Your Child’s Inner Genius  (All Ages)
Thursday, March 4  l  7:00–7:45 PM

Presented by Beth Black, Head of School

You work hard at being the best parent you can be. Nevertheless, there are moments when your confidence is tested. Each child is a unique individual, so a one-size-fits-all approach to parenting doesn't work. The conflicting advice people give just complicates matters. What you need is a personal compass that will guide you in making important childrearing decisions.

Dr. Maria Montessori’s insights into child development led her to develop some key principles that can help you steer a consistent course through the parenting challenges ahead. In this session, Wellan Head of School Beth Black will provide an introduction to the Montessori method, giving examples of practices you can implement at home. You'll pick up tips you can put into action both right away and as your child matures. Join us for this energizing session and learn new ways to nurture your child's “inner genius.”

How to Prepare a Home for Peace  (Early Childhood)
Tuesday, March 9  l  7:00–7:45 PM

Presented by Esther Seungyeon Lee, Primary Teacher

Montessori classrooms are famous for quiet focus, a low hum of conversation, and children calmly and purposefully moving about the room. If you’d like to see this kind of serenity in your own home to a preschooler, join Primary Teacher Esther Seungyeon Lee for tips on preparing living spaces, implementing soothing activities, and maintaining calm even through busy transition times.

A Place for Everything: How to Help Kids Get Organized  (Elementary)
Thursday, March 11  l  7:00–7:45 PM
Presented by Mary Evelyn Lucier, Lower Elementary Teacher

“I remembered to hand in my homework!” “By Friday, I need to finish this reading assignment. It’s in my work plan.”  For elementary students and their families, keeping a peaceful home environment is easier when there are systems for staying organized. How can parents not just help their children to get organized, but empower them to take charge of it for themselves? Hear from Lower Elementary Teacher Mary Evelyn Lucier who advises children in Grades 1-3 on how to make their own work plans and stay on track at school.

Promote Independence by (Interior) Design  (Early Childhood)
Tuesday, March 16  l  7:00–7:45 PM
Presented by Amanda Cusanno, Kindergarten Teacher

The more young children can do for themselves independently, the more confident they will become. At the toddler and preschool level, this can look like serving their own snack, choosing their own activity, cleaning up their own mess, and more. Kindergarten Teacher Amanda Cusanno will share ways you can adapt each area of your home environment to promote independence and extend learning as you go about your day.

Freedom Within Limits: Growing Independence in the Elementary Years

Thursday, March 18  l  7:00–7:45 PM 
Presented by Beth Schuch, Upper Elementary Teacher and Michael Silverstone, Lower Elementary Teacher

Whether it’s getting a first cell phone, going on a solo errand, or sleeping away from home, how do you know what your child is ready for? As children get older, striking the right balance of freedom within limits can be a daunting task. In a Montessori classroom, teachers observe each student for skill development and assess readiness for new freedoms and responsibilities in the classroom. Join Elementary Teachers Beth Schuch and Michael Silverstone for a workshop on how to apply this process at home.

What Makes Your Heart Happy? Preschoolers and “Big Emotions”  (Early Childhood)
Tuesday, March 23  l  7:00–7:45 PM
Presented by Priya Venkateswaran, Kindergarten Teacher

Often, happiness comes from making positive choices. Learn how you can apply one simple question to help children reflect on their wide range of emotions and choices. In addition to developing emotional intelligence at a young age, children can use this frame of mind to “think before they leap” and choose actions that are healthy and kind.

Testing the Waters: Navigating Friendships in Elementary  (Elementary)
Thursday, March 25  l  7:00–7:45 PM
Presented by Kayla Stiffler, Lower Elementary Teacher

The elementary years are a time when children form friendships, which comes along with “bumps in the road” as they develop understanding of different perspectives and boundaries. Lower Elementary Teacher Kayla Stiffler will dive into the importance of practicing conflict resolution with elementary-aged children. She will also provide resources and books for parents to help them support their child as a social being.

Making the Most of Story Time  (Early Childhood)
Tuesday, March 30  l  7:00–7:45 PM
Presented by Kate Kane, Librarian

There is no experience like bonding with your young child over a good book. But story time is even more than quality time together. When you read with interactive Q&A, you teach your child much about verbal communication and critical thinking skills. Wellan Librarian Kate Kane will highlight ways in which parents, teachers, and caregivers can support early literacy and language development through children's books. She will also provide book suggestions that your budding reader is sure to love!

Montessori Myths & Magic: Q&A Session with Panelists  (All Ages)

Thursday, April 1 | 7–7:45 PM

Presented by Beth Black, Caitlin Bowring, and Katie Hamill

In this final session, you will have an opportunity to ask questions about the Montessori approach as it applies both at home and in a school setting. A panel from Wellan—Beth Black, Head of School; Caitlin Bowring, Elementary and Middle School program director; and Katie Hamill, Early Childhood program director—will address some of the prevailing myths and highlight the “magic” of this innovative child-centered philosophy as they field your questions.