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MI119 Summer 2016:Layout 1 04/08/2016 12:54 Page 1
Issue 119 Summer 2016
Montessori
International
Published by the Montessori St Nicholas Charity
Learning
from
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MI119 Summer 2016:Layout 1 04/08/2016 12:54 Page 2
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MI119 Summer 2016:Layout 1 04/08/2016 12:54 Page 1
Montessori
International Issue 119 Summer 2016
Published by the Montessori
St Nicholas Charity, London
Editor
Philip Davies
Editorial enquiries
Welcome
Tel: +44 207 493 8300
e-mail: daviesp@montessori.org.uk
from the editor
lbeit in a rather hesitant way, summer is nonetheless upon us, and we
A
Editorial Address
18 Balderton Street, can all get more actively engaged with our gardens, parks and
London W1K 6TG countryside. And as ever, there will be things to learn from nature as
part of our enjoyment of the outdoors.
Display & Job advertising enquiries In this issue of the magazine the theme articles are by Wilma Grier, Jo Wild,
Sameena Wali Claire Warden and Gini Trower. Wilma writes about embedding the natural world
e-mail: reception@montessori.org.uk in the learning environment while Jo – of the Soil Association’s Food for Life project
Marketing Address – shares some thoughts on food and sustainable learning. Claire is an educational
18 Balderton Street, London W1K 6TG consultant focusing on children’s connections to the natural world, writing here on
Subscription enquiries ‘nature pedagogy’, and Gini tells us about her nature workshops for children and
Sameena Wali on +44 207 493 8300 teachers.
Other features include Michele Dows-Miller’s report on the fifth MEAB School
Annual subscription rates
Magazine incl. p&p (3 issues)
Leaders Conference, a practitioner’s reflection on teaching practice in Rwanda from
UK £19.95 Janice Yon, Elizabeth Dyke writing about her placement in India, and Julie
Europe £29.95 / €45.00 Compton on the promotion of universal human values.
Rest of World £33.00 / US$65.00 In addition to all this I’m very pleased to be able to welcome back Amanda
Students (incl. p&p): UK £15.95; Engelbach, my predecessor as editor, who will be contributing to the Bright Ideas
Europe £23.00 / €36.00
and Reviews sections of the magazine in the future. I’m sure you will see right away
Rest of World £28.00 / US$56.00
how this has enriched the range of suggestions for materials and activities, but as
E-magazine (3 issues):
ever we would like to hear from you as well. So if one of your own activities or
UK and overseas £14.95
creations proved particularly popular please let us know – you can contact Amanda
The views expressed in Montessori at amandaengelbach@hotmail.com.
International are not necessarily those of
* * *
the publisher and editorial team, nor are
ver the next year we will be introducing, in stages, a number of
O
advertisements endorsed by them.
changes to Montessori International. So keep an eye out and let us
Montessori International is designed and know what you think. But for now I hope you enjoy this issue as you
produced by Stuart O’Neil, Design for Print, start to prepare for the next academic year.
Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire 01442 769422
Printed by Buxton Press, Buxton, Derbyshire
01298 21 2000
ISSN 1354-1498
Philip Davies, Editor
www.montessori.org.uk
Montessori International Summer 2016 1
MI119 Summer 2016:Layout 1 04/08/2016 12:54 Page 2
Contents Issue 119 Summer 2016
22
16 48 52
Feature articles
16 Montessori outdoors? – Yes! 48 Put the pencil down and go outside – the
Wilma Grier writes about how to embrace the challenge importance of nature in the early years
of embedding the natural world in the learning Special needs article by Kathryn Solly.
environment.
52 My Montessori journey in India
19 From field to fork: helping children connect Inspired by Maria Montessori’s time in India and her own
food with the world around them desire to travel that country, Elisabeth Dyke tells us about
Jo Wild of the Soil Association on helping children some of her experiences.
understand how their food is connected to the wider world.
54 Top ten tips for choosing childcare for
22 A Journey into Nature: international training children with special needs
in nature pedagogy Some pointers from Elyssa Campbell-Barr to finding the
Claire Warden introduces nature pedagogy, an right childcare for children with additional needs.
overarching learning path for children that embraces
nature. Regular departments
24 Everybody can learn from nature 3 News
30 Bright ideas
Gini Trower describes what happens in her different
nature workshops for children and teachers. 34 Reviews
37 Ask the Expert Q&A
28 Grandad Gibbons, or A Portrait of the Editor
45 Education & Special Needs & Disability Update
as a Young Child
47 Research Watch
A short reflection about my grandfather and learning
about nature with a family member. 61 MEAB Accredited Schools
64 MSA Membership Registration
39 Teaching practice in Rwanda 65 MSA Advisory Council
Janice Yon gives a heartfelt account of the nerve- 66 Progression Route
wracking at first but ultimately rewarding experience of
her teaching practice. Classified advertising
55 Teaching opportunities
41 Fundamental British values or universal
human values? Cover picture
Julie Compton argues for essential values being taught as Lucas of St Andrew’s Montessori taking part in the Art Squared
for all people everywhere. project (see page 12). Photo: Floriane Moore
2 Montessori International Summer 2016
MI119 Summer 2016:Layout 1 04/08/2016 12:54 Page 3
charitynews
Who should be Montessorian of the Year 2017...
Nominations are invited for the fulfils the following criteria: Montessori work over a period of time and in
Montessorian of the Year Award 2017. 1. The quality of their work as evidenced by fields which extend beyond their paid
This award will be presented at the other practitioners both within their own employment.
next MSA National Conference at the setting and from outside.
If you would like to nominate someone for
Institute of Education, London. 2. The range of their work: impact on
this award or for Montessori Practitioner
children’s learning and lives.
The purpose of the award is to celebrate the of the Year, please send your nomination
work of a practitioner and their contribution 3. The range of their work: impact on families’ to Kristine Largo, MSA, 18 Balderton
to the lives of children and adults in the lives. Street, London W1K 6TG, or by email:
Montessori world and to promoting 4. The range of their work: impact on other kristine@montessori.org.uk by 10th
Montessori actively and effectively in ways practitioners in their setting. January 2017. Applications should include
which have not been publicly celebrated 5. The range of their work: impact on other contact details for both the person making
already. practitioners outside their setting. the nomination and the person they are
Applications should show how the nominee Candidates should have been active in nominating.
