AMS 2018 Annual Conference: Full Schedule

Native mobile app now available for download! Search for "AMS 2018" in your app store.

Search conference events and attendees by keywords
Read descriptions, bios, and download handouts (available February)
Create a personalized schedule*
Print your personalized schedule or the entire schedule with or without descriptions!

*By creating your schedule you express interest in events & workshops, which is vital for conference planning. It allows us estimate popularity and provide enough attendee seating to limit overcrowding. The final program may vary.

4:00pm MDT

Integrating MakerSpaces into Montessori Classrooms

MakerSpaces give students an opportunity to learn science and engineering through hands-on, collaborative exploration—in many ways an embodiment of the Montessori approach. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to set up a MakerSpace in your classroom as well as how to integrate its use into your regular daily routine by presenting your students with specific weekly challenges. You’ll leave informed about how to create your own fully accessible center for discovery, collaboration, and creation and inspired to get started.

Presenters

Melanie Thiesse

Curriculum Coordinator, The Westmont Montessori School

Melanie Thiesse, M.Ed. is the Curriculum Coordinator at The Westmont Montessori School, a teacher educator, and a consultant. She has seventeen years of Montessori teaching experience and holds Montessori Elementary I & II certifications from AMS and NCME.

AMS 2018 Makerspace pdf

All MakerSpace Challenges pdf

Thursday March 22, 2018 4:00pm - 5:15pm MDT
Governor's Square 11 Plaza Concourse Level

Workshops, Elementary I, Elementary II

Target Audience Elementary I, Elementary II

8:00am MDT

An Observation Refresher

The basic principle of Montessori observational practice can fall away as teachers get caught up in other demands. Come be reminded of the importance of observing the child both in and out of the classroom environment and review Montessori learner outcomes, observation recording strategies, and ideas for applying observed information for student success.

Presenters

Amy Callahan

Teacher, Northglade Montessori Magnet School

Amy Callahan, MA, is an Upper Elementary teacher at Northglade Montessori School, in Kalamazoo, MI. AMS-credentialed (Elementary I–II).

ReQwal L. Duckworth

Principal, Northglade Montessori Magnet School

ReQwal L. Duckworth, MA, is an Upper Elementary teacher at Northglade Montessori Magnet School, in Kalamazoo, MI. AMS-credentialed (Elementary I–II).

Friday March 23, 2018 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Plaza D Plaza Concourse Level

Workshops, Elementary I, Elementary II

Target Audience Elementary I, Elementary II

8:00am MDT

Get Out & Rock: Geology & Earth Science in Your Town

Using a model of the Rocky Mountain region as an example, learn how to access and read geologic maps to make connections between your own local environment and the first 2 Montessori Great Lessons: the God with No Hands and the Timeline of Life. You will also have the opportunity to create materials to bring back to your own classrooms, inspired by a host of resources that will be shared, including scientific models, experiments, and language and math activities, as well as ideas for outdoor adventures.

Presenters

Claudia Mann

Consultant, Claudia Mann & Associates

Claudia Mann, MEd has been enchanted with Montessori education since 1976. Certified Elementary I, II and Secondary I, Ms. Mann guided children and adults in classrooms and schools for more than 25 years before founding the Chaffee County Montessori School, always encouraging them... Read More →

Friday March 23, 2018 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Govenor's Square 16 Plaza Concourse Level

Workshops, Elementary I, Elementary II, Secondary I

Target Audience Elementary I, Elementary II, Secondary I

8:00am MDT

Integrating Curriculum in the 3-Year Cycle

Overwhelmed trying to juggle cultural lessons, literature circles, and all the other pieces that make Montessori programs so rich? A truly integrated curriculum is the answer! This workshop will explore a model 3-year plan that incorporates Montessori lessons, connects state standards, and engages students; corresponding literature and activity ideas will be included.

