AMI 3-6 Certificate Course–Christchurch - Mon. 28th September–Thurs. 8th October, 2015

Dear Supporters of the Maria Montessori Education Foundation

On Friday 19th June MMEF will make the call whether to pursue with the South Island AMI 3-6 Assistant Certificate Course in Christchurch, this September.

At present, sadly there are insufficient numbers to proceed with our planned location - though there’s still time to register!

Philippa Romig, AMI 3-6 auxiliary trainer, Switzerland is waiting to book her flights, therefore please register on-line before Friday June 19th – early bird payment is not required until August 7th. 

So you now have 5 days to let us know if you’d REALLY like this AMI 3-6 Certificate Course in the South Island!

Click on the link for the registration details http://mmef.org.nz/…/MONTESSORI-ASSISTANTS-CERTIFICATE-COURSE…

You can register online by clicking below or insert the following url in your  browser. http://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/h959J3H1Nlcxtz7g

Julia Hilson AMI, Birth - 3 Assistant Certificate Course – April 2016, Auckland

We’re delighted to announce that the course details for the AMI birth – 3 Assistants Certificate Course are on-line now.  Click on the link here http://mmef.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/AMI-assistants-programme-0-3-final-for-emailing.pdf  for the course brochure.

And click on this link for the on-line registration form http://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/fZ5lEg7r8z0x9cwF69J1fG2aQ.

Here’s snippet of what the course includes:-

• The importance of Order and Precision, with emphasis on the part Order plays in the development of the personality
• The Development of Movement and its significance for the child 0-3
• The Development of Language, also taking into account :
• vocabulary—correct, precise, rich, scientifically exact
• how to listen to and elicit language from children
• The Development of Independence:
• physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual, as conditions for interdependence
• Preparing the Environment:
• home and Nido, Infant Community (the physical and the intangible)
• Understanding Freedom and Discipline
• Observation - technique and recording
• Music and Art

Who’s this Course for?

> Anyone working in a nido or infant community with children from birth – 3

> Professionals working with young children under the age of 3

> Parents of young children

> All those in support roles with families and whanua

All for now, stay warm, stay well!

Noho Ora Mai, MMEF

AMI 3-6 Certificate Course-South Island-Mon. 28th September-Thurs. 8th October, 2015

Dear Supporters of the Maria Montessori Education Foundation 

Over the past few weeks we've received many enquiries asking when the next AMI 3-6 Certificate course will be held in Auckland.


Well in short, it's likely that the next one will not be for a couple of years - hence we would encourage you to support the Christchurch economy and join us at Nova Montessori School, New Brighton this September! 

Philippa Romig, AMI 3-6 auxiliary trainer and bi-lingual Montessori school owner, Switzerland is waiting to secure her flights, therefore please register on-line by Friday June 19th - early bird payment is not required until August 7th.

So folks you have 3 weeks to let us know if you'd REALLY like this AMI 3-6 Certificate Course in the South Island! 

Here's what graduates of a recent AMI 3-6 Certificate Course said...

The AMI Assistants Course was an intense nine days during the school holidays but I came away with ideas and resources that I could use as soon as I returned to school.
The course was packed full of information, I felt that I came away with a much better understanding of the Montessori philosophy, in particular how everything links together, for example; the physical and the psychological -
I feel like a have a much better understanding of what holistic actually means. I found the practical side very beneficial and now feel confident in pulling groups of different ages together.
One of the highlights of the course was the camaraderie of the group and being able to share ideas.
I recommend the course to anyone wanting to find out more about the Montessori philosophy, or who needs a refresher and rejuvenation!

Options to reduce costs:

• share accommodation with others travelling from North Island. We can happily put you in contact with other attendees.
• look for a grab a seat flights to Christchurch http://grabaseat.co.nz

 
The dates are Monday 28th September-Thursday 8th October (This is a nine-day course; note that Sunday 4th & Monday 5th will not be study days).

Click on this link for the registration details:
http://mmef.org.nz/.../MONTESSORI-ASSISTANTS-CERTIFICATE-COURSE... 

You can register online by clicking here or insert the following url in your internet browser. http://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/h959J3H1Nlcxtz7g

Noho Ora Mai, 
MMEF

MMEF receive glowing NZQA results!

