Montesecrets » Internship Diaries

2 down, 1 more to go

admin — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 04:01:17 +0000

Hey everyone! I’m not going to write a lot. I just wanted to let everyone know that my 2nd consultation visit went extremely well. My consultant said she was very impressed with how I ran the class. I was a nervous wreck in the morning, but once I got into the class, everything came naturally. I promise that I will update my blog and add more fabulous ideas. All of those who have commented, I will try my best to answer EVERYONE’s comments during the weekend! Have a wonderful morning/night!

2 more…1 to go! So, this weekend was my 2nd Institute. On top of...

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Another famous Montessori graduate…

admin — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 03:17:17 +0000

Did you know that Will Wright, creator of the best selling PC game in History, “The Sims” was a Montessori kid?I had no idea, but thanks to the beauties of twitter, you can find out anything now a days. Anyways, here’s another TEDtalks video where Wright briefly talks about Montessori and how it contributed to his success.

Enjoy!

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It’s not easy being an intern….

admin — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 03:09:15 +0000

4 albums down…1 more to go…..

My final institute is in 3 weeks. I haven’t touched my language album. In fact, I think there is dust piling up on it as we speak! ( I know, shame on me). On top of that, I have my second consultation visit this week! The last time my consultant came to observe me, I almost peed in my pants because I was so nervous. I’m freaking out! I am sooooooooooo far behind! It’s so easy to let things pile up at the last minute. Procrastinator is my middle name. It is just me, or does it seem like there’s never enough time during the day?

Montessori training requires A LOT of time and dedication. If you are seriously considering becoming a Montessori teacher, prepare yourself …cause your in for a hell of a ride! But in the end, everything is ALL worth it! (that’s what I keep telling myself!)

Anyways, it’s getting kind of late. I’m done complaining.

Good night blogland!

2 more…1 to go! So, this weekend was my 2nd Institute. On top of...
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Do your kids drive you crazy?

admin — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:45:22 +0000

If you answered “NO”….than you are LYING! LOL

There are days when our children or students know which buttons to push to drive us all up the wall! (Mondays and Friday’s are especially the worse!) We are all human and it’s natural to be frustrated once in a while. In Montessori training, we are drilled about the importance it is to be a good observer. It was through countless hours of observation that Maria Montessori was able to base her entire philosophy from. A good teacher is one that is able to observe the negative behaviors of a child, figure out what the problem is, and try to come up with ways on how to cater to the child’s needs.

In our class, as I mentioned in a previous post, we have a handful of kids with special needs who require special attention. We have two children in particular, who have Sensory Integration Disorder. My supervising directress does a wonderful job at catering to these children. She understands what they’re needs are, and tries to create a classroom that provides them with different opportunities to help them relax and calm their bodies. Apart from the jumping circle (see post here), we have another secret weapon…….

Wanna know what it is????? FIGITS!

What are figits? Well, take a look.

These little balls may look simple, but they are highly effective. We keep a basket of these right next to our “jumping circle”. Anytime we feel that one of our students is on the verge of acting up, or they are having difficulties controlling their bodies, we either invite them to the jumping circle or offer them a fidgit. A lot of times, children with special needs have problems controlling their bodies and need an outlet to relieve some of their pent up energy. The figits for some reason calms children down because they are focusing all of their attention on one thing and are still able to move their hands around addressing their inner desire for movement.

Teachers…read here…If you have a child who refuses to particpate during line time, or has difficulties controlling their bodies whenever the class gets together, try giving them a figit and see what happens. It may not work for everyone, but it’s worth a try. Make sure the child doesn’t use it to harm themselves or their classmates. It’s been known to happen!

Parents…read here…If you have an over active child, you might want to give the figits a try. It might give you 10 minutes of peace in the car or at home! You never know!

Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, nor do I claim to be one. If you feel that your child requires special attention, you should consult your family’s physician to discuss different plans and treatments available for your child. I only can provide you myown personal advice based from my experiences in the classroom and with my own daughter. Use the material you read on this blog at your discretion.

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Sensational Kids: Sensory Integration Disorder

admin — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 03:22:39 +0000

So far, things have been going pretty well, and I can’t believe that my Internship is a little more than half over! It’s been a long 6 months! I have learned so much and I am so thankful that I was able to take this course! The past couple of weeks, I have been reading up on Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). When that one child in my class had a breakdown the other day, I felt so helpless. I didn’t know what to do to help him. I think as an educator, it’s important for me to read up on all types of developmental delays and learning disabilities in order for me to better serve the child. If I am better educated on this disorder, I’ll be able to help my students and be prepared for various situations in the classroom.

A great book, that I highly recommend is “SENSATIONAL KIDS” by Lucy Jane Miller. She does an extraordinary job of breaking down the disorder into terms that everyone can understand. Not only does she go into the neurological aspects of this disorder, but dives into the emotional and mental affects as well. She offers valuable information to parents, and guides them through the process of the initial diagnosis to treatment. This book is great for teachers as well because it offers different ways we can deal with Sensory Integration Disorder in our classrooms. I’m not done with the book yet, but already I’m beginning to understand more and thinking about ways I can change my reaction to things.

When time permits, I’ll share with everyone what I’ve read so far. It’s interesting stuff!