Presenters

Kieran McHugh

Head of School, Renaissance Academy

Kieran McHugh, MEd, is co-founder and Head of School of Renaissance Academy, a private turned Charter Montessori School, in LaPorte, IN. AMS-credentialed (Elementary I–II).

Curriculum Chart pdf

!pg detail xlsx

Book Sample lists xlsx

Middle Ages Book Chart xlsx

Lit Quote pdf

Literature pdf

Friday March 23, 2018 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Plaza E Plaza Concourse Level

Workshops, Elementary I, Elementary II, Secondary I

Target Audience Elementary I, Elementary II, Secondary I

2:00pm MDT

Antropólogos Naturales en la Comunidad Elemental

Aprendan a preparar ambientes interiores y exteriores que responden a las necesidades del alumno Elemental como antropólogo natural. Los temas de esta amplia presentación incluirán la importancia de interactuar con personas representativas y confiables de varios grupos sociales, culturales, o científicos así como el papel de la antropología en la Educación Cósmica.

Presenters

Rocio Hernandez Babick

Upper Elementary teacher, Montessori del Mundo

Rocío Hernández Babick is a lead Upper Elementary teacher at Montessori del Mundo, in Aurora, CO. Montessori-credentialed (Elementary I–II).

Friday March 23, 2018 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Director's Row J Plaza Lobby Level

Workshops, Elementary I

Target Audience Elementary I, Elementary II

2:00pm MDT

Cultivating Ecological Literacy

Cultivate ecological literacy and sustainable habits of mind, hand, and heart through mini-lessons, games, and songs that encourage systems thinking. Learn how to reduce your school’s ecological footprint through student-led “green teams” and how to foster a love of nature through goings-out, pedagogy of place, Earth Day celebrations, and cutting-edge ideas such as biomimicry and deep ecology.

Presenters

Seth Johnson

Upper Elementary Teacher, Lexington Montessori School

Seth Johnson, MS, is an Upper Elementary teacher at Lexington Montessori School and serves on the faculty of Montessori Elementary Teacher Training Collaborative (METTC) , both in Lexington, MA.. AMS-credentialed (Elementary I–II).

Cultivating Ecoliteracy AMS 2018 handout pdf

Friday March 23, 2018 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Governor's Square 10 Plaza Concourse Level

Workshops, Elementary I

Target Audience Elementary I, Elementary II

2:00pm MDT

Encouraging Spontaneity in the Elementary Environment

What does productive spontaneity look like, and how can it light a child’s spark of inspiration in Elementary environments? We’ll discuss the essential nature of the prepared environment in nurturing creativity and examine examples of student work and concrete tools that provide a structural base for imaginative exploration.

Presenters

Adam Diamond

Upper Elementary Director, Northern Kentucky Montessori Academy

Adam Diamond, MEd, is Upper Elementary Director at Northern Kentucky Montessori Academy, in Crescent Springs, KY. AMS-credentialed (Elementary I–II). He grew up a Montessori student through age 12 and has been teaching in Montessori upper elementary environments for 10 years. He... Read More →

Laura Opfer

Laura Opfer, MEd, is a teaching professor at Xavier Montessori Institute and a head Lower Elementary teacher at Xavier University Montessori Lab School, both in Cincinnati, OH. She is the recipient of an AMS Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award (2004). AMS-credentialed (Elementary... Read More →

Let's Be Spontaneous A Guide for the Teacher and the Environment pdf

Project Planner SImplified with picture space pdf

Lesson Record Sheet Example pdf

Lesson Record Sheet Blank pdf

Lesson Record Blank Sheet1 pdf

Four Square Blank Sheet1 pdf

Four Square Organizer Animal Research Sheet1 pdf

Project Planner pdf

Steps of the Research Process pdf

Let's Be Spontaneous pdf

Friday March 23, 2018 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Plaza D Plaza Concourse Level

Workshops, Elementary I, Elementary II

Target Audience Elementary I, Elementary II

2:00pm MDT

The Magic of Performing Shakespeare

When children perform Shakespeare, they discover inner strengths, transform themselves, and emerge as more powerful beings. In this participatory workshop, you’ll explore how to guide Elementary students to understand Shakespearean verse and its essential truths. This Montessori-aligned methodology introduces public speaking, brings the children into nature through outdoor performances, and fosters creativity, collaboration, patience, and generosity.

