Workshops & Webinars
Upper Elementary
Professional development hours and credits are available.
Assistant's Workshop
Friday, August 8, 2025
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (CST)
In person instruction, in a Model Classroom
$85.00
This comprehensive one-day workshop, priced at $85 per person, is designed for individuals stepping into the vital role of an assistant within the Montessori classroom. Recognizing the assistant as an invaluable and necessary staff member, this program provides a foundational understanding of the assistant's role in supporting the lead teacher and the students.
Participants will explore how to bridge the gap between having little to no prior Montessori experience and becoming an effective member of the classroom team. Key to this transformation is awareness of the day-to-day activities and the preparations required to ensure a smoothly functioning learning environment.
The workshop delves into practical techniques and subtle nuances essential for assisting the lead teacher, tailored to align with the structured, child-centered Montessori approach. Additionally, attendees will gain insight into the basics of Montessori philosophy, equipping them with the understanding necessary to foster an inclusive, supportive, and nurturing classroom atmosphere.
Through this workshop, assistants will learn to appreciate their critical role in the educational journey of each child, embracing the structured yet flexible nature of the Montessori method.
Science of Reading
To Be Determined
2 Day Workshop
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (CST)
In person instruction, in a Model Classroom
$110.00
This course is crafted to enhance reading comprehension skills by leveraging the rich content areas inherent in the Montessori curriculum.
Course Highlights:
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Montessori Content Areas for Reading Comprehension: Educators will learn innovative strategies to build reading comprehension skills through the integrated use of Montessori content areas. This includes practical methods for using materials and activities from the Montessori cultural curriculum to deepen understanding and engagement with texts.
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Developing Comprehension Skills: The course will guide teachers on how to enhance students’ vocabulary and background knowledge, which are essential for understanding complex texts. Educators will discover how to draw on the extensive content available in Montessori cultural activities to support reading comprehension.
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Practical Application: Teachers will engage in hands-on experiences and collaborative workshops that model how to connect Montessori cultural studies—such as geography, history, science, and the arts—with reading instruction. This approach not only enriches comprehension but also promotes an interdisciplinary understanding of the world.
This course empowers Montessori educators to facilitate a more integrated and comprehensive reading experience for upper elementary students, ensuring that literacy development is both meaningful and contextually rich.
Math Refresher
Monday & Tuesday, June 9 & 10, 2025
2 Day Workshop
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (CST)
In person instruction, in a Model Classroom
$150.00
This specialized workshop is tailored for Montessori upper elementary educators aiming to enhance their proficiency in teaching mathematics. The course offers a refresher on core Montessori math presentations adapted for upper elementary levels, with a focus on fostering a robust mathematical mind. Educators will explore advanced strategies for instilling confidence in mathematics, transcending beyond basic concepts into the realms of pre-algebra, geometry, and higher-level thinking.
Key highlights of the workshop:
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Advanced Montessori Math Presentations: Participants will revisit the fundamental Montessori math presentations, with a specific focus on their application in the upper elementary classroom. This segment aims to deepen the educators' understanding of how these presentations can be tailored to challenge and engage older students, building a strong mathematical foundation that prepares them for more complex concepts.
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Cultivating Confidence in Mathematics: The workshop will address the critical issue of math anxiety at the upper elementary level. Educators will learn techniques to recognize and mitigate math phobia, creating a classroom environment where students feel empowered and confident in their mathematical abilities. The course will provide tools for nurturing a positive attitude towards mathematics, emphasizing the importance of a growth mindset and resilience in learning.
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Fostering Higher-Level Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: A significant focus of the workshop will be on developing students' higher-level thinking and problem-solving skills. Educators will be equipped with methods to guide students through multi-step problems, fostering logical reasoning and critical thinking. The course will also introduce approaches for transitioning students into pre-algebra and geometry, ensuring they are prepared for these advanced topics with a solid understanding of underlying principles.
Workshop Format:
The workshop will be interactive and collaborative, incorporating a blend of lectures, hands-on sessions with advanced Montessori materials, and group discussions. Educators will have the opportunity to practice advanced mathematical presentations, engage in problem-solving exercises, and exchange ideas and experiences with fellow Montessori professionals.
Science in the Montessori Classroom
Saturday, May 3, 2025,
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (CST)
In person instruction, in a Model Classroom
$85.00
This innovative workshop is specifically designed for Montessori upper elementary educators seeking to enrich their science curriculum. The course focuses on introducing complex scientific ideas in a developmentally appropriate manner, fostering exploratory learning, and continuing the study of weather and climate with an emphasis on cosmic education. Educators will learn to integrate real-life experiences and current data into their teaching, enhancing students' understanding of their impact on the environment.
Highlights of the Workshop:
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Introducing Complex Ideas in Accessible Ways: Educators will learn strategies to break down complex scientific concepts into understandable and relatable parts. The workshop will provide tools for presenting these ideas at a basic level, allowing students to grasp and incorporate them into their daily lives. This approach aids in building a strong foundation for advanced scientific understanding.
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Exploratory Teaching for Real-Life Science Experiences: The course emphasizes teaching science content in an exploratory and engaging way. Educators will learn how to create lessons that enable students to approach science through hands-on and real-life experiences, sparking curiosity and a love for discovery.
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Integrated Study of Weather, Climate, and Environmental Change: Building on the study of weather and climate initiated in lower elementary, this workshop will delve into an integrated approach to understanding climate change, global warming, and the greenhouse effect. Educators will gain access to diverse subject matter and actual data from organizations like NASA and NOAA, enabling students to apply their analytical skills to real-world issues.
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Cosmic Education and Environmental Responsibility: A key goal of the workshop is to bring cosmic education to the forefront, helping children understand the interconnectedness of their actions with the environment. Educators will learn how to inspire students to recognize both direct and indirect effects of their actions on the surroundings, fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the planet.
Format of the Workshop:
This interactive workshop will include a mix of instructional sessions, hands-on activities, collaborative discussions, and practical demonstrations. Educators will be engaged in experiential learning, mirroring the exploratory approach they will use with their students.