Helena and Tymon had the opportunity to play tic-tac-toe with the Mayor of Wrocław, Mr Jacek Sutryk! Maybe one day they will win in an actual election?

Mr Mayor's visit took place at the invitation of the Montessori Academy on the occasion of the International Day of Peace. In education by the Montessori method, education in the spirit of peace is one of the key tasks. Therefore, we invited an active and experienced local government official to share his knowledge of democracy with the students.

Before the discussion, our guest visited kindergarten and school classes to familiarise himself with the conditions in which classes are conducted using the Montessori method.

Mr Mayor's attention was drawn to the space-related teaching aids and the presence of pupils from many countries. There is a reason why our Academy is international - we have an international team and pupils!

The class representatives also showed off our newly decorated sewing corner, which they admitted is not easy to keep tidy. Mr Mayor shared his ideas on how to keep the work area clean - maybe it will be easier now!

As everyone gathered in the hall, we sang the song "Light a candle for peace", performed worldwide to mark the International Day of Peace.

The most exciting part was the discussion about democracy, during which we wondered if there is a better system. What is selfishness? Is choosing a school locker the same problem as reconciling the different interests of the city's residents? Does the Mayor have an "enchanted pencil" with which he can renovate all the streets in the city? How do you reconcile those who like tomato soup with rice, noodles, or none?

Thanks to the good examples Mr Jacek Sutryk prepared for the meeting, the complex topic of democracy turned out to be very close to everyone.

To commemorate the visit, we received a drawing with a cat, personally made by the Mayor of Wrocław.

Thank you very much for accepting our invitation and for the time spent together with the students of the Academy!

We have provided a special container for the collection of used batteries at our Montessori Academy.

If you have alkaline cells that have expired, you can bring them to us and put them in the green REBA container.

In accordance with the collection rules, we kindly ask you do not return:

• lithium-ion cells
• swollen or damaged batteries.

The batteries will be handed over to the REBA Recovery Organisation. They will be recycled and heavy metals such as: mercury, cadmium and nickel will not enter the environment. Metal and graphite are also recovered in the process.

Remember that even a small battery can contaminate up to several hundred litres of water!

The International Montessori Academy joined the action organised by the ProCuro Foundation: "Share crayons with kids".

This is the fifth edition of the collection, during which the collected art materials will go to children and young people with disabilities from school and educational centres in Lower Silesia and children from Ukraine.

If you are putting together school kits or doing some shopping, you can throw a pack of crayons, an eraser or more brushes into your basket and donate them to the Foundation using the container located at the entrance to our facility.

More information about the ProCuro Foundation and the next collection >

List of materials that can be placed in the container:

• crayons, pens, pencils;
• drawing pads, technical pads, colouring pads;
• erasers, pencil sharpeners, rulers;
• all creative articles: stickers, coloured adhesive tape, beads, etc.
• pencil cases, rucksacks (new or in very good condition).

We encourage you to participate in the collection!

A flower meadow was created today at our Academy.

Flower meadows are not only a recently popular urban fashion but above all:

• an insect-friendly environment,
• a good substrate for water retention,
• a larger air-filtering surface than a normal lawn,
• colourful decoration at different times of the year.

The flower meadow was designed by the parents of our students and made together by parents and children. Science combined with reality is our speciality.
I wonder what will grow out of it.

Another school year is coming to an end: 2021/22. International Montessori Academy students have planned presentations and performances for parents on graduation day. Then two months of well deserved rest!

We wish you a warm, cheerful and safe summer vacation!

End of the school year ceremony

June 24th, 9:00 a.m.

We are looking forward to seeing you.

World Bicycle Day is a relatively young holiday, established in 2018 by the United Nations. Its originator was a Pole, Leszek Sibilski, and we celebrate it every year on June 3.

A group of Redwoods, at our Montessori Academy that day, learned how to build the popular unicycle. The children learned the names of the parts - both on Montessori cards and on a real bike. They also learned about the history of evolution of the vehicle and the rules of safe movement.

Bicycle is an ecological form of transport, available for everyone, but it also requires special caution because of shared traffic routes with pedestrians or cars. It is worth learning about this from an early age!

June 1, 2022 - Children's Day at the Montessori Academy.

On this day was not only fun, but also a little talk during the preschool circle. We talked about what rights and responsibilities children have, it is important to create awareness from an early age. We also named the young animals, such as goat kids, piglets, and foals. Then there was a lot of activity outside, colorful bubbles, delicious sorbets, lots of coloring books with children from all over the world.

Students played board games and enjoyed the outdoors.

It's just a shame that Children's Day is once a year...

On May 25, we celebrated World Africa Day.

Mr. Tino, our teacher from Zimbabwe, led the circle during which we could try what the baobab fruit tastes like. We also painted faces like members of the Shona tribe and made necklaces inspired by the jewels of this tribe.

We listened to romantic African music during the classes, studied maps with continents, and remembered the most important information about Africa and Zimbabwe.

Thank you Mr. Tino, for introducing us to information about Africa and his homeland.

Science Show!

After lights out, to the sounds of atmospheric and mysterious music, it began!

Metals glowed with different colours. Liquids changed colour or foamed. Lemons energized light bulbs - for real! Coloured foam popped out of menzies like a rabbit out of a hat; in addition, our alchemists called it "elephant paste". Dry ice reacted to all this so that a thick fog crawled out of Tymon's table. The whole was complemented by 3D optical illusions in Alex and Robert's magic box.

Two hours of spectacular physical and chemical experiments resulted from careful preparations by grades 4 and 5 (Centurion) at our Montessori Academy. The show was attended by all the school students, eagerly awaiting the start. Each part was appreciated with thunderous applause, which best proves the good atmosphere and high level of Science Show.

Combining theory and practice is a perfect way to make sometimes tricky subjects easier, more understandable and engaging.

See you at the next Science Show

This year, "Cold Gardeners" probably forgot about us. The weather was perfect and encouraged us to be active outside. Both the preschool and the school took part in several activities at our playground and the garden.

Preschoolers dug throughout the sandbox and used houses, slides and climbing spiders.

Our "surveyors" carefully measured the entire area at school, getting to know the units and measures and converting them into larger or smaller.

The school's tortoise - Koko, was taken for the first walk, which inspired Maple class to write creatively about what they've observe.

Flag Day and Constitution Day are excellent occasions to talk about national symbols.

In front of the Montessori Academy we hung the flag of Poland, the European Union and Great Britain. Children in the school and preschool have been learning about Polish national symbols - national emblem, colors of the flag and anthem. We talked about how to behave during the singing of the anthem, we made flags using our hands and paint brushes.

Now we know that "May Day" is not only about resting, but also about celebrating!

It is full of spring outside the windows, and the Montessori Academy also has plenty of colours and positive energy. We celebrated Earth Day and Spanish Language Day.

We sang Louis Armstrong's song "What a wonderful world" during the Earth Day celebrations, we drew our planet, and we made cut-outs from plants. We talked about how to look after the Earth and use its natural resources wisely. We built a globe model from plasticine to cut it through and get to know all the layers.

Spanish Language Day is celebrated on April 23, and was established as a tribute to the writer Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, who died on April 23, 1616.

The Spanish language and the culture of the Spanish-speaking countries are very important in our Academy. Thanks to our teachers, it is the third language available for children, after Polish and English.

That day, we dressed in red and yellow, painted our faces, and tasted delicious food - pan tumaca with jamon iberico (ham toast). We listened to Spanish music and watched presentations about Spanish culture prepared by our Iberian teachers.

PS. Do you know what the author of Don Quixote - Miguel Cervantes and our Ms. Aymara have in common? They come from the same city!

The scarier - the cooler!

Montessori School and Preschool were visited by various exotic creatures. At this age, curiosity prevails over prejudice, so we could see close or touch: bearded agama, reticulated python, corn snake, African snail and millipede.

Thanks to our guests we could meet representatives of the animal world from several continents: Australia, North America, Africa and Asia. We also learned about the different behaviours of each animal.

- Did you know that the agama has rough skin that protects it from cuts when it squeezes through narrow rocks? Its spines get bigger when it is nervous and it scares other animals by slapping its tail against the ground

- The grain snake does not eat grain at all, but mice. It sheds its skin entirely, unlike the agama, which sheds it in patches

- Python is very cunning, can innocently wriggle around the victim to measure whether he manages to eat it

Thank you, Funlife, for leading the exotic workshops and interesting meeting!

The International Montessori Academy team wishes you:

In the age of the Internet and smartphones, shortwave communications may seem like a pastime of a bygone era. Nothing more mistaken!

Today we hosted at the Academy Mr. Przemysław Błaśkiewicz from Wroclaw Shortwave Club SP6PRT, who revealed to us the secrets of telegraph, Morse code and shortwave communication.
We listened to the conversations of pilots from flying planes, we communicated with Japan, USA and with the station in Mokronos Górny. A several-meter antenna was installed in the garden.