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Linda Madden Susie Norman Jane and Graham Lord Carol Powell Michelle Wisbey
...and Montessori Practitioner of the Year?
The purpose of the award
2014 2015 2016
is to celebrate the work of
someone who currently
works in a Montessori
setting and who has
made a significant
contribution to the quality
and work of that setting.
Applications should
show how the nominee
fulfils the following criteria: Angela Euesden Emily ten Kate L-r: Anita Looby, Rebecca Teclemariam–Mesbah and Katarzyna Szewenko
1. The quality of their work with
children and parents within their Outstanding Ofsted
setting
2. The range of their work with children Congratulations to Myrtle Tree Montessori Childminding in Wivenhoe, Oaklea Montessori at
3. The range of their work with parents the Windmill Childrens Centre in Harwich, The Pavilion Montessori School in Teddington, The
4. The impact of their work on the Little House in Cheshire, Hayley's Little Explorers (Childminder) in Burwell, Rosewood
quality of their setting Montessori Nursery School in Cuckoo Hill Road, Pinner, Leeds Montessori School and Day
5. The impact of their work on their Nursery in Leeds, Willow Park Montessori in Ipswich, Barnes Montessori in London, St Andrews
fellow staff in the setting Montessori in Islington, Bix Montessori in Henley on Thames, Lindfield Montessori Nursery in
Candidates should have been Haywards Heath, The Montessori People at Highflyers Children's Centre in Thornaby, Rainbow
working in Montessori settings (UK Montessori Nursery in Winscombe, Downham Preparatory School and Montessori Nursery in
MSA member school or MEAB King’s Lynn, Sitara Toto Montessori in Borehamwood, Le Ballon Rouge Montessori Day Nursery
accredited International School) for at in Southend-on-Sea, Prima Montessori Day Nursery in Gillingham, Tiggywinkles Montessori
least three years. Nursery in Newport, Little Acorns Montessori Nursery in Bridgnorth, Ladybird Montessori
Nursery Ltd, Bosham, Chichester, Rose House Montessori Pre-school Forest Hill, London, Klein
Please note: members of the MSA Kinder Montessori in Bath, and the Village Montessori in Kingswood Place London, which have
Advisory Council and employees of the all been awarded Outstanding in their latest Ofsted inspections.
Montessori St Nicholas Charity or Don’t forget to let us know when you receive Outstanding in your Ofsted inspection so we can
Montessori Centre International are not mention your school in the next issue of Montessori International.
eligible for any of these awards.
Montessori International Summer 2016 3
MI119 Summer 2016:Layout 1 04/08/2016 12:54 Page 4
msanews
Chairman’s update June 2016
Martin Bradley reports that you continue to wait and see what
happens over the next twelve months. It is
After a fairly quiet period following the important that local authorities realise that
election last year, the DfE has begun to the additional 15 hours is an optional
produce more proposals and changes which scheme not linked to continuing to be part of
will affect us all. The latest update to the current ‘first’ 15 hours. Moreover the
‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ additional 15 hours are not aimed at
(www.gov.uk/government/publications) was improving children’s chances, but are a ‘work
published in May and contains both new incentive’, according to Sam Giymah the
requirements and a useful overview of the minister. So when the Universities of Essex
current guidance. It comes into effect in and Surrey say that the educational
September and although it applies to schools outcomes from the funding are not staff live in flats or houses with several
and colleges, the principles are highly likely measurable, that is in part due to children’s occupants and possibly a high turnover of
to apply in future to settings registered with education not being the goal of the policy. If such occupants, the system is nearly
Ofsted. you are told that to receive any funding you impossible to operate. Also if a care worker
DfE also published a consultation in May must take 30 hours or nothing, please let me was themselves the subject of a care order
on the proposed 30 hours ‘free’ place know so that we can take the case up with or has adopted children who were subject to
funding. Six areas have been identified as the local authority and with DfE. one – they are disqualified. We argue that
pilots from September before the proposed Another DfE consultation this summer has the other checks on suitability including DBS
national roll-out in September 2017. In one been on changes to disqualification and other employment checks should be
local authority, York, many PVI providers were arrangement affecting childcare workers. At adequate, and that the burden on employers
reluctant to join the scheme as the funding the MEAB conference on June 10th, is too great. Also the immediate suspension
did not meet the costs of providing the delegates helped us to formulate our of staff, as required under the disqualification
places. This seems to be the case in other responses to ten questions asked by DfE and and pending any appeal, creates problems
areas where local authorities have begun to the results have been sent to the of continuity.
sound out providers. As a result, the hourly Department, noting that this was a major In September we shall be publishing
rate has been increased to £4 for eligible 3 exercise in participation by leaders of high guidance linking Ofsted’s inspection
and 4 year olds. However anomalies remain, quality provision. The issues are that the judgements to the EYFS. The aim is to enable
notably in variations between local disqualification by association arrangements MSA members to quickly provide policies and
authorities. The rate in Swindon will be £4.41 are far too tight. Two particular cases other information relevant to each judgement
an hour. In Hertfordshire it will be £4.88 for potentially affect staff. Thus where someone as well as helping to ensure that you have
the additional hours. Northumberland will shares accommodation with a person who is checked all the EYFS requirements. This will
pay £4.33 plus extra funding for deprivation. disqualified from childcare work, then the add to the benefits of joining MSA – so watch
In Newham the rate is unchanged but childcare worker must also be disqualified. It this space.
remains the highest at £5.17 an hour. is the employer’s duty to identify this and Meanwhile, have a restful and enjoyable
MSA responded to the consultation making begin the disqualification process. Where summer.
three basic points: the funding does not meet
costs; many settings, especially in rented
accommodation, are not able to access their
premises for 30 hours a week, so cannot join
the scheme anyway; and the scheme conflicts
with other government policies, notably the
living wage and improved staff qualifications,
both of which are likely to raise employers’
costs. We also noted that unless funding
levels are known before the start of the
financial year, business planning is
impossible. In three of the eight pilots the
rate had not been confirmed by mid-June.
