2011 San Jose Montessori Foundation/IMC International Conference

8th

The Annual West Coast Conference Join us, the Montessori Foundation and the International Montessori Council, March 17-21, 2011 at the lovely Dolce Hayes Mansion, San Jose, California, USA, for a weekend retreat that will reaffirm your commitment to Montessori and the guiding principles of what makes the method so universal and successful.

WE HAVE 2 SPECIAL EVENTS IN LIEU OF TRADITIONAL KEYNOTES THIS YEAR On Friday afternoon, March 18 at 1:30 PM following our communal lunch, we will have a special viewing of the documentary taking the world by storm: Race to Nowhere. Race to Nowhere is a call to mobilize families, educators, and policy makers to challenge current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America to become healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens.

On Saturday, March 19th, the Bowman International School’s* Band will once again delight us with their incredible talents in a live performance in the Westwood Room. Parents, grandparents and the community are all invited to come hear these children play for us.

Don’t miss out on this delightful event. *The Bowman International School earned its IMC Accreditation 2 years ago.

Our full conference brochure is being mailed with this issue of Tomorrow’s Child magazine so please ask the person who opened the envelope it came in to circulate it to the staff or go to our website and see the little flip through version to read about our full program or contact me directly: Margot@montessori.org | 800.632.4121 | Fax: 941.359.8166.

We understand that traveling to the west coast of the US is often more complicated for folks so we’ve condensed our main conference into Thursday night’s meet and greet, and workshops and the two special presentations into Friday and Saturday; thus, leaving Sunday to either relax and enjoy the amazing spa or get an early start in traveling home.

But, fear not, Tim Seldin, President and CEO of the Montessori Foundation and the IMC has graciously agreed to stay onsite for Sunday. This is mainly for those who sign up for Tim’s Montessori Leadership track. Tim will hold 2 morning sessions; then, you will have lunch together as a group and move into a closing ceremony all your own.

THE RACE TO NOWHERE

For those attending the conference the cost of the movie is included in the registration fee.

EXHIBITS

But of course, there will be exhibitors in our main room. A full list will be updated weekly and on the sidebar part of our Constant Contact email blasts. Remember to read these blasts after you register as many important and timely pieces of information will be posted here.

HOTEL INFORMATION The Dolce Hayes Mansion and conference center is located within a quiet San Jose, California neighborhood that makes it the perfect spot for our attendees to “be totally present” while at the conference. We’ve arranged a special conference rate this year of $129 per night for a double occupancy room (no more than 2 in a room) + prevailing CA taxes.

The conference code, when making your reservation is MONTESSORI. The hotel is located at 200 Edenvale Ave, San Jose, CA 95136. You will need to call the mansion directly to make your reservation at 1.408.226.3200.

RESERVATIONS PROCESS & BOOKING WEBSITE Online reservations began on 11/30/2010. A dedicated booking website has been created for our event so our guests will be able to make, modify and cancel their hotel reservations online, as well as take advantage of any room upgrades, amenities or other services offered by the hotel. To preview the website, please paste the following link into your web browser: https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb. do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=3103853&utm_ source=20668&utm_medium=email&utm_ campaign=4026684 We only have a small block of rooms starting on Wednesday night and ending on Monday night. Some of you may want to come in a day early or stay a few

days after to visit some local Montessori Schools . The hotel’s special rate for our group is for those dates as well.

While the Foundation can make some suggestions as to which schools are close by or accredited, we have not coordinated with them, so you will need to call ahead and make your plans accordingly.

FOOD As always, we will eat our breakfasts and lunches at the mansion together. This is always included in our conference fee and what makes the Montessori Foundation’s conferences extra-ordinary. The mansion has a set menu and there are many selections for non meat entrees at each meal. You may make arrangements to eat dinner at the mansion and pay that amount directly to them. If you do not have a car to go out this is an excellent alternative.

For those with cars, there are many places in San Jose so invite a new friend that might be traveling alone to join you as you explore the area. The hotel does have a small shuttle bus that will take you as far as the Westfield Mall where you are walking distance to many eateries. All attendees must make their own dinner arrangements.

Have a question about any of the conference details?

Email me, Margot@montessori.org or call me at 1.800.632.4121. Please fax your completed registration form to 941 359.8166 as soon as possible. This smaller conference has limited space and we sold out fast last year.

