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Grace and Courtesy: The Key to Normalized Behavior

Pamela Shanks

Description

Dr. Montessori introduced the concept of normalized behavior to highlight, among other things, the self-discipline observed in the young children of her early classrooms… Since then, the lessons of grace and courtesy have been considered foundational to the Montessori methodology. Standard grace and courtesy lessons support children’s ability to self-manage within a classroom setting; however, targeted, individualized grace and courtesy lessons hold much potential for solving problems in the classroom and at home through preventative teaching. The emphasis of this session will be on teaching, rather than correcting. Learn how to create and use grace and courtesy lessons to prevent problematic behavior and resolve challenging situations. My hope is that teachers and parents alike will walk away thinking, “What can I teach my children today?”

Featuring

Pamela Shanks

Pam Shanks has been involved in both Montessori and special education for her entire teaching career. In addition to her AMS 3-6 credential, Pam earned a master’s degree in special education from the University of Kansas and held licensing for early childhood education, early childhood special education, and severe multiple disabilities while teaching in Kansas. She worked as a lead teacher in a primary classroom at Raintree Montessori School, Lawrence, KS, for over 30 years. She coordinated the program of inclusion at Raintree while also serving as a supervising teacher for graduate practicum students from KU’s department of special education placed at Raintree. She served as a Field Based Consultant for the entire tenure of the Inclusive Network of Kansas (INKS) and was an instructor for the University of East Carolina’s Deafblind Intervener Program for several years. She has presented at a variety of conferences including the Montessori World Congress in Portland; authored many articles on special education in Montessori environments; was a contributing author for 2 books; and authored several on-line modules on special education topics. She currently serves as the Associate Head of School at Bowman School in Palo Alto, CA where she continues to support Montessori teachers and inclusive education.

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