Home / Parent Portal / Learning Opportunities

Learning Opportunities for Adults

the_childrens_house_blog.jpg

Points of Interest: The Children’s House Blog
Timely and pertinent Montessori, school, and parenting topics are addressed in our blog every other week and shared in the Waypoints and on our homepage.

Read the Blog

parent_library_2.jpg

Parent Library
This beautifully curated selection of Montessori and parenting books and videos is available for parent and staff use. You may browse at your leisure and check books out at the Front Desk. 

independence_in_ycc.jpg

Video Recordings
Watch the Independence series and Montessori Up Close videos from The Children's House archives. 

Video Archives

montessori_guide_resource.jpg

More on Montessori

For articles and videos on the Montessori approach to learning, visit montessoriguide.org. To support Montessori learning at home, visit aidtolife.org

trisha_square.jpg

Books on Mental Health

In our "Coffee with Trisha Short" discussions, some book recommendations have come up. Here is the list:

  • The Power of Showing Up: How Parental Presence Shapes Who Our Kids Become and How Their Brains Get Wired by Daniel J. Siegel 

  • The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel 

  • Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishments to Love and Reason by Alfie Kohn

  • Parenting from the Inside Out: How a Deeper Self-Understanding Can Help You Raise Children Who Thrive by Daniel J. Siegel 

  • Raising Good Humans: A Mindful Guide to Breaking the Cycle of Reactive Parenting and Raising Kind, Confident Kids by Hunter Clarke-Fields MSAE


2023-24 Learning Opportunities for Adults

montessori_101_with_michele_shane.jpg

Montessori 101 for new parents with Michele Shane
Tuesday, September 19, 2023 
4 - 5 p.m. at The Children’s House

Required for all new parents and caregivers. 

Register to reserve childcare. 

Register here

paulapreshlack_1.jpg 

The Montessori Potential with Paula Lillard Preschlak
Thursday, September 21, 2023 at The Children’s House
6:00 p.m. Reception in lobby
6:30 - 7:30 p.m. "The Montessori Potential" in the gym
Book signing to follow

Join us for a special evening with Paula, the author of "The Montessori Potential, How to Foster Independence, Respect and Joy in Every Child.” We have two copies of her book in our parent library for you to borrow in advance. Or pick up your own copy at Horizon BooksIt is also available on Audible if you prefer to listen.

This learning opportunity is open to the broader community, please invite your friends! Facebook event: https://fb.me/e/4uc1DXsV5

Join us for a book club style discussion on Zoom, Thursday, October 10 at 7:30 led by Britny Tollstam. 

wendy_mogel_phd_1.jpg 

Voice Lessons for Parents & Caregivers: What to Say, When to Say It & How to Listen
Wendy Mogel, Clinical Psychologist & Author
Thursday, September 28, 2023
7:30–8:30 p.m. via Zoom
The recording of this webinar will be available until December 31, 2023

Most parents are adept and savvy communicators, even when mild tensions arise in relationships—until they’re talking to their children. Addressing this growing challenge for families, Dr. Mogel developed a series of specific “voice lessons” for parents. Using humor and act outs, she’ll share how a shift in vocal style, verbal content, and timing will lead children to listen more attentively, communicate with more enthusiasm, respect, and sincerity and cooperate with more alacrity. She’ll reveal how each age and stage of a child’s life brings novel opportunities to connect. And the heartening news is that parents can model and teach the foundational skills of communication starting at birth…or anytime beyond. Participants will leave with specific skills and strategies to use with children of diverse temperaments that span childhood and adolescence. 

Pre-registration is Required

  1. To Register: click on the button above.
  2. Click the "Register" button at the bottom of the event page. 
  3. Receive a Zoom confirmation email with your ticket, individual URL and "Add to Calendar" link.
primary_curriculum_1.jpg

Montessori Up Close: Diving into the Primary Curriculum
Thursday, October 5, 2023
4 - 5:30 p.m. at The Children’s House

Come learn more about your child's home away from home: How they go about their day learning, being curious, caring for themselves and their environment, and becoming more and more independent. Don’t miss this special and interactive presentation by our Primary faculty! 

For parents and caregivers of children ages 3 to 5. Register to reserve childcare. 

Register Here

trisha_square.jpg 

Coffee with Trisha & Britny: Voice Lessons for Parents & Caregivers: What to Say, When to Say It & How to Listen
Wednesday, October 11
8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Community Room at The Children’s House

Parents and caregivers are invited for coffee with Trisha Short, school counselor, and Britny Tollstam, Adult Learning Specialist, to have an in-person discussion about the topics covered in the ISACS webinars.

the_montessori_toddler.jpg 

Montessori Up Close: The Montessori Potential Book Discussion
Thursday, October 17, 2023
7:30 - 8:30 p.m. via Zoom

Parents and caregivers are invited to read "The Montessori Potential, How to Foster Independence, Respect and Joy in Every Child” by Paula Lillard Preschlak and then join us online for a book club style discussion with Britny Tollstam.

