Presentations and performances in the Montessori Environment

December 5, 2022

Dear Maria,

What are your thoughts on performances and presentations?

Dear Parent,

Performing and presenting are both lively parts of the Montessori classroom. Children may often choose to do a skit, song or research presentation as part of follow-up in any subject, or may choose to work on a performance of a piece of music, a song, write a skit or a dramatization of a book or story. This type of work is a vital part of the Montessori classroom, as it is this type of circulation of information that allows students to share information and inspire and spark interest in each other. By observing what other children work on, children get ideas for their own independent work.

Many of these presentations happen within a classroom community, and some may also be are performed for other classrooms. This year, Upper Elementary students performed skits about the Big Bang and the creation of the universe for Lower El students. In addition, Cascadia's middle school students host a couple of Coffee Houses throughout the year to share their poems, memoirs and stories with Upper El and parents. For Winterfest, our community gathering before Winter Break, Cascadia students prepare music and skits to share with each other and their families.

Read more about performance and presentations in this blog from last year: How do children learn presentations and performance skills at Cascadia

< Older Post Newer Post >

Music, Drama and Dance in the Montessori Classroom

January 13, 2025

Dear Maria, Winterfest is coming up. What place do music, drama, and dance have in the Montessori classroom? Sincerely, Curious

What are Going Outs?

September 18, 2024

Dear Maria, What are “Going Outs”? How do they help our children learn? Can I help? Sincerely, Cascadia parent Dear Cascadia parent, Going Outs are a key piece of the Montessori elementary experience. A Going Out is a child-led outing from the classroom and can take various forms. Children might go on an errand for the class community or for supplies for a special project (cooking, baking, arts & crafts, special experiment, etc.). They might go and see something in-person that they’ve been researching in class. Going to see a native animal or plant in its natural ecosystem, visiting the zoo to observe an animal, picking up books at the public library or visiting an expert to talk more about a topic or see a special demonstration might all be research-related going outs. The possibilities are endless and limited only to the child’s imagination…and to practicalities, because a vital part of Going Outs is that the children organize everything themselves! They’re responsible for organizing chaperones, transportation, necessary things to bring along, and getting an appointment or tickets if necessary. Going Outs are a huge part of how Elementary children learn about the world and practice independence! Many skills are involved in planning a Going Out, including map reading, learning about money, distance, time management, organizing a group, preparing practical items (using forethought to prepare for weather or unexpected events), and much more! Of course with the youngest children, your child’s guide and assistant will give lessons on Going Outs or assist them with planning their first trips. Young children might be invited to go along with an older and more experienced child and learn the process that way. Guides have established Going Out procedures to aid children in taking on this responsibility for themselves. (Part of these procedures involve notifying Susan in the office and parents & guardians about the going out date, time, and location, so don’t be worried about your child leaving campus without your knowledge.)