Montessori Consulting Services

02/08/2024

I know there are many Montessorians here. I’m so sad to share this news.

I remember being a newly trained Montessori teacher attending one of Michael Dorer’s workshops in 2002. I was completely blown away with the possibilities of Montessori education. It would take me 15 years later to gain the courage to walk up and introduce myself. His humbleness was what took me back.

He will surely be missed by the Montessori community.

This is shared by his son, Ben Dorer:

It is with deep sadness that I am sharing that my father, Dr. Michael Dorer, passed away on February 6th, surrounded by family. He was 76 years old.

Michael spent his career as a Montessori educator of both children and adults. Michael taught Children’s House, Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary and Middle School children. He trained countless Montessori teachers, and consulted numerous schools and Montessori programs throughout the world. He served as president of the American Montessori Society, a senior consultant with the Montessori Foundation, and published several Montessori textbooks. He will be missed by family, friends, and educators worldwide.

In lieu of flowers, Michael would have preferred a tree planted or support / volunteering with a local Montessori school in his honor. Please share condolences, fond memories, and sympathies at www.never-gone.com/Memorials/Dorer.

01/14/2024

Are you trying to find ways to engage and get your children excited to learn science?

Today is the last day to sign up for a 5 day, live workshop. You’ll inspire and utilize foundational Montessori philosophy to love science.

We’ll cover:
🌿 Observation
🌿 Guided Inquiry
🌿 Interdisciplinary

And you’ll get the first lesson to your Botany unit, ready-to-go. With almost no prep, you can teach it the next day.

AND then, what if you had a plan to your entire botany curriculum? 2+ months of what you can teach in botany!!!

All for only $10!

Don’t miss your chance. We start today!

www.backpacksciences.com/learning-lab

02/21/2023

Need help with going beyond your science albums?

Looking for community but not at a huge conference?

Join Jackie, former wildlife biologist, Montessori teacher trainer with 20+ years of teaching experience, for a 2-day workshop in Denver, Colorado on April 22-23, 2023.

Focus on strategies to make your science lessons hands-on (not with 5 part cards), inquiry-based, and experiential!

We’ll go on a field trip to a stream and do REAL stream ecology experiment and observations!

Click here for details, https://www.backpacksciences.com/science-sleuths

Learn practical skills and strategies you can immediately use. We'll address specific challenges, such as science beyond the Montessori albums.

02/14/2023

🤫 Pssst…. I’m writing a book!!!
 
As I write each chapter, it’s really difficult not to tell you my ideas! 😜
 
I’m wrapping up the chapter on using technology. One little section was wondering how Dr. Maria Montessori would feel about the current technology.
 
Most of you already know, but some of you may not know my Montessori background. It’s the foundation of all of my work within Backpack Sciences.
 
After teaching in traditional schools, I found the Montessori philosophy by chance and fell in love since it aligned with how I envisioned teaching.
 
I taught 9-12-year-old children in a Montessori environment for 11 years. For the past 5 1/2 years, I’ve been an instructional guide, field consultant, and practicum guide for adult learners earning their Montessori elementary teaching credentials.
 
I’ve also been a Montessori parent for the past 14 years. My son started Montessori primary at 2.5 and my daughter started at 17 months.
 
Getting back to my book chapter on Dr. Montessori and technology….
 
How can we know how someone would react to something that hasn’t been invented or dreamed of? It’s quite fun to imagine though.
 
I would love to hear how YOU think Dr. Montessori would think about the advanced technology in the world we’re living in right now. Would she be for or against technology in the classroom or learning environment?
 
📖 You’ll have to read my book to find out my opinion!!
 
~Jackie “I wonder…” Grundberg
 
P.S. If you’d like to get on the waitlist and have opportunities to preorder the book, link is in the bio.

04/22/2022

If you saw a shooting star last night, it most likely was from the Lyrid meteor shower that is going on this week. Don’t worry! It’s predicted to last until April 25th, so go outside in the evening and look at the sky.

Happy Earth Day, all!

Do you need a ready-to-go Earth Day lesson? Let's teach our children that they CAN make a difference. Just one small step is appreciated.

https://www.backpacksciences.com/earthday

03/01/2022

Montessori Creators! We are organizing a digital bundle to support Ukrainians in need. Contact if you want to contribute to the bundle.

01/04/2022

I see you! Here's to all the parents, teachers, medical professions, business owners, and more.

Get a ready-to-go video and written lesson plan that combines science and exercise right now. All you need is a little space and a ball. You can do this indoors or outdoors.

Perfect for substitute teachers, homeschooling parents, and teachers who just need something right now!

12/17/2021

Missing some people, but here are a few of my amazing CGMS colleagues as we guide future Montessori teachers!

Happy holidays all! Enjoy your winter break!

11/11/2021

Another virtual field trip from National Geographic!

Comment below, “Me,” and I’ll PM you the link to register.

Join National Geographic for a Virtual Field Trip to different parts of North America in which three storytellers share unique insights from their experiences as Native Americans.

** Travel to New Mexico where dedicated conservationist Jim Enote reinvents maps through the Zuni Map Art Project.

** Continue the journey to the Flathead Reservation in Montana where photographer Tailyr Irvine challenges stereotypes.

** Finally, take a quick trip to Ontario, Canada, where 20-year-old artist Tehatsistahawi “Tsista” Kennedy examines what it means to be Indigenous in a colonialist world.

Find deeper understanding and appreciation of the Native American experience on Monday, November 15 at 1 p.m. ET.