CONTACT MARGOT@MONTESSORI.ORG  FAX: 941 359 8166  PHONE: 800 632 4121.

 Thursday, March 17, 2011 3:30 PM

Registration and exhibits open

6:00-8:00 PM

Join us for a light fare dinner and meet and greet while viewing and early shopping with exhibitors. Some conference announcements and a short opening talk by Tim Seldin. Then it’s early to bed for a full few days.

 Friday, March 18, 2011 7:30-8:15 AM

Breakfast in the exhibit area. Registration and Exhibits open

8:15-8:45 AM

Opening Welcome by Tim Seldin

8:45-9:00 AM

Short break

9:00-10:30 AM

SESSION 1

OPTION 1 PANEL DISCUSSION: TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM Tim Seldin facilitator is joined by panelists: Dr Ann Epstein, Michael Murphy, Lorna McGrath and Hannelore Engmann

language throughout the classroom. NOTE: This series of 4 workshops is for certified and experienced Montessori EC professionals and is not meant to be used for those who are currently in a training program.

The huge world of technology holds remarkable potential for children of all ages, if used appropriately.

We hope to set up an open discussion on a range of ideas about computers in the Primary classroom.

OPTION 4 LESSON PLANNING FOR ELEMENTARY-WHY AND HOW-PT 1 Michael Dorer

OPTION 2 THE SHIFT: MOVING FROM TEACHING CURRICULUM TO TEACHING CHILDREN-PT 1 Kathy Leitch Maria Montessori wrote and spoke about the “spiritual transformation of the teacher.” What does this mean in practical terms? How does this transformation take place? How does it effect your classrooms and whole school? Who are you in the life of the child? Do these questions interest you? In this 2 part workshop we will explore and compare Montessori’s teachings with the neuroscience of relationships, strengths and visions and more.

OPTION 3 EARLY CHILDHOOD LANGUAGE REFRESHER-PT 1 Kitty Bravo A good Early Childhood Language program provides a foundation that will enable children to develop strong communication skills that will last a lifetime. This EC review will help certified teachers better understand the natural progression of the language curriculum including, early language concept development, enrichment of the vocabulary work, the sequence for supporting the development of handwriting, moveable alphabet both as a means of expressing ideas and for supporting phonemic awareness, activities for early and advanced readers, as well as the “Function of Word” grammar lessons and a focus on how to enhance

Spend the entire day in this 3 part workshop. Here’s what will be covered: Have you ever heard that planning is not part of Montessori? Perhaps you have been told that we should just follow the child and you discover yourself pacing a step or two behind a six-year-old as she traverse the classroom. Or, maybe you have wondered just how you are supposed to get it all in.

Well, Michael will present the key to lesson planning in the Montessori elementary programs that unlocks the mystery. You will then work together to make those plans fit your particular setting. This system offers a new approach to organizing and offering the lessons, and a new view of following the child!

OPTION 5 LANGUAGE IMMERSION: IS IT RIGHT FOR YOUR SCHOOL?-PT 1 Leslie Hites The Renaissance school of Oakland, CA has a long tradition of being a French and Spanish language immersion school. Our students also read and understand music; each of which is integrated into all parts of our multilingual curriculum. It is a large project to manage with many considerations and requirements including: staffing at each level, visas for native speakers, getting the staff Montessori trained if they aren’t already, housing and transitions in culture. In this 2 part workshop we’ll navigate through some of the challenges and paperwork we’ve faced over the years to make this a very worthwhile program for the students, their parents and the staff of our school.

CONTACT MARGOT@MONTESSORI.ORG  FAX: 941 359 8166  PHONE: 800 632 4121.

10:30–10:45 AM

Short break or shopping at exhibits

10:45-12:15 PM

SESSION 2

OPTION 6 LEADERSHIP:MARKETING AND HANGING ON TO FAMILIES Tim Seldin Spend the weekend in a series of connected workshops that explore the most effective marketing tools to keep those families you’ve already enrolled invested in staying at your school. Each section will have a separate focus but we may cross over into other areas as well so if you plan on attending we ask that you commit to going to the entire series. Part 1: Why do people come, why do people leave?

