Montessori Europe Congress 2025 Oslo

09:00 – 12:00 Morning Research Sessions

Chairs: Dr Jarosław Jendza and Dr Jayne Osgood

The morning of the Research Day is dedicated to two insightful sessions, each presenting valuable research that addresses themes critical to early childhood and adolescent education within the Montessori context. Each session will feature presentations by researchers who have conducted in-depth studies on various aspects of Montessori education, highlighting the role of research in shaping best practices.

Provisional Programme

Session 1: Fostering Early Childhood Development - Language, Social Competence, and Nature

Opening the Montessori box of words: Reporting on and evaluating the trial implementation of a Montessori-inspired approach to language development from birth to six.       

Presenter: Helen Prochazka, PhD

Affiliation: Montessori Partnership, Scotland

Social Competence of 5-6 Year Olds in Montessori and Mainstream Kindergartens in Bulgaria (Comparative Study)

Presenter: Desislava Stoeva, PhD

Affiliation: Faculty of Pedagogy, Sofia University, Bulgaria

Facilitating the Development of Nature Connectedness

Presenter: Michaela Geytenbeek

Affiliation: The Kinship Programme NPC, Durban, South Africa

From a nationwide study on the professional identity of Montessori teachers. A sense of success in an educational context

Presenter: Professor Beata Bednarczuk

Affiliation: Faculty of Pedagogy, Lublin University, Poland

Session 2: Adolescence, Technology, and Global Citizenship in Montessori Education

Exploring the Implementation of Erdkinder in Modern Montessori Schools

Presenters: Bryn W. Martinsen, PhD; Jarosław Jendza, PhD

Affiliations: Principal, Halden Montessori School, Norway; Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Didactics, University of Gdansk, Poland

Montessori, digital, and pre-adolescent practices, challenges and opportunities in the 21st Century era

Presenter: Iliana Morelli

Affiliation: PhD Student, Department of Human Sciences, LUMSA University, Rome, Italy

Integrating Montessori Method and Maker Education to Foster Social Inclusion and Equity in Montessori Schools

Presenters: Sarah Kennedy-Berge, Dr. Jordi Freixenet

Affiliations: Waterpark Montessori International, Norway;  University of Girona, Spain

Cosmopolitan Peace Education: Looking in and out of the Montessori Approach

Presenter: Judith Neff, PhD

Affiliation: Montessori-Studio, Educational Science, University of Education, Weingarten, Germany

These sessions offer a comprehensive exploration of contemporary research topics in Montessori education, providing fresh insights and practical applications to enhance educational practices.

Attendees are encouraged to engage with these findings, fostering a shared commitment to quality and innovation in Montessori education.

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09:00 – 12:00 Workshop 1: Integrating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the Montessori Curriculum

This workshop offers an in-depth exploration of how Montessori educators can align the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with Montessori principles, creating sustainability-focused learning experiences that are both practical and deeply impactful. Participants will first be introduced to the SDGs and how they intersect with key Montessori values like cosmic education, respect for the environment, and the interconnectedness of life.

The Montessori Europe Sustainability Working Group is in the process of developing a comprehensive Sustainability Handbook, which will be available to support this workshop. Attendees will have access to this valuable resource, which provides additional guidance on integrating the SDGs into each phase of Montessori education. The handbook will offer practical activities, case studies, and frameworks to ensure that sustainability is woven into everyday classroom life.

During the session, participants will engage in hands-on activities designed to transform the global SDGs into meaningful, child-centred lessons. These activities will cover different Montessori age groups, from teaching waste reduction and recycling practices to young children to engaging older students in more complex, project-based learning focused on local sustainability initiatives.

Group discussions will provide opportunities to collaborate with fellow educators, exchanging ideas on how to infuse sustainability into existing curricula and classroom culture. By the end of the workshop, attendees will leave with actionable plans and resources, ready to implement sustainable practices in their Montessori environments.

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On Friday morning, as part of the Montessori Europe 2025 Congress, attendees have the unique opportunity to visit some of Norway’s most inspiring Montessori schools. These school visits will allow you to observe Montessori pedagogy in action, across various age groups and learning environments, from toddler programs to adolescent classes. School visits must be booked together with your Congress registration, and spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

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This engaging workshop, led by Dr. Jarosław Jendza, invites teachers to explore the vital role of research in Montessori education through the lens of scientific inquiry. Montessori firmly believed that pedagogy should be “scientific,” encouraging educators to approach their practice with both curiosity and rigor, always with the goal of better understanding and following each child’s unique developmental journey.