This is simply not good enough. No wonder
that the Social Mobility Commission reported
in March that nearly 50% of new parents did
not know what support was available.
I know that many MSA members are
concerned about the possible effects of the
30 hours’ funding and some are even
considering closure. However, we suggest
4 Montessori International Summer 2016
MI119 Summer 2016:Layout 1 04/08/2016 12:54 Page 5
Shaunagh de Boinville
remembered
On a windy spring Sunday in April, family,
friends, and past and present families and
pupils of Grantham Farm Montessori School
in Hampshire gathered to celebrate
Shaunagh’s life and plant flowers in her
memory.
It was a moving occasion with a welcome
from the Reverend David Barlow followed by
singing, recitation of a poem written specially
for Shaunagh by Jono Balding (aged 9),
whose mother let us know that some help
was given to Jono in the creation of his poem
“Thank you to a great Teacher”. The school
hymn was sung by all and Rory Williams-
Burrell (aged 25), as an ex-pupil of
Shaunagh’s read “Why God Made Teachers”
by Kevin William Huff. The ceremony
concluded with a dedication and blessing of
the garden and trees. managed to swim the 21 mile English should have to suffer as she did. Shaunagh
While some of us indulged in a delicious Channel solo, so my task is monumental. I had far too much more to do in her work as
tea in the school, others took up tools and have a swim slot aboard the Viking Princess a Montessori teacher, a mother, a wife and a
planted bulbs and seedlings in the blessed boat, to make an attempt to swim the friend. She was an incredible talent, creative
part of the garden which had been Channel sometime between September 22 beyond words and someone who inspired so
dedicated to Shaunagh’s memory and which and 29 this year, the exact date is many to achieve their full potential and
will be nurtured by future generations of dependent on the weather conditions. In the wildest dreams.
children attending Grantham Farm meantime the hellish hours of freezing cold “By doing this swim I hope to ensure that
Montessori School, under the guidance of the water swim training continues, however this is Shaunagh’ s inspirational sprit and love of life
teaching team lead by Emma Wetherley. nothing compared to the battle that lives on and that Breast Cancer Now achieve
Shaunagh’s family are keen to continue to Shaunagh and many others fought and their ambition that by 2050, no one will die
support the charity Breast Cancer Now, to continue to fight against breast cancer. from breast cancer.”
whom your donations were dedicated in the “I am swimming for Breast Cancer Now To support Chris’s Trojan effort, please
past. In memory of Shaunagh, family friend solely as it is a charity which Shaunagh held donate to Breast Cancer Now through his Just
Chris Bond has decided to attempt to swim so very dear to her heart, in her Giving website www.justgiving.com/
the English Channel in September and has determination to ensure that no other woman fundraising/chrisbond-channelswim
written as follows:
“Earlier this year I
lost a great friend,
Shaunagh de Boinville,
who I've known for
meabnews
twenty-two years. She
wasn't just a friend, ‘Outstanding’ Barnes
she was a remarkable The Barnes Montessori Nursery had an
woman, inspirational in Ofsted inspection in May and received
every way. A devoted ‘Outstanding’ in all areas; this was their first
mother and wife to inspection since November 2011, four and a
Simon and their three super children (now half years ago.
adults) and a driving educationalist at her Anne-Marie True, Principal and owner for
Montessori School, and within the Montessori almost 30 years, was absolutely delighted
arena. Her loss is huge to many. and praised her committed and dedicated
“I wanted to help Breast Cancer Now, a team. As a strong advocate of the Montessori
charity she was involved in, as a mark of how approach to learning and development and
important this lady continues to be for many MEAB accreditation she was able to tell the
people and so I decided I'd swim the English inspector she strongly believed the
Channel in the hope to raise a significant accreditation process and on-going practice Akin to the Montessori approach in the
amount of money. My mother has also evaluation and reflection contributed to the nursery, one of the key findings, as the
battled this tragic disease so I find this as continuing quality care and high standards inspector quoted, was that “… staff
close to home as it possibly can be. which are in the interests of the children and enthusiastically motivate all children to be
“Only 1,600 people have ever successfully at the heart of everything the nursery does. extremely independent”.
Montessori International Summer 2016 5
MI119 Summer 2016:Layout 1 04/08/2016 12:54 Page 6
msachildmindersnetwork
Childminding in the city
Dorothy Williams tells us about and match these to our classification cards
when we get back to the setting.
the ways of connecting with nature These activities also help us show children
in the urban surroundings of the evolution of animals and plants; we then
go on to introduce the children to
Camden, north London
nomenclature cards and classification charts
ln 2013 I set up my Montessori childminding and ecosystems as is normal in a Montessori
business, Busy Bumblebees Montessori setting.
Childcare, from my home, an apartment in a The classification cards contain pictures
house in Gower Street, at the heart of that represent animals or plants and serve as
London’s famous Bloomsbury district. It is in a a foundation to help the children understand
great location for children as we have the different characteristics of the animals
numerous local squares and gardens, some and plants displayed. All these help the
great natural city spaces such as Collingham children to understand themselves as humans
Gardens Forest Nursery (which we visit and the relationship they have with the living
regularly), so nature is all around us even in world.
the centre of London. Through my search for natural nature spots, under fives, and leisure activities through
In this article, l would like to share how l we found the local forest nursery and through sport programmes. The children love the
incorporate nature in my setting. Living in an networking, they kindly allowed us to use sessions here and it teaches them all about
apartment did present some challenges their garden twice a week for an hour. These life cycles, growing and producing food, and
when l first started Busy Bumblebees, so sessions have been invaluable and have learning about the environment – they even
naturally l went in search of local facilities that enabled me to give the children a small taste have a café where we can eat the produce
would promote and enhance the children’s of nature in the city. Here we have seen (for more information go to
learning experience of nature in the herbs and vegetables being grown from www.calthorpeproject.org).
