Alexandra Sands joins the podcast to discuss cultivating concentration in young children. She begins with how we set the stage for children's concentration by carefully preparing the environment and with the way we bring new children into the classroom for the first time. She discusses ways we can use art, music, movement, and the outdoors to enhance students' concentration.

Alexandria explains how observation can be used to identify deep concentration (and what that actually looks like), as well as when a child is not concentrating. Then she guides us to look even more closely - what can we observe that sheds light on why the child is struggling to concentrate and how can we best support this child? Alexandra shares how to help our classroom assistants know when concentration is not happening, and when and how to intervene.

Michael Duffy joins the podcast to talk about Cosmic Education, the central element of Montessori Elementary education. He discusses the nature and purpose of Cosmic Education, as well as how it is implemented in the classroom. Michael implores Montessori teachers not get lost in the emphasis on math and language testing. He explains that as important as math and language are for Elementary students, they are just necessary tools for students to access the full scope of Cosmic Education. Join us for this fascinating discussion!

Dr. Joyce Pickering and Amy Cushner join the podcast to discuss the early signs of learning differences that Guides can be looking for during the Primary years. They use the acronym CLAPS for the main areas of development:

Coordination Language & Speech Attention Perception Social-Emotional Development

Joyce and Amy describe typical development in each of these areas, and also signs of atypical development to watch for during the Primary years. They explain how the Montessori materials and lessons can be adapted to meet the needs of a wide variety of learners.

They warn that it is dangerous to take a "wait and see" approach to learning differences. Because while we are waiting, the child with learning differences is struggling and suffering. We are also losing valuable time in which to begin early intervention. So instead, Joyce and Amy advise Guides to start using adaptive strategies as soon as they identify a child at risk. If it ends up having been developmental, there is no harm done. But if it was a learning difference, you have already been supporting the student with strategies and skills they need to be successful.

Joyce and Amy share methods for recording these observations and adaptations, and how to discuss this information with parents. This episode is filled with information that all Montessorians should have - don't miss it!