Nicolas Lepine
Montessori, Work, and the Age of AI

If Montessori is a method for observing human development, experimenting with the environment, and revising our practice based on what we discover, then AI isn't necessarily a threat to Montessori. It may be one of the greatest tests of whether we actually believe in Montessori as a living method rather than merely a collection of materials.

Montessori, Work, and the Age of AI
Nicolas Lepine
Montessori, Labor, and the Meaning of Work

If a child develops physical problems because of the environment we have created, adding a specially designed piece of furniture to that environment doesn't fix the root problem; it only treats a symptom.

Montessori, Labor, and the Meaning of Work
Nicolas Lepine
American Tchoukball

Traditional Tchoukball uses specialized rebounders. They aren't particularly difficult to find, and they aren't necessarily prohibitively expensive, but they aren't exactly standard equipment in most American school gyms. Basketball hoops, on the other hand? Those are everywhere.

American Tchoukball
Nicolas Lepine
Influence Without Ownership

There is a famous Montessori quote, “The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, 'The children are now working as if I did not exist.’”

Influence Without Ownership
Nicolas Lepine
The Evolution of Wall Ball Equipment and Simple ...

If you found this interesting, here is a link to a lesson plan that will show you how to play three different variations of the same wall ball style game. Each variation will use slightly different equipement resembling some of the sports mentioned above, so histroical connections can easily be made if they are studying those countries in class. What could be even more interesting is the science connection to simple machines, specifically levers. As the students increase their lever arm using different equipment, so they will experience the changes in velocity, which impacts strategy and timing. All these possible connection points make this a super versatile lesson.

The Evolution of Wall Ball Equipment and Simple Machines

Happy Holidays!

To celebrate the upcoming year and the holiday season, I wanted to do special. It has been a year and a half that the Montessori Physical Education website was launched. In that time, tens of thousands of people from all over the world have visited the website, our TpT page, liked us on Facebook, liked our Pinterest posts, followed us on Twitter, and more. I appreciate all of you who have liked or loved our blog posts; I work hard to bring you helpful content for free.

In 2020, I would like more people to be able to access our lessons, so for the month of January, the price of volume one and volume two will be dropped by $20 each! Now, you can purchase volume one or volume two for $29 (down from $49). If you have been sitting on the fence on whether to purchase one or both of the volumes, now is the time.

Thank you to everyone for making Montessori Physical Education so successful. We really appreciate your commitment to your students by giving them an enriching PE experience.

Sincerely,

Nick Lepine

P.S. When we hit 500 likes on our Facebook page, we will have a sale on our bundles. Stay tuned for more details!