We have two copies of her book in our parent library for you to borrow. Or pick up your own copy at Horizon BooksIt is also available on Audible if you prefer to listen.

montessori_toddler.jpg 

Montessori Up Close: The Montessori Toddler
Thursday, October 26, 2023
4-5:15 at The Children’s House

A meaningful discussion with our Nido & YCC guides around the school life of toddlers and parenting. Parents and caregivers of children ages 0 to 3 are encouraged to read The Montessori Toddler by Simone Davies prior to this discussion. 

Register to reserve childcare.  

Register here

ned_johnson_1.jpg 

How to Raise a Self-driven Child
Ned Johnson, PrepMatters & Author
Thursday, November 30, 2023
7:30–8:30 p.m. via Zoom, registration is required.
The recording of this webinar will be available until June 30, 2024 

Join author and expert Ned Johnson to learn why fostering a healthy sense of control is so important for children's intrinsic motivation, success, mental health, and happiness. Parents and caregivers will learn how to pivot from manager to parent consultant, how to be a non-anxious presence, and will leave with effective strategies to use with children raging in age from tots to teens.

Pre-registration is Required

  1. To Register: click on the button above.
  2. Click the "Register" button at the bottom of the event page. 
  3. Receive a Zoom confirmation email with your ticket, individual URL and "Add to Calendar" link.

trisha_square.jpg 

Coffee with Trisha & Britny: How to Raise a Self-driven Child
Wednesday, December 13
8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Community Room at The Children’s House

Parents and caregivers are invited for coffee with Trisha Short, school counselor, and Britny Tollstam, Adult Learning Specialist, to have an in-person discussion about the topics covered in the ISACS webinars.

compasjrhigh_logo.jpg 

Junior High Showcase
Tuesday, January 9, 2023
5:30 p.m. at the Park Street campus

Current Junior High students and faculty will give presentations and answer questions about the curriculum and everyday life of our Junior High program. 

For 5th and 6th year students and their parents.

 

 

montessori_101_with_michele_shane.jpg

Montessori 101 for new parents with Michele Shane (for mid-year starts)
Tuesday, January 16, 2024 
4 - 5 p.m. at The Children’s House

Required for all new parents and caregivers. Childcare is available. 

jared_cooney_horvath_1.jpg 

A Tour Through Your Child's Brain: Development, Technology & Learning
Jared Cooney Horvath, Neuroscientist, Author & Educator
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
7:30–8:30 p.m. via Zoom, registration is required.
The recording of this webinar will be available until June 30, 2024 

From birth to adulthood, our children undergo many changes which can impact their behavior, cognition, and emotions. During this webinar, we will journey through the developing brain and track how it changes across the lifespan (with a special look at the teenage years). Participants will gain a better understanding of why our children act as they do and consider concrete ways to support them cognitively and behaviorally at home. We will explore the impact of technology on development and learning, and we’ll learn three principles of learning to support our children as they study and learn at home. This webinar is for school-aged children, grades 1-12.

Pre-registration is Required

  1. To Register: click on the button above.
  2. Click the "Register" button at the bottom of the event page. 
  3. Receive a Zoom confirmation email with your ticket, individual URL and "Add to Calendar" link.
trisha_square.jpg 

Coffee with Trisha & Britny: A Tour Through Your Child's Brain: Development, Technology & Learning
Wednesday, January 24
8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Community Room at The Children’s House

Parents and caregivers are invited for coffee with Trisha Short, school counselor, and Britny Tollstam, Adult Learning Specialist, to have an in-person discussion about the topics covered in the ISACS webinars.

cosmic_education_1_1.jpg 

Montessori Up Close: Cosmic Education
Thursday, January 18, 2024
4:00-5:30 p.m. at The Children's House

Elementary school at The Children's House is different from the traditional model most parents experienced growing up. This presentation will explore the prepared environment of our lower elementary classrooms and how the curriculum moves from concrete materials to more abstract thought processes while supporting social and emotional learning.

For parents of current kindergartners (parents only). 

Register to reserve childcare. 

Register here

the_kindergarten_year_montessori_1.jpg 

Montessori Up Close: The Kindergarten Year
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
4 - 5 p.m. at The Children’s House

This opportunity dives deeper into Montessori and focuses on the capstone year of the Primary program. There will be time for Q&A and lots to learn about what it means to be a kindergartner at The Children's House.

For parents and caregivers of Primary students who are not yet in Kindergarten.

Register to reserve childcare. 

Register here

life_in_upper_el.jpg

Montessori Up Close: Upper El Meet & Greet
Thursday, January 25, 2024
4 - 5 p.m. at The Children’s House

This opportunity is for parents and caregivers of rising 4th-year students to meet our Upper El guides, learn how the curriculum continues through 6th grade, and tour the Cedar and Maple classrooms. 