- is this frequency free?
- CQ from Sierra Papa Six Papa Romeo Tango, calling CQ...

This is how we called other radio stations encouraging conversation.

We learned about ethical aspects and good practices in shortwave communications. We learned what radio communication is used for every day and why it is the best method of communication in space.
The activities corresponded perfectly with our lessons about sound, during which we conducted experiments to learn the properties of materials in terms of wave conduction and insulation.
We would like to thank Przemek for his visit and for sharing his passion with us!

Over 400 books for children and parents have been made available in our school library. The shelves are mainly stocked with books in Polish and English, but the list of available publications is growing all the time.
The library was created on the initiative of our students, who also donated their own books to the collection, and was created with both students and their parents and teachers in mind.
Children will find for themselves fiction, educational and entertainment books. For adult readers we have prepared books about Montessori pedagogy, books on upbringing, child development, business publications, self-development and motivation.

The opening ceremony took place on the eve of the International Children's Book Day, which falls on April 2nd - the anniversary of Hans Christian Andersen's birthday.
On this occasion we hosted at the Academy the author of children's books, Aleksandra Srokowska-Ziółkowska, who told us about herself and her adventure with writing.
We found out what the whole process of creating a book looks like, resulting in the possibility of buying it in a bookstore. Mrs. Aleksandra's visit was also a great opportunity to ask questions about book creation.
During the inauguration there was also a theatrical improvisation in our school theater.

We would like to thank everyone for their involvement in this initiative and invite you to use the library's collections.

Dear Parents,

we'd like to remind you our Academy hosts a weekly Parents' Cafe on Fridays.

You can come and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee to chat with other parents or do some work. A specially prepared space in the Rowans Class on the ground floor is waiting for you.

• Every Friday.
• 8-10 am.

We warmly invite you!

This year World Sleep Day fell on Friday, March 18, and its theme was "Good Sleep, Sound Mind, Happy World".

Our students and teachers came to the Academy dressed in their pyjamas and brought their favourite pillows, soft toys, and books to read before bedtime. There was a lot of laughter and fun - among other things, we dyed pillowcases choosing our favourite pattern at school. However, this did not cover the most important aspects: we talked about how much we need good quality and proper length of sleep and what we can do to sleep better.

Ten tips for a good night's sleep for children (up to age 12)*:

1. put your child to bed before 9 p.m.
2. have a consistent bedtime routine, i.e. consistent times for going to bed and getting up during the week and the weekend.
3. use comfortable clothing to sleep in and appropriate diapers for younger babies.
4. let your child fall asleep on their own.
5. keep the bedroom darkened and use lights only when getting up in the morning.
6. electronic devices - computers, TVs, cell phones - should be kept out of the bedroom. Also, limit their use in the evening.
7. have a routine of daily activities, especially meal times.
8. keep nap times consistent throughout the day, with the length of naps adjusted to the child's age.
9. provide physical activity during the day, especially outdoors.
10. do not give your child caffeinated products, such as sweetened drinks and tea.

Optimal sleep duration based on baby's age:

• Up to 3 months: 14-17 hours
• From 4 to 11 months: 12-15 hours
• One to 2 years: 11-14 hours
• 3 to 5 years: 10-13 hours
• 6 to 13 years: 9-11 hours

* Based on National Sleep Foundation guidelines.

Free workshops for children from Ukraine

Next Wednesday, we start regular workshops for children from Ukraine at our Academy.

Age group 3-6 - Fridays from 15.30 to 17.30.

Age group 7-12 - Wednesdays from 15.30 to 17.30.

For children during this time are waiting:

• Art workshops.
• Movement games.
• Psychoeducation and mindfulness classes.
• Psychological support.
• Presence of a translator.
• Refreshments.

During the children's participation in the workshop, we invite parents to our Montessorian cafe for coffee, tea and cakes in a friendly atmosphere.

We invite you to register in the form:

Age group 3-6 years old: https://forms.gle/XVzwtnbcXk4XdrqEA

Age group 7-12 years old: https://forms.gle/Azw3ujpVj6yz5nZs6

We look forward to seeing you! We welcome you!

Цієї середи ми розпочинаємо майстер-класи для дітей з України.

Ми пропонуємо дві дати:

Щосереди з 15.30 до 17.30 | Вікова група 7-12 років

Щоп'ятниці з 15.30 до 17.30 | Вікова група 3-6 років.

Ми пропонуємо:

• Художня майстерня.
• Рухливі ігри.
• Психоосвіта та усвідомлення.
• Догляд психолога.
• Наявність перекладача.
• Частування.

Поки за дітьми доглядають волонтери, батьки зможуть провести час у нашому Монтессорі-кафе. Ми пропонуємо каву, чай та печиво в приємній атмосфері.

Запрошуємо зареєструватися у формі:

Вікова група 3-6 років: https://forms.gle/XVzwtnbcXk4XdrqEA

Вікова група 7-12 років: https://forms.gle/bSV38igJXEr1RiQq5

Ми чекаємо на вас і ми з вами! Запрошуємо!

At Montessori International Academy we teach understanding, tolerance and peace.

That is why we are deeply moved by the events in Ukraine. Our friends, students and their families are suffering.

We are not indifferent to the injustice and suffering. We organize help for refugees from Ukraine. From today you can bring to us:

• hygiene products - shampoos, soaps, shower gels, diapers, wet wipes, pads;
• clean or new towels;
• Clean or new bed sheets;
• clean or new blankets and sleeping bags;
• Inflatable mattresses for sleeping (not pool mattresses).

All items will be given to Kąty Wrocławskie Municipality, which will distribute them to people who need our support.

At the moment we are not collecting clothes, shoes or food. We are working in this area in agreement with the Municipality.

Thank you for your help!

Carnival party!

Today at the Academy, we are celebrating carnival. We dance, sing, play instruments, and dress up in various costumes. Preschool groups and their teachers have dressed up in costumes representing cultures and ethnic groups worldwide. We get to know other cultures and learn respect and tolerance.

Meanwhile, at school, students dressed up as their favourite musical artists. We are practising public speaking - talking about the artist of their choice, discussing musical preferences, as well as singing and having fun.

See what costumes we could watch today!

World Cat Day - 17th February

On this day we could not miss a furry guest. The Montessori Academy was visited by Chronos, a seven-year-old Siberian with pedigree which no cat would be ashamed of. Chronos visited all kindergarten and school groups. He was eagerly acquainted with Montessori aids, especially those for math and Spanish. He bravely accepted all strokes, and there were really a lot of them. He talked a bit about his forest habits and customs, how he likes to lie up to the ceiling in his "cat base" every day, waiting for his favorite munchies or chicken fluff.

Thanks to him, the students also learned about the differences between a domestic Siberian cat and a free-roaming one, e.g. what size such cats are, how much they weigh and what kind of fur they have.

We started the summer semester with Valentine's Day twist!

On Monday, February 14, the whole Academy was decorated with balloons and hearts. The students and the teaching and administrative staff were dressed in red that day. This day was full of joy and love. The children learned about Valentine's Day traditions worldwide and created hearts out of salt paste or glycerin, learning about the chemical and physical properties of bodies through hands-on activities.

Additionally, on that day, we combined the celebration of Valentine's Day with the Day of Good Word - kind words were waiting for teachers and students. We also paid special attention to feelings, saying kind words, and building a warm attitude towards others. This day fits perfectly with the Montessorian education for peace. We show that being friendly and kind to others changes the world, so it is worth remembering not only on holidays.

Open Day at a bilingual Montessori preschool and school.

Are you looking for a unique preschool or school for your child? Imagine a place where your child will develop in a safe atmosphere, at their own pace and without the pressure of time and grades. A place where both a high level of education and emotional and social development is essential. A place where the teacher is a companion and advisor, not a guardian of results. A place where asking questions is a natural way to gain knowledge. International Montessori Academy is exactly that kind of place. See if this is the place for your child and your entire family. Come to the Open Day and see for yourself!

February 17 (Thursday) | 6 – 8 pm.
Non-public Montessori Academy near Wrocław
25 Wrocławska St., Mokronos Górny.

During the Open Day, we will:

• show you around the preschool and school,
• talk about Montessori pedagogy and education,
• share current knowledge and research on Montessori pedagogy and its effectiveness,
• explain how we nurture emotional and personal development,
• explain why we do not use punishments and rewards,
• show you teaching aids and materials,
• answer your questions.

Are you interested?

Sign up via the form >

Positive Discipline in the classroom.

This interactive workshop is designed for teachers, counselors, school staff and administrators who want an effective discipline approach that integrates social and emotional learning while reducing challenging student behaviors.

It will take place at August 15, 8 am - 4 pm.

Course delivered in English.

Attendees will learn to:

• Develop a large teaching toolbox of kind and firm discipline approaches.
• Establish explicit classroom structures and procedures.
• Create an equitable classroom community based on mutual respect.
• Understand the motivation behind students' misbehavior and how to encourage positive change.
• Facilitate effective class meetings teaching social skills and problem-solving.
• Learn Positive Discipline/Adlerian Psychology for use in the classroom and school community.