Well, it’s getting kinda late. I’m getting kinda sleepy and another day awaits! I must get my beauty rest! Till next time!

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2 more…1 to go!

admin — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 21:05:16 +0000

So, this weekend was my 2nd Institute. On top of spending 6 grueling weeks over the summer (10 hours a day), our training center requires 3 weekend institutes. It’s pretty intense, and if you miss 1 day, you have to make it up the following year! Yikes! So, you better believe that I wasn’t going to miss it for anything. It was really nice to see familiar faces and share experiences. Some stories were good, some were really bad, and others just made ya laugh. It’s great going through this experience with other people because they understand where you are coming from, and appreciate your stories.

Anyways, I’m still busy like always, but I have some free time and will try to keep up with this blog! I have so many cool ideas to share with you guys. I have to update my classroom pictures, and introduce you to new works we’ve put in our classroom.

My birthday was a couple of days ago, and my mother bought me a…..LAMINATOR! (Every teachers dream!). I created a beautiful time line of the earth. I will share it with you all soon.
I also created a felt parts of the flower, and parts of the tree. (I’ve been feeling very crafty lately)

It’s getting kind of late, so I’ll leave you all with some updated pictures of my daughters playroom. I showed a few of my classmates, and they think I’m absolutely nuts. Honestly, I’m not a neat person at all. You should see my room. It’s a pigsty. But, for some reason, I’ve managed to stay on top of things, and create an environment for my daughter that is precise, orderly, and attractive. I am very proud of what I’ve done for her, and I know that she will benefit from it in the long run. You guys can tell me what you think! Honest opinions welcomed!

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Album Update

admin — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 21:30:09 +0000

First off, thanks for all of your words of encouragment. I need it! I just wanted to give you an update on my status. I have about 3 more illustrations to complete- the Bankers Game (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division!). I’m working on my essay and about 3/4 finish. I’m just so easily distracted! Rather than blogging, I should be writing!

I completed my Math Quiz and 10 Math line activities. All that’s left is my original write ups which I have already handwritten, so all I need to do is type them up. So, I’m slowly crossing the finish line. Hopefully, I’ll be able to finish up the Cultural album as well…..wishful thinking? We’ll see!

I just want to wish everyone a prosperous new year. The last couple of years have been extremely rocky for me. Having a baby, going through a divorce, losing a job and moving back in with my parents (AHHH!) has really taken a toll on me. Right before I discovered Montessori, I really didn’t have any direction in my life. I always knew I wanted to teach, but became really discourage after I taught in a public high school and middle school. I didn’t feel rewarded and I felt that the education system was a joke. Honestly, I am soooo happy that I found Montessori. (or it found me) This is a philosophy that I stand by, and for once in my life, I feel like I’m accomplishing something. I wish I would of studied this sooner, but as they always say, “everything in life happens for a reason.”. Perhaps if I would have studied Montessori, I wouldn’t have appreciated it the way I do now, especially having a child and all. I really feel that every school should change its curriculum to resemeble that of Montessori because I believe this method changes people’s lives. Not just the children, but the directresses as well.

In the upcoming year, my goal is to keep on spreading the message of Montessori. (gosh, don’t I sound like a preacher…lol). I have a bunch of great ideas that I hope to achieve (even with my busy schedule.)

So, I leave this post with my goals.

1. To develop E-books of my albums to share with other aspiring Montessorians
2. Develop online classes where parents/teachers/anyone from all over the world can come together to share and discuss their ideas on Montessori (This is in the works! Check out www.edufire.com . It’s an online learning platform that is soooo supercool! I recommend anyone to try it!)
3. Develop a business plan for my future Montessori school/homeday care
4. Take more care of my emotional and physical well being.
5. Pay off some debt!
6. Travel
7. Start living life to the fullest

Take care everyone, and HAPPY 2009!

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Albums! Albums! and more Albums!

admin — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 21:36:48 +0000

If you ever plan on becoming a Montessori teacher, be prepared to spend a lot of time on your albums!

Most training centers require teachers to complete comprehensive albums on each of the curriculum areas in the Montessori classroom. (Practical life, Sensorial, Math, Language, and Cultural). These albums are considered to many as their bibles. Each album contains a step by step guide for all of the works in that particular subject along with illustrations diagraming the set up.

My training center gives us our write ups (thank God!) but we have to illustrate each of the works ourselves and digital pictures are not allowed! Today, I think I illustrated about 50 diagrams! (I’m going crazy here!). I decided to use my computer to create the pictures. The only downside of that was it took me FOREVER! Im very happy with the results, but my hands are cramping from clicking on my mouse! Besides the drawings, I have to write up 4 original works from scratch. There is a take home quiz I have to complete and insert in my album. I have to develop 10 line activities with a Math theme. (I’ll write more about “line time” in another post). Oh yes, and on top of all of this, I have to write a 5 page paper (with quotes) explaining the philosophy of Math in the Montessori classroom! Yes, I have a lot on my plate. My next institute is January 27th and this is when my albums are do. I still have to work on my cultural album which I haven’t even touched. I don’t even know where it is! My cultural album requires even more things! (I’m taking a deep breath right now!)

Anyways, I’m going to go back to work. Today I accomplished a lot. As I mentioned before, I plan on finishing these albums before Winter Break is over. Cross your fingers for me!

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