community. In doing so l found Collingham seeds, watched the birds and animals that There are so many ways of connecting
Gardens Forest Nursery, The Calthorpe are encouraged to use the garden, including children to nature in the city as a childminder,
Project and Camley Street Nature reserve. As resident foxes, and they have a bug hotel. even if you do not have a garden. We have
teachers living in any big city we need to The garden has been designed and adapted also covered lots of Nature activities in the
help our children have experiences that come to provide the best facilities for allowing the setting including the typical Montessori
from nature so they can develop a children to interact with nature. activities of looking at life cycles of butterflies
relationship with it. Parents comments on these sessions have and bees and watering and caring for plants,
Dr Montessori believed that nature is in included: which also included growing our own dwarf
itself a source of inspiration for learning as all “Collingham Gardens is a little nature beans from seeds this spring. The visits to
things natural fascinate children. They are haven in busy central London. My daughter parks allow us to search for new flowers and
hungry to learn about nature and wildlife, and enjoyed taking part in Forest activities that look for wildlife. We even set up our own ant
their imagination helps to take them out of her childminder organised there on a regular colony this year for a short period so that the
their regular routines and places. Children basis. The unique set-up has tremendously children could see them building their nest
also need to go outside into the world as this helped her physical development and close up. In Richard Louv’s book Last Child in
gives them answers to questions like where boosted her confidence. She truly loved the Woods he states that “… when children
does the ant live? Why do flowers grow? They spending her time there.” have regular contact with nature, in an
are looking for a structure and a relationship “Our girls are beginning to understand unstructured way, they are more attentive,
between these things. how important it is to look after nature, and observant, creative and self-confident.”
Our setting overlooks a large unused constantly being outside the girls have Ideal Montessori environments usually have
garden and we have a resident fox and her gained confidence in climbing, sliding and access to the indoors and outdoors, and
cubs, l have window boxes where we grow running which has been great for their Maria Montessori stressed that nature is
flowers and herbs and we have our own bird physical development and social interaction imperative for proper physical and
feeder which an array of beautiful Robins, skills.” psychological development: “… when
House Sparrows and Blue Tits visit every day. We also use the Calthorpe Project on a individuals develop normally, they plainly feel
Living in the heart of the city we have to regular basis, which is a local community a love for all living creatures.” (Montessori,
encourage nature to visit us. We have a centre and gardens; its aim is to enable local 1972, p.76)
children’s room that contains a nature table people and children to improve their quality Montessori and the EYFS have lots of
where we grow plants and herbs and of life by developing volunteering similarities in teaching about nature; for
vegetables, and our last produce was Dwarf programmes including horticultural training. It example, in the Early Years Foundation
Green Beans. We use Montessori life cycles provides a sustainable food growing space Statutory Framework (2014) ‘Understanding
materials in teaching about nature, and go on and programmes for environmental the world’ we are advised to get children to
daily walks in natural spaces and parks to education, supervised activities for children make sense of the world by exploring and
collect leaves, twigs and dropped flowers including a weekly gardening drop-in for encouraging them to investigate materials
6 Montessori International Summer 2016
MI119 Summer 2016:Layout 1 04/08/2016 12:54 Page 7
primarynews
using all their senses. Within Montessori settings, we do this by means
of the nature table displays, and caring for plants and living things so
Perspective
the children are quite closely married to nature.
As Maria Montessori so eloquently put it, “The action of educative
of Peace
nature so understood is very practically accessible. Because, even if Earlier this year Sarah
the vast stretch of ground and the large courtyard necessary for Rowledge – Principal of
physical education are lacking, it will always be possible to find a few Soaring High Montessori
square yards of land that may be cultivated, or a little place where Primary School and MSA
birds can make their nest, things sufficient for spiritual education. Even Chair for the MSA Primary
a pot of flowers at the window can if necessary, fulfil the purpose.” Schools group – had the
(Montessori, 2008, p118) idea to create a poetry
References anthology filled with poems
The Early Years Foundation Statutory Framework (2014) written by Montessori
Primary School students
Gilder, S.A. (2009). Montessori by Nature, Montessori Life, 21 (4), 34-37.
from around the UK. With
Louv, R. (2008) Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-
fabulous support from a
Deficit Disorder.
group of Montessori
Maria Montessori (2008) The Montessori Method: BN Publishing (p118).
Primary Head Teachers
Montessori, M. (1972). Peace and education. Madras: Kalakshetra Press. poems started to flood in
Dorothy Williams is an Ofsted registered childminder, a facilitator for the – from minimal ‘two liners’ to deep and meaningful works focusing on
Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) for the subject of peace. Sarah was overwhelmed with the response.
Camden, and gives talks for Camden Council Early Years to newly Reception classes put pen to paper and created some inspired
registering childminders on how to set up their own childminding poetry whilst Year 6 used a more mature approach to peace and its
businesses. As a Montessori childminder she is passionate about meanings. The poems were then amalgamated and put into the
connecting children to nature within her practice.
hands of a designer, bound and published.
The finished product is one that every student and school should be
Chair Jenny McArthur reports proud of – well done everybody.
Members were inspired by the MSA Conference in March and
afterwards, at our network meeting, we welcomed David Gettman
from My Montessori Child and Jawad Al-Nawab outlined the
mindfulness course he will be running at a member’s setting. We were
joined by Barbara Isaacs, Martin Bradley and prospective
childminders.
Our next meeting was on Saturday 25 June 2016 with Anne Shiner
at Kleinkinder Montessori near Bath. Anne is a childminder who has a
very special setting and offers Erdkinder - Flexischool to Primary aged
children. As we each work in our homes, we gain vital insight from
visiting our members’ settings, finding and sharing ideas for our own
development.
Future Network meetings:
Saturday 15 October 2016 with Sonia Quinn at Red Door Montessori
in London: ‘Where does the horme take the child?’ presented by Kati
Mencer and Andrea Dalling.
Saturday 21st January 2017 will be at Little Explorers, Cambridge.
Topic to be confirmed.
March 2017 After the Conference date to be confirmed.
