Handwriting Enrichment Across the Curriculum (EC)
Amanda Lheritier
Maria Montessori wrote, "The human hand allows the mind to reveal itself." Children are naturally drawn to the materials within the prepared environment, both to strengthen their hands and to express themselves, however, as Montessorians we are always looking for ways to include opportunities to apply handwriting! In this presentation, you'll take away an abundance of resources from handwriting tools to techniques to enrich the Early Childhood prepared environment.
Amanda is a Lead Primary Teacher at Tuckahoe Montessori School and has been a Montessori educator for the past ten years. She is an alumna of James Madison University and L’Ecole Ferrandi, Paris. She received her AMS Early Childhood (3-6) certification from the Virginia Center for Montessori Studies. Amanda is bilingual, and addition to her professional teaching experience, she has years of international experience as a classically trained French chef.
Bringing the Montessori Classroom Outside (EC)
Catie Niemoller
There many ways to bring the philosophy of Montessori into a classroom outdoors. Learn how to set up an environment with traditional Montessori activities as well as incorporate nature-made materials into the curriculum. Children will have the opportunity to develop fine and gross motor skills with big (and sometimes messy) activities that might be impractical inside the classroom but are so much fun! All curriculum areas will be covered and adapted to an ever-changing environment.
Catie Niemoller is an Early Childhood Classroom Teacher at West End Montessori School in Richmond, Virginia. She earned her AMS Early Childhood and Lower Elementary certifications and has over 14 years of experience working in the Montessori environment. Catie’s has worked with a number of non-profit organizations, teaching children about nutrition, gardening and the arts. The outdoor environment is Catie’s happy place. She loves connecting children with nature.
Preparing your Environment to Meet the Needs of the Child (EC)
Crystal Yoder and Kelsey Burgoyne
Keeping your prepared environment engaging is always a challenge. A fresh and inviting space can support intellectual curiosity, independence and even guides positive classroom management. Join us for some tips and tricks to enhance your environment and re-engage the children in learning.
Crystal Yoder is the Director and Lead Teacher, and Kelsey Burgoyne is the Co-Lead Teacher at New Beginnings Montessori School in the Harrisonburg area. They have agreed to share their beautifully prepared environment and their strategies for enhancing the Montessori curriculum for the children in their school.