What is Positive Discipline?

Positive Discipline is a program designed to teach young people to become responsible, respectful and resourceful members of their communities. Based on the best selling Positive Discipline books by Dr. Jane Nelsen, Lynn Lott, Cheryl Erwin and others, it teaches important social and life skills in a manner that is deeply respectful and encouraging for both children and adults (including parents, teachers, childcare providers, youth workers, and others).
 
Recent research tells us that children are “hardwired” from birth to connect with others, and that children who feel a sense of connection to their community, family, and school are less likely to misbehave. To be successful, contributing members of their community, children must learn necessary social and life skills. Positive Discipline is based on the understanding that discipline must be taught and that discipline also teaches.

Five criteria for Positive Discipline

1. Helps children feel a sense of connection. (Belonging and significance)

2. Is mutually respectful and encouraging.  (Kind and firm at the same time.)
3. Is effective long - term. (Considers what the child is thinking, feeling, learning, and deciding about himself and his world – and what to do in the future to survive or to thrive.)
4. Teaches important social and life skills.  (Respect, concern for others, problem solving, and cooperation as well as the skills to contribute to the home, school or larger community.)
5. Invites children to discover how capable they are.  (Encourages the constructive use of personal power and autonomy.)

Positive Discipline tools

The Positive Discipline Parenting and Classroom Management models are aimed at developing mutually respectful relationships. Positive Discipline teaches adults to employ kindness and firmness at the same time, and is neither punitive nor permissive. The tools and concepts of Positive Discipline include:  

• Mutual respect.  Adults model firmness by respecting themselves and the needs of the situation, and kindness by respecting the needs of the child.
• Identifying the belief behind the behavior. Effective discipline recognizes the reasons kids do what they do and works to change those beliefs, rather than merely attempting to change behavior.
• Effective communication and  problem solving skills.
• Discipline that teaches (and is neither permissive nor punitive).
• Focusing on solutions instead of punishment.
• Encouragement (instead of praise). Encouragement notices effort and improvement, not just success, and builds long-term self-esteem and empowerment.

Unique Characteristics of the Positive Discipline Model also include:

• Teaching adults and students through experiential activities. Creating opportunity to practice new skills and to have fun learning by doing.
• Classroom discipline programs and parent education programs that are consistent. Parents, teachers, and childcare providers can work together to provide a secure, consistent environment for children.
• Inexpensive training and ongoing support so members of communities can teach each other Positive Discipline skills.
• Certified trainers across the country who can work with schools and communities.

A history of Positive Discipline

The Positive Discipline Parenting and Classroom Management Model is based on the work of Alfred Adler and Rudolf Dreikurs.  Dr. Adler first introduced the idea of parenting education to United States audiences in the 1920s. He advocated treating children respectfully, but also argued that spoiling and pampering children was not encouraging to them and resulted in social and behavioral problems. The classroom techniques, which were initially introduced in Vienna in the early 1920s, were brought to the United States by Dr. Dreikurs in the late 1930s. Dreikurs and Adler refer to the kind and firm approach to teaching and parenting as “democratic.”

In the 1980s, Lynn Lott and Jane Nelsen attended a workshop facilitated by John Taylor. Lynn began training interns to teach experientially and wrote (with the help of her interns) the first Teaching Parenting Manual. Jane was the director of Project ACCEPT (Adlerian Counseling Concepts for Encouraging Parents and Teachers), a federally funded project that had received exemplary status while in its developmental phase. Jane wrote and self-published the book, Positive Discipline, in 1981. It was published by Ballantine in 1987. In 1988, Jane and Lynn decided to collaborate on the book which is now titled, Positive Discipline for Teenagers, and began to teach parenting and classroom management skills experientially. Lynn and Jane also wrote Positive Discipline in the Classroom and developed a manual filled with experiential activities for teachers and their students.
 
In the years since, the Positive Discipline series has grown to include titles that address different age groups, family settings, and special situations. Positive Discipline is taught to schools, parents, and parent educators by Certified Positive Discipline Trainers. Community members, parents, and teachers are encouraged to become trained facilitators and to share the concepts of Positive Discipline with their own groups.
 
Positive Discipline parent education classes are taught across the country, and Positive Discipline  is successfully used as the classroom management model in private, religious, and public elementary schools. A demonstration school program was developed and is steadily expanding.

The evidence for Positive Discipline

Formal evaluation comparing Positive Discipline Schools with schools using other discipline programs is just beginning. However, studies of implementation of Positive Discipline techniques have shown that Positive  Discipline tools do produce significant results.
 
A study of school-wide implementation of classroom meetings in a lower-income Sacramento elementary school over a four-year period showed that suspensions decreased (from 64 annually to 4 annually), vandalism decreased (from 24 episodes to 2) and teachers reported improvement in classroom atmosphere, behavior, attitudes and academic performance. (Platt, 1979)
 
A study of parent and teacher education programs directed at parents and teachers of students with “maladaptive” behavior that implemented Positive Discipline tools showed a statistically significant improvement in the behavior of students in the program schools when compared to control schools. (Nelsen, 1979)
 
Smaller studies examining the impacts of specific Positive Discipline tools have also shown positive results. (Browning, 2000; Potter, 1999; Esquivel)
 
Studies have repeatedly demonstrated that a student’s perception of being part of the school  community (being “connected” to school) decreases the incidence of socially risky behavior (such as emotional distress and suicidal thoughts / attempts, cigarette, alcohol and marijuana use; violent behavior) and increases academic performance. (Resnick et al, 1997; Battistich, 1999; Goodenow, 1993)
 
There is also significant evidence that teaching younger students social skills has a protective effect that lasts into adolescence. Students that have been taught social skills are more likely to succeed in school and less likely to engage in problem behaviors. (Kellam et al, 1998; Battistich, 1999)   Although specific studies of the Positive Discipline parenting program are in the early stages, programs similar to Positive Discipline have been studied and shown to be effective in changing parent behavior. In a study of Adlerian parent education classes for parents of teens, Stanley (1978) found that parents did more problem solving with their teens and were less autocratic in decision making.
 
Positive Discipline teaches parents the skills to be both kind and firm at the same time. Numerous studies show that teens who perceive their parents as both kind (responsive) and firm (demanding) are at lower risk for smoking, use of marijuana, use of alcohol, or being violent, and have a later onset of sexual activity. (Aquilino, 2001; Baumrind, 1991; Jackson et al, 1998; Simons, Morton et al, 2001)
 
Other studies have correlated the teen’s perception of parenting style (kind and firm versus autocratic or permissive) with improved academic performance. (Cohen, 1997; Deslandes, 1997; Dornbusch et al, 1987; Lam, 1997).

Are you interested in what authentic Montessori education looks like in the 21st century?

Come to OPEN DAY and find out how we teach, breaking educational schemes and proving that learning is, above all, the pleasure of discovering the world.

Thursday, April 2, 2020. Start at 17.30.

Feel invited!

Join us for a complete course on "Positive Parenting with Positive Discipline" for parents.

If you would like to learn:

• how to effectively deal with your child's challenging behaviours without using punishments and rewards?
• How to encourage your child to make the right choices without yelling and frustration?
• How to support your child in building self-esteem?
• How to keep the child to be independent, resourceful and self-confident?
• How do you help your child's development to reach their full potential?
• What does Positive Discipline have to do with Montessori education?

This workshop is for you!

Positive Discipline is the educational method of choice in Montessori schools worldwide. Its values are aligned with those of Montessori education.

Positive Discipline is part of a training program for Montessori teachers in the USA.

Leader: Ewelina Donatti, certified Positive Discipline trainer, Montessori teacher, director of the International Montessori Academy, mother of Filip (age 16), Alex (age 10) and Oscar (age 8).

What is Positive Discipline?

Positive Discipline is a classical educational method developed for 30 years. Its roots are in the individual psychology of Austrian psychotherapist Alfred Adler. He was one of the first who took an interest in the individual in a broader social context and believed that all people have one basic desire: they want to feel that they belong and matter.

Helps parents:

• understand their children,
• support their natural potential,
• raise them to be wise, confident, responsible and sensitive adults,
• deal effectively with everyday difficulties such as getting dressed, leaving the house, cleaning, brushing teeth, etc.

It helps children feel a sense of connection and belonging, helping them feel important in their family and community.

It is both respectful and demanding: soft and firm at the same time, hard on the problem and soft on the person.

It is effective long-term: it considers what the child is thinking, feeling, learning, and making decisions about themselves and their world and how they choose to act in the future to survive and succeed.

Teaches essential social and life skills: respect, caring for others, problem-solving, cooperation, and the ability to contribute and be useful at home, preschool, school, and the larger community.

Invites children to discover how competent they are. Encourages them to use their power and autonomy constructively.