=
MI119 Summer 2016:Layout 1 04/08/2016 12:54 Page 8
msanews
MSA National
The Role of the Conference 2017
Montessori Teacher It is significant that some 70 years after
Montessori formulated her pedagogy, Loris
Malaguzzi, director of the nursery schools in
the Reggio Emilia region of Italy, came to re-
iterate Montessori’s own belief in children’s
capacity to lead us towards a deeper
understanding of their learning. In the 1948
introduction to the Discovery of the Child
Montessori writes from Poona “… the
development of my work and the conclusions
reached from the revelations given by the
children in our schools have surpassed our
fondest expectation.” In 2016 Montessori
practitioners continue to learn from children
by listening, observing and provoking
learning in the carefully prepared
environments.
This year’s MSA conference gives us an
opportunity to reflect on our own learning
“…. things about children and for children from the children of today and what it really
are only learnt from children ….” means to our practice. We hope to tease out
some of the challenges which Montessori
(Malaguzzi in Edwards, 2012:30) presents in her writing to our practice today
Our Speakers St Nicholas and London Montessori Centre. She her qualifications while working in a
was also a proprietor of Seedlings Montessori Montessori nursery and in 2013 decided to set
Nursery in Oxfordshire for fifteen years. She is up her own Montessori childminding provision
Jan Dubiel
the Chief Education Officer of Montessori St for babies and toddlers. Annamaria studied at
What matters to Early Years
Nicholas Charity. MCI and is currently completing her Degree in
Teachers
Early Childhood Studies at LMU. Annamaria
Jan trained as a teacher Jeremy Clarke takes great interest and joy in working with
specialising in Early Years and subsequently Nurturing the Inner life of the the very young Citizens of our World.
taught across the Nursery, Reception and Year 1 child
age ranges, as well as leading and managing Katarzyna Szewenko
Jeremy has spent 13 years as a
teams of practitioners in Bradford, Oxfordshire, Learning with children in
school teacher, 12 of which were
Norfolk and York. As an Early Years Consultant the outdoor classroom
in Early Years classes. He was the Foundation
for the City of York he trained and supported Katarzyna Szewenko is the
Stage Co-ordinator at Gorton Mount Primary
practitioners in the implementation of the Montessori Early Years
during their transition to Montessori practice. He
Foundation Stage and developed partnership Educator at Woodentots Montessori Nature
has been delivering seminars for professional
working. Following this, he was appointed as Nursery in Camden. Originally from Poland,
development and to diploma students for six
Early Years Adviser for the London Borough of after obtaining her Masters Degree in
years, and in 2013 became the leader of E-
Havering, leading the Early Years team in Pedagogy she decided to relocate to England
Learning at MCI. Since 2012, Jeremy has been
developing effective practice and provision. in order to continue her professional
working as an assessor for the Montessori
From 2005 to 2010 he worked for QCDA with development. Katarzyna started her
Evaluation and Accreditation Board and also
responsibility for the monitoring and Montessori training at AMI and at the same
delivering CPD training around the country for
development of the EYFS and was Programme time worked as a volunteer for the National
several Montessori Schools Association regions.
Lead for the EYFS Profile with national Autistic Society and gained some experience
He is a regular contributor to Montessori
responsibility for its implementation and in working with children on the autistic
International magazine, writing both theoretical
moderation. He currently works for Early spectrum. She finished her Montessori Training
articles and those from the perspective of a
Excellence as its National Director. at MCI and obtained the Montessori Teacher
parent.
Diploma. After finishing her teaching practice
Barbara Isaacs Annamaria Guild she was offered the post of Deputy Manager
Work cycle or Zone of Listening to toddlers in a at the newly opened Nature Nursery where
Proximal Flow? home based provision she actively links Montessori and Forest
Barbara joined the newly Annamaria has been a School philosophy. At the MSA conference,
established MCI in 1998 after Montessori mum for twelve years she was named a Montessori Practitioner of
training Montessori teachers both at Montessori and a practitioner for eight years. She gained the Year 2016.
8 Montessori International Summer 2016MI119 Summer 2016:Layout 1 04/08/2016 15:14 Page 9
and explore the riches which are offered to Conference Fee MSA National
us by children as we guide them in “…the
development of the great potentialities of MSA Members £60.00 Conference 2017
the human personality in the course of its
Non-members £100.00 Date in March 2017 t.b.a.
formation.” (Montessori, 1948)
The conference programme aims to Early booking discount: Institute of Education,
remind participants of the key tasks of the University College London
£46 for MSA members block booking five or
Montessori teachers and early years
more tickets before 31st December 2016
practitioners today. It will explore the unique Programme
features of learning along the planes of £55 for MSA members booking before 31st
development as identified by Maria January 2017 10.00 Welcome and Introduction
Montessori. It will give a voice to Montessori Dr Stephen Tommis
£25 for MCI students booking before 15
educators who will share their experience of Chief Executive Officer, Montessori
February 2017
working with the children and colleagues in St Nicholas Charity
Late booking fee:
their schools and nurseries. It is also vital to 10.15 MSA update
hear “the voice of the child”, and we would £125 Bookings received after 22nd February Dr Martin Bradley
like to thank the children from Montessori 2017 Chairman, Montessori Schools
Primary schools who have agreed to come Association
We will not accept any cancellations after
and share their views and experiences.
the 22nd February 2017. The conference fee 10.45 What matters to Early Years
Montessori St Nicholas and the
payment is non-refundable, but can be Teachers
Montessori Schools Association, the
transferred to another MSA member before Jan Dubiel
organisers of the Conference, hope you will
the 22nd February 2017. National Director, Early Excellence
enjoy the day and we look forward to
In order to qualify for the members’
seeing you at the Institute of Education, 11.30 Work cycle or Zone of Proximal
discount you must provide your membership
University College London. Flow?