Presenters

Larry Schanker

Executive Director/Music Specialist, Brookview Montessori School

Larry Schanker is Executive Director and Music Specialist at Brookview Montessori School in Benton Harbor MI. He has been teaching music for 25 years at Brookview and in various TEPs. He is an avid silent film accompanist and has been writing music for dance, theatre, and film for... Read More →

Laurie Stockton-Moreno

Elementary Lead, Southlake Montessori

Laurie Stockton-Moreno is Elementary Program and Admissions Director at Mission Montessori School in San Francisco. Previously, she served in many capacities at Brookview Montessori School in Benton Harbor, MI, most recently as Lower Elementary Lead Teacher and Education Director... Read More →

Friday March 23, 2018 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Tower Court C Tower Building Second Level

Workshops, Elementary I, Elementary II

Target Audience Elementary I, Elementary II

4:00pm MDT

Creating Inner Motivation for Grammar Work

Learn how to listen to what children say and how you can use those very words in developing their grammar work. Come discover how this approach, identified by Dr. Montessori herself, can ignite inner motivation, build community, and help integrate your curriculum. You’ll receive tools for identifying phrasing patterns in children’s speech and for understanding a simple system for creating individualized Grammar Box exercises.

Presenters

Jean Rashkin

E-1 Language Instructor, Montessori Education Center of the Rockies

Jean Rashkin is a Lower Elementary language curriculum instructor for the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies, in Boulder, CO. AMS-credentialed (Elementary I–II). Montessori-credentialed (Early Childhood).

Internal Motivation for Grammar Box Work pdf

Steps for Grammar Box Work pdf

IdentifyingGrammar.InChild'sWords pdf

Conjunctions.Chart pdf

Friday March 23, 2018 4:00pm - 5:15pm MDT
Governor's Square 16 Plaza Concourse Level

Workshops, Elementary I

Target Audience Elementary I

4:00pm MDT

Differentiated Montessori Instruction for Students with Learning Differences

Children with learning differences benefit most from teachers who understand what their differences are and who can analyze and modify lessons and presentations based upon keen observation. Come review these essentials for serving all your students, and learn simple modifications to presentations of Montessori lessons to best serve children with learning differences.

Presenters

Casey Barnett

Casey Barnett is a teacher at the Shelton School & Evaluation Center, in Dallas, TX, and is co-author of the Montessori Applied to Children At Risk manuals. She has been teaching students with special needs for nearly 3 decades. AMS-credentialed (Early Childhood, Elementary I).

Differentiated Instruction handout pdf

Differentiated Instruction slides pdf

Friday March 23, 2018 4:00pm - 5:15pm MDT
Columbine Tower Terrace Level

Workshops, Elementary I, Elementary II

Target Audience Elementary I, Elementary II

4:00pm MDT

Using Visualization in Montessori Math

To truly understand and appreciate the beauty of mathematics, children must internalize its basic components and be able to perceive relationships between them. This workshop will explore visualization activities for arithmetic and use Montessori’s decimal cards and other materials to replace the imperative to memorize with more concrete and intuitive understanding.

Presenters

Joan A. Cotter

Joan A. Cotter, PhD, is a curriculum developer for Activities for Learning, Inc., in Hazelton, ND, and author of the RightStart Mathematics curriculum. AMI-credentialed (Early Childhood).

