In This Issue . . .

Inclusion is Natural in a Montessori Classroom
~by Misty Cryer
Father's Day art project
"A Mom Just Like You" ~A book review by Misty Cryer
Special points of interest
 

Inclusion is Natural in a Montessori Classroom
~by Misty Cryer
 

Mainstreaming children with learning disabilities into regular education
classrooms has been mandated by law and presents a number of challenges in
the traditional classroom setting. Traditional classroom teachers require
training to effectively practice inclusion. In addition, regular education
students must be prepared for their role in the inclusion process. The
rewards of inclusion to both regular and special education students are
many. Theories and methods have been developed to support the process and
it can be successful and rewarding resulting in better educated, happier,
learning disabled students. We are fortunate that inclusion is a natural
part of the Montessori Method.

Dr. Maria Montessori noted that children with developmental needs form a
very diverse group, with some needs that differ greatly from those of
typically developing peers; however, she felt that all children, with or
without diagnosed special needs have numerous needs that can be
accommodated in a learning environment with full inclusion. She developed a
holistic approach that is personalized, recognizing that each child learns
with a unique style and pace. The Montessori Theory acknowledges that a
child's development and education involves many aspects: physical,
cognitive, social, emotional and moral. The daily activities in a
Montessori classroom are based upon each child's individual needs,
strengths and developmental stages as determined in the Individual
Education Program which is implemented for every child, whether or not
diagnosed with learning disabilities (American Montessori Society).

The success of the Montessori Method is much contributed to the prepared
learning environment which provides learning materials that offer concrete,
multi-sensory experiences, actively engaging children, correction and
giving immediate feedback, increasing the opportunities for self-directed
work. The children's developmental progress, learning style and interests
are assessed through scientific observation by the classroom teacher who
directs the lessons and materials offered, reflecting the Curriculum Based
Assessment approach currently being mandated (American Montessori Society).

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 has introduced new mandates in an
effort to close the achievement gap between disadvantaged and minority
students and their peers. It is based on four basic principles: stronger
accountability for results, increased flexibility and local control,
expanded options for parents and an emphasis on teaching methods that have
been proven to work (U.S. Department of Education, 2003).

Montessori classrooms contain a three-year age span. This fosters a sense
of community where children naturally help one another. Each member is
valued for their contribution as a whole and the children with special
needs are given the opportunity to interact with a wide range of people,
increasing their motivation and opportunities to generalize learned skills
in new situations (American Montessori Society, 2003). Children in a mixed
age classroom may stay with the same teacher for several years in a row,
giving the teacher the opportunity to intimately understand developmental
levels, learning styles and family support systems. For children with
disabilities, this means there is no "starting over period" as the regular
education teacher learns about the child, the child's disability and
specialized knowledge (University of Kansas, 2002).

The Montessori philosophy recognizes parents as an integral part of a
child's education as a natural part of daily classroom life. The Montessori
philosophy met the provisions of the law, long before it was enacted
(American Montessori Society, 2003). Team teaching is typical in a
Montessori environment where professionals work together and share
information, as well as responsibility. A trans-disciplinary approach where
specialists and teachers share responsibility if beneficial to all children
in the classroom and the approach lends itself well to inclusion (American
Montessori Society, 2003).

The individualized curriculum in a Montessori classroom is compatible with
the individualization needed for children with disabilities. Each child
moves through the material sequences at his or her own pace while some
lessons are done in small or large groups. This environment is conducive to
a highly individualized education for all students, while including
children with special needs (University of Kansas, 2002). The environment
allows freedom of movement and free choice of activities encouraging the
development of independence, initiative and decision making. Children
interact socially throughout most of the school day fostering enriched
opportunities with other children serving as models which can decrease
negative or maladaptive behavior. This benefits children with special needs
who tend to have lower social skills and less independent behavior and who
make few choices that actually affect the events of their day (American
Montessori Society, 2003).

References:
American Montessori Society: http://amshq.org/ams/inclusion-pphtml

University of Kansas:
www.circleofinclusion.org/english/demo/lawrenceraintree/overview/mont.html

United States Department of Education: http://www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/esea/

More Resources:
http://www.NoChildLeftBehind.gov/

Children Who Are Not Yet Peaceful: Preventing Exclusion in the
Early Elementary Classrooms by Donna Bryant Goertz

Nurturing Your Child's Spirit: A Montessorian Approach by Jeannine L.
Schmid

Don't forget Father's Day on June 15th! Here is a simple but thoughtful
Father's Day art project for children of any age.