Positive Discipline provides parents with ready-made tools and techniques to work on themselves and their children.

Positive Discipline was created to educate young people to be responsible, respectful and resourceful members of society.

This method teaches important social and life skills encouragingly and respectfully for children and adults (including parents, teachers, child care providers, young workers, and others). It is based on the best-selling and hugely popular book "Positive Discipline" by Dr Jane Nelsen and co-authors Lynn Lott, Cheryl Erwin and others, which has been in use for 30 years and is constantly being updated.

Recent research says that children are "programmed" from birth to connect with others. Children who feel connected to their community, family, and school show less tendency for inappropriate behaviour and misbehaviour. To be successful as a community member, children need to learn essential social and life skills.

In Poland, the topic of a sense of belonging is addressed by Agnieszka Wilczynska, PhD, the content patron of POSITIVE DISCIPLINE in our country. She is also a partner of the project BOHATERS OF EXPERIENCE by Prof. Zimbardo (http://hip.org.pl/), under the honorary patronage of the Ministry of National Education.

THE TOOLS AND CONCEPTS THAT POSITIVE DISCIPLINE EMBRACES ARE:

• Mutual Respect. Adults model respect for their needs and the demands of the situation by demanding the child while remaining kind and respectful of the child's needs.
• Identifying the beliefs behind behaviours. Behind every child's behaviour is a belief, often erroneous. An effective response to a child's inappropriate behaviour is possible precisely by understanding why children do what they do. Changing the behaviour itself without changing the beliefs is doomed to failure.
• Effective communication and problem-solving skills
• Discipline that teaches (and is neither too lenient nor too prescriptive).
• Focusing on finding solutions rather than punishing.
• Use of encouragement (rather than praise). Motivation notes effort in action and progress, not just success. Encouragement builds a lasting sense of self-worth and agency.

Investment: 350 PLN

The number of places is limited. 

Coming February 7, 2020 (9:00 - 10:30 am) at the Parent Café at the International Montessori Academy. 

Positive Discipline is the educational method of choice in Montessori schools worldwide. Its values are aligned with those of Montessori education.

Positive Discipline is part of a training program for Montessori teachers in the USA.

Leader: Ewelina Donatti, certified Positive Discipline trainer, Montessori teacher, director of the International Montessori Academy.

The complete Positive Discipline training series will occur in February/March 2020.

If you would like to learn:

• how to effectively deal with your child's problematic behaviours without using punishments and rewards?
• How to encourage your child to make the right choices without yelling and frustration?
• How to support your child in building self-esteem?
• How to help the child to be independent, resourceful and self-confident?
• How do you keep your child's development so that they can reach their full potential?
• What does Positive Discipline have to do with Montessori education?

this workshop is for you!

The number of places is limited. 

You are welcome!

We invite all parents of young children ages 0-6 who want to raise curious and responsible people!

This Conference is for you if you want to:

• Learn about activities for children that remain consistent with the Montessori method: eye-hand coordination, music and movement, daily life, art and crafts, language;
• Learn how to demonstrate the activity to your child;
• Adapt the home to the child's abilities and needs;
• Support your child's curiosity;
• Learn the basic principles of Positive Discipline, encourage cooperation without threats, bribery or punishment and at the same time skillfully set boundaries.

4 LECTURES

10 PRACTICAL WORKSHOP SESSIONS

LECTURES & WORKSHOP SESSIONS:

REINALDO DONATTI - Co-founder of International Montessori Academy and International Montessori Institute - Montessori teacher (6-12)

ANNA GAIK - Administrative Director of International Montessori Academy

MARZENA HUMINIECKA - Montessori teacher (3-6)

ADRIANNA WODEJKO - Montessori teacher (3-6)

MONIKA BOREK - Montessori teacher, coach, founder of Montessori City

PAULINA SIKORSKA - Montessori teacher, trainer, methodical director of International Montessori Academy

EWELINA DONATTI - Montessori teacher (3-6 and 6-12), certified Positive Discipline trainer, founder of International Montessori Academy and International Montessori Institute

TOPICS OF PRESENTATIONS

Anna Gaik - Montessori community.

Monika Borek - The Absorbent Mind

Marzena Huminiecka - Prepared Environment

Paulina Sikorska - Phases of Child Development 0-3, 3-6

Reinaldo Donatti - Lilard Research

Ewelina Donatti - Positive Discipline

Adrianna Wodejko - Language Education

WORKSHOPS

Ewelina Donatti

Workshop I: Introduction to Positive Discipline: how to raise your child without punishments and rewards. Effective communication, mutual respect, encouragement, focusing on solutions, not punishment. The four basic needs of a child and how to meet them to raise a confident, resourceful young person.

Workshop II: Four misguided behavioural goals: why doesn't your child listen?

Monika Borek

Workshop I: Selected elements of the Montessori method: receptive phases, natural thirst for knowledge, concrete teaching.

Workshop II: Hand-eye coordination aids for the youngest - children from one to three years of age perfect grasping techniques and working with both hands simultaneously.

Paulina Sikorska

Workshop I: Mathematics - presentation of Montessorian mathematical aids for preschool children, sensitive phase, mathematical mind.

Workshop II: Sensory issues - presentation of sensory aids for preschool children.

Marzena Huminiecka

Workshop I: Prepared environment and its role in child development - principles of arrangement in Montessori preschool can be easily transferred to home interiors.

Workshop II: Preparing the kitchen environment in your home - we will look at the kitchen environment and consider how to implement the principles of Montessori pedagogy in it.

Adrianna Wodejko

Workshop I: LANGUAGE - language-sensitive phase, presentation of language aids. How to help the child learn a fantastically rich language so that it absorbs easily. Presentation of vocabulary enrichment baskets, study cards and the three-step lesson.

Workshop II: ART AND HAND WORKS - guidelines for conducting art and handwork activities, examples.

Join us for workshops on the May weekend of May 25-26. See details.

Saturday, May 25, 2019 (9.00 - 12.00)

I AM OK - AS I AM - How children develop healthy self-esteem.

• How is self-esteem born in a child? 
• What messages build, and what messages ruin self-esteem?
• What is the difference between confidence and self-esteem?
• How do everyday situations with children affect adult self-esteem?
• Why do children whose self-esteem is supported function more efficiently in everyday life?

Saturday, May 25, 2019 (13.30 - 16.30)

PARENT/ TEACHER AS A LIGHTER 

What guidance do children need today to be strong and healthy?

• Why do children need guidance? 
• What guidance do children need today to be healthy and strong? 
• How do you guide a child to understand themselves and build their integrity?
• How to build personal authority?
• How to speak to build rapport and bonding?
• What role do values, integrity, authenticity play in leadership?

Sunday, May 26, 2019 (9.00 - 12.00)

THE ART OF SAYING NO WITH A CLEAR CONSCIENCE. Wise parents, strong children.

• What is the art of saying no to children? 
• What words to use when we want to forbid something?
• How to deal with children's frustration?
• Is a teacher's NO negotiable?
• Does the child also have the right to say no?
• How does the topic of our boundaries relate to saying no?
• How do children behave when they don't hear NO or only hear NO?

Sunday, May 26, 2019 from: 13.30 - 16.30

AGGRESSION - A DANGEROUS TABOO. Why do we need it, and what to do with it.

• From where does aggression in children come?
• Do we react to it adequately?
• How to teach a child how to deal with strong emotions?
• What to do when children fight with each other?
• What does the child ask us for with its aggressive behaviour?
• What is aggression, and what are its types?
• What to do when a parent/adult feels aggression/anger/irritation? 

Inspirational seminars support teachers and caregivers in guiding children and providing parents with valuable information about the child, making the work calmer. They provide proven knowledge related to the topic and Juul's universal values: authenticity, responsibility, cooperation, integrity, equal dignity, leadership, personal authority. 

The seminars introduce the content of JESPER JUUL, a Danish family therapist and world-renowned educator. 

His book, Your Competent Child, is one of the most highly regarded contemporary positions on parenting. Juul emphasizes the importance of respect and cooperation in interactions with children and promotes mature adult leadership. He talks about such modern values as authenticity, responsibility, dignity, integrity, authenticity, accountability, community, and leadership. In recent years, Jesper Juul has paid particular attention to the crisis of modern schooling and the issue of aggression. According to him, these are two of the most pressing problems of European educational culture. That is why Family Lab trainers work with schools pedagogical institutions, train social workers, educators and provide parents with knowledge.

SEMINAR LED BY KORNELIA STAWICKA-ZIELENKIEWICZ

The moment I became a mom was the beginning of my own journey and adventure to get to know myself and find the best solutions for my family and me. In turn, running schools and preparing teachers to work with children and supporting parents, I saw how much we need to feel good, confident and at peace in what we do.

Through Jesper Juul, my picture of relationships in family and education became whole. I know how important a relationship is based on equal dignity, authenticity, and wise leadership. Today this knowledge, combined with my experience, allows me to support teachers and parents in their development and daily relationship with their children. 

