Best Trillium Montessori Team Podcasts (2024)

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054: Choice in the Elementary Classroom 18:52

6M ago18:52

18:52

Understanding how to facilitate, organize, and prepare an environment that fosters student choice is one of the most challenging aspects of being a Montessori Elementary teacher. Educators who follow the Montessori approach know that Maria Montessori placed a lot of emphasis on the idea of “choice,” and while the notion of choice is universally cel…

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053: Building Relationships Through Games 23:57

7M ago23:57

23:57

One of the best ways to create a learning environment that promotes positivity and productivity is play. When playing games, students become more comfortable with not only their peers but also their teacher. In today’s episode, I’m sharing how both structured and unstructured games can build a variety of social, emotional, and executive functioning…

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052: Guiding a Classroom with Fewer Older Students 12:57

7M ago12:57

12:57

As students get older, parents seem to become more inclined to pull their children out of Montessori programs. Especially when those classrooms have smaller groups of older students. Parents often think that there are disadvantages to keeping their older children in this setting, but it’s actually quite the opposite: there are numerous benefits to …

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051: Technology and Brain Development with Dr. Luz Casquejo Johnston 1:03:35

8M ago1:03:35

1:03:35

How does technology affect brain development in children? How can we mindfully incorporate technology into Montessori classrooms? Is social media inherently bad for adolescents? In today’s episode, Letty is joined by Dr. Luz Casquejo Johnston to discuss technology in relation to Montessori education, particularly for upper elementary and adolescent…

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050: From Dyslexia to Dyscalculia: Insights on Learning Disabilities with Meghan Hicks 1:04:10

9M ago1:04:10

1:04:10

As Montessori educators, we learn a lot through training and practical experience about how to guide our students. However, we often find ourselves lacking knowledge when it comes to supporting students with additional needs. In today’s episode, Meghan Hicks joins Letty Rising to thoughtfully explore how we can best support children with learning d…

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049: Executive Functioning Skills in the Montessori Elementary Classroom 21:55

11M ago21:55

21:55

The elementary age is the time when children are really developing their executive functioning skills. A highly teacher-directed environment doesn’t really give students the space and grace to explore and develop these skills. A Montessori environment, on the other hand, is built for such exploration. In today’s episode, we’re talking about the var…

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048: Beyond Early Childhood and Materials: Montessori Across the Planes of Development with Luz Casquejo Johnston 39:52

12M ago39:52

39:52

Maria Montessori’s theories of developmental psychology include her foundational observations of the planes of development for children. These planes outline various milestones physically and mentally as the child’s education progresses, and it’s so interesting to see common threads emerge when observing Montessori students in the classroom. In tod…

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047: Montessori Literacy and the Science of Reading: Insights from Zil Jaeger 43:23

1y ago43:23

43:23

There’s a Montessori notion out there that we shouldn’t teach letter names along with letter sounds to our young learners. We’ve often heard that children don’t need to know the names of letters to read a word. And while that’s technically true, the Science of Reading suggests we should reframe our thinking around letter names. In today’s episode, …

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046: Bringing Joy and Levity to Montessori Spaces with Lisa Thauvette 38:53

1y ago38:53

38:53

As Montessorians, we’re not necessarily known for our humor in the classroom. The focus is, understandably, more on the learning environment. We don’t want to come across as being too silly or lose control of our learning environments. But what if a sense of playfulness could actually help enhance our learning? In today’s episode, I’m talking to Li…

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045: Why Planning and Recordkeeping is Essential for Montessori Schools 45:47

1y ago45:47

45:47

Planning and recordkeeping is essential for Montessori educators. It provides alignment for your classrooms and allows you to articulate to parents what their children are learning. Meanwhile, it still allows educators the freedom and adaptability to explore their students’ interests more in depth. In today’s episode, I’m talking to Elizabeth Slade…

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044: The Inspiring Journey of New Montessori School Owners in Atlanta 30:37

1y ago30:37

30:37

It’s no surprise that Montessori education is still growing in popularity and many people are becoming more interested in this model - as parents, as educators, and especially as owners. If you’ve wanted to own a Montessori school but don’t have an education background, it’s OK, it’s definitely possible to do so. In today’s episode, I’m talking to …

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043: Embracing Bilingual Education in Montessori Schools: Challenges, Successes, and the Future 46:31

