8:30 – 10:15 am 

Keynote Address:
“The Magic Blend: Creating a Culture of Community and Challenge” (JoAnn Deak, PhD)

10:15 – 11 am 

Morning Break

11 am – 12:30 pm

Session 5 Workshop:
“What Is Montessori?”

12:30 – 2 pm

Lunch Break

2 – 3:30 pm

Session 6 Workshops (select one):
“Mending Damaged Self-Esteem”
“Gifts and Challenges: A Vocabulary to Validate Individuality”
“Practical, Nurturing Conflict Resolution”

3:30 – 4 pm

Afternoon Break

4 – 5:30 pm

Session 7 Workshops (select one):
“Moving Beyond a Work vs. Play Attitude”
“Finding Great Science Books for Children”
“Adolescents: Why Do They Do What They Do?”

Saturday Parents Program Events

8:30 – 10:15 am  KEYNOTE ADDRESS

The Magic Blend: Creating a Culture of Community and Challenge, presented by JoAnn Deak, PhD

“Caring.” “Like a family.” “Intimate.” Research indicates that a top factor in student satisfaction and success is a deep sense of community. How do Montessori schools create this kind of culture? How do we sustain and enhance it? And how do we strike the essential balance between nurture and an atmosphere that challenges students to reach their full potential and embrace the opportunities to come? Dr. Deak will draw on her experience working with hundreds of schools worldwide to identify the elements that help us achieve the delicate mix of ingredients that stimulates children’s minds and protects their hearts.

Dr. JoAnn Deak is an internationally renowned psychologist, school consultant, and expert on nurturing healthy, successful children. She is the author of How Girls Thrive and Girls Will Be Girls: Raising Confident and Courageous Daughters.

To read more about the keynote address and Dr. Deak, click here.

10:15 – 11 am   MORNING BREAK

Enjoy this opportunity to visit the Exhibit Hall,featuring wonderful wares to enhance Montessori classrooms and homes, and the AMS Hub, where conference souvenirs and gift items will be on sale.

11 am – 12:30 pm  SESSION 5 WORKSHOP

What Is Montessori? presented by LoAnn Jundt and Cheryll R. Ruszat
Dr. Montessori formulated her approach to education and child development during the early 1900s. Once considered controversial, her ideas are now supported by many educational experts, neuroscientists, and developmental theorists. This presentation is designed especially for parents to come and see how learning takes place in Montessori environments and the ways in which these experiences shape children to be lifelong learners.

12:30 – 2 pm   LUNCH BREAK

Sit-down dining and à la carte options are available in the hotel.
You may also use this time to visit the Exhibit Halland the AMS Hub.

2 – 3:30 pm   SESSION 6 WORKSHOP (select one)

Mending Damaged Self-Esteem, presented by JoAnn Deak
It has been said that, more than intelligence, aptitude, or social class, a person's self-esteem is the best predictor of achievement and happiness in life. The problem is that, when self-esteem is low, it can be very difficult to change. In this revelatory workshop, you’ll examine the key ingredients of high self-esteem, then tackle the challenge of working to enhance self-esteem when it has suffered.
           
Gifts and Challenges: A Vocabulary to Validate Individuality, presented by Judy Donovan
Even in Montessori schools, children can have comparative, competitive thoughts. How can we make our classrooms emotionally safe for all types of learners and demystify the strengths and weaknesses that we all possess? Come learn about the gifts and challenges program, and see how sharing its vocabulary helps empower students.

Practical, Nurturing Conflict Resolution, presented by Anne S. Perrah
Do try this at home! Learn how to enhance adult-child relationships both at home and in school, and learn how to improve communication between teachers and parents, too, with straightforward strategies for conflict resolution. In this interactive workshop, you’ll have a chance to explore principles and practice skills for proactive parenting and teaching that remind us to “be with” children as we give them respectful, life-giving guidance.

3:30 – 4 pm   AFTERNOON BREAK

Enjoy this opportunity to visit the Exhibit Hall and the AMS Hub.

4 – 5:30 pm   SESSION 7 WORKSHOP (select one)

Moving Beyond a Work vs. Play Attitude, presented by Virginia Varga
Do toddlers work or play? What is developmentally appropriate? By labeling toddler activity, we create barriers in communicating with the larger community. This workshop will focus on different views of toddler activities and present a new framework for discussion with parents.

Finding Great Science Books for Children, presented by Priscilla Spears
What features make a science book appealing and instructive? How can teachers and parents evaluate and choose the best references for students? Become a savvy reviewer, and learn about promising new and recent titles. This session will cover a variety of science topics and levels with an emphasis on books that supplement specific Montessori lessons and that children can use for autonomous research.

Adolescents: Why Do They Do What They Do? presented by Betsy Coe
Adolescence is a challenge and a gift; it can also be a mystery! Join this interactive discussion of adolescent needs and scenarios that illuminate why adolescents act and learn the way they do. You’ll leave with a wealth of ideas to support the developmental needs of adolescents in the learning environment and at home.