Dear Supporters of Maria Montessori Education Foundation

A HUGE thank you to the students, the schools, the MMEF trustees and faculty and all of our stakeholders who had any part in MMEF’s External Evaluation and Review (EER) by NZQA. MMEF have just received the highest category rating a training provider can receive. Highly Confident in both Educational Performance and Self-assessment and we are delighted!

This makes MMEF a Category 1 training provider and that’s impressive!

Go Well AMI Students

Now that the first module of the course is complete, many of our students are back in their environments plus studying in their spare time! 

It was great to see some of you at the recent Montessori Aotearoa N.Z. Conference in Tauranga.

Congratulations too to those of you who have secured positions in Montessori environments since the last module!

How privileged you are now to be immersed and engaging with Montessori in action. Keep reading and reflecting…

AMI 3-6 Certificate Course, Mon. 28th – Thurs. 8th Oct. (9 days) Christchurch

Philippa Romig, AMI 3-6 Auxiliary Trainer, Switzerland & Carol Potts, MMEF will be offering the next AMI 3-6 Assistant Certificate Course in Christchurch next term. This course offers an introduction to Montessori pedagogy and preparation for the role of assistant in a Montessori early childhood centre. The course is also beneficial for parents, carers, and childcare professionals from other fields to gain an understanding of the Montessori approach to education. This course format allows attendees to complete the required 8 hours of observation before the end of the course.

Don’t miss out – on-line registration is now available at http://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/h959J3H1Nlcxtz7g

AMI 0-3 Certificate Course, Mon. 18th – Thurs. 28th April 2016, Auckland (9 days)

Yes folks, the dates are confirmed, Julia Hilson, 0-3 AMI Trainer is booked and the venue secured for the forthcoming AMI 0-3 Assistant Certificate Course next April!

The course will be convivially held at Kawai Purapura Retreat Centre in Albany.

Basic twin share accommodation is also available on-site for those seeking a vegetarian experience. We will also be appealing to attendees living in Auckland to consider offering a place to those traveling from areas outside of Auckland.

Registration details will be out soon! For further details in the meantime contact mmef@ihug.co.nz.

Noho Ora Mai, MMEF

AMI 3-6 Assistant Certificate Course September 2015–Christchurch.

Here's a professional development opportunity to appeal to our South Island residing friends!
MMEF are delighted to announce the dates for the next AMI 3-6 Assistant Certificate Course in Christchurch - Monday 28th September - Thursday 8th October (Sunday 4th & Monday 5th will not be study days).
Click on the link for the registration details http://mmef.org.nz/…/MONTESSORI-ASSISTANTS-CERTIFICATE-COURSE…

You can register online by clicking here or insert the following url in your internet browser. http://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/h959J3H1Nlcxtz7g

Introducing the enthusiastic AMI 3-6 course students during their first summer module…

    

    

AMI 0-3 Assistant Certificate Course – Auckland

We are so pleased to be able to confirm that Julia Hilson, AMI 0-3 trainer, will return to New Zealand in April 2016 to offer a 9 day 0-3 Assistant Certificate Course.

This course will be a ‘must book’ for, anyone working with young children 3 and under, parents far and wide, nannies (and grandparents!), and for all professionals who offer support and guidance to families, whanau and young children.

We are currently looking at venues in Auckland. The dates of the course will be Monday 18th April – Thursday 28th April (9 days). Sunday 24th & Monday 25th April will not be study days.

Come and visit us on the MMEF stand at the MANZ Conference http://www.montessori.org.nz/conference

Ka kite ano, MMEF

AMI 3-6 Diploma Course–first summer module is fast approaching!

Summer 2015 really is on its way!

Well it certainly is for the next group of AMI 3-6 students who are getting very excited. They’re busily gathering their Montessori books and generally putting plans in place as the first summer module fast approaches!

The AMI 3-6 trainers are booking their flights and we’re really looking forward to welcoming our students as they embark on this many-would-say life changing experience. To anyone whose application is still in process – get a wriggle on and quickly get it to us!

Introducing the new MMEF Alumni Co-ordinator

Carli Hausler, AMI 0-3 & AUT B.Ed (MECT) graduate will be taking over the role of MMEF Alumni coordinator from December 2014. Carli has and will continue to assist MMEF on a number of projects, thank you Carli & welcome to the team!

We already have the first e Article for 2015 ready to go out at the end of the year along with the annual AMI membership renewals.

Why Not Study the Theory-only component of the AMI 3-6 Diploma?