OPTION 7 THE SHIFT: MOVING FROM TEACHING CURRICULUM TO TEACHING CHILDREN-PT 1 Kathy Leitch OPTION 8 EARLY CHILDHOOD LANGUAGE REFRESHER-PT 2 Kitty Bravo OPTION 9 LESSON PLANNING FOR ELEMENTARY-WHY AND HOW-PT 2 Michael Dorer OPTION 10 LANGUAGE IMMERSION: IS IT RIGHT FOR YOUR SCHOOL?-PT 2 Leslie Hites

12:15–1:00 PM

Lunch downstairs

1:00-1:30 PM

Take a short stroll through the walking park next to the mansion or shop in the exhibit hall

1:30-3:45 PM

A Race to Nowhere with discussion afterwards

3:00-3:45 PM

Exhibits open

3:45-5:15 PM

Session 3

OPTION 11 LEADERSHIP- MARKETING AND HANGING ON TO FAMILIES-PT 2: ELECTRONIC MARKETING * WEBSITE * EMAIL * ARCHIVE OF PAST EMAILS * FLIP BOOKS * NEWSLETTER Tim Seldin

OPTION 13 LESSON PLANNING FOR ELEMENTARY— WHY AND HOW-PT 3 Michael Dorer

OPTION 12 LET’S READ! RESEARCH-BASED RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR PRIMARY AND LOWER ELEMENTARY LANGUAGE LESSONS Ann Epstein

The IMC has 6 fully accredited schools. One right here in the Silicon Valley. Our program is so much more than an accreditation; it’s a living document. In this informal discussion we’ll look at the Accreditation and the IMC’s Seal of Recognition program so you can make the most informed choice as to which is best for your school’s community.

Despite decades of study, research has not determined “the best way” to teach young children to read.

Research has found five essential elements for reading success. Children need opportunities to develop oral language, phonemic awareness, phonic understanding, comprehension, and fluency. How do our Montessori lessons stand up to these five components?

Participants will engage in several language-based line time activities that build the foundation for reading comprehension. We will also investigate how appropriate use of sand paper letters and the movable alphabet assist children in developing both phonemic awareness and an understanding of phonics. (Yes, these are different and the difference is critical!) Finally, we will study an alternative alphabet (Confusabet ©) to appreciate the challenge of learning to read. Several activities in this session are appropriate for both staff development and parent education.

5:15-6:00 PM

OPTION 14 IMC ACCREDITATION: WHY YOU MAY WANT IT FOR YOUR SCHOOL Margot Garfield-Anderson

OPTION 15 THE INFANT AND TODDLER CENTER Lorna McGrath The Montessori Foundation has recently taken over the day to day management of the NewGate-Field School in Sarasota, Florida. One of our goals was to open an Infant and Toddler Center that not only supported new parents in the journey into parenthood but helped create a sense of belonging to the school community so that when the time came to choose a school for their children these families would naturally select ours. In this workshop, I will go over not only the logistics involved in starting a center at your school but will review the contents of the classes I'll lead new parents through.

Exhibits open. Invite a new friend to join you for dinner.

CONTACT MARGOT@MONTESSORI.ORG  FAX: 941 359 8166  PHONE: 800 632 4121.

Saturday, March 19, 2011 7:45-8:30 AM

Breakfast in the exhibit area. Registration and Exhibits open.

8:30-8:45 AM

Announcements and shopping in Exhibit area.

8:45-10:15 AM

Session 4

OPTION 16 MARKETING AND HANGING ON TO FAMILIES -LEADERSHIP-PT 3: COMMUNITY MEETINGS Tim Seldin OPTION 17 PEACEKEEPERS: A PROGRAM FOR MONTESSORI YOUTH LEADERSHIP-PT 1 Andrew Kutt This special Montessori youth leadership program started at the Oneness Family school in Maryland many years ago. Andrew will share the mission of the organization in detail so that your school’s youth can participate in this international program.

OPTION 18 PUBLIC POLICY – WHEN NOT KNOWING IS COSTLY-PT 1 Cindy Acker Public policy incorporates changing and binding laws, child advocacy, budgetary action and regulations which affect Montessori educators. What we do not know about public policy and our role can and will affect us.

In this two part workshop, we will begin with Public

Policy 101 to learn how a bill becomes law, and how players are critical in changing a bill before it becomes law. We will use a bill which affects Montessorians and see how our voice makes a difference.