1y ago46:31

46:31

There are unique challenges in implementing a bilingual education program at the elementary age in Montessori schools for a variety of reasons, but it can be done successfully. In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Marikay McCabe, founding partner of the Bilingual Montessori Project. We talk about the challenges, the common misconceptions, and the …

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042: Elementary Bootcamp Opening Soon 9:49

1+ y ago9:49

9:49

If standard Montessori teacher training taught you everything you needed to know before you stepped into the classroom, it would last way longer than two years! Chances are, you learned the content but not necessarily how to implement it in a real, everchanging classroom environment. That’s where supplementary education like the Elementary Bootcamp…

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041: Spanish Language Immersion with Lindsey Barnes and David Hernández of The Dahlia School 34:56

1+ y ago34:56

34:56

Studies have shown that children who are in language immersion programs through the elementary years end up becoming more proficient in their home language as they get older, and they also experience the benefits of cultural awareness. In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Lindsey Barnes, Executive Director, and David Hernández, Elementary Teacher …

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040: Debunking the 3 Hour Work Cycle with Jana Morgan Herman 40:29

1+ y ago40:29

40:29

Over time, as more interpretations are overlaid on top of older theories, sometimes we can lose track of the actual meaning behind the source material. And when it comes to the 3 hour work cycle as applied in a Montessori setting, this seems to be the case. In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Jana Morgan Herman, national director for Endeavor Sch…

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039: Co-Teaching, Organizing, and Managing a Large Upper Elementary Classroom with Tania Torres-Delgado and Gabriela Gonzalez 38:12

1+ y ago38:12

38:12

Co-teaching in a Montessori classroom can definitely be a challenge. And with so many differing opinions on how to best approach a co-teaching relationship, it can be confusing to know how to get started. In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Tania Torres-Delgado and Gabriela Gonzalez, co-teachers of a classroom of 48 students at Guidepost Montesso…

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038: A Quick Guide to Homeschooling With Chelsea Roberts 36:59

1+ y ago36:59

36:59

Homeschool, especially since the pandemic, is becoming more and more common for many reasons—and the Montessori method is making its way into more homes than ever. As education continues to evolve, Montessori schools are offering homeschool programs that serve as a support for families who have shifted out of traditional schooling. In today’s episo…

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037: A Journey to Virtual Montessori Homeschooling with Christine Sithichai 30:28

1+ y ago30:28

30:28

The future of education is constantly shifting. Hybrid models that split the students' time between the Montessori classroom and homeschooling are giving way to entirely virtual homeschooling models utilizing the Montessori method. In today’s episode, I’m talking with 20-year veteran Montessori teacher Christine Sithichai. She’s sharing her experie…

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036: Creating Confident and Competent Writers 36:07

1+ y ago36:07

36:07

Writing opportunities present themselves in the elementary classroom in a variety of ways. Some students are naturally inclined writers, and others might lack the confidence to write. In today’s episode, I’m chatting with Madeline Walk, Elementary Content Editor at Trillium Montessori. We’re discussing how writing fits into all aspects of the Monte…

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035: The Fundamental Needs of Humans: Ideas for Deeper Exploration 19:01

1+ y ago19:01

19:01

We all have fundamental needs as humans, and understanding them from an early age is so important to a child’s development. These needs affect all children, regardless of age or familiarity with the lesson. In today’s episode, I’m talking about how to use the Fundamental Needs of Humans Chart to engage both younger and older children, to encourage …

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034: When Less is More: A Case for Giving Fewer Lessons 16:52

1+ y ago16:52

16:52

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 i…

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033: Handling Transitional Moments in the Elementary Classroom 29:39

1+ y ago29:39

29:39

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 …

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032: Unlocking the Potential: How ChatGPT Can Support Montessori Elementary Teachers 20:49

1+ y ago20:49

20:49

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 c…

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031: Public Montessori and Visual Thinking Strategies: An Interview with Katie Brown 27:24

2y ago27:24

27:24

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’…

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030: Interview with Rachel Kimboko, Executive Director of DC Wildflower Public Charter School 44:11

2y ago44:11

44:11

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, …

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029: Fostering a Connected Community: Helping Your Students Branch Out from their Preferred Work Partners 13:43

2y ago13:43

13:43

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 en…

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028: Flexibility without Compromise: How to be a Responsive Teacher While Adhering to Montessori Essentials 15:20