Being a Family Lab trainer and leading seminars, I see how people discover themselves and find them essential. Participants say that they get a lot of practical inspiration from everyday life at our meetings, which allows them to translate the content into simple relationships to live more peacefully, joyfully and consciously in their relationships, in their families, at school...

Last Wednesday, our students took a virtual trip to Wales to meet Hannah Harries, an oceanographer and representative of WiseOceans.

WiseOceans works to protect the marine environment and runs educational programmes for school children worldwide. Wise Oceans works in many corners of the world, engaging in scientific research, expeditions, and educational programs. WiseOceans educators are a great source of knowledge and inspiration for students. Hannah talked to us about the importance of awareness regarding the need to care for the oceans, reducing plastic use, and the coral reef restoration program.

We learned a lot of relevant information about the work of WiseOceans and viewed photos and videos taken by Hannah during her time in Seychelles. Students had the opportunity to ask many questions, including what is a water column, do fish feel thirst, and is the polar ice cap composed of fresh or saltwater?

We are changing for you! The school year 2019/2020

Our Academy is a relatively new place on the map of Montessori centres in Wrocław. Although our Academy is relatively young compared to other Montessori schools in the neighbourhood, we are one of Poland's fastest developing Montessori centres.

We offer a unique, fresh and modern perspective on managing an educational institution. Our parents have access to modern communication tools, our pupils to modern educational technologies. As the only institution in Lower Silesia and one of the few in Poland, we train our staff in International Montessori Organizations. We are members of AMI, NAMTA and MACTE. Our school teachers gain their qualifications only during international courses (London or USA) because there are no certified courses in Poland that would educate early school teachers. Thanks to this, we are one of the few schools in Poland offering a school curriculum that complies with international organisations' strict requirements.

Additionally, starting from 2019/2020 we will also offer bilingualism at the pre-school education level. Thus, we will be one of the few Montessori institutions in Poland offering a Montessori bilingual program.

The Bilingual Primary School, run by our Academy from 2019/2020 will have an artistic and sports profile. What does this mean? Additional PE lessons, creation of a sports club, drama lessons, drawing, dance (ballet, contemporary) and the possibility of intensive development of musical interests of our pupils.

Our Academy is a member of the British Council Advantage Program, and therefore our students have the opportunity to gain internationally recognised qualifications from an early age.

We offer exceptional psychological and pedagogical care. We cooperate with specialists in various fields - psychologist, pedagogue, speech therapist, neurologist, neurosensory integration specialist, oligophrenopedagogue. All specialists work in a multidisciplinary team.

As one of the few centres on the map of Poland, we offer our staff exceptional working conditions. Our teachers are paid high salaries and have excellent working conditions.

Are we perfect? No! We are still learning, but one thing is sure... we create an exceptional Montessorian community on the map of Poland. We make it with passion for education and love for children. We are open, transparent, and ambitiously strive to provide our children, parents, and staff with the best development opportunities! We continue to improve for YOU!

This week we start the Cambridge English Qualifications - British Council mock tests for the students of our school. The students have been preparing for them during the first semester of school, and they are now ready to take up the challenge! The tests are designed to ensure success for every child!

The International Montessori Academy is a partner of the British Council and guarantees its students the opportunity to obtain international certificates recognized in many institutions around the world. Having a Cambridge qualification will enable our students to study at World Universities in the future.

Cambridge Assessment English creates world-leading certificates for English language learners and teachers. Our exams are based on professional research and a quality management system. It operates in over 130 countries, where it exams nearly 5 million candidates each year. More than 20,000 institutions around the world recognize Cambridge Qualifications certificates.

Cambridge University Press is known for its first-class English language learning materials, methodological publications for language teachers and preparation materials for all types of Cambridge Qualifications exams. Cambridge University Press was established in 1534 by a proclamation of Letters Patent of King Henry VIII and is the oldest publishing house in the world.

All parents are invited to the "Parenting with Positive Discipline" training hosted by the International Montessori Academy Education Center, Spectrum Progress and Positive Discipline.

Dear Parent!

Time for some good news: raising children can and should be an excellent adventure!

It's not some new miracle potion with hard-to-test efficacy, but a classic parenting method developed over 30 years that helps parents:

♥ support their child in being a happy, smart, resourceful, self-respecting, and others-respecting person.

♥ support themselves in being an effective educator and, at the same time, a warm and close to their child's heart mom/dad.

♥ support your family in harmony related to the three S's: RESPECT FOR SELF, RESPECT FOR ANOTHER PERSON, RESPECT FOR THE DEMANDS OF THE SITUATION.

WHAT SPECIFICALLY WILL WE BE LEARNING ABOUT?

♥ We will think about what life competencies we want to teach our children, what our challenges are (difficult children's behaviours) and what ways we have used so far to strengthen positive behaviours and eliminate difficult ones. We will analyze what the results have been.

♥ We will learn why people sometimes act like reptiles - or how does the brain work under stress?

♥ We will learn what a sense of belonging and meaning is. We will examine 4 misguided ways children seek it.

♥ We'll talk about mistakes and find out what the cure is for those who think they have to be perfect, i.e. we'll explore the 4 P's of mistakes.

♥ We will consider the consequences of being only assertive or only polite.

♥ We will learn and practice some Positive Discipline tools that help you be an al'dente parent - neither too hard nor too soft, that is, kind and firm at the same time :-)

♥ We'll find out what "type of parent" we are (what our priorities in life are) and how that affects raising children.

Join us and get comfortable with the fun side of parenting!

TAKE PART IN AN INTENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAM!

You want to gain knowledge on how to act in specific situations, to get the children's cooperation and gain a sense of competence and peace of mind that you are not hurting the child by working for your own good and theirs.

BY TAKING PART IN THIS INTENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAMME, YOU WILL GAIN

- solid skills on how to follow a middle way without punishment and complacency

- A deep understanding of why children are naughty and how to deal with it

- Sound knowledge based on your own experience from the exercises - not only will you know what to do, but you will also be confident that you are doing it in the best possible way

- A whole box of practical tools

- Getting to know yourself better and understanding how you affect your child

- A whole group experience where members are at the same level of knowledge and skill development, supporting and helping each other.

- Work in an empathetic, safe and trusting atmosphere - in such conditions, new knowledge is assimilated most quickly and effectively.

- space for implementing new skills and becoming a more conscious and effective parent from week to week

This is a weekend program. Within this time frame, you will absorb new knowledge, practice it, and create solutions to specific parenting problems for yourself and other parents - every few heads is not one. The program includes the necessary theory and plenty of practical exercises.

1. Theory + practice, i.e. substantive issues complemented by practical exercises (about 2 hours on each topic)
2. Parents Helping Parents (RPR), or generating solutions to specific parenting problems of the participants

Parenting with Positive Discipline:

1. Punishment - what instead of a penalty, or how to enforce what we care about in a child-friendly way.
2. What the child really wants, or the four ways children behave and how to deal with them.
3. Logical consequences and looking for solutions, or stopping wasting energy on arguments and getting cooperation.
4. Building your child's power, or how to support without spoiling
5. Everyone is important, but everyone is different, or how to meet the needs of all family members... and what does birth order have to do with it all.
6. Tortoise, camel, eagle, lion - how you behave when stressed and how it affects your child.
7. A complete toolbox, or pick and test.

Dates:

30-31 March 2019.

09:00 - 15:30.

Place: Educational Centre of the International Montessori Academy in Mokronos Górny

It was a special day because we could come to the preschool in our comfortable pyjamas. This holiday was also an opportunity to talk about the importance of sleep and the role it plays in human and animal life.

In 2019, World Sleep Day fell on March 15 (Friday)

When we go to bed tired in the evening, it is usually the most pleasant moment of the whole day for us. Rest, a moment of reflection, relaxation and finally a beloved sleep. That's how it should be, but as statistics show, sleep problems can affect up to 45% of the population worldwide. That's why World Sleep Day was established.

As we do every year, we offer regular informational meetings for parents of children wishing to begin the enrollment process at our Academy.

The next meeting will be held on March 26, 2019:

Bilingual Preschool - 6.00 p.m.

Bilingual International Private Elementary School - 7.00 p.m.

At the preschool meeting, we will talk briefly:

• about the fundamental principles of Montessori pedagogy,
• about the educational program carried out at our Academy,
• about adaptation following the proximity parenting and Stepping Stones adaptation program for preschoolers,
• why we do not use punishments and rewards,
• details of the functioning of our Academy,
• healthy nutrition,
• cooperation with parents,

and we will answer your questions.

At the school meeting, we will talk briefly:

• about the fundamental principles of Montessori pedagogy,
• about the combination of the Montessori programme, bilingualism and Polish core curriculum,
• why we do not use punishments and rewards,
• details of the functioning of our Academy (Montessori Compass, Microsoft Education, Cambridge Assessment,
• healthy nutrition,
• cooperation with parents,

and we will answer your questions.