Supplies:
* Construction Paper
* Preprinted verses on plain white paper for children to choose from:
-Anyone can be a Father but it takes someone special to be a Dad (or
Daddy).
-Happy Father's Day, You are the BEST!
-Everybody has a Father and I'm so glad you are mine!
-Have a happy, fun and unforgettable Father's Day!
* Scissors
* Glue
* Decorations such as glitter, stickers, etc.
* Magazines with pictures such as fishing, golfing, sports, collector cars,
etc.
* Pictures of the children if available

Directions:
* Have the children cut out the verse of their choice and glue it on the
construction paper along with a picture of the child and/or pictures cut
from magazines.
* Allow them to decorate their project as they desire.
* Laminate the finished projects.

Another idea that is complimentary is to make ribbons with something
attached to them such as a fishing lure (without a hook of course),
miniature sports balls, etc. After the project is laminated, you can punch
a hole in the top left hand corner and attach the ribbon decoration or you
can hot glue them onto the project.

More Resources:
The New Father: A Dad's Guide to the First Year by Armin A. Brott

Keeping the Baby Alive till Your Wife Gets Home by Walter Roark

Familyfun Homemade Holidays: 150 Festive Drafts, Recipes, Gifts, and
Parties by Deanna F. Cook (Editor), Family Fun Magazine

The Kids' Multicultural Art Book: Art & Craft Experiences from Around
the World (Williamson Kids Can! Series) by Alexandra M. Terzian

If you are a home school mother, without a doubt you have questioned your
ability to home school your children while maintaining your home and your
sanity. If you've ever seen another home school mother who seems to be
perfect, you've probably wondered, "Why can't I be like her?" Chances are
if you had an in-depth discussion with her you would find out that she
isn't so perfect after all.

A well-known, model, home school mother is Vickie Farris. Vickie is the
wife of Mike Farris, founder and president of Home School Legal Defense
Association (HSLDA) and a home mother of ten. When I look at my two boys
and multiply the effort I put into their schooling by five, I can not begin
to imagine what it would be like to home school ten children of various age
ranges and education levels. Of course all ten of Mike and Vickie's
children are not school age, she has three that are grown; however, she
still has seven at home, in school.

Being continuously in the home school circle, Mike has heard a number of
mothers speak of their self-doubts and their admiration of the perfect home
school mothers. Being a home school father of ten, Mike knows there is no
such thing as a perfect home school parent. He felt that Vickie's story
would be inspiring to these women and prompted her to write a book. Vickie
could not fathom the idea of writing a book in addition to all of her other
responsibilities, but after much prompting and Mike's suggestion that
Jayme, their daughter, help Vickie to write the book, she agreed. The final
product is a book titled A Mom Just Like You by Vickie and Jayme Farris.

Chapter one, Dispelling the Myth of Super Mom, explains Vickie's view that
God chose an unlikely candidate for the job of home schooling her children.
She relates her own fears and self-doubts as well as introducing her
inspirations including a variety of scriptures that help her to get through
and small success stories that encourage her to continue and move forward.

In the second chapter titled "Why am I doing this anyway? The importance of
a solid foundation", Vickie shares her personal experience of giving up.
Mike's support brought her to soul searching as she recounted the reasons
that they decided to start home schooling in the first place. She and Mike
both have deep rooted feelings about home schooling. Not only do they not
want someone else raising, educating and influencing their children, but
they feel that it is their God directed duty to educate their children.

Other topics discussed in the book include faith, the practicalities of
teaching a large family, managing the household and activities, putting the
Lord and his priorities first, putting your husband second only to the
Lord, time for yourself, being a mother to many ages, the eternal value of motherhood
and the vision of a spiritual heritage.

This book is an excellent source of encouragement and
practical suggestions to help home school mothers to get through challenging
and overwhelming days. In addition, it
is great for aspiring home school
parents who want to know what home schooling is really like.

To order this book visit:
http://www.hslda.org/bookstore/items/MOMLIKEYOU.asp?PID=3984337694

Other books of similar interest:
The Home Schooling Father: How You Can Play a Decisive Role
in Your Child's Success by Michael Farris

Seasons of a Mother's Heart by Sally Clarkson (Editor), Clay Clarkson (Editor)

The Complete Home Learning Source Book: The Essential
Resource Guide for Homeschoolers, Parents, and Educators Covering
Every Subject from Arithmetic to Zoology
by Rebecca Rupp

The First Year of Homeschooling Your Child: Your Complete
Guide to Getting Off to the Right Start

Homeschool Your Child for Free: More Than 1,200 Smart, Effective,
and Practical Resources for Home Eucation on the Internet and Beyond
by LauraMaery Gold, Joan M. Zielinski

Worldwide Guide to Homeschooling: Facts and Stats on the Benefits
of Home School by Brian D. Ray
 

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