Blog and Forum Messages

Family Announcements

Parent Education Programs at Princeton Montessori School

Princeton Montessori School

PARENT EDUCATION

Understanding Montessori Oct. 7, 8:30 AM
Rita Brenner, Toddler Teacher, PCTE Instructor

An authentic Montessori education is the most powerful way for children to learn. Rita Brenner will draw from Maren Schmidt’s book Understanding Montessori to help you begin to construct your understanding of Montessori. You will be introduced to a culture that is innovative, respectful of the child, peaceful, joyful, collaborative, child-centered, community-minded, developmentally exacting, and supported by research. You will be given the reasons Montessori classrooms include the out of doors which aid children in valuing and caring for the wonders of our Earth.

Reading With Children Nov. 11, 12:30 PM
Lunch Discussion
Sally Luke, JR I Teacher, PCTE Instructor

Parents want to read with their children but often are not clear on how to go about building reading relationships. In this talk, you will learn about realistic expectations along with tips on how to support your child during their reading development in the early years. Interesting and engaging books will be used as examples in the exercises. Sally Luke, JR I teacher and former Primary teacher has many years of experience in watching and assisting children as the world of reading opens up for them. She will share some of these experiences with you as she guides you in assisting your child with his or her reading.

Independence: Nov. 18, 8:30 AM
Parenting the Infant/Toddler
Rita Brenner, Toddler Teacher, PCTE Instructor

Every toddler is different yet the same. They can calm and control themselves more than ever before but not as consistently as we might expect. This can be a challenge for the toddler’s parents. There are three areas in a toddler’s life during which he or she can struggle while going through this developmental stage - eating, toileting, and sleeping. Rita Brenner will guide you in developing diplomacy and patience with your toddler which can cultivate the self control he or she needs to gain independence in these areas.

So Sexy So Soon Dec . 9, 12:30 PM
Lunch Discussion
Gwen Shangle, Elementary Director and JR II Teacher, PCTE Instructor

A hot topic for parents! Drawing from Diane Levine’s book So Sexy So Soon, Gwen Shangle will open up the reality of what is so subtly happening to children and parents in this commercialized era. Given her years as a teacher and as the PCTE instructor of Child Development, Ms. Shangle is ready to agree that there is nothing wrong with a young person's natural sexual awakening. However, as parents we must know how to guard this awakening, giving the child a chance for a healthy unfolding instead of one forced by businesses who are looking to profit. This session is a great opportunity to learn ways to navigate the unavoidable exposure and to help your child develop a wholesome self-image.

Mind in the Making Jan 27, 8:30 A
The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs
Michelle Morrison, Director of Middle School Programs, Middle School Teacher

Ms. Morrison will present this book written by Ellen Galinsky, President and Co-Founder of Families and Work Institute (FWI). Dr. Galinsky has spent her career observing and analyzing how children learn and, in the past decade, collaborating with top researchers in the science of childhood brain development. Through her studies she has identified seven life skills that help children reach their full potential and unleash their passion to learn.

Ms. Morrison will walk us through these seven life skills. The skills involve focus and self-control, communicating, and critical thinking. Come learn everyday tips on playful, parent-child learning interactions because teaching children to think may be the most important thing a parent can do.

Pathfinder Parenting Feb 24, 12:30 PM
Lunch Discussions
Marsha Stencel, Head of School, Middle States Commissioner, AMS Commissioner, NJAIS Board Member, Grandmother of Four

Dr. Janine Walker Caffrey is host of Connecting with Parents, a collaboration of the New York City Department of Education and Channel 13. She chose Princeton Montessori School as the site to develop the first of what she hopes will be a series of programs that inform parents about education and educational systems. Please join us to view the interviews and activities taken of faculty, students and parents at Princeton Montessori School and to draw wisdom from Dr. Caffrey’s book, Drive: 9 Ways to Motivate Your Kids to Achieve.

487 Cherry Valley Road Princeton NJ
609-924-4594