In this session, Dr. Jendza will guide participants through four types of in-class research that can be seamlessly integrated into daily practice: quantitative, qualitative, hybrid, and auto-transformative. Each method offers unique insights, from measurable data to reflective self-assessment, equipping educators with practical tools to observe, document, and respond to the needs of the children in their care.

Teachers will not only learn how to apply these research methods but also gain a foundational understanding of their application in refining professional competencies and enhancing the Montessori approach to observation. Dr. Jendza will provide resources and guidance on how to carry out these forms of research effectively, empowering teachers to become reflective practitioners in their classrooms.

To support participants beyond the congress, Dr. Jendza will also host a follow-up webinar focused on analysing the data collected through these methods. This additional session will delve into practical applications, demonstrating how educators can use research insights to adapt their approach and deepen their understanding of each child, ultimately enriching the Montessori environment and its outcomes.

This workshop is an invaluable opportunity for teachers to embrace the role of the “scientist in the classroom,” fostering a culture of continuous learning and purposeful observation that lies at the heart of Montessori education.

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This workshop highlights inspiring real-world sustainability projects from Montessori schools around the world and offers practical ideas for how you can implement similar initiatives in your own school environment. From permaculture gardens to waste management programmes, participants will explore a variety of examples that demonstrate how Montessori education can seamlessly integrate sustainability into its core principles.

Presented in collaboration with Montessori Norway, this session will also feature successful projects from Norwegian Montessori schools, emphasising local applications of global sustainability practices. Through case studies and interactive discussions, attendees will learn how these initiatives were developed and how they can adapt these ideas to their own contexts.

The workshop will guide participants in designing their own sustainability-focused projects using Montessori principles such as self-directed learning and hands-on exploration. Small group collaborations will provide the opportunity to brainstorm and create actionable project plans that are both feasible and transformative.

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In working with teachers and students on project development, it has become evident that while students are often able to design projects that align with academic and earth-stewardship goals, they struggle in the crucial execution phase. This workshop focuses on the vital role of mentorship in bridging that gap, ensuring that student projects are not only launched but also successfully completed.

Presented by Judith Cunningham and Gabriel Forestieri, the workshop introduces a framework for building effective mentor-mentee relationships. Drawing from real-world examples and case studies of successful mentorship programmes, participants will explore the essential qualities of a good mentor, how mentorship can benefit students, and strategies for supporting both mentors and mentees throughout the project development process.

Teachers will also learn how to identify and connect with experienced mentors who can guide their students through the challenges of project execution. By the end of the session, participants will have a practical toolkit for fostering strong, supportive mentor-mentee dynamics that help students turn their ideas into reality.

This workshop is a must for teachers involved in the Adolescent Forum projects and those looking to strengthen their mentoring practices within a Montessori framework.

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The launch of ChatGPT in the fall of 2022 took the world by storm, and education by surprise. Generative AI technology provides a fantastic potential for learning, but it also has a massive potential for being detrimental for learning. As educators, how can we release the potential of the technology and avoid the pitfalls? The short answer: we need to think outside of the box with AI.

The launch of ChatGPT in the fall of 2022 took the world by storm, and education by surprise. Generative AI technology provides a fantastic potential for learning, but it also has a massive potential for being detrimental for learning. As educators, how can we release the potential of the technology and avoid the pitfalls? The short answer: we need to think outside of the box with AI.

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Because of the long memory of some of its components, the climate system can be seen as a temporal stream that connects different generations. Today our planet is threatened by many stresses caused by human activities: climate change, air and water pollution, soil degradation and over use, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and water scarcity. The choices we make today to address these challenges will affect the planet for many decades, therefore a key question guiding these choices should be: will the planet our children inherit from us be at least as rich and hospitable as the planet we inherited from our ancestors? The answer to this question lies in the open communication across generations, each of them having to understand the needs and rights of the other.

School and education play a critical role in this communication effort, and the young generations need to become primary actors in it, possibly using alternative and innovative means. Everything, however, starts from a cultural transition towards considering humans as an integral part of the planet Earth, with the ethical obligation to safeguard it for the well-being of all.