Using Visualization in Montessori Math pdf

Friday March 23, 2018 4:00pm - 5:15pm MDT
Plaza E Plaza Concourse Level

Workshops, Early Childhood, Elementary I

Target Audience Early Childhood, Elementary I

8:00am MDT

Connecting through Personal Stories

“When I was a kid…” Start with these words, and watch any child’s eyes light up! Personal narratives offer a means to impart values, model social skills, and foster empathy and self-acceptance—and students love them. Come listen to a master storyteller share some of the countless stories of his own that he uses to help students interact with their world and reassure them that they are never alone. You will leave with an uderstanding of how to do the same in your own classrooms, including advice on how to get started, respect boundaries, and access the most effective story for a given teaching moment.

Presenters

Stephen Rich

Stephen Rich, MEd, is an Upper Elementary teacher at Williamsburg Montessori School, in Williamsburg, VA. AMS-credentialed (Elementary II).

Saturday March 24, 2018 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Tower Court D Tower Building Second Level

Workshops, Elementary I, Elementary II

Target Audience Elementary I, Elementary II

8:00am MDT

Different Angles: Geometry Games & Songs for Kinesthetic & Auditory Learners

Get ready to move and play through original games and songs that illustrate and enliven the Montessori Lower Elementary geometry curriculum. These hands-on, kinesthetic activities will address a range of concepts, including triangle equivalencies, parallel lines, the area of a circle, the volume of geometric solids, types of angles, calculations of perimeter and area, and the Love Story of 2 Straight Lines. All participants will receive a link to free downloads of every song and game.

Presenters

Sylvia Loveless

California Montessori Project

Sylvia Loveless, MST, is director of the Montessori Training Center in Shingle Springs, CA. AMS-credentialed (Early Childhood, Elementary I).

Ally Webb

California Montessori Project

Ally Webb is a lead teacher for the California Montessori Project in Orangevale, CA, and a teacher educator at the Montessori Training Center in Shingle Springs. AMS-credentialed (Elementary I).

Different Angles handout docx

Saturday March 24, 2018 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Governor's Square 10 Plaza Concourse Level

Workshops, Elementary I

Target Audience Elementary I

8:00am MDT

Do They Have Something We Don’t? Analyzing Supplemental Math Programs

What draws Montessori parents to supplemental math and tutoring organizations? This workshop will examine the approaches of these programs and offer Montessori ways to elicit Russian-style problem solving, Singapore-like deep conceptual learning, and Kumon’s focus on automaticity. You’ll also discover strategies to describe and document Montessori Math to instill confidence so that parents don’t feel tempted by supplementary programs.

Presenters

Seth Johnson

Upper Elementary Teacher, Lexington Montessori School

Biff Maier

Director of Faculty and Curriculum Development, Lexington Montessori School

Biff Maier, MEd, is director of faculty and curriculum development at Lexington Montessori School and co-director of the Montessori Elementary Teacher Training Collaborative, both in Lexington, MA. He is former chair of the Teachers Section of the AMS Board of Directors. AMS-credentialed... Read More →

What Do They Have AMS 2018 handout pdf

Bead Bar Bonds pdf

BeadBar number lines pdf

BeadBarBond blank pdf

Saturday March 24, 2018 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Governor's Square 17 Plaza Concourse Level

Workshops, Elementary I, Elementary II

Target Audience Elementary I, Elementary II

8:00am MDT

Supporting the Dysregulated Child

Take a close look at trauma and other contributors to extremes of student behavior in Montessori classrooms, and examine the components of a school-wide protocol for monitoring and nurturing self-regulated student behavior. Learn to cultivate a community of supports, and understand public mandates so you can better support students and families, minimize disruptions, and respond productively in a crisis.

