What does Maria Montessori, Sir Ken Robinson and some Brickton Montessori School educators have in common?

They may have some differing opinions about young children and imagination.  Now that could be an interesting conversation!
While Maria Montessori will not be in attendance, thousands of Montessori educators will be on hand as Sir Ken delivers the closing  keynote  at the American Montessori Society's 2011 Annual Conference, March 24-27, in Chicago.

Moments of Significance

Kudos to my friends, Karen and Tom Brenner who are looking at Alzheimers through a different lens.   At the 20th Annual Alzheimers Education Conference, they presented their findings on using educational principles developed by Maria Montessori with patients with Alzheimers. Maria Montessori saw the connection between the hands and the brain and understood the power of incorporating the senses into learning.  For patients with Alzheimers, the Brenner's are seeing that holding an object that has some real-world significance for the patient often stimulates a memory that helps to lift the fog and for a moment brings the patient pleasure and comfort.   Success is measured by  "moments of connection and communication." Karen tells lovely stories about her work in this area; stories of people that she holds in high regard.

Someday I may be a person with Alzheimers.  I hope someone hands me a few large, colorful, beautiful beads...

Yummy! Dark Chocolate Cake and Sir Ken Robinson

Are they smiling because of the rich chocolate cake or because of Sir Ken?

How lucky for  Brickton Montessori (and all the schools in the area) that the ISACS Conference was held in Chicago this year! 

All of the Brickton representatives (pictured-Molly, Cheryl, Judy, Erica- and Debbie, Heather W., Erika) confirmed that every workshop attended was "one of the best ever."  We all came back inspired and thankful to be educators! 

My next few blogs will highlight two of the keynote speakers; Sir Ken Robinson on creativity and Dan Heath on change.