Preparing the Environment for Literacy
There has been a tremendous explosion of interest recently in the science of reading and the critical importance of ensuring every child learns how to read.
Teachers, leaders, and parents have lots of questions:- What exactly is the science of reading?
- How does Montessori practice align with the science of reading, and where might it need adjustments to meet the needs of all children?
- What can we do in our classrooms today to improve literacy instruction while remaining on a pathway to high-fidelity Montessori?
- How can we ensure that Montessori literacy teaching continues to be supported in our public Montessori schools?
Schedule
8:30 -9:30
Meet & Greet/Registration
9:45 – 9:55
Welcome and Introduction: Dr. Denise Watts, Supt./Annie
9:55 – 10:25
Keynote Speaker – State rep Carl Gilliard
Presentations
| Topic | Topic | Topic | |
| 10:45 - 11:30 Session 1 | Exploring the Montessori Materials for Language and Literacy Presented by Trent Kissinger | The Science of Reading and Montessori Presented by Bobbe Spink | Integrating Literacy Skills into the Cultural Curriculum |
| Lunch | |||
| 1:00-1:45 Session 2 | Language at every stage: How the Planes of Development inform language and literacy teaching from birth through adolescence | Beyond the Sandpaper Letters and Movable Alphabet: Supporting decoding in kindergarten and above Presented by Allison Jones | Laying the Foundation: Key skills for phonological awareness beyond the Montessori Sound Games Presented by Heather Kolbe |
| 2:15-3:00 Session 3 | The Montessori Reading Program: Pink, Blue and Green Presented by Bobbe Spink | Why and How to Use a Structured Phonics Scope and Sequence to Accelerate Student Learning Presented by Sara Cotner | Leading Discussions on Literature: The Great Books method for supporting comprehension and love of literature in an effective and equitable way Presented by Charlotte Thomas |
| 3:15-4:00 Session 4 | Roundtable: Advocating for high-fidelity Montessori at the state and district level | Roundtable: How do we provide mirrors and windows for our children to see themselves reflected beautifully in their literacy curriculum and to learn about the lives of others? | Roundtable: Supporting struggling readers in the classroom |
| Sunday November 5 | |||
| 8:30-9:00 | Meet and Greet | ||
| 9:00-9:45 Session 5 | How Montessori Got Big in South Carolina Presented by Ginny Riga | Bringing Systematic Spelling Instruction to Your Montessori Elementary Class Presented by Jennifer Dorrell | Preparing the Hand for Writing |
| 10:00-10:45 Session 6 | TBD | Reading Assessments: The Why and How of Using Assessments to Drive Teaching and Learning Presented by Sara Cotner | Supporting Literacy for Multilingual Learners Presented by Allison Jones |
| 11:00-11:45 Session 7 | Roundtable: topics identified by participants | Roundtable: topics identified by participants | Roundtable: topics identified by participants |
| 12:00-12:30 | Closing and Reflections |
Location
Registration and the keynote address will take place Saturday morning at Savannah Arts Academy.
After the keynote address, we’ll transition to Charles Ellis Montessori Academy (an approximately 8-minute walk), where the rest of the conference will be held.
A block of rooms is being held for us at the Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Midtown, 2 ½ miles from the conference location. Our rate is $169/night for a room with one king or two queen beds. You can reserve a room using this link: Available Rooms – Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Midtown.