OPTION 19 CHILDHOOD LANGUAGE REFRESHERPT 3 Kitty Bravo OPTION 20 COMMON SENSE MONTESSORIPT 1: HOW DO WE BEST EXPLAIN THE “WHY MONTESSORI”? Paul Epstein This is an all day workshop. This is the first session of the series and lays the foundation for the rest of the day. Are your school’s parents totally results driven or concerned way too much about their child’s ability to get into a top 10 college by the end of the first day of school? When administrators and teachers can effectively explain the “why Montessori” they will see that their parent body is more on board with the “How Montessori” best serves the child.

10:15–10:45 AM

Short break or Shopping at exhibits

10:45-12:15 PM

Session 5

OPTION 21 COMMON SENSE MONTESSORI-PT 2--“SHOW HIM TO THE GARDEN”:SOCIAL BRAIN DEVELOPMENT: PREPARING ENVIRONMENTS FOR CONCENTRATION AND SOCIAL COMPETENCE Paul Epstein

developing the ability to socialize and collaborate.

Children who do not concentrate in the classical way may instead attend socially. Given these findings, we can consider how to prepare environments and materials to support both concentration and collaboration.

There are children in the classroom who readily concentrate. However, there are also children who do not concentrate very well. Montessori wrote that we should bring children out to the garden when they are not ready to concentrate. Current research on children’s brain development supports Montessori’s counsel and underscores the necessity for preparing environments in which young children develop essential social skills such as communication, problem solving, and empathy.

For all children, each of these is a vital 21st century competency. The social brain development research allows us to re-examine the central role concentration has played in our guiding philosophy and how we prepare for the work period. Specifically, the research suggests the ability to concentrate is dependent on

OPTION 22 MARKETING AND HANGING ON TO FAMILIES -LEADERSHIP PT 4: PRINT ADS Tim Seldin OPTION 23 PEACEKEEPERS-PT 2 Andrew Kutt OPTION 24 PUBLIC POLICY-PT 2 Cindy Acker The second half of this workshop will involve preparing a ‘legislative voice’ via written and verbal information, learning how to be a body with one voice and practice legislative discussions. At the end, we will frame Montessori needs for legislative action and develop a legislative plan.

OPTION 25 CHILDHOOD LANGUAGE REFRESHERPT 4 Kitty Bravo

CONTACT MARGOT@MONTESSORI.ORG  FAX: 941 359 8166  PHONE: 800 632 4121.

12:15 – 1:00 PM

Lunch downstairs

1:00-1:30 PM

Take a short stroll through the walking park next to the mansion or shop in the exhibit

1:30-2:30 PM

The Bowman International School Band performance

2:30-3:00 PM

Shopping and break

3:00-4:30 PM

Session 6

OPTION 26 SHOPPING! TEACHING MONEY THE MONTESSORI WAY! Pamela Rigg Using the Montessori math sequence as the frame of reference, this money curriculum presents no-fail selfdirected money activities. The child is introduced to features on the coins - both heads and tails. The names of the coins reflect their value (one cent, five cent, ten cent, etc.) rather than alternate words (penny, nickel, dime, etc). Symbols for money are introduced from the beginning of the sequence along with....SHOPPING activities to make money a practical life activity!

Suitable for EC and EI.

OPTION 27 ALL STRESSED OUT & NOWHERE TO GO! Kathy Leitch Stress has become one of the most prevalent childhood concerns. Do you know children who are rushed, overbooked, and under-focused? Are you generally overwhelmed trying to teach, redirect and help? Are you stuck in the vicious “stress cycle?” Come learn about common childhood stressors, the physical, emotional and cognitive impact of stress, and valuable researchbased strategies for renewing yourself and your students.

4:30-6:00 PM

OPTION 28 MARKETING AND HANGING ON TO FAMILIES -LEADERSHIP-PT 5: PARENT ED Tim Seldin OPTION 29 COMMON SENSE MONTESSORI-PT 3 Paul Epstein The day concludes with the last part of the series.

OPTION 30 A.P.C.-ANTICIPATE, PARTICIPATE, COOPERATE Lorna McGrath Working with toddlers can be a heartwarming experience as well as a challenging one at times. In this workshop we will explore ways of communicating and responding to toddlers that will allow them to be independent while avoiding the pitfalls of power struggles and tantrums. Discussions will focus on expressive and receptive language development as well as social/emotional development. Participants will have opportunities for small group discussions in which they will examine classroom scenarios and brainstorm ideas for working with toddlers in those situations. APC is an easy way to remember how adult interactions with toddlers can be successful and productive for both the child and the adult.

