Head of Aidan Montessori School in Washington, D.C., Kathy Minardi brings more than 40 years of experience in wholehearted leadership to her work. Kathy Minardi also consults with schools to help build healthy communities, teaching emotional intelligence skills to teachers and students. Montessori schools are named for Italian educator Dr. Maria Montessori, whose methodology and philosophy was characterized by child-led learning. Montessori teachers serve as facilitators who encourage students’ growth in social responsibility, independence, inclusiveness, curiosity, self-esteem, and confidence. Montessori education by nature features a respect for different modalities of learning. Instead of solely focusing on reading and writing as a way to learn new information, a Montessori lesson emphasizes many ways in which students can absorb their lessons. For example, using concepts from Howard Gardener’s theory of multiple intelligences, a Montessori lesson on geometric solids will include many different modalities, as the student: • Feels the forms of the solids. (Bodily/Kinesthetic Intelligence) • Examines the solids by sight. (Visual/Spatial Intelligence) • Estimates relationships between solids. (Logical/Mathematical Intelligence) • Observes and classifies the solids. (Naturalistic Intelligence) • Labels the solids. (Linguistic Intelligence) • Works together with other students. (Interpersonal Intelligence) This method helps to ensure the success of students, no matter which learning styles come most easily to them.
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AuthorSince 1999, Kathy Minardi has served as the head of school at Aidan Montessori School in Washington, D.C. Utilizing her 37 years of experience in independent schools. Archives
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