we visit Montclair in a couple of weeks!
I'll add this information to the Oct. 17 PLC agenda that I'll send to you early next week.
Instructional Model Update
However, with the changes (for the better!) in Google Classroom and with Conferences next week, I don't want you to worry about the Oct. 16 deadline for this module. You will have some time at the Oct. 17 PLC to work on it, talk about it, help others, and respond to others.
In the meantime, at least log back on to your Google Classroom and watch the video that Mickie Mueller has posted at the top. It's only about 4:30 long, but gives you great examples of what to look for in each module. I showed it to the 3rd grade teachers at this week's PLC and they thought it was very good--even those who were experienced with Google Classroom.
I'll have more information on the Oct. 17 PLC agenda!
Mark Feb. 11 on your calendar
P/T conference reminders
I know you've done conferences more than a few times, but I ran across this and thought that these reminders couldn't hurt! I almost think #6 and #7 could be switched around and allow the parents to talk about their concerns first!
1. Welcome the parents when they arrive. Don't just sit and wait for them to come to you.
2. Mention their student's strengths first
3. Discuss their student's progress and show examples of work
4. Explain what they are currently working on
5. Discuss behavior, work habits, and social skills
6. Express any concerns
7. Allow them to express concerns and ask questions
8. Set one or two goals for their child and discuss a plan that involves the parents in meeting these goals
9. Provide details for them to get in touch with you if needed
10. Thank them for taking the time to come in
Make it a focus to get the parents involved and get them on your side. They can be one of your greatest assets, so make every effort to build that positive relationship and get them involved in their student's academic careers. Research continues to show that support in the home is a key factor for student success.
Remember that continued communication is key. There should be no surprises about their students current academic standing.
A resource link below about how to speak to parents.
edutopia.org - New Teachers: How to Talk to Parents | Edutopia