Final shopping in Exhibit area and closing ceremony for those who are leaving Saturday night. Dinner on your own.

 Sunday, March 20, 2011 8:00-9:00 AM

Breakfast down in the Silver Creek Dining room.

9:00-10:30 AM

Special Leadership sessions 31 & 32: Marketing and Hanging On To Families --Upset parents & Studio programs and bragging rights.

Tim’s sessions will go until 12:15 PM with short breaks as needed.

12:15-1:00 PM

Lunch in Silver Creek Dining room.

1:00-2:00 PM

Closing ceremony for those who stayed on.

CONTACT MARGOT@MONTESSORI.ORG  FAX: 941 359 8166  PHONE: 800 632 4121.

 Registration Form PLEASE COMPLETE ENTIRE FORM AND FAX BACK TO (941) 359-8166. WE DO ASK THAT YOU FILL IN YOUR 1ST AND 2ND WORKSHOP CHOICES. THIS AIDS THE PRESENTERS WHO PREPARE HANDOUTS AND HELPS US IN CASE A PRESENTER NEEDS TO CANCEL.

Name: Title:

School Name:

Daytime Phone Number: Mailing Address: City: Credit Card (please circle): Credit Card #

State: VISA

Country: MASTERCARD

Zip: AMEX

Expiration Date:

Email (we need this for your confirmation and to inform you of any program changes):

IMC #: If not a current member please add $45 to you registration for yearly individual dues or $250 for school level dues.    

I will attend the Thursday evening meal  I will not attend the Thursday evening event Full conference fee is $375 (this is for those staying on Sunday for workshops with Tim Seldin, only) 2 day attendance is $275 1 day (please circle Friday or Saturday) is $175

Total amount due:

FINAL REMINDERS In order to receive hotel discount rate at the Dolce Hayes Mansion, your reservation must be in by February 10, 2011.

Checks should be made payable to The Montessori Foundation.

Mailing address: 935 N. Beneva Rd, Suite 609, #56, Sarasota, Florida, 34232.

We do not accept bank debit cards.

While at the Dolce Hayes, why not treat yourself to a luxurious spa treatment?

Visit www.dolce-hayes-mansion-hotel.com or call 866.981.3300 for more information.

 Registration Form (side 2) Name: Title:

School Name:

SESSION CHOICES Please give us your first and second choices for each session you will be here.

FRIDAY, MARCH 18 | SESSION 1

1st

2nd

SATURDAY, MARCH 19 | SESSION 4

Option 1: Panel Discussion/Group

Option 16: Leadership/Seldin

Option 2: The Shift/Leitch

Option 17: Peacekeepers/Kutt

Option 3: Lang Refresher/Bravo

Option 18: Public Policy Pt 1/Acker

Option 4: El Lesson Planning/Dorer

Option 19: EC Lang/Bravo

Option 5: Lang Immersion/Hites

Option 20: Common Sense Pt 1/P. Epstein

SESSION 2

SESSION 5

Option 6: Leadership/Seldin

Option 21: Common Sense Pt 2/P. Epstein

Option 7: The Shift/Leitch

Option 22: Leadership/Seldin

Option 8: Lang Refresher/Bravo

Option 23: Peacekeepers Pt 2/Kutt

Option 9: El Lesson Planning/Dorer

Option 24: Public Policy Pt 2/Acker

Option 10: Lang Immersion/Hites

Option 25: Lang Refresher/Bravo

SESSION 3

SESSION 6

Option 11: Leadership/Seldin

Option 26: Montessori Math/Rigg

Option 12: Let's Read/A. Epstein

Option 27: Stressed Out?/Leitch

Option 13: Lesson Planning/Dorer

Option 28: Leadership Pt 5/Seldin

Option 14:IMC/Garfield-Anderson

Option 29: Common Sense Pt 3/P. Epstein

Option 15: Infant Toddler/McGrath

Option 30: APC/McGrath

SUNDAY, MARCH 20 | SPECIAL SESSIONS Option 31: Leadership/Seldin

Option 32: Leadership/Seldin

CONTACT MARGOT@MONTESSORI.ORG  FAX: 941 359 8166  PHONE: 800 632 4121.

1st

2nd