“It is self-evident that the possession of and contact with real things brings with them, above all, a real quantity of knowledge. The inspiration engendered by it revitalizes the intelligence … from all these things new intellectual interests arise (climates, winds, et cetera). Instruction becomes a living thing. Instead of being illustrated, it is brought to life. In a word, the outing is a new key for the intensification of instruction ordinarily given in the school. There is no description, no image in any book that is capable of replacing the sight of real trees, and all the life to be found around them, in a real forest. Something emanates from those trees which speaks to the soul, something no book, no museum is capable of giving. The wood reveals that it is not only the trees that exist, but a collection of lives. And this earth, this climate, this cosmic power are necessary for the development of these lives. The myriads of lives around the trees, the majesty, the variety are things one must hunt for, and which no one can bring into the school. How often is the soul of man—especially that of the child—deprived because one does not put him into contact with nature.”
~ Maria Montessori, FromChildhood to Adolescence
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AMI-EAA ANNUAL SUMMER CONFERENCE
- The Annual Summer Conference provides opportunities for growth and relaxation in a week-long, intimate workshop setting.
- Locations are thoughtfully chosen and affordable, generally in a rustic, retreat setting for communing with nature and our colleagues. Participants are welcome to bring their families.
- Conferences provide participants a unique blend of presentations by peers and regional experts, discussion of practical aspects of teaching, and a deeper understanding of the Montessori curriculum and materials.
- Experienced elementary teachers and local experts give presentations that revolve around a central theme. A time for music, dance and/or artistic expression is always included.
- Sharing sessions for 6-9, 6-12 and 9-12 levels provide time to discuss classroom concerns and exchange helpful hints.
- College credit is available.
- Previous conferences have found us digging at archaeological sites, trekking through the rain forest, and exploring the roots of American history at Colonial Williamsburg. Such field experiences enhance our love and understanding of the world in which we live.
- Over the years, locations have included Menucha, Oregon; Wolfeboro, New Hampshire; Asilomar, California; Santa Fe, New Mexico; Olympic Park Institute in Washington State; Unicoi State Park in Georgia; Eronguaricuaro, Mexico; and Crow Canyon and Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Colorado.
- Topics have ranged from making books and botanical drawings to geology, physics, Shakespeare, botany, zoology, tidal pools, art, and desert ecology.
- The 2005 AMI-EAA Summer Conference was held at St. Christopher's Retreat Conference Center, Seabrook Island, South Carolina. As an extension of the 2005 Refresher Course held in Dallas, Texas, our peers led us in a journey of exploration into “Sacred Geometry” with follow up activities for the classroom and outdoor environments, classroom experiences in economic geography activities related to the stock market, and artistic techniques for making dioramas.
- Reviews of the conference presentations can be found in the fall and winter issues of our newsletter.
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Grand Work in the Grand Canyon!
Join EAA in Flagstaff, Arizona the annual summer conference. We will be exploring "Big Work Inside and Out". Check back for more details in the coming weeks!
Save the date
This year's conference dates are July 8-13.
Presenters will include...
Inside: Big Work and the Artistry Behind It
Elementary trainer Phyllis Pottish-Lewis share her pearls of wisdom and practical advice on the artistry, philosophy and practicality behind big work. Her decades of experience as a trainer and classroom guide will be an model and catalyst to our practice. Under Ms. Pottish-Lewis' guidance we will learn to inspire children to reach above and beyond!
Outside: From Plant to Seed, Creating the Outdoor Environment
Let's dig in! Nicole Fedorow Rehder Ms. Rehder, a Lower Elementary Guide at Montessori in Redlands will bring our focus outside to the garden. We will experience how to create an environment that fosters independence, stewardship, nutrition, and self-exploration.
Inside: The Self-Managing Elementary Community
We'll go "inside" with author, teacher, founder of Austin Montessori, Donna Bryant Goertz and Austin Montessori lower elementary guide Joseph Aiken. These two expert practitioners will address the self-managing elementary community and how to empower children in processes, procedures, care of themselves, others and the environment. We will investigate the impact of the children's community now and into the future.
Inside and Outside: Sowing the Seeds of Going Out
Then out we'll go to sow seeds of the big idea of Going Out. Jackie Silveira-Sater & Melinda Nielsen who with a combined 34 years teaching in elementary classrooms will aim to help you establish a true Going Out program in your elementary community. It will be philosophical but also the practical with the nuts and bolts discussed and how to create this necessary and a successful experience with the children.
Going Out - Grand Canyon Style
During the conference you will have the opportunity to take a guided journey in to the magnificent Grand Canyon.
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