Did you receive your invitation to join us for the theory-only component of the AMI 3-6 Course?

We recently emailed registration details to all schools though some emails have mysteriously bounced back? Here’s the information once again.

MMEF are offering school owners and admin staff (ideal for those non-Montessori trained) the opportunity to join us for the basic Montessori theory (psycho-pedagogy) component of the A.M.I. 3-6 Diploma this summer. Several parents have inquired about this too – the good news is YES you can now join us also!

The dates will be the first two weeks of the course and a few additional theory lectures during the 2015 & 2016 summer modules. 

Not only will this expand your understanding of Montessori’s approach to child development, you’ll be able to:

• Better support your staff to create optimum learning environments for children.
• Collaborate & communicate with parents regarding their child’s enormous potential from birth to six and beyond.
• Underpin policies, self-review and assessment with Montessori principles.

Dates: Monday 5th January – Friday 16th January (plus a few additional days during 2015 & 2016, plenty of notice will be given)

Venue: Kawai Purapura Retreat, 14 Mills Lane, Albany & AUT, Northcote Campus (Friday 16th January, 2015)

Registrations open until Monday December 8th. Please email mmef@ihug.co.nz. for a registration form today!

2015 & 2016 Dates for Your Diary

Thank you, we received a number of expression of interests from South Island schools supporting a proposed AMI Assistant Certificate Course in 2015. The dates set aside for this are the primary school holidays – Monday 28th September – Friday 9th October. The final details will be sent out early next year.

AMI 0-3 Assistant Certificate Course – April/May 2016

MMEF have been liaising with Julia Hilson regarding a 0-3 AMI Assistant Certificate Course for 2016. We’ve ‘pencilled’ in the following dates April 18th – 29th, 2016 (minus Anzac Day). Confirmation and further details will be sent out next year.

Finally, as the end of year approaches, here’s a natty gift for either that person who  really has everything or the student who has a busy year ahead of them… http://www.ostrichpillow.com/

Ka kite ano, MMEF

Fret Ye Not but Don’t Delay!

Extending Application Due Date for AMI 3-6 Diploma

Over the past few days, MMEF trustees Tia Wooller and Carol Potts have had the great fortune to mingle and meet with students, school owners, board members and experienced Montessorians.

In the midst of our communications we're hearing that folk are still in process of sending in their applications for the AMI 3-6 Course starting in January. Our message to you is “don’t fret but don’t delay!”

We're extending application submissions until Monday November 10th in support of you gathering the enclosures that form part of your application.

Interviews can then be arranged for Friday 13th & Saturday 14th November.

Download your application at mmef.org.nz or email mmef@ihug.co.nz. today!

And Finally,

For those of us working or indeed living with young children, how can we aid children to develop concentration? How often do we intervene when our really our ‘help’ is not needed? Do we realise how vital concentration is as a foundation for life?

Here’s a quote to keep in mind as you watch this delightful wee video.  It is one of a short series of vignettes from Annie Fisher Montessori Magnet School in Hartford.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9PBJOlm0rw

"The first essential for the child's development is concentration. It lays the whole basis for his character and social behaviour. He must find out how to concentrate, and for this he needs things to concentrate upon. This shows the importance of his surroundings, for no one acting on the child from outside can cause him to concentrate”                                        The Absorbent Mind

Ka kite ano,

MMEF

Calling all Montessori School Owners & Administrators

Study the Montessori Theory-only component of the AMI 3-6 Diploma

MMEF are offering school owners and admin staff (ideal for those non-Montessori trained) the opportunity to join us for the basic Montessori theory (psycho-pedagogy) component of the A.M.I. 3-6 Diploma this summer!

The dates will be the first two weeks of the course and a few additional theory lectures during the 2015 & 2016 summer modules. 

Not only will this expand your understanding of Montessori’s approach to child development, you’ll also be able to:

• Better support your staff to create the optimum learning environments for children.
• Offer specific advice to parents regarding their child’s enormous potential from birth to six and beyond.
• Underpin policies, self-review and assessment with Montessori principles.

Fliers with further information will be arriving in your inbox next week! In the meantime, please email mmef@ihug.co.nz.