number. If making a group booking, please
Barbara Isaacs, Chief Education Officer, list the names and MSA membership The role of Montessori teachers in
Montessori St Nicholas Charity numbers of all attendees. seeding children’s learning
Barbara Isaacs
Chief Education Officer, Montessori
Rita Skitt 61 children attending. Through both the nursery St Nicholas Charity
Provoking children’s learning and school she has not only cared for many
in the Children’s House children, but also works hard to support staff in 12.00 Children from Montessori Primary
their journeys and encourages them to continue Schools - Our Montessori Teachers
Rita has worked in education for
training and develop Montessori in their
over 35 years. As a museum’s 12.15 Montessorian of the Year and
classrooms in many different ways. Working
pedagogue in Germany, Rita worked with Montessori Practitioner of the
alongside the National Curriculum with the older
schools on stimulating children’s and young Year Awards
children has been an on-going challenge which
adults’ learning through the interactive use of
has developed over the last eight years. She 12.30 Lunch/networking/visit to
artefacts. All three of Rita’s children attended a
loves knowing that now many of the Year 6 exhibitors
Montessori nursery, and it was through their
children who leave to go to high school have
experience that she was first introduced to the
been in a Montessori environment since they 13.50 Nurturing the Inner life of the child
principles of Montessori education. Returning to
were babies at the nursery. Jeremy Clarke
the UK after living for 15 years in various African
countries and working in international schools, Danielle Hignett 14.10 Listening to toddlers in a home
she trained as a Montessori teacher. Rita has Learning with the team – based provision
run the Oxford Montessori Forest Farm nursery sharing of practice Annamaria Guild
since 2002 and has lectured for their teacher
Danielle acquired her nursery in 14.30 Learning with children in the
training programme. With the Open University
July 2015 – she is the owner of outdoor classroom
she gained a certificate in Early Years Practice.
Holly Tree Montessori Nursery in Stockport. She Katarzyna Szewenko
Rita firmly believes in the pivotal role of a
studied Chemistry and Management at
prepared environment to support children’s
Manchester University, and then went into the 14.50 Provoking children’s learning in
development.
pharmaceutical industry in various sales, training the Children’s House
Sam Sims and management roles. She then decided to Rita Skitt
Working with the Great completely change her career and bought her
Lessons - exploring the 15.10 Working with the Great Lessons -
first Montessori nursery. She is very passionate
curriculum exploring the curriculum
about performing any job to the best of her
Sam Sims
Sam Sims has been working as a ability. She sets high standards and teamwork is
Montessori Practitioner for 20 years. She very important to her. Danielle embarked on a 15.30 Learning with the team – sharing
currently owns a day nursery and Primary Montessori diploma qualification in order to of practice
school in Ipswich, Suffolk. She is passionate understand and lead her nursery further. Overall Danielle Hignett
about Montessori education and has enjoyed this has led to an improved Montessori ethos
15.50 Closing remarks
watching the primary school expand from 8 to and increased the setting’s team motivation.
Barbara Isaacs
Montessori International Summer 2016 9MI119 Summer 2016:Layout 1 04/08/2016 12:55 Page 10
msanews
Birts Scholarship. I first joined Paint Pots
Region 4
Montessori Schools in September 2011 as a
teaching practice student and I am now the
Science and Supporting head teacher at The Boltons. This is a role
Boys that I am thoroughly enjoying and one that I
find hugely rewarding. I am very keen to work
We were so lucky to have a sunny day on for the MSA and relish the opportunity to give
Saturday 23 April as many of us were a little back to the Montessori community in some
hesitant when it came to participating in small way.
some of the water experiments that Jeremy
had planned. We huffed and puffed and tried Cosmic Education with
to blow houses down, we experimented with
rafts to transfer items and yes you have
Denys Lyne
noticed a theme, our experiments were not disappointed. Veronica Rossi reports
based on nursery rhymes. Air pressure, Jane, as ever, proved to be an engaging
centripetal force and water resistance were and knowledgeable speaker, giving us clear Attending the spring workshop’s ‘Cosmic
all included in this wonderful session, we had information on conditions such as dyslexia Education’ training on 30 January was very
a blast. Things became a little more serious and dyspraxia. It is always wonderful to hear significant and inspirational for me as I have
when the topic transferred to supporting boys, from people who are actively involved in always been fascinated by the Montessori
but we all went home with many ideas. Thank working with children to help support them area of learning known as ‘Knowledge and
you to Chapel Grange Montessori Nursery with these issues as they have a real insight Understanding of the World’.
School for hosting the day and to Jeremy as into the emotional turmoil that can be I believe that children need to be aware of
well. experienced. their position in the Universe, and in the
We all had ample opportunity to ask importance of 'interrelating' things and
Montessori for 2 to 3 year olds questions and gain an understanding of how encouraging the co-operation of all living
these conditions can manifest themselves in beings. As nothing begins in isolation, every
The approach to Wharfedale Montessori single being plays a fundamental role in the
the classroom and in the home. Whilst some
School is utterly delightful, with bluebells and Universe.
of the discussion was about children in the
wild garlic in the woods, and with Berhane on The Six Great Lessons were developed by
primary and secondary sector, it was really
her way from London I knew it was going to Montessori for the primary school children.
interesting to learn about some telltale signs
be a treat for all on Saturday 14 May. We However, as a teacher in a Montessori
we can pick up on at nursery level and start
explored the needs of this special age group Nursery School I gained knowledge about
to put the appropriate strategies in place.
and how best to support them; we shared activities that could be introduced to children
Hearing of their progression into formal
good practice and revisited Montessori in my classroom. I found the training very
schooling really helped us to see how
principles. The importance of acceptance of useful and I also learnt new facts about
important early identification of specific
others was high on our agenda along with Maria Montessori's life.
learning difficulties really is, and how this can
favourable environments, relationships, space, One of the activities that I adored started
make such a difference in the outcomes for
pushing boundaries, supporting symbolic play with the book titled What's Under the Bed,
the child through their school days.
and the role of the practitioner. Participants and it was an inspiration to see the activity
After lunch Jo got everyone to put their
welcomed the opportunity to explore the that Denys created from it. It will give children
thinking caps on and discuss some case
school, nursery and baby unit – what a treat a better understanding of everything from the
studies with a view to writing a one page
that was, so many thanks to Jane and Earth’s crust to its centre.
