CCMA 2024 National Spring Conference

The Power of Montessori:

Reframe Your Lens, Renew Your Practice

Date: Friday, May 17th, 2024

Location: Centennial College Event Centre

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Spring is a time of renewal – in nature, in classrooms as well as for educators and school leaders. At the 2024 CCMA National Spring Conference, we will be delving into themes that are forefront in our minds:

• Are your Toddler and Casa educators wondering:

How do I find time to observe?

What do I do with what I see?

• Are your Elementary and Adolescent educators implementing interrelated lessons that spark the young person’s imagination?

Join us to see your work through a renewed lens and equip yourself with practical tools to elevate your practice.

Session Details – Toddler and Casa Stream

Take a Look! Exploring the Art of Observation – Why and How

Presented by:
Sue Martin – PH.D. Abd., M.A., B. A., ECE. C, CertEd
Nicole Scruton – B.A., AMS Casa, Montessori Consultant

Are your Toddler and Casa Educators wondering how they find time to observe and what to do with what they see? Who we are is important in the lives of children, and knowing who we are can be a great asset. As we see children with fresh eyes let’s be more open with ourselves, let’s be aware of the predispositions that shape our lenses. At the same time, let us honour our strengths and use them – like corrective lenses – to refine our practice, to be better observers, and to know what to do with what we see. This 2-part session will explore observation in theory and practice. Elevate your awareness, enrich your perspectives, and unlock the transformative potential that purposeful observation can bring to your classroom.

The Power of a Montessori Education: Why Our Work Matters

Presented by: Montessori Alumni

Harmonizing Education: Empowering Educators to Inspire Through Music

Presented by: Maureen Harris, M. Ed., AMS

Montessori Pedagogy crosses disciplines and cultures, engaging learners while respecting and recognizing the contributions of each one’s uniqueness and cultural identity. Music is a flexible framework that can be integrated easily into the Montessori classroom environment with the educators as guides. While there are certain skills to be taught, educators can feel confident about bringing the joy and benefits of music to their classrooms using the many rich resources available. Maureen will guide educators towards becoming more musically confident, offering insights such as mastering their first song and understanding rhythm and beat. She will provide examples of how to enhance diversity and inclusion in the classroom through cultural learning, involving community elders and families. Additionally, Maureen will share valuable resources to support educators in integrating music effectively into their lessons. 

Widen the Circle: Weaving Indigenous Knowledge into the Montessori Classroom

Presented by: Dawn Penrose-Woodruff – B.A., MTC Casa

Our personal stories are an integral part of who we are and what we bring to our work with children and our practice. Using personal story and teachings, Dawn will guide us to an understanding of Wholistic Theory and Indigenous Ways of Knowing. This session will explore the interconnectedness of all things through the lenses of an Indigenous person and a Montessori Guide. During both sessions, adapted for the Toddler and Casa and the Elementary and Adolescent levels, educators will gain practical tools to spark and empower you to incorporate Indigenous knowledge into your work in a sensitive, meaningful way. It’s time to gain confidence in respectfully weaving Indigenous Knowledge into your classroom. As you reframe your lens you will renew and enrich your practice.

Session Details – Elementary and Adolescent Stream

Spark Imagination! Exploring the Art of Connected Curriculum – Why and How

Presented by:
Rosanna Gaudio – B.A., M. Ed., Trainer of Trainers in Adult Education, AMI Elementary I & II, Montessori Teacher Educator

Are your Elementary and Adolescent Educators implementing interrelated lessons that spark the young person’s imagination? An interrelated curriculum is one of the cornerstones of Montessori pedagogy. At a time when the world is so disconnected, connections are essential for our students to become responsible and caring decision-makers. Whether you are a newer or an experienced educator, you will rediscover why interrelated curriculum matters and gain practical skills you can use right away. It’s time to revisit how you scaffold your lessons to inspire elementary and adolescent students to engage in interesting and meaningful project work. Reframing your lens and renewing your practice will make a real difference in sparking your students’ imagination.

The Power of a Montessori Education: Why Our Work Matters

Presented by: Montessori Alumni

Widen the Circle: Weaving Indigenous Knowledge into the Montessori Classroom

Presented by: Dawn Penrose-Woodruff – B.A., MTC Casa

Our personal stories are an integral part of who we are and what we bring to our work with children and our practice. Using personal story and teachings, Dawn will guide us to an understanding of Wholistic Theory and Indigenous Ways of Knowing. This session will explore the interconnectedness of all things through the lenses of an Indigenous person and a Montessori Guide. During both sessions, adapted for the Toddler and Casa and the Elementary and Adolescent levels, educators will gain practical tools to spark and empower you to incorporate Indigenous knowledge into your work in a sensitive, meaningful way. In addition, the Elementary and Adolescent session includes a discussion on Cultural appropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation. It’s time to gain confidence in respectfully weaving Indigenous Knowledge into your classroom. As you reframe your lens you will renew and enrich your practice.

Embrace Nature: Cultivating Global Citizens through Outdoor Education

Presented by: Jamie Rossiter – B.A., TMI and AMS Casa, Elementary and Secondary 1 Montessori Diplomas

A hallmark of Montessori education is the preparation of the child for life. Montessori acknowledged the child as the creator and salvation of humankind and society. Our society faces many daunting challenges, including the increasing need for global sustainability and peace.

The Montessori method and curriculum that includes a purposeful and well-planned Outdoor Education program offers children experiences in the natural world to spark a sense of wonder, and respect. Fostering this relationship with the land is integral to realizing their full potential as responsible global citizens and leaders.

How do we incorporate regular integrated Outdoor Education into our already busy academic schedules? What are strategies for connecting our Montessori lessons with ongoing outdoor experiences, activities, and projects? What resources are readily available to bring alive these practical, hands-on, experiential activities? Together, we will examine and discuss the value, opportunities and obstacles involved in developing and enriching Outdoor Education programming for our classrooms and fulfill the call of Maria Montessori.