2y ago15:20

15:20

Deviating from Montessori training in the classroom comes with a number of considerations. It is possible to expand beyond the boundaries of Montessori training—as long as you do so without compromise. In today’s episode, we’re talking about ways to keep Montessori essentials at the heart of the Montessori experience while also being open to expand…

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027: The Pencil Problem 16:34

2y ago16:34

16:34

The pencil problem is a common one in the Montessori elementary classroom. Communal or personal? Same brand or variety? What is the system for using them throughout the day? It can easily get complicated and result in frustrations for both the teacher and the children. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the importance of determining a simple approach …

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026: Interview with Peter Piche: Leadership in the Montessori Elementary Classroom 28:55

2y ago28:55

28:55

Being a leader is about helping people to become better versions of themselves. It’s not about commanding and controlling but rather facilitating, collaborating, and encouraging. Leaders are always growing and learning. Recognizing a child’s unlimited potential and encouraging them to get out of their comfort zone in a mistake-friendly environment …

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025: Interview with Jess Gagne on New Students, Favorite Lessons, and More! 22:25

2y ago22:25

22:25

It’s incredible to see the growth of students when you allow them to take charge of their learning and progress at their own pace. Growth doesn’t happen on someone else’s timetable, it happens at the right moment. Giving students the space and independence to learn on their own timeline often leads to an explosion of growth that feels more meaningf…

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024: Scientific Learning in the Elementary Classroom with Zoe Rising 30:53

2y ago30:53

30:53

The hands-on quality of the Montessori method is what sets it apart, and that’s never more apparent than during science lessons. From demonstrating complex concepts in the classroom to encouraging students to conduct their own experiments at home, Montessori educators have the ability to inspire curiosity and imagination in their students every day…

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023: Working With What You Have: Tips on Guiding an Under-Resourced Classroom 25:06

2y ago25:06

25:06

Unfortunately, many schools and classrooms are experiencing a lack of resources: Montessori materials, trained guides, and even basic school supplies. In times like these, it’s important to get creative! While the Montessori method does rely heavily on hands-on education, there are plenty of ways to inspire curiosity and learning without access to …

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022: Exuding an Air of Confidence…Even if You Aren’t Feeling It! 17:55

2y ago17:55

17:55

Whether you’ve spent ten years or ten days in the Montessori classroom, you’ve probably had days where you felt unsure and unconfident. Maybe you had to teach on a subject you’re uncomfortable with or set a new boundary with your students. That feeling is common, and it’s part of the journey to becoming a more confident teacher and leader. In this …

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021: How to Be a Strong Elementary Guide 18:58

2+ y ago18:58

18:58

Think back to your favorite elementary school teacher. Did they inspire you? Make you feel heard? Connect with you daily? As elementary guides, we should strive to be these kinds of teachers, the ones who inspire our students to be curious about the world around them. In this episode, we explain what it means to be a truly inspirational elementary …

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020: Elementary Bootcamp Opening Soon 9:49

2+ y ago9:49

9:49

If standard Montessori teacher training taught you everything you needed to know before you stepped into the classroom, it would last way longer than two years! Chances are, you learned the content but not necessarily how to implement it in a real, everchanging classroom environment. That’s where supplementary education like the Elementary Bootcamp…

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019: Time to Reflect: Questions to Ask Yourself to Improve Your Craft 22:52

2+ y ago22:52

22:52

There are two major paths towards self improvement: external feedback and self-reflection. While external feedback happens naturally in most classrooms, self-reflection is a skill you have to make time for and practice. When you do, you’ll improve your craft, connect more deeply with your students, and feel more confident in your abilities. In this…

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018: Is It Ever Okay to Praise a Child? 16:17

2+ y ago16:17

16:17

Most of us in the Montessori world have been cautioned not to praise children. Too much praise can lead to patterns of codependency and inadvertently teach children that their self-worth should be based on the perceptions of others. But is there really no place for praise and compliments in the Montessori classroom? And if there is, how do you do i…

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017: How to Respond to Questions From Elementary Children 19:34

2+ y ago19:34

19:34

Have you ever been stumped by a student’s question? As children grow and learn, their questions get more complex and difficult to answer. How you respond–or don’t respond–to these hard questions is telling of your confidence as a teacher, and it’s an opportunity for you to model humility and curiosity for your students. In this episode, we’re shari…

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016: Confessions of a Reluctant Botanist 18:20