profile. Whilst we were not all necessarily
Graham, who made us so welcome, and to The training was a reminder of how
good at putting pen to paper, the discussions
Berhane. important it is to impart facts to children
around the one page profiles were very
useful and informative. It is always so lovely through storytelling, and use new words
Upcoming Training
to see so many Montessorians coming (astrophysicist for example) in order to
Come and explore Science plus Supporting together and I can’t wait to meet up again expand their vocabulary and in turn their
Boys at Willows Montessori, Tyne and Wear next term. imagination. The training created an
on Saturday, 15 October. Contact opportunity for me to meet new Montessori
alibarker58@gmail.com for more information. Region 10 practitioners from different countries of origin
and cultures and gave us an opportunity to
Region 9 New Region 10 deputy: exchange ideas and experiences. Through
this we were creating wider connections and
Introducing Georgina Scully
Special Educational Needs new initiatives between Montessori
I am a native Zimbabwean educators.
with Jane Dupree and have been living in the One of the practitioners pointed out at the
Sam Cottrill reports UK for nearly nine years. I end of the training that Cosmic Education
came over initially to attend could be seen as one of the best way of
Those of us who are lucky enough to have University at Durham and teaching as it encourages peace and
listened to Jane Dupree before arrived in then undertook further study harmony, its main principles being: respect,
eager anticipation of an enlightening talk at at Montessori Centre peace, interrelations, responsibility and love
the regional event on 14 May, and we were International in London, having received a for our peers as well as for ourselves.
10 Montessori International Summer 2016MI119 Summer 2016:Layout 1 04/08/2016 12:55 Page 11
msaschoolnews
Local author reads to
nursery children
A visit from the fire brigade
On a beautiful sunny day in February, the children at Pippins Montessori Nursery in White
Colne, Colchester were very lucky to have a visit from a fire engine from the nearby Halstead
depot. This was in conjunction with our topic of “Occupations” where the children have been
learning about different job roles. The firemen came into the classroom to give a little talk to
Local children’s author Christine Roberts
the children about what they do in their role and to show the uniform that they have to wear.
visited Chalfont St Peter Montessori School
The children and teachers were very excited to try on some of the clothes, especially the fire
this week to read her new book The Very Shy
helmets. Everyone then went outside and took turns sitting in the cab. After that, the children
Picture Book and another story that she has
sprayed water with the big hose that the firemen use when they go out on a call. Just before
waiting to be published about a sleepy traffic
they left the nursery, they sounded the horn of the fire engine and flashed their lights leaving
light.
behind many happy faces.
The children were enthralled by both
stories, especially the funny voices Christine
school for her daughter in her home town of
used for the different animals in her first
Walthamstow, north-east London. After
book. She answered lots of questions from
advertising locally on shop message boards,
the children and teachers too, explaining
she opened her own school with just 26 local
what had given her the idea to write a story
children and four staff in April 2001.
about a sleepy traffic light, which the children
Reception, Lower then Upper Prep classes
found very funny.
grew from this starting point, and the later
“The children loved listening to Christine
development of Elementary classes now
read to them today, and were delighted
means that WMS can offer a full Montessori
when many of the parents bought signed
education to children aged from 2 to 11
copies of the book at going home time,” said
years.
Debbie Lomax, Deputy Principal. “Christine
The school celebrated its 15th birthday at
has also promised to come back when her
a huge party on April 21st, and three of the
new traffic light story is published later this l to r: Ross Murdoch, Balfron native and current
original class of 2001 (now between 17 and
year.” Commonwealth Games 200m Breaststroke
19 years old) returned for the day to champion; Mairi Clark of Mulberry Bush
Walthamstow Montessori celebrate with the school. They sat with Montessori; Colin Mendham, Race Director
Kindergarten children during reading classes
School is 15 and participated as aides to the principal
runners into one of the most popular fixtures
on the national running calendar. There were
during a whole school assembly on the
over 670 weekend and serious runners
history of the school. In the afternoon there
tackling the challenging course in the
was a party with a celebratory cake, and in
Campsie Hills, starting and finishing from the
the evening Lorna gave a lecture to a large
village of Balfron and its cheering residents
group of school parents to help them follow
and day visitors. Over the years we have
Montessori practices in the home. At the end
raised over £60,000 for the local Balfron
of a very long day, Lorna thanked everybody
primary and senior school for much needed
for their hard work in organising what was a
resources. Action in the Mind will also be a
very special celebration.
beneficiary this year in recognition of its
Racing in Scotland support for the school pupils.
The race has grown beyond our wildest
Former pupil Josie Cooper takes part in a It was a perfect ten on Sunday 24 April as dreams, and as a local independent
reading class we celebrated the Mulberry Bush education provider Mulberry Bush Montessori
Montessorian Lorna Mahoney first thought Montessori Balfron 10K, marking a decade is overjoyed to continue to support and be
about opening a nursery/kindergarten in of fantastic races in April. The event has the main sponsor of the event over the past
2000 when she could not find a suitable grown from a small village event of 100 ten years.
Montessori International Summer 2016 11MI119 Summer 2016:Layout 1 04/08/2016 12:55 Page 12
msaschoolnews
Popping up in Suffolk
As Montessorians we all love and cherish our
philosophy and our materials. We talk about
how the activities call to the children and how
the children are drawn to them. In our
classrooms this is evident every day as we
observe our children and their joy in
exploring and learning. Even knowing this, we
were not prepared for the reactions of the
children when we were invited to host a
Montessori Pop-Up Classroom at the Suffolk
Show in June at Trinity Park, Ipswich.
On a very cold Tuesday afternoon we set
up our classroom in the corner of a large
marquee. With fire engines to one side of us,
rifle ranges, an abundance of animals in
paddocks, stickers by the thousand and more
helicopters, food halls and flowers than you
can imagine, we wondered how many
people would visit us over the next two days. The merry month of May
The answer was lots.