You are welcome!

On March 1, 2019, a Carnival Ball was held at our Academy.

We were accompanied by the theme "Fauna and Flora". The highlights of the past week were Fat Thursday and the Carnival Ball! Our Academy prefers healthy food choices - so instead of doughnuts, our students baked a delicious sponge cake with fruit sweetened with honey and bananas! Preschoolers baked oatmeal cookies with raisins. On the day of the ball, all the children were very excited. At school, the day's highlight was the children's speeches as they talked about the fauna and flora of their choice.

Together, we learned a lot of amazing information from our speakers who overcame stage fright and told their prepared statements in front of the entire class.

We invite all interested parents to an informational meeting: "Montessori Stepping Stones" - an adaptation program for Montessori preschool.

The meeting will be held on February 21 at 6:00 pm at the Academy.

Program description:

Kindergarten is the first important link in the educational process. That is why it is so essential for the child to get to know the new environment with a sense of security. Then they have a chance for harmonious development. The beginning of the adaptation process, which is usually very difficult for both the child and the parent, may influence the child's further development.  

Montessori STEPPING STONES classes are conducted in small groups of max ten children in the company of carers in the atmosphere of trust, understanding and acceptance.  

The program is based on the assumptions of pedagogy of Maria Montessori, who formulated the famous sentence which constitutes the principle of upbringing using the Montessori method - "help me do it myself".

The aim of the meetings is:

• making children independent and facilitating stress-free entry into the world of the preschool group,
• facilitating acceptance of the presence of other children and adults around the child,
• to facilitate the children's conscious participation in the preschool space through creative musical, motor, and artistic activities
• helping to build the first relationships with the instructor-teacher, an adult other than the person from the child's home environment,
• improving "small motor skills",
• improving eye-hand coordination,
• shaping body awareness
• releasing children's natural expression (classes strongly affect the senses, are creative, sensory, allow children to "uncontrolled" work with different materials (beware that children get dirty!) and all this in a positive and giving a lot of smiles and satisfaction atmosphere.

During the classes, there will be time for a shared meal for children, thanks to which we will introduce toddlers to important rules of eating meals together.

The repetitive rhythm of classes gives the youngest a sense of security and creates habits that make it easier for them to smoothly transition and find their way in a new environment - the preschool group.

On February 14th, we celebrated Valentine's Day, which was an opportunity to talk about respect, kindness and the need to show it to each other. We also talked about the need to help others.

By giving, we increase the likelihood of being gifted!

The children made artwork and valentines to thank others for their kindness.

The students of our school took part in a trip to the White School - a ski camp. The White School program was very intensive and extremely interesting: ski training, daily swimming pool, bonfire, snow painting workshop, sliding on hay bags. It was a great time! See for yourself!

We invite all interested Parents and Teachers to a workshop introducing Montessori pedagogy.

Suppose you are a parent and wonder whether Montessori education is a good solution for your child. Or maybe you are a teacher and would like to learn the basics of Montessori philosophy. We invite you to the Introduction to Montessori Pedagogy for Preschoolers workshop. 

Learn the tenets of the Montessori method from birth to age 6!

Workshop series dates:

March 4, 2019 - 6. 00 pm - 8.30 pm

March 11, 2019 - 6.00 pm - 8.30 pm

March 18, 2019 - 6.00 pm - 8.30 pm

March 25, 2019 - 6.00 pm - 8.30 pm

Investment: 280 PLN

During the four-day workshop, you will learn how:

• use the Montessori method at home from birth to 6 years of age,
• how to creatively work/play with your child,
• develop your child's independence,
• create Montessori aids,
• become a guide and mentor for your own child,
• learn methods for observing and working with your child and yourself,
• teach a three-step lesson, present vocabulary enrichment cards, language and culture study cards,
• support your child's natural development,
• design a Montessori room for your child,
• develop your child's passions,
• teach your child letters, writing, reading and grammar,
• teach your child numbers, mathematical operations,
• build your child's senses.

As we do every year, we offer regular information meetings for parents of children wishing to begin the recruitment process for our Academy.

We want to invite you to a meeting on 12 February 2019:

Preschool - at 17.30.

Elementary School - at 18.45

We will briefly talk:

• about the key principles of Montessori pedagogy,
• about the educational program at our Academy,
• about adaptation following the principles of close proximity parenting,
• why we do not use punishments and rewards,
• details of the functioning of our Academy,
• healthy nutrition,
• cooperation with parents,

and we will answer your questions.

You are welcome!

"Montessori STEPPING STONES" - Adaptation Action!

We are pleased to inform you that we have started enrollment for the adaptation program: "Montessori STEPPING STONES", which will occur at our Academy from March 2019 to August 2019.

The program is designed for children who wish to begin their adventure with our Academy in September 2019.

The program is an excellent opportunity to begin adaptation at a pace that allows the child to calmly get used to the environment and staff of our preschool.

In our Academy, the issue of adaptation is treated very seriously. Children develop best in a place where they feel safe. The beginning of adaptation, which is very difficult for both the child and the parent, may influence the child's further development.

A friendly beginning is a comfort for both the child and the parent. We want all children to enter the environment of our Academy gently and safely.

Our adaptive program includes:

1. training and informational meeting for parents:

• introducing parents to Maria Montessori pedagogy,
• discussion on Parent's Guide, 
• organizational matters,
• adaptation.

2. 14 Adaptation Meetings (2 hours each)

• games and plays in Montessori circle,
• common meal preparation,
• working with Montessori materials,
• learning to be independent (eating, dressing, using the restroom)
• and many others. 

3. Participation in the family picnic.
4. Participation in open days.

During adaptation meetings, children will have the opportunity to get to know the Montessori environment, get to know the nursery staff and establish relationships with other children. Parents will have a chance to get to know the environment, meet parents of children who already attend our preschool and exchange experiences connected with children's adaptation in our Academy. 

Certified Montessori teachers run the program. 

The number of places is limited. Feel invited!

On December 21, our Academy held its Christmas Market!

Both the preschool and school students had been eagerly preparing for the past few weeks. Each class made their own Christmas ornaments, plaster pictures, Christmas tree baubles, lanterns, and much more. The school students baked cakes, which could be bought in a café run by the children during the fair. The income from the sales will be donated to the charity - WE SCHOOL.

It is a custom of Montessori schools to invite special guests - people from different professions who want to share their work and passion with children.

On November 20, our Academy celebrated the anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. We had the opportunity to welcome a special guest - a real expert on children's rights, the grandmother of one of our students - Ms Ala.

During an hour-long meeting, children learned about the fundamental rights of children - the right to speech, the right to education, the right to rest, and the right to privacy. The students worked in groups, and based on materials prepared by Ms Ala, they could find out by themselves what particular rights might be related to.

The topic aroused the curiosity of the class. There was also a fundamental question: "do all children in the world have the same rights?" We learned that children worldwide have the same rights, but due to different economic, political, or religious situations, these rights are often not protected and realized. We also discovered that individual rights, e.g. the right to speech and personal inviolability, are not just slogans but also present in school life.

As an expression of disapproval of the fact that children's rights are still violated in many places in the world, the whole class conducted a particular "lesson" of silence - all the children took turns extinguishing the flame of a candle. It was a calming and reflective experience. This special lesson was part of our project "WE SCHOOL - We Are Silent".

More about the project here: https://www.we.org/we-schools/program/campaigns/we-are-silent/

We are an official partner of the British Council's Advantage Programme and offer Cambridge Assessment English qualifications for students at the Montessori Bilingual Private Primary School.

Cambridge Assessment English offers the world's leading certification for English language learners. It operates in over 130 countries. More than 20,000 institutions around the globe recognise Cambridge Qualifications.

The British Council is the representative body of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for cultural and educational cooperation. It operates on six continents and in over 100 countries, creating new international opportunities every day.

Cambridge English qualifications are recognised by thousands of universities, employers, and governments worldwide and open doors to international higher education and employment opportunities.

Our students have the opportunity to challenge themselves to achieve Cambridge qualifications. All tests are conducted in a Montessori philosophy environment.

This Wednesday, the children will take a journey with us through the traditions associated with 31 October 2018! Together we will make pumpkin lanterns and eat delicious pumpkin soup. We invite you to join us!

We invite all parents to our new waiting room! Free coffee and tea, work table, internet access and a corner for babies with a changing table and a place to play. We invite all parents waiting for their children to use this space!

All parents are invited to attend "A Quiet Journey", held at the International Montessori Academy building on October 19, 2018, at 7:00 pm.

The Quiet Journey is a traditional integration meeting for parents of children attending Montessori preschools and schools. At our Academy, we are also honoured to host a group of parents who want to see the world through their child's eyes, experience it in the same way as their child, and discuss the Montessori education and teaching method with others over dinner and a glass of wine.

We warmly invite interested parents and teachers to the workshop introducing the Montessori School Pedagogy. Are you wondering whether the school in the Montessori system is a good solution for your child? Would you like to see a specially prepared environment in a Montessori classroom, meet our staff and learn more about the educational program? We invite you!