Dates: Monday 5th January – Friday 16th January (plus a few additional days during 2015 & 2016, plenty of notice will be given)

Venue: Kawai Purapura Retreat, 14 Mills Lane, Albany & AUT, Northcote Campus (Friday 16th January, 2015)

Additional Payment Option for Schools 

Following discussions after this week’s Auckland Montessori Network meeting at AUT, MMEF are delighted to be able to offer an additional payment schedule for schools who are considering sponsoring someone, perhaps a staff member or enthusiastic AUT graduate, to study for the AMI 3-6 Diploma this summer!

The new 3-instalment payment plan, in-line with Ministry funding dates, can only be offered to schools.

Contact mmef@ihug.co.nz for further details.

Visit mmef.org.nz to download the Course brochure or email mmef@ihug.co.nz for more information.

Ka kite ano,

MMEF

Getting Staff, Getting Jobs, Getting Known!

Dear Supporters of the Maria Montessori Education Foundation

Auckland Montessori Network - Monday 20th October at 7.00p.m.

Schools owners, teachers, friends and anyone interested in the Montessori approach to human development – you’re all invited to AUT, Akoranga Campus, AJ100 on Monday 20th October to converse, contribute and collaborate!

One of the topics for the evening will be Montessori training and careers.  MMEF will be sharing information about the forthcoming AMI 3-6 Diploma Course, starting this summer. Potential AMI students will be there too so if you’re a school owner looking to sponsor an AUT B.Ed graduate, join us too.

‘Montessori & Peace’ is on the agenda also – see you there!

Schedule Your Interview Now!

Interviews (face to face and skype) are now being arranged for students applying for the AMI 3-6 Course. The next interview dates are Friday 17th & Saturday 18th October between 9a.m. and 1p.m. 

To arrange your interview contact mmef@ihug.co.nz.

And a Classic to Close

Here’s a oldie by Glenn Miller to get us In the Mood for this summer…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CI-0E_jses

When should you apply for the 2015- 2017 AMI 3-6 Course? Now!

Applications are open until November 1st, 2014.

Visit mmef.org.nz to download the Course brochure or email mmef@ihug.co.nz for more information.

Ka kite ano,

MMEF

Limited spaces– don’t delay, send in your applications now!

So, if you are considering staying “in-house” at the beautiful Kawai Purapura Retreat Centre to attend the AMI 3-6 Course starting this summer, we need to hear from you ASAP!

The busy team at the Retreat Centre tells us rooms are filling fast.

Remember, MMEF students will be eligible for the discounted rate of $22/p.p. per night in a twin share room. For more details visit http://www.kawaipurapura.co.nz/retreat-accommodation-2, email Roz at accommodation@kawaipurapura.co.nz, or call 09 415 9468 and pencil in your booking this week.

Don’t delay. Spaces will fill fast for this summer!

Facebook – So Many Likes in Such a Short Time

Well, you’re obviously enjoying the soupçons of information on our Facebook page at the moment. We’re getting many reads and many, many likes, thank you!

If you haven’t already checked out our new Facebook page, why not head there now and press ‘Like.’ Every ‘Like’ helps.

www.facebook.com/mariamontessorieducationfoundation

 

Screen Time – Is it Addictive?

Talking of screen time… most of us have experienced how an intentional short spell of TV watching at the end of the day to unwind or relax keeps you up later than you’d ever intended. Or the scenario of “I’ll just check my emails…” and before you know it several hours have passed?

Screen time - albeit via any manner of electronic device can be additive. Here’s a compelling article (and cartoon!) about the effects of such on the young - still developing – brain: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/mental-wealth/201402/gray-matters-too-much-screen-time-damages-the-brain

Ka kite ano,

MMEF

PS: When should you apply for the 2015- 2017 AMI 3-6 Course? Now! Applications are open until the end of October 2014, but spaces are filling fast.

Visit mmef.org.nz to download the Course brochure or email mmef@ihug.co.nz for more information.

Fuelling the Flame Within: Montessori Education and the Development of the Self

Steven Hughes is a paediatric neuropsychologist who was so impressed at what he saw in his daughter’s Montessori school – so intrigued at how beautifully the Montessori system reinforces a child’s growth and natural brain development – that he joined the company: lending his considerable ability to the Association Montessori International Global Research Committee and travelling the world to talk about their work.
Last night he spoke to an Auckland audience of 300 about the way Montessori education “fuels the flame” of each child's unique identity, and how mainstream education helps snuff it out:

Beginning as a tiny spark, the light that shines within a child will, over time, grow to become a steady, strong flame if he or she experiences an environment that recognizes, respects, and fuels it. What are the requisite features of such an environment? What makes Montessori education so effective in "fuelling the flame" of each child's unique identity? 
    Part of Dr. Montessori's genius was her understanding that human development requires different experiences at different stages of development. In this lecture, Dr. Steve Hughes will explore how the environments provided at each plane of Montessori education support the formation of essential aspects of cognitive capabilities known as "executive functions." These capabilities are necessary for the creation of curious, creative, moral, inspired, and inspiring adults—people in whom the light of identity burns bright and warm.

