By Carrie Grate
Versailles, Kentucky

I am writing to share my experiences in how I have used my Montessori education beyond the Early Childhood classroom. I am currently working with a project called Ready to Learn with the Public Broadcasting System in Kentucky .

This is a project designed to help parents, teachers and childcare givers use PBS Kids programming in an appropriate and educational fashion by linking the theme of an episode from a show like “Between the Lions” to an activity and children's book. (Please visit www.pbs.org/readytolearn/ to learn more about this project).

I have utilized my Montessori background in many ways:

1) I match age (and ability) appropriate activities to themes

2) I choose activities that can be built upon later, as abilities allow

3) I continue to follow the well integrated model of the Montessori materials and to make sure that each activity includes more than one skill area so that the child's educational experience is more whole or holistic. (In Montessori a science-based “work” includes literacy (reading and writing) and math, which I consider a pure strength of the Montessori materials.)

4) The Practical Life area of a Montessori classroom includes work I teach parents and childcare providers to make and use with the children in their care. I have found that when these adults learn why these activities are beneficial to children and their development in all areas of learning a true change happens in what they consider to be a valuable experience for the children in their care

5) I loved the way props were used in the retelling of stories during my Montessori training. I have used that “tool” many times to address different learning styles and for pre-literate children to help them develop comprehension and recall skills. These are just a few examples of how I have continued to use my Montessori training beyond the classroom.

Thank you, Montessori Teacher Preparation of Washington!