Workshops introducing Maria Montessori School Pedagogy

Category: Workshop for teachers and parents.

Duration: 3 hours

Frequency: 3 meetings

Group size: up to 25 people

Investment: 200 PLN

Tutor: Monika Borek

Topics:

1. Maria Montessori - the concept of the child and education.
2. How does the child's brain learn?
3. Prepared environment - Montessori classroom.
4. Freedom and independence.
5. The role of a Montessori teacher.
6. Presentation of selected aids and Great Lessons.

Children and their parents are invited to the Formal Opening of the School Year. It will be held on September 3, 2018, at 9:00 am.

The time allotted for the ceremony is approximately 40 minutes. After the ceremony, the children will remain in school as per their schedule.

All students should be dressed in School Uniform.

See you there!

On the 25th of May, we will celebrate Mother's Day at our Academy.

The children have prepared a surprise for their moms to celebrate this holiday.

You are cordially invited:

15.00 - 15.30 Group B and Group C.

16.00 - 16.30 Group A and Group Toddlers.

Dear Parents and Children! On June 9, from 10.00 to 12.30, we would like to invite you to the Family Day Picnic!

The program includes many family activities. Join us, have fun and relax!

We look forward to meeting Families of children attending the Academy, families beginning their adventure with the Academy, and anyone who wants to get to know us better!

Please bring:

• Picnic blankets/loungers
• Snacks and drinks
• Sunscreen and hats
• Balls, badminton pickleballs, scooters and more welcome.

We kindly remind you that children remain in the custody of their parents. In addition, please help us keep our Academy clean by collecting and disposing of trash after the picnic. Thank you!

In case of inclement weather, the picnic can be cancelled.

You are cordially invited!

On May 22, the preschoolers of all groups will go on a trip to AgroARTtourism in Kryształowice!

The plan includes:

• Activities "Welcoming Spring".
• Artistic workshops of decoupage, during which children will make their own work - the workshops will be led by Mrs. Ewa Offman-Lech, an artist dealing with creative handicrafts.
• Movement and theater classes with Mr. Dariusz Lech, an actor and host of the farm.
• Movement games.

We hope for great fun and nice weather!

On Thursday, April 26, we cordially invite all children to an interactive theatre - "Jonah and the Extraordinary Fish".

It is a colourful play in which we tell the story of Jonah in simple language. The play presents the extraordinary adventures of the hero - his life in the city, his journey on the ship and his stay in the belly of the fish.

This adaptation of the biblical story teaches us that anyone can make a mistake - the important thing is to admit it.

Starring: Jonah, Jonah's friend, the inhabitants of Nineveh, the captain of the ship, Maytrot, the camel and the talking parrot.

Duration: About 40min.

All parents of children attending the International Montessori Academy are cordially invited to coffee and cake mornings!

Coffee mornings are an excellent opportunity for parents to spend a few pleasant moments, exchange observations, ideas or just chat in a friendly atmosphere.

We are open from 7.45 - 9.00 am:

• every Thursday - parents of children attending Group B and C.
• every Friday - parents of children attending Group A and the nursery.

Children/siblings who do not attend the Academy may also participate in the meetings.

You are warmly welcome!

We invite you to familiarize yourself with the training planned for 2018/2019, which will take place at the Educational Center of the International Montessori Academy.

All training is conducted by qualified staff with years of experience in practical work in Montessori classrooms. The trainings are conducted in fully equipped, model Montessori classrooms.

The International Montessori Academy is a very dynamically developing training and educational organization. The Academy is a member of the Polish Montessori Council, and in its development, it follows the guidelines and philosophy of the Polish Montessori Institute.

International Montessori Academy runs a nursery, kindergarten, the first Montessori bilingual elementary school in Lower Silesia and Montessori Music School. The co-organizer of the training is Spectra Foundation and Spectrum Progress.

PLANNED WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS IN WROCLAW 2018/2019

• Introduction to Maria Montessori Pedagogy (IV edition).
• Home Montessori - workshops for parents.
• Music workshops.
• Montessori therapy and its practical application.
• Circle games in the Montessori classroom.
• Learning English in the Montessori classroom.

Preparing the environment in a nursery. Workshop for teachers and caretakers of nursery groups.

Enrollment in the Montessori elementary school, preschool and nursery are underway. We invite you to the Open Door on April 21.

Bilingual Primary School - 10.00-13.00.

Preschool and nursery - 13.00.

Program:

Montessori Bilingual Primary School

10.00 - Welcome: The idea, functioning and philosophy of the Academy, cooperation with parents (Ewelina Donatti, Joanna Berezowska).

10.20 - Membership of Polish Montessori Council and international school organizations which support bilingual schools globally.

10.30 - Demonstration Montessori math lesson (Joanna Berezowska).

11.00 - Memory School - memory and concentration training techniques, speed reading, effective learning methods (Iwona Mokrzan).

11.20 - Music lessons at the Academy, Creative Sing band (Patrycja Ciupa).

11.40 - Bilingualism (Joanna Berezowska).

12.00 - "Innovative teaching methods and information technologies - how to use them well". - Cogito 21 program, Skype in the Classroom, Pobble 365, Write About and many others. Academy plans for using information technology in the Montessori classroom

12.15 - Positive Discipline - Introduction to the program. Positive Discipline is a program that equips parents with the tools to build relationships with their children to set boundaries skillfully. It helps children become responsible, respectful and resourceful adults (Ewelina Donatti).

12.30-13.00 The first Montessori music school in Poland "Montessori Mozarts" Information meeting (Patrycja Ciupa).

During the meeting, parents will have the opportunity to talk to teachers and management, get acquainted with the daily schedule, see aids and the rooms. Children aged above five will be provided with care and various activities to choose from: painting on easels, physical activities, art classes.

Preschool and nursery - 1.00 p.m.

• Playing with an animation scarf.
• Indian competitions.
• Large-format painting.
• Bubble show.
• Music activities.
• Artistic activities.
• Outdoor cinema.

During the Open Day, parents will have the opportunity to talk to teachers and management. They will be able to get acquainted with the daily schedule and have the chance to see the Montessori preschool rooms and aids. Children remain in the custody of their parents.

We kindly invite you!

We will be celebrating the 11th World Sleep Day on March 16.

This year's slogan of World Sleep Day is "Join the World of Sleep, keep the rhythms to enjoy life".

On this occasion, we ask that all children come to the Academy dressed... in pyjamas and bring their favourite small mascot/ cuddly toy with them.

During the class, we will talk to the children about the importance of sleep and the benefits it brings.

All preschoolers attending Our Academy are invited to a special event:

"Morning with Daddy," which will take place on Saturday, March 24.

Children and their dads will have an opportunity to spend time together in the preschool classroom, demonstrate with what aids they like to work, show their work or tell stories they remember.

The preschool classrooms will be open from 9.00 to 11.30 a.m. Children come exclusively with their dad and can spend any number of time in the room.

You are warmly invited!

Polska Rada Montessori, Polski Instytut Montessori and Dolnośląska Szkoła Wyższa cordially invite to conference. It is addressed to teachers of preschool and early school education as well as all who wish to become familiar with Maria Montessori's program, which allows children to experience the joy of learning while supporting the development of their self-esteem, preparing them for adulthood and developing the ability to make decisions.

This seminar aims to present the principles of Maria Montessori in contemporary educational practice in nursery, kindergarten, and elementary school. The conference will be delivered by Ray McClure - a teacher of Montessori education and instructor of Montessori training programs in the United States. Workshops and lectures will be interpreted consecutively.

We have invited people who have many years of experience working with this method with different age groups to join the discussion.

Date: January 8, 2018

Place: Conference Center of the Lower Silesian University of Technology, 55 Strzegomska Street, 53-611 Wrocław

Price: PLN 100 for individual members of the Polish Montessori Council, PLN 150 for others

The program of the conference:

8.00-9.00 - registration

9.00-9.15 - welcome by Prof. Paweł Rudnicki, Dean of the Faculty of Pedagogical Sciences, and Joanna Maghen, Director of the Polish Montessori Institute and President of the Polish Montessori Council

9.15-10.30 - lecture: Ray McClure, Recent scientific research talking about the Montessori method

10.30-11.00 - coffee break

11.00-12.30 - workshops I and II

12.30 - 13.30 - lunch break - lunch on your own, within the premises of the university it will be possible to buy a meal for 15-20 PLN

13.30-15.00 - workshops III and IV

15.00-15.30 - coffee break

15.30-17.00 - Ray McClure, Montessorian Storytelling

Workshop 1

Karolina Mysiura, Educating for Peace

Maria Montessori viewed a child's upbringing as education for peace to prevent conflict in the future. A young child who learns conflict resolution brings this skill into adult life. Respect, assertiveness, empathy, and peaceful conflict resolution are topics covered in this workshop.