This is a shorter version of the magical talk we heard last night. I highly recommend it.

• Download a PDF of the lecture slides from tinyurl.com/HughesAMS2013Keynote.
• More lectures and info at Steve’s websites www.GoodAtDoingThings.Com and www.BuildingBetterBrains.Com.

And if you’re inspired to think about becoming a Montessori teacher—or if you know someone who would be -- you’re in luck: there’s an AMI diploma course kicking off in Auckland this summer …

Happy Birthday Maria Montessori!

Last week, many of us around the world remembered and celebrated Maria Montessori’s birthday on August 31st, 1870.

How fortunate are we that her legacy is still thriving today!

Why a 3-summer-format course?

Many students have welcomed the news that MMEF are offering a 3-summer- format course, starting this summer - January 2015.

This chosen format is in response to a need to have AMI training accessible to those working or possibly already studying. The summer format dates coincide with the start of the university year.

Here’s a well crafted video about AMI teacher training too – enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLrW2H5VtVA#t=168

Recent Montessori Research from Australia

If you’re anything like me, I’m often asked for the research to show how Montessori children fare alongside their non-Montessori peers? Well, here’s a recent research paper courtesy of the Montessori Australia Foundation (MAF) showing just that!

The primary focus of this research was to identify how well the children enrolled in Montessori schools scored on the Australian Early Development Index (AEDI) in comparison to the national average. Click on the link below to download the pdf.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/wjo2o16vdypygu9/MAF2012AEDIResearchPaper.pdf?dl=0

Maria Montessori Education Foundation on Facebook

Yes, it’s true! Visit our Facebook page, like us and ask all your friends to do the same!

 

https://www.facebook.com/mariamontessorieducationfoundation

Ka kite ano,

MMEF

When should you apply for the 2015- 2017 AMI 3-6 Course? Now! Applications open until the end of October 2014.

Visit mmef.org.nz to download the Course brochure or email mmef@ihug.co.nz for more information.

Looking for Staff? Why not Sponsor someone to study the AMI 3-6 Diploma starting this summer

MMEF trustee, Tia Wooller has had many a lively, pleasurable and thought provoking discussion with the 3rd year students at AUT this year. They will graduate at the end of 2014 and of the 20 students ALL of them want to work in Montessori environments!

Many of them are really keen to study for the AMI 3-6 Diploma and some willing to relocate anywhere in New Zealand!

Tia spoke to the students about the prospect of school sponsorships. The benefits for schools considering this investment are; they’ll have a provisionally registered  B.Ed. graduate, and when the graduates start with your school at the beginning of March 2015 they will already be a third of the way through their AMI 3-6 training!

If this is something of interest to your school please let MMEF know mmef@ihug.co.nz and we will pass your contact details to the students, who in turn can communicate with you directly.

A Fresh Montessori Website For You

Visit the online resource tool for Montessori teachers. The website has been established by Association Montessori Internationale/USA. Here’s a delightful short video entitled ‘peer to peer learning’ which highlights the socially cohesive nature of a mixed-aged Montessori community.  Make yourself a cup of tea and watch as the children communicate and collaborate joyfully and harmoniously.

http://montessoriguide.org/elementary-age-work-1/.

Note Taking by Hand Aids Memory – its True!

For those of you studying, about to or simply debating whether to take down those notes on your laptop or use the  old fashioned pen and paper method, read on…

Recent research carried out by Indiana University confirms what author and psychologist Stanislas Dehaene has been saying for years - that certain parts of the brain are activated as we write by hand. This brain activity helps us to retain information too!

Another interesting read that I stumbled across and in connection with handwriting can be read by clicking on this link…

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/03/science/whats-  lost-as-handwriting-fades.html

Ka kite ano,

MMEF

Applications now open for the 2015- 2017 AMI 3-6 Course. Visit mmef.org.nz to download the Course brochure or email mmef@ihug.co.nz for more information.