Presenters

Allison Jones

Senior Associate, National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector

Allison Jones, MEd, is Child Study Lead at Breakthrough Montessori Public Charter School, in Washington, D.C. AMI-credentialed (Early Childhood, Elementary I–II). She also works with the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector to promote their work with public Montessori... Read More →

Child Study Meeting Protocol pdf

B.A.S.E. Strategies pdf

Adapatation Check (Elementary) pdf

Normalizaton Check (Primary) pdf

Cossentino & Jones NAMTA article draft pdf

Supporting the Dysregulated Child pdf

Saturday March 24, 2018 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Governor's Square 16 Plaza Concourse Level

Workshops, Early Childhood, Elementary I

Target Audience Early Childhood, Elementary I

2:00pm MDT

Cómo Utilizar la Disciplina Consciente para Apoyar la Normalización

Este taller presentará la Disciplina Consciente, un acercamiento al auto-disciplina basado en el cerebro y alineado con Montessori. Vengan a explorar algunos de sus aspectos prácticos-- rutinas, rituales y estructuras, intervención positiva, opciones y consecuencias--que apoyan la normalización en la Niñez Temprana y Elemental I, al motivar la libre voluntad; mejorar la atención, las destrezas de tomar decisiones, y el logro de metas; reducir las luchas de poder; y re-dirigir la conducta.

Presenters

Amneris Almodovar

Amneris N. Almodovar is a Lower Elementary lead teacher at Montessori del Mundo Charter School in Aurora, CO. AMS-credentialed (Elementary I).

Gabriela Iturralde-Espejo

Gabriela Iturralde-Espejo, MEd, is an interventionist at Montessori del Mundo, in Aurora, CO. She is trained in Conscious Discipline.

Paola Montoya

Paola Montoya is an Early Childhood lead teacher at Montessori del Mundo, in Aurora, CO.

Saturday March 24, 2018 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Director's Row I Plaza Lobby Level

Workshops, Early Childhood, Teacher Educators, Elementary I

Target Audience Early Childhood, Teacher Educators, Elementary I

2:00pm MDT

Mind the Gap!

Have you observed a gap between children’s use of materials and true conceptual abstraction? Do some of your students struggle to transfer knowledge between materials or show “here today, gone tomorrow” mastery? Learn how to apply principles of neuroscience to traditional Montessori lessons to mindfully close the gap, resulting in deeper, more resilient comprehension. You will see specific examples in Math, Language, and Cultural studies and learn how to keep children at the leading edge of their learning curve.

Presenters

Betsy Lockhart

Elementary Coordinator Emeritus and Instructor, Montessori Education Center of the Rockies

Betsy Lockhart is Elementary coordinator emeritus and an instructor at the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies, in Boulder, CO. AMS-credentialed (Elementary I–II).

Diana Visser

Lead Teacher, Montessori Peaks Academy

Diana Visser, MEd, is an Upper Elementary lead teacher at Montessori Peaks Academy Charter School, in Littleton, CO. AMS-credentialed (Elementary I–II).

Mind the Gap handouts FINAL pdf

Saturday March 24, 2018 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Plaza E Plaza Concourse Level

Workshops, Elementary I, Elementary II

Target Audience Elementary I, Elementary II

2:00pm MDT

The Case for Cursive

As the art of handwriting becomes endangered, this workshop will compare Dr. Montessori’s determinations of its basic principles and value to current research and the debate about teaching cursive. The progression of writing, the benefits of handwriting, cursive, and the introduction of typing will be explored. You’ll leave with fully rationalized, complete lessons and instructions for teacher-made materials that will enable your students to write fluidly, naturally, and comfortably in cursive.

Presenters

Anya Bartlett

Instructor and Field Consultant, The Center for Guided Montessori Studies

Anya Bartlett is an Elementary instructor and field consultant for the Center for Guided Montessori Studies, in Tampa, FL, and a board member of Montessori Schools of Maryland. PAMS-credentialed (Elementary I). IMC-credentialed (Elementary II).

Handwriting and Cursive AMS Conference 2018 pdf

Sample Letter to Parents pdf

Saturday March 24, 2018 2:00pm - 3:15pm MDT
Governor's Square 14 Plaza Concourse Level

Workshops, Elementary I, Early Childhood

Target Audience Elementary I, Early Childhood

4:00pm MDT

Character Development in the Modern World

This presentation of character-building ideas and lessons will address common issues such as peer pressure, bullying, feeling left out, and fitting in. Come explore group activities that promote intra- and interpersonal skills, and learn how to define and teach good character traits, design service and leadership activities that promote action, and encourage meaningful dialogue about concerns like social media use.

