April 18, 2023
How to Support Inspiration and Engagement at the Elementary Level with Jennifer Dorrell

Our Guest: Jennifer Dorrell

with Tamara Sheesley Balis

Episode #116: How to Support Inspiration and Engagement at the Elementary Level

Show Notes

Jennifer Dorrell joins us to discuss the keys to inspiring students’ engagement in the Elementary curriculum. Jennifer talks about the importance of the Great Lessons in creating a culture of curiosity and student-led inquiry. One key is to be inspired yourself! Jennifer gives advice on how to dig deeper into areas that you aren’t naturally drawn to. She also advises that Elementary classrooms must be research-driven. When this is true, all areas of the curriculum can be hooked into a topic that a student is excited about exploring. Jennifer shares her planning for three-year cycles in the Science and Cultural areas. She also describes her record keeping system and how she tracks what follow-up work students have decided on. Jennifer shares so much practical advice and inspiration – join us!

About Our Guest

Jennifer Dorrell

Montessori Guide and Teacher Trainer

Jennifer Dorrell has been in a Montessori classroom since 1999. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toledo and an AMS Elementary I-II credential from MMTEC in Michigan. She is currently a lead Upper Elementary guide at Hillside Montessori of Lagrange, an instructor for MTEI of Atlanta in the Elementary program, and Chairman of the Board of Directors for Montessori Partnerships for Georgia.

Voices in Montessori Podcast

Igniting vibrant and engaging conversations in the Montessori movement to inspire, elevate, and support educators, leaders, and schools.

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