Trillium Montessori Talks Trillium Montessori Team

In teacher training, we are taught that there is no ideal or perfect number of lessons to present on a given day. And yet, in practice, many teachers often find themselves wondering how many lessons they should present or if they’re getting it right or need to be doing more or less.
In today’s episode, I’m talking about the many reasons why there is no set number, from teacher pacing, to student needs and interests, to factoring in time for specials or guests or social and emotional learning. When you present too many lessons, you’re not leaving time for observation and supporting students who need additional support. There will also be impromptu lessons that pop up out of the flow of the day, or the need to reteach lessons to help students better master certain skills.
Finding your sweet spot of how many lessons to teach will vary from day to day, class to class, and will be best implemented when you take time to observe the interests and needs of your students.
What’s in this episode:
[01:30] Some reasons there isn’t a prescribed number of lessons you should present on a given day
[04:20] Why more doesn’t always mean better, the benefits of offering fewer lessons, and the importance of making time for observation and giving attention to students who may need support with follow-up work
[08:07] Why impromptu, unscheduled lessons are essential (they happen more often than you realize, and yes, they do still count as lessons), and the importance of knowing when you may need to reteach a previous lesson
[10:33] The importance of including social and emotional lessons throughout the day, and how to pivot with the number of lessons depending on the needs of the day
For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit https://www.trilliummontessori.org/when-less-is-more/
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
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Transition times in the elementary classroom can be tough. Children find it particularly difficult for a number of reasons, and it can be a struggle for teachers as well to make sure that the day flows as smoothly as possible for all of their students.
In today’s episode, I’m sharing about best practices, as well as what to avoid, when it comes to different types of transitions throughout the school day. Considering psychological characteristics of elementary children, implementing tangible practices into your day, and observing both group (whole and small) and individual transitions will allow you to focus on what’s most important: student learning and engagement.
What’s in this episode:
[02:00] Why it’s important to watch for small group and individual transitions in addition to the more obvious whole group transitions, and the signs to look out for in a child struggling with a transition
[05:36] How to consider Dr. Maria Montessori’s psychological characteristics of the elementary child when planning for challenging transitions in the classroom
[15:21] How to support students during transitional times throughout the day, and what to steer clear of
[23:05] Tangible systemic practices to incorporate into your daily transitions
[26:17] An example of how to personalize a solution to a child’s transitional struggles 
For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit https://www.trilliummontessori.org/classroom-transitions/
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
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We’re living in an age of AI, and education is no stranger to technological advancements. While some teachers see this as a challenge to overcome, technology can help transform how you approach planning and preparing in the Montessori environment.
In today’s episode, I’m talking about a new language tool called ChatGPT, and the many ways teachers can use it as a resource for their classrooms to support student learning and development. There is certainly a learning curve, but over time, you can enhance your teaching experience with ChatGPT. 
What’s in this episode:
[03:13] How ChatGPT can help students improve their language skills with lessons on grammar and parts of speech by creating high interest text that keeps students engaged
[06:01] How ChatGPT can aid with sentence analysis to help break down the complexity of sentence structure, and creating sentences by ability, interest, or age group
[07:42] Generating topic specific word problems with ChatGPT, and how creating comprehensive-level text provides a more targeted experience for students
[10:54] Generating lists of follow-up activities to further engage students on different topics
[13:31] Creating lists for procedures, such as a list of steps for a sequence of tasks (e.g. getting snack)
[15:35] Why you have to be very specific when giving ChatGPT instructions and taking time to figure out the right questions to ask to get what you need
For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit:
https://www.trilliummontessori.org/chatgpt-for-teachers/
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
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Montessori schools are becoming more and more popular in the public school setting—both as charter schools and within district programs. While there are more than 500 public Montessori schools, the growing education trend is still not exactly common knowledge. Today’s guest aims to bring advocacy and awareness to this sector.
In today’s episode, I’m talking to Katie Brown, Director of Research and Professional Learning at the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (NCMPS). The mission of NCMPS is to promote Montessori for social change in the public sector. Katie is sharing all the ways that NCMPS offers support—from teacher training, to classroom observation tools, to connecting people to state level advocacy organizations—as well as conversations around equity in public Montessori and new trends that are popping up for the future of this model.
What’s in this episode:
[01:51] How NCMPS offers support, resources, and connections  to schools, teachers, families, and students through both research-based and classroom-based opportunities
[11:46] Katie’s take on new trends in this setting and what the future of public Montessori looks like
[14:52] How teacher trainings and residencies are becoming more popular in hopes of addressing teacher pipeline difficulties
[16:48] The challenges around equity and anti-racism efforts in the Montessori public setting and how to keep this important work at the forefront
[19:13] Information about Visual Thinking Strategies course offered through NCMPS and how the tools presented support language development and critical thinking 
For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit https://www.trilliummontessori.org/
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector (website for resources and courses)
Visual Thinking Strategies in Montessori Environments (book)
Primary Montessori Curriculum to Standards Alignment (course)
Elementary Montessori Curriculum to Standards Alignment (course)
Teach Montessori (NCMPS project for teaching trainings and job boards)
The Montessori Event 2023 (conference)
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Traditional public school classrooms operate in a very different way than Montessori classrooms. But there is a growing trend for implementing Montessori practices into the public school setting. Enter Wildflower Schools, a network of small Montessori charter schools run by Montessori teachers.


In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Rachel Kimboko, Executive Director for Stakeholder Engagement at DC Wildflower Public Charter School. She’s sharing her thoughts on what it’s like bringing Montessori into the public school setting and engaging with the community, how she works alongside the Montessori teachers to create the schools, and why it’s important to attract younger and more diverse candidates.


What’s in this episode:
How Wildflower Schools are bringing Montessori into the public charter school system and building relationships in the community
What makes their work unique while also being aligned with Montessori practices
The importance of having structures in place that support flexibility
The joys and challenges of implementing Montessori in a public school setting
What public Montessori schools need to be successful
Creating access and support for bipoc people to become Montessori teachers and role models


For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit https://www.trilliummontessori.org/


Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
DC Wildflower Public Charter School
Wildflower Schools


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Freedom of choice is vital in the Montessori classroom. However, freedom can also lead to exclusion and social cliques. Regularly diversifying groups and seating not only allows for children to experience being leaders and being led by others, it also gives them the opportunity to connect with students they might not otherwise. 
You can create an environment that allows for freedom, while avoiding the formation of cliques and encouraging an abundance of friendships and work partners.
What’s in this episode:
How bonds in the Montessori classroom can turn into smaller social cliques
How the Montessori classroom can unintentionally facilitate bias and exclusion
Ways to regularly facilitate children working with non-preferred partners
For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript, visit https://www.trilliummontessori.org/
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
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