Trillium Montessori Talks

Trillium Montessori Team
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Welcome to Trillium Montessori Talks, the podcast where we dig into the theory and application of Montessori methodology in the classroom and beyond. Join host Letty Rising for candid conversations about the challenges us Montessori teachers face and how we can enhance the classroom experience for our students and ourselves. Ready to optimize your Montessori practice? Head to https://www.trilliummontessori.org/podcast to learn more.

  1. 05/21/2024

    054: Choice in the Elementary Classroom

    Understanding how to facilitate, organize, and prepare an environment that fosters student choice is one of the most challenging aspects of being a Montessori Elementary teacher. Educators who follow the Montessori approach know that Maria Montessori placed a lot of emphasis on the idea of “choice,” and while the notion of choice is universally celebrated and held sacred for young children up until the age of 6 (such as in other Montessori environments or in play-based preschools), this ...

  2. 04/23/2024

    053: Building Relationships Through Games

    One of the best ways to create a learning environment that promotes positivity and productivity is play. When playing games, students become more comfortable with not only their peers but also their teacher. In today’s episode, I’m sharing how both structured and unstructured games can build a variety of social, emotional, and executive functioning skills in elementary students, and how games contribute to students’ success in all areas of curriculum as well. What’s in this episode: [02:04] How games can be a strategy for fostering connection in the classroom and examples of games that require communication and teamwork [06:49] How games help develop social, emotional, and executive functioning, including conflict resolution skills, self-esteem development, and organizational skills [14:35] Examples and benefits of unstructured vs. structured play [19:36] The positive outcomes that result from playing games For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit: https://www.trilliummontessori.org/ Resources Mentioned in This Episode: N/A Connect With Us Visit our website Follow us on Instagram Connect with us on Facebook

  3. 03/26/2024

    052: Guiding a Classroom with Fewer Older Students

    As students get older, parents seem to become more inclined to pull their children out of Montessori programs. Especially when those classrooms have smaller groups of older students.  Parents often think that there are disadvantages to keeping their older children in this setting, but it’s actually quite the opposite: there are numerous benefits to older children in mixed-age classrooms. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the unique experiences offered by a mixed-age Montessori classroom, including how older children can mentor younger students, and develop leadership skills, problem-solving skills, and creativity, among other benefits. There are tremendous opportunities for older students in the Montessori school setting, and when teachers offer individualized lessons and activities, students of any age can thrive.  What’s in this episode: The benefits of older children teaching and mentoring younger children in the classroom How older children can be helpful when explaining big picture ideas to younger students Why departing before the leadership year is a missed opportunity for older students How to engage parents on the benefits of keeping their older students in this classroom environment Why it’s important to consider the individual needs of students when you have a small group of older children in your classroom, and how to create a positive learning experience For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit: https://www.trilliummontessori.org/ Resources Mentioned in This Episode: N/A Connect With Us Visit our website Follow us on Instagram Connect with us on Facebook

  4. 03/05/2024

    051: Technology and Brain Development with Dr. Luz Casquejo Johnston

    How does technology affect brain development in children? How can we mindfully incorporate technology into Montessori classrooms? Is social media inherently bad for adolescents?In today’s episode, Letty is joined by Dr. Luz Casquejo Johnston to discuss technology in relation to Montessori education, particularly for upper elementary and adolescent students. Luz shares insights into child and adolescent brain development, and offers advice on how to mindfully integrate technology into the Mont...

  5. 01/30/2024

    050: From Dyslexia to Dyscalculia: Insights on Learning Disabilities with Meghan Hicks

    As Montessori educators, we learn a lot through training and practical experience about how to guide our students. However, we often find ourselves lacking knowledge when it comes to supporting students with additional needs. In today’s episode, Meghan Hicks joins Letty Rising to thoughtfully explore how we can best support children with learning disabilities. With over 20 years of experience training teachers to work with children across all age levels, Meghan shares her wisdom grounded...

  6. 12/05/2023

    049: Executive Functioning Skills in the Montessori Elementary Classroom

    The elementary age is the time when children are really developing their executive functioning skills. A highly teacher-directed environment doesn’t really give students the space and grace to explore and develop these skills. A Montessori environment, on the other hand, is built for such exploration. In today’s episode, we’re talking about the various executive functioning skills that children need to develop, how the Montessori classroom encourages students to learn at their own pace, and ways that teachers can support their students in developing these skills. What’s in this episode: [01:12] What executive functioning is, and how the Montessori environment supports the development of independence and give students the space to practice a variety of skills [04:47] How Montessori students are encouraged to learn planning skills, including collaboration, and how an emphasis on flexible thinking helps children learn how to be adaptable [08:17] How choosing their own activities and setting their pace helps students learn how to manage their time effectively [10:21] How teachers can create a supportive and nurturing environment for students to feel comfortable and confident developing their executive functioning skills, and why the Montessori environment is conducive to this learning For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit: https://www.trilliummontessori.org/ Resources Mentioned in This Episode: N/A Connect With Us Visit our website Follow us on Instagram Connect with us on Facebook

  7. 11/14/2023

    048: Beyond Early Childhood and Materials: Montessori Across the Planes of Development with Luz Casquejo Johnston

    Maria Montessori’s theories of developmental psychology include her foundational observations of the planes of development for children. These planes outline various milestones physically and mentally as the child’s education progresses, and it’s so interesting to see common threads emerge when observing Montessori students in the classroom.In today’s episode, I’m talking to Luz Casquejo Johnston, a parenting and life coach and a seasoned Montessori educator. Luz shares what she learned after...

  8. 10/24/2023

    047: Montessori Literacy and the Science of Reading: Insights from Zil Jaeger

    There’s a Montessori notion out there that we shouldn’t teach letter names along with letter sounds to our young learners. We’ve often heard that children don’t need to know the names of letters to read a word. And while that’s technically true, the Science of Reading suggests we should reframe our thinking around letter names.In today’s episode, I’m talking to Zil Jaeger, an experienced Montessori teacher, consultant and coach with a passion for literacy and steadfast commitment to anti-bias...

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About

Welcome to Trillium Montessori Talks, the podcast where we dig into the theory and application of Montessori methodology in the classroom and beyond. Join host Letty Rising for candid conversations about the challenges us Montessori teachers face and how we can enhance the classroom experience for our students and ourselves. Ready to optimize your Montessori practice? Head to https://www.trilliummontessori.org/podcast to learn more.

Information

  • Creator
    Trillium Montessori Team
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2024
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Trillium Montessori Talks
  • Show Website
    Trillium Montessori Talks

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