Workshop 2

Ray McClure, Joanna Maghen, Child autonomy - can a child not want to learn?

This workshop will answer how to support a child's autonomy in the right way. What to avoid and what to promote in teacher behaviour.

Workshop 3

Joanna Maghen, Working with older children in kindergarten

Often older children in a preschool group cause behavioural problems. It is not the children who have changed, but the teachers who do not always understand the need to change these children. We will talk about the reasons for this situation and present the work on projects for these children.

Workshop 4

Marta Karpa, Best Practices in Grades 1-3

According to Maria Montessori's pedagogy, what mistakes should we make and what should we pay attention to when teaching new 1-3 grade classes.

Montessorian storytelling

Ray McClure

This workshop will focus on the Montessori tradition's stories passed down from generation to generation. We will present stories (not Great Lessons) appropriate for the older child and the younger child.

At this special time, we extend our warmest wishes.

May the magical power of Christmas bring peace, goodness and joy. May each moment of Christmas live with its beauty, and may the New Year bestow upon you prosperity and happiness. May the International Montessori Academy wish you the most beautiful Christmas.

On January 26, 2018, our Academy will host a workshop: "Introduction to the pedagogy of Maria Montessori".

The program:

1. Maria Montessori - the concept of a child and upbringing.
2. How does the child's brain learn? Assortative mind. Sensitive phases. Polarization of attention. Normalization.
3. Prepared environment - Montessori classroom. Freedom, independence, lack of competition.
4. Role of Montessori teacher.
5. Outline of Maria Montessori pedagogy departments: practical everyday exercises, language education, mathematical education, space education, silent lessons, sensorics.
6. Presentation of selected aids.

Workshop details

Duration: 3 hours

Frequency: 1 meeting

Group size: up to 25 people

Investment: 80 PLN

Supervisor: Monika Borek

We warmly invite interested parents and teachers.

In September 2018, the first Bilingual Montessori School in Lower Silesia will be established. Recruitment for the year 2018/2019 is already open!

The school will follow a complete Montessori program, in line with the MEN program. Additionally, it will follow the guidelines of the British Curriculum. The British Curriculum has a considerable reputation and is recognized and acknowledged worldwide. It assumes a comprehensive education and emphasizes the development of the child's personality, searching for their talents and special skills. It is based on the interests and abilities of each child. It promotes learning through questioning, problem-solving and creative thinking.

The school has excellent facilities:

• spacious, well-lit 80-square-meter classrooms,
• its own green area,
• a room for daily gymnastics,
• a playground,
• children have the opportunity to spend time working outdoors growing plants in our gardens.

An invaluable advantage is the location of our Academy, which is situated directly at the exit from AOW to Kąty Wrocławskie. You can reach us within several minutes from Bielany Wrocławskie, Oporów, Muchobór, Smolec, Nowy Dwór or from the center of Wroclaw. The Academy has a parking area for parents.

Due to the great interest in our offer, we are starting recruitment now. Please register in the recruitment form on our website (Registration tab).

We invite you!

Soap washes everything... The workshop was an excellent opportunity for children to learn about soap's history, its properties, and create their unique glycerine soaps.

During workshops, children learned:

• what contemporary soap is made of;
• whether manufacturing soap is difficult;
• whether store-bought soaps are healthy for our skin;
• what additives can be added to soap and its properties then.

The children made:

1. Amber and honey glycerin soap - a gentle soap with moisturizing, soothing and nourishing properties. The addition of ground amber gives the soap soothing scrubbing properties. The skin better absorbs the nutrients and minerals trapped in amber, such as silicon, magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium. It helps in skin regeneration, adds energy, improves immune capabilities, blood circulation, oxygenates. It makes the skin look better, healthier, more luscious.
2. Lavender soap with sea sponge - moisturizing soap with a captivating scent of lavender. The aromatic compounds in lavender oil have a toning effect on the nervous system. The scent of this oil calms, relieves emotional stress and nervous tension and facilitates falling asleep. Lavender oil also has antiseptic properties and accelerates the regeneration of the epidermis. Sea sponge (loofah) embedded in this soap perfectly massages the skin and is a beautiful soap decoration.

Soap washes everything ... Interesting Facts

It is hard to imagine life without soap. Soap is the most commonly used cosmetic for daily hygiene. For centuries, the chemical formula of soap has been changing to return to its roots in recent years. Again, handmade soaps, according to old recipes - natural, without preservatives, synthetic dyes, foaming agents and fragrances are in demand.

The exact origin of the soap is unknown. Some historical sources claim that soap was invented as early as 5 thousand years ago by the Phoenicians, while others state that the precursors of hygiene with the use of soap were the ancient Romans in 2800 BC.

The truth is that soap, in the beginning, was used mainly for washing and washing wounds, and its composition was very different from what we use today. And so, in addition to oils in soaps, there were also tree ashes and animal tallow (melted down beef or sheep fat).

Soap began to be used for hygienic purposes as late as the 11th century. Then the first soap factories were established in Italy, France and Spain. And it became popular in the 19th century when the fashion for a healthy lifestyle and hygiene started worldwide.

The chemical formula of soap changed throughout the centuries. In the past, it was associated with luxury and elite goods - nowadays, it serves primarily to maintain hygiene and health.

Despite technological progress, soaps available in stores usually do not serve our skin. Classical soaps have an alkaline reaction - around pH 9, which can damage the acid-lipid coat of the skin. The composition of conventional soaps also includes chemical additives such as petroleum derivatives, preservatives, dyes, synthetic detergents responsible for better soap lather (tensides). As a result of using such conventional soap, the skin becomes dry, irritated and deprived of its acid protective layer, defenceless against the external environment. What is more, the detergents from soap get into the environment, mainly into the water, causing degradation of entire ecosystems.

Fortunately, there is an alternative. You can make soaps based on original recipes, using ingredients known to nature.

How do they differ from the conventional, mass-produced ones? Mainly the scale of production, composition and quality of raw materials used. Soaps made according to old recipes are skin-friendly; they contain natural, often organic plant additives that increase their care properties and give a beautiful aroma.

Glycerin soaps, laurel soaps (Aleppo soap) or Marseille soap are the most popular in traditional soap stores and stores with natural cosmetics.

On this beautiful December morning, we invite you to a gospel concert, this time in a holiday and Santa Claus atmosphere. Gospelowe Maluchowo will be held in the NFM Educational Centre on December 3rd at 3 pm.

It will be magical and joyful, thanks to wind instruments and... family atmosphere. Well-known and popular Christmas hits will sound in unusual arrangements for saxophones, trumpet and trombone. There will also be playing with the voice and rhythm. All adult and small music lovers are invited to join in the music-making.

The concert is based on the theory of learning music by Professor Edwin E. Gordon. (University of South Carolina, USA). The aim of this method of musicalization is to shape the musical language of children and to support their comprehensive development.

The form of the meeting is very accessible. Children and their parents sit on the floor between the musicians and actively participate in the concert. The performers establish contact with the audience and encourage them to sing, dance and rhythm together. The youngest listeners are also invited to co-create and improvise - they will be able to join in, using their own instruments, such as their favourite rattle, bells, drum or maracas.

Ho, ho, ho! We cordially invite parents and children of the International Montessori Academy to a Christmas meeting.

Nursery - December 15.

Preschool group A - December 15.

Preschool group B - December 13.

See you there!

International Montessori Academy joins the "Góra Grosza" campaign!

Every year, at the turn of November and December, schools and kindergartens hold an extensive collection of coins. The purpose of collecting these small coins is to help children who grow up outside of their families - in children's homes or foster families. We want to show the youngest children the power of small help from many people and joint action for the good of those in need.

Maria Montessori said: " The child builds the man, and there is no man in the world who has not been formed by the child he once was". Childhood should be a time when every child gets the best chance to develop.

Join the action!

This Friday, November 3, we will celebrate Pumpkin Fest at our Academy. All children will be working with the pumpkins they brought, and our menu will include delicious pumpkin soup, as well as pumpkin and carrot cake!

The opening Ceremony of the Academy will take place on Monday, September 4. Start at 8.15 am.

First Family Picnic

The 1st International Montessori Academy Family Picnic will take place on September 2nd at 4 pm on the Academy premises.

Parents with their children are warmly invited.

The program includes Summer Outdoor Cinema, Interactive Theater Show, Jewelry Making Workshops, Culinary Workshops, Plein Air Painting, Science Workshops, Piano Concert and many other attractions! Cakes, homemade cakes and snacks welcome.

You are more than welcome!

We invite parents interested in enrolling their child in our Academy to a meeting, "Montessori Parents Café", which will be held on July 28 in the building of our Academy, Wrocławska 25 Street, Mokronos Górny.

At the meeting, we will have the opportunity to get to know each other better; we will also present the basics of Montessori pedagogy and organizational matters. Homemade cakes are welcome.

You are welcome!

More about event: https://www.facebook.com/events/824535037697940/