Register to reserve childcare. 

Register here

 

rosetta_lee_1.jpg

Talking to Youth About Heated Topics
Rosetta Lee, Seattle Girls’ School
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
7:30–8:30 p.m. via Zoom, registration is required.
The recording of this webinar will be available until June 30, 2024

Young people bear witness to challenging or traumatic events in current events, media, and our local communities. They are often trying to process thoughts, feelings, and reactions without our explicit help and guidance—thereby increasing their confusion and anxiety. We adults have a natural instinct to protect our children from harsh realities while also preparing them to navigate this complex world—is it possible to do both? What are ways to talk about identity, differences, and justice in age-appropriate ways? How do you reinforce your family's values without instilling disrespect for other perspectives? How do you coach them toward authentic and respectful dialogue across differences? Engage in these questions and more. There will be time for Q&A. This webinar will focus on grades K-8, but will be applicable to all.

Pre-registration is Required

  1. To Register: click on the button above.
  2. Click the "Register" button at the bottom of the event page. 
  3. Receive a Zoom confirmation email with your ticket, individual URL and "Add to Calendar" link.
trisha_square.jpg 

Coffee with Trisha & Britny: Talking to Youth About Heated Topics
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Community Room at The Children’s House

Parents and caregivers are invited for coffee with Trisha Short, school counselor, and Britny Tollstam, Adult Learning Specialist, to have an in-person discussion about the topics covered in the ISACS webinars.

montessori_toddler.jpg 

Montessori Up Close: The Montessori Toddler
Thursday, February 22, 2024
4-5:15 at The Children’s House

A meaningful discussion with our Nido & YCC guides around the school life of toddlers and parenting. Parents and caregivers of children ages 0 to 3 are encouraged to read The Montessori Toddler by Simone Davies prior to this discussion. 

Register to reserve childcare. 

Register here

devorah_heitner_phd_1.jpg


Growing Up in Public: Milestones of Growing Up in the Digital Age
Devorah Heitner, Author & Consultant
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
7:30–8:30 p.m. via Zoom, registration is required.
The recording of this webinar will be available until June 30, 2024

How can we help our kids navigate coming of age in a world where nearly every moment of their lives can be shared and compared? How can we help them navigate all the firsts? First Roblox playdate? First social media account? First phone? We can track our children's every move with apps, see their grades within minutes of them being posted, and fixate on their digital footprint, anxious that a misstep could cause them to be ostracized or even jeopardize their admission to college. How can they figure out who they really are with zero privacy and constant judgment? Heitner shows us that mentoring and not just monitoring kids will help us understand and support our kids, building our relationships with them, AND helping them be successful in digital spaces. This webinar is for parents and caregivers of elementary through high school children.

Pre-registration is Required

  1. To Register: click on the button above.
  2. Click the "Register" button at the bottom of the event page. 
  3. Receive a Zoom confirmation email with your ticket, individual URL and "Add to Calendar" link.

trisha_square.jpg 

Coffee with Trisha & Britny: Growing Up in Public: Milestones of Growing Up in the Digital Age
Wednesday, March 13
8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Community Room at The Children’s House

Parents and caregivers are invited for coffee with Trisha Short, school counselor, and Britny Tollstam, Adult Learning Specialist, to have an in-person discussion about the topics covered in the ISACS webinars.

sheri_glucoft_wong_and_olaf_ole_jorgenson_1.jpg 

Raising Resilient Children
Sheri Glucoft Wong, Family Therapist & Author
Olaf “Ole” Jorgenson, Author & Educator
Monday, April 15, 2024
7:30–8:30 p.m. via Zoom, registration is required.
The recording of this webinar will be available until June 30, 2024

The messages parents give their kids in everyday interactions shape their children’s confidence and resilience. Parents often underestimate how patterns of homelife influence the ways their children handle the challenges that come their way—both big and small. The exchanges you have, routines you establish, and values you convey in your everyday parenting offer daily opportunities to support children’s self-assurance and confidence. By recognizing those moments and making the most of them, you help your kids build resilience. This webinar based on the authors’ new book—Raising Kids: Your Essential Guide to Everyday Parenting—will provide tools for parents with children of all ages (It’s never too late!) to help them more effectively manage disappointment and limits, develop self-esteem, and navigate their social world. There will be time for Q&A.

Pre-registration is Required

  1. To Register: click on the button above.
  2. Click the "Register" button at the bottom of the event page. 
  3. Receive a Zoom confirmation email with your ticket, individual URL and "Add to Calendar" link.

 

trisha_square.jpg 

Coffee with Trisha & Britny: Raising Resilient Children
Wednesday, April 24
8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Community Room at The Children’s House

Parents and caregivers are invited for coffee with Trisha Short, school counselor, and Britny Tollstam, Adult Learning Specialist, to have an in-person discussion about the topics covered in the ISACS webinars.