2+ y ago18:20

18:20

During your early years as a Montessori teacher, you might feel like you’re in the dark. Sometimes, you might be asked to teach on subjects you yourself aren’t entirely confident in. Other times, you might feel overwhelmed by the day-to-day work of running a classroom. But like a seed planted beneath the soil, the only way out is up. As you grow, y…

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015: The Tired Teacher & The Emotional Effects of COVID 16:48

2+ y ago16:48

16:48

If you’ve been teaching throughout the pandemic, you’ve probably heard of or witnessed fellow educators leave the field. The increased expectations of teachers in our society paired with the physical and emotional impacts of COVID have made for thousands of tired, overworked teachers. But through personal action and systematic changes, we believe w…

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014: The Montessori Assistant Toolkit 18:50

2+ y ago18:50

18:50

When we talk about the Montessori classroom, we often talk about two groups: teachers and students. But there’s another key player in the classroom, someone whose role is vital to the success of teachers and students alike: the assistant! Even in the fast-paced classroom environment, it’s important that assistants be given the resources and opportu…

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013: Building Relationships with the Elementary Child 21:09

2+ y ago21:09

21:09

When it comes to building relationships with your students, what comes to mind? Do you feel lost or overwhelmed by the concept when not given any actionable steps to enact it within your classroom setting? You are not alone. Buzz words are all the rage in education, but you won’t get very far without tools to help you understand how to build relati…

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012: Human Tendencies as Witnessed in the Elementary Child 23:56

2+ y ago23:56

23:56

Humans are the only creatures that we know of that have the ability to not only adapt to but also shape our environment. Human tendencies helped our hunter-gatherer ancestors to survive the wilderness, and today, they help us survive and adapt to different environments and social groups as well as society as a whole. In today’s episode, we’re discu…

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011: Balancing Freedom & Responsibility in the Elementary Classroom 35:07

2+ y ago35:07

35:07

As a Montessori teacher, one of your most important roles is maintaining the balance between freedom and responsibility in your classroom. You want to give your students opportunities to think for themselves and make their own decisions, but you also want to maintain a level of safety and harmony within the classroom. So how do you find that sweet …

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010: How to Ensure Students Repeat Math Concepts to Proficiency 17:30

2+ y ago17:30

17:30

Repetition is key to students’ understanding of certain concepts, and no subject requires more repetition than math. For most students, however, repetition in math doesn’t come naturally. Instead, we as teachers must find a balance between letting them take charge of their own learning and gently encouraging practice and repetition. In this episode…

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009: How to Inspire an Interest in Writing 19:07

2+ y ago19:07

19:07

Of all the skills we practice in the Montessori classroom, writing seems to be the most divisive. Some students love it, and others avoid it–either because they don’t enjoy it, they aren’t comfortable with the vulnerability it requires, or they don’t understand how to put their thoughts into words. But as their teacher, you have the opportunity to …

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008: Early Childhood vs. Elementary Montessori Classrooms: How and Why They Differ 22:58

2+ y ago22:58

22:58

When most people think of the Montessori classroom, they envision three- to six-year-olds. And while early childhood education is an important part of the Montessori method, it doesn’t stop there. The elementary classroom environment is very different from that of early childhood, and for very good reasons. In this episode, we’re talking about how …

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007: Going Beyond the Montessori Elementary Albums 15:53

2+ y ago15:53

15:53

When you first graduated from your Montessori teacher training program, you probably did so with a spring in your step and an armful of albums. While these albums are incredibly useful when planning your lessons, you’ll find that there are times when you must go beyond the albums. So when should you do that, and how can you stay true to Montessori …

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006: How to Use History Question Charts 19:23

2+ y ago19:23

19:23

In the Montessori classroom, we’re equipped with tons of engaging materials to foster curiosity in our students. Some of the most useful (and underappreciated) materials at our disposal are the History Question Charts. But how do you introduce them to your students, and how can you encourage students to explore them on their own? In this episode, w…

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005: How to Know When It’s Time to Present the Next Lesson 14:52

2+ y ago14:52

14:52

In the dynamic Montessori environment, there are so many different variables at play that can affect your lesson planning. As an educator, how do you know when it's time to move on and present the next lesson to your students? In this episode, we’ll be walking you through a guideline with helpful elements to consider when it comes to deciding when …

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Trillium Montessori Team Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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