Presenters

Gwen Shangle

Director, Princeton Center Teacher Education

Gwen Shangle, MEd, is director of educational programs at Princeton Montessori School and director of Princeton Center Teacher Education, both in Princeton, NJ. AMS-credentialed (Elementary I–II).

Character Development in Modern World (2) pdf

handout pdf

Saturday March 24, 2018 4:00pm - 5:15pm MDT
Governor's Square 14 Plaza Concourse Level

Workshops, Elementary I, Elementary II, Secondary I

Target Audience Elementary I, Elementary II, Secondary I

4:00pm MDT

Storytelling & Mathematics: A Perfect Match

Enhance your presentation of Math—and build excitement, motivation, and understanding—by making storytelling a part of it! In this workshop, learn why, when, and how to use stories in Math work, and listen to engaging arithmetic and geometry stories that exemplify the power of this approach. Discover how to tell stories using the “LIBRA” method (listen, illustrate, block, rehearse, take action), and come away ready to tell these stories to your students right away.

Presenters

Michael J. Dorer

Senior Consultant, The Montessori Foundation

Michael J. Dorer, EdD, is a senior consultant at The Montessori Foundation, in Sarasota, FL, a past president of the AMS Board of Directors, and author of The Deep Well of Time: The Transformative Power of Storytelling in the Classroom. AMS-credentialed (Early Childhood, Elementary... Read More →

Saturday March 24, 2018 4:00pm - 5:15pm MDT
Governor's Square 16 Plaza Concourse Level

Workshops, Elementary I, Elementary II

Target Audience Elementary I, Elementary II

4:00pm MDT

Student-Led Service Learning

This workshop will give a framework for service learning and its 3 distinct and equally important components—education, direct service, and reflection—which are all necessary to help individuals move from volunteers to active citizens. You’ll learn how to create and sustain a thriving program that supports social justice and character development while giving students ownership of meaningful and impactful projects.

Presenters

Aimee Allen

Head of School, Harbor Montessori School

I love to read, write and run. I'm a huge lover of people, animals and desserts. While I live in Washington state, I'm a Boston girl and love all Boston sports. I love hiking with my family and I find any excuse to be silly.Aimee Allen, MEd, is head of Harbor Montessori School, in... Read More →

Saturday March 24, 2018 4:00pm - 5:15pm MDT
Vail Tower Majestic Level

Workshops, Elementary I, Elementary II, Secondary I, Secondary II

Target Audience Elementary I, Elementary II, Secondary I, Secondary II

10:15am MDT

Building Confidence and Fluency with Readers Theater

Discover Readers Theatre, a holistic and exciting teaching tool that delivers culturally diverse literature, increased reading comprehension and confidence, vocabulary expansion, vocal expression and oral presentation competency, team building, and so much more. In this interactive workshop, explore a variety of scripts, practice your own mini-performance, and learn how to create and execute your own Readers Theater through resources for scripting, staging, rehearsing, and performing.

Presenters

Karol Antrim

Librarian, The Montessori School of San Antonio

I love my job! It's my sixteenth year in the MSSA library and every day is a new adventure working with 3-14 year olds. I look forward to sharing with you one of my favorite community activities -- readers' theatre!

Maria Flores

Lower Elementary Teacher, The Montessori School of San Antonio

Maria Flores is a Lower Elementary teacher at the Montessori School of San Antonio, TX. AMS-credentialed (Elementary I).

AMS Conference 2018 Updated Mar 20 pptx

Sunday March 25, 2018 10:15am - 11:30am MDT
Governor's Square 15 Plaza Concourse Level

Workshops, Elementary I, Elementary II

Target Audience Elementary I, Elementary II