One of the best ways to create a learning environment that promotes positivity and productivity is play. When playing games, students become more comfortable with not only their peers but also their teacher.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing how both structured and unstructured games can build a variety of social, emotional, and executive functioning skills in elementary students, and how games contribute to students’ success in all areas of curriculum as well.

What’s in this episode:

[02:04] How games can be a strategy for fostering connection in the classroom and examples of games that require communication and teamwork

[06:49] How games help develop social, emotional, and executive functioning, including conflict resolution skills, self-esteem development, and organizational skills

[14:35] Examples and benefits of unstructured vs. structured play

[19:36] The positive outcomes that result from playing games

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit:

https://www.trilliummontessori.org/

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

N/A

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As students get older, parents seem to become more inclined to pull their children out of Montessori programs. Especially when those classrooms have smaller groups of older students. Parents often think that there are disadvantages to keeping their older children in this setting, but it’s actually quite the opposite: there are numerous benefits to older children in mixed-age classrooms.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing the unique experiences offered by a mixed-age Montessori classroom, including how older children can mentor younger students, and develop leadership skills, problem-solving skills, and creativity, among other benefits. There are tremendous opportunities for older students in the Montessori school setting, and when teachers offer individualized lessons and activities, students of any age can thrive.

What’s in this episode:

The benefits of older children teaching and mentoring younger children in the classroom

How older children can be helpful when explaining big picture ideas to younger students

Why departing before the leadership year is a missed opportunity for older students

How to engage parents on the benefits of keeping their older students in this classroom environment

Why it’s important to consider the individual needs of students when you have a small group of older children in your classroom, and how to create a positive learning experience

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit:

https://www.trilliummontessori.org/

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

N/A

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Join us for the 2024 P2P Summit: Montessori and Ecological Consciousness
Learn more and register here: https://courses.trilliummontessori.org/p/ecological-consciousness-summit

How does technology affect brain development in children? How can we mindfully incorporate technology into Montessori classrooms? Is social media inherently bad for adolescents?

In today’s episode, Letty is joined by Dr. Luz Casquejo Johnston to discuss technology in relation to Montessori education, particularly for upper elementary and adolescent students. Luz shares insights into child and adolescent brain development, and offers advice on how to mindfully integrate technology into the Montessori environment.

What’s in this episode:

• Why the adolescent brain is particularly receptive to social media
• Advice for helping students self-regulate and find a balance with technology use
• Preparing the environment for students’ technology use, according to their developmental stage and learning needs
• Collaborating with students and creating agreements around technology use

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit: https://www.trilliummontessori.org/

If you enjoyed this podcast, you will love the practical and actionable classroom management advice in the Montessori Principles to Practice Webinar Libraries. Head to https://www.trilliummontessori.org/podcast for details.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

The Whole Brain Child by Dan Siegel: https://drdansiegel.com/book/the-whole-brain-child/

Brainstorm by Dan Siegel: https://drdansiegel.com/book/brainstorm/

Dr. Dan Siegel's Hand Model of the Brain video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-m2YcdMdFw

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