Back in the spring Woodentots Montessori School celebrated May Day with maypole dancing
in the community gardens at Rochester Road, London NW1. The children were introduced to
some of the dances and enjoyed dancing around and around and watching the beautiful
patterns that emerged from their movements. They were accompanied by the piano accordion
and were captivated by the ‘jig dolls’ dancing to the rhythm of the music. Happily the sun
shone on the event, the children made garlands to wear, and all the parents and care-givers
joined us as well.
actually represented the Region and
Montessori nationally and internationally. We
had many enquiries from families in Suffolk
and signposted them to Montessori nurseries
Lesley and I arrived after a relaxing night in our Region. We had enquiries from other
in Felixstowe and braced ourselves for parts of England and Europe too. It was a
action, and it’s a good job we had slept well fantastic two days. If you are ever given the
the night before. We were inundated with chance to do something similar, grasp it with
young visitors all day. Many children told us it both hands.
was the best thing they had done. Parents
Sandra Copping and Lesley Milmine are the
wanted to move on but the children just
Nursery Managers at Colourbox Montessori in
wanted to stay and work. The proud faces Newmarket and Haverhill in Suffolk.
that walked away from our little classroom
were heart-warming to see. Every child went Making insects
away looking as if they had grown an inch
since they walked in. The children at St Andrew’s Montessori be great to get something going in Islington
Our activities were aimed at 2 to 6 year recently took part in a local project called Art linked to the Chelsea Fringe, so as a first trial
olds but we attracted older children too who Squared. It is a project in support of the go they decided to create a link with local
made up their own challenges: ‘Can I do the Chelsea Fringe, which started five years ago schools.
spindle box blindfold?’ ‘Can I build those and is intended to celebrate community and St Andrew’s Montessori children have
together?’ ‘What else can we do?’ Some guerrilla gardening. It keeps itself completely made some insects to hang on the trees in
children insisted on working with every independent from large organisations or the gardens surrounding the school. Each
activity that we had with us, be it the Pink sponsorships. child created an insect (bees, butterflies,
Tower, Knobless Cylinders, Colour Box 3, There are hundreds of events, from ladybirds, beetles, caterpillars and
Botany Puzzles, three part cards, Continent displays, talks, guided walks, demonstrations dragonflies) or spiders and snails.
Globe, Cylinder Blocks, Geometric Trays or and workshops. Many events are in London, The insects have been a great source of
Nature Table. Every activity was received with but the festival has grown hugely since it adventure as the children helped to put them
excitement and delight. started, and events now take place in other up and are enjoying taking their parents
After spending nine hours a day for two parts of the UK and elsewhere in Europe, through the gardens to try to find all of the
days on our knees we were literally ‘on our Australia and Japan. insects.
knees’. Although we were there to represent Several residents involved in caring for More information at
Colourbox Newmarket and Haverhill, we public spaces in Barnsbury decided it would www.chelseafringe.com/event/art-squared/all/
12 Montessori International Summer 2016MI119 Summer 2016:Layout 1 04/08/2016 12:55 Page 13
Meadowbrook grit shines more relaxed around young children and, in added: “Soaring High has a close
particular, more sympathetic to their association with Marks Hall. The children visit
through vicissitudes. weekly for Forest School, and we believe that
When spending time with the children at being outside is a natural extension of the
St. Edmund's Montessori Pre-School, it was classroom. We have been involved in
so re-assuring to think of the founder of this woodland planting at Marks Hall, and we’re
movement not only as a physician, but a delighted that the children now have this
child carer alle mode Italian, thus giving me opportunity to learn about the importance of
the confidence to allow the children licence wild flowers.”
to discover for themselves the array of For more information on Grow Wild, visit
percussion instruments I provided on the day, www.growwilduk.com.
without suffocating them with too much
technique or structure.
Growing wildflowers
Children from Soaring High Montessori
On Saturday 19 March the Meadowbrook
Primary School aged between 9 and 11
Judo Team took part in their first ISA
years old today visited Marks Hall Gardens
(Independent Schools Association)
and Arboretum to take part in the Royal
competition. The level was extremely high
Botanic Gardens Kew initiative Grow Wild.
and the children fought in some tough
This is the UK’s biggest ever wild flower
matches. The determination of
campaign, bringing people together to
Meadowbrook’s team shone through and we A pig in clover
transform local spaces with native pollinator-
are thrilled to announce that Silke (in Year 4)
friendly wild flowers and plants. Creating
came first in her section, winning gold and The Meadows Montessori Primary School,
Jared (Year 5) came second, taking home a Ipswich (an independent school for 4 to 11
silver medal. (Silke and Jared are both on the year olds) completed their Pig for ‘Pigs Gone
left in the pictures.) Wild’ in support of the St Elizabeth Hospice
back in the spring. Every child at the school
came up with a design, and some of them
created miniature pig sculptures of their
designs.
Sarah Jenkins, the school’s art teacher
commented that: “It was important to us that
everyone at the school painted our pig. As
we are the Meadows School, the pig became
food sources for pollinators like bees and a glorious green, if slightly muddy meadow
butterflies is very important work: since the and everyone at the school then painted their
1930s, the UK has lost 97% of its wild flower own flower in that meadow meaning that
meadows. every child was represented by a flower.
Coggeshall in Bloom, which aims to bring ‘Piggy in the Meadow’ is the name of our pig
communities together to enhance the local sculpture as the piggy is surrounded by the
environment, applied to Kew to receive the love of all the children.”
Pick Withers on music and Ready, Steady, Sow kit, which contains The pig will eventually take pride of place
everything needed to create a native wild in the school garden, which has also been
Montessori created by the children themselves with
flower patch. The pupils of Soaring High
I spent three years brought their seeds to Marks Hall and everything from a tepee for storytelling to a
living in Rome but planted them along a pathway that has sandpit and chess boards made out of tree
travelled extensively recently been extensively landscaped to trunks.
throughout Italy, playing improve the path network at Marks Hall. The
drums for a group path leads to the newly established Acer
known as The Glade, and visitors will be able to walk
Primitives, appearing beside the wild flowers planted by the
live and on television. I children on this path.
immersed myself in the Rebecca Lee, General Manager at Marks
culture, learning a new language and, for a Hall noted: “It is fantastic to see the children
very introverted, provincial, shy teenager, getting hands on with nature and planting
somehow the experience liberated me and, wild flowers. Here at Marks Hall, we are
when later becoming a father myself, I delighted to play our part in helping children
naturally gravitated to Italy for family to engage with nature.”
holidays. I noticed that Italians were much Sarah Rowledge, Principal at Soaring High
Montessori International Summer 2016 13You can also read
