“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.
2008 AMI-EAA Summer Conference
Washington, Maine
Tuesday, July 22 – Monday, July 28, 2008
This year’s conference will be held in the cool pine woods of Maine at Medomak Camp Retreat Center. This beautiful camp on Washington Pond has been a longtime haven for New Englanders, located about 12 miles inland from Camden and Rockport, resort towns on mid-coast Maine. The program will center on the history and development of fiber arts in relation to the study of the fundamental need for clothing. There will be opportunities to learn a variety of handwork and natural dyeing techniques that can be translated into classroom work.
Activities may include visits to local weavers; exploration of the flora, fauna and geology of the area; an evening of contra dance with a caller and fiddler; and a day of field study at spectacular Acadia National Park on Mt. Desert Island, where the sun first rises in the U.S. on Mt. Cadillac. Our on-site coordinator is Audrey Newton. Come join us for this uniquely rich Maine experience!
Summer Conference 2008 Information (Acrobat PDF)
Summer Conference 2008 Schedule of Events (Acrobat PDF)
Summer Conference 2008 Registration Form (Acrobat PDF) |
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