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What does nature mean to you? In order to inspire earth stewardship in children, we must first rediscover our own connection with the natural world. This workshop, "We Are Nature," invites participants to explore their personal relationship with the Earth through nature-based play, reflection, and hands-on activities. We will delve into the concept of nature connectedness - a profound sense of belonging within the greater ecosystem of life on Earth - and consider how to foster this awareness in ourselves and our students.

Participants will engage in creative, earth-centred activities such as building rivers, assessing soil, and developing nature-connected lessons for the classroom. Through reflection and scenario building, we will uncover our position on the "journey to nature connectedness" scale and co-create ideas for facilitating nature play that unlocks curiosity and creativity. This workshop will reawaken your inner child, invite you to get your hands dirty, and leave you inspired to guide the next generation toward a more connected, sustainable future.

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This workshop dives into the heart of Montessori’s experiential learning philosophy by connecting social entrepreneurship with the development of critical 21st-century skills in adolescents. Designed for educators seeking to inspire creativity and responsibility in their students, this session encourages participants to think "out of the box" and embrace real-world problem-solving as a core element of Montessori education.

Through a combination of interactive discussions and hands-on group activities, participants will explore how social entrepreneurship can foster essential skills such as collaboration, innovation, and problem-solving. By drawing on real-world examples of successful social projects, this workshop highlights the powerful role entrepreneurship can play in nurturing adolescents’ autonomy, creativity, and sense of responsibility. Small group activities will allow educators to design and present entrepreneurial solutions to hypothetical challenges, from initial problem identification to reflecting on outcomes.

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Are you ready to infuse your classroom with the transformative power of music and movement? In this engaging and interactive workshop, Gillian will show you how to harness the power of musicality to inspire self-expression, build trust, and foster a deeper sense of community in your Montessori classroom. Drawing on Maria Montessori’s belief that music is for everyone, Gillian offers practical strategies to incorporate rhythm and melody into daily learning, helping both educators and students tap into the emotional and cognitive benefits of music.

This workshop will explore the profound impact of music and movement on emotional regulation, self-awareness, and classroom harmony. You will discover how musical activities can strengthen essential cognitive skills such as memory, focus, and decision-making, while also providing a space for spontaneous creativity and self-expression. Through a series of hands-on activities, participants will experience how rhythm and movement build collaboration and enhance social connections within the classroom.

Gillian’s workshop is ideal for educators working in Children’s House and Elementary classrooms, but it also provides adaptable guidance for toddlers and adolescent students. No formal musical experience is necessary to participate, just an openness to explore how music can transform your teaching practice and connect with your students on a deeper, more harmonious level. Leave this session with practical tools and renewed inspiration to integrate music and movement into your Montessori practice.

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Technology is an unavoidable part of our lives, and ignoring its presence in the Montessori classroom can be counterproductive. In this hands-on workshop, Sarah will guide participants through a variety of creative technology tools and concepts, demonstrating how these can be seamlessly integrated into the Montessori curriculum.

As technology should be seen as an extension of Montessori materials, not a replacement, this workshop is designed to encourage educators to step "outside the box" and explore new ways to embrace technology without compromising Montessori principles.

Sarah will show how to approach technology with respect to Montessori’s core philosophy, offering practical examples and ideas for integrating creative technology into different stages of learning—exposure, experience, evolution, and expression. From using technology as a practical life skill to incorporating it within cosmic education, participants will gain a fresh perspective on how to make technology an asset in their classrooms.

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What does leadership in Montessori truly look like? While Montessori philosophy encourages us to follow the child, the question remains: how do we, as educators, collaborate effectively and work alongside other adults? This workshop invites participants to rethink leadership within the Montessori framework and explore how we can evolve as leaders to shape the future of our Montessori communities.

In this interactive session, participants will collaborate to identify the qualities and characteristics essential for true Montessori leadership. Together, we will examine the needs of our communities, think "outside the box" to foster transformation, and explore how to navigate both the challenges and opportunities of leadership. Through discussion, dialogue, and practical activities, we will work collectively to redefine leadership as a practice rooted in collaboration, humility, and understanding.

Participants will explore traits needed to revolutionise Montessori leadership, reflecting on how these traits align with the core Montessori values of trust, patience, curiosity, and love. In addition, the workshop will introduce protocols that can be used within Montessori communities to foster greater collaboration and communication. As we reflect on our own cosmic task - the unique role we play in the world - participants will be encouraged to consider how they can support others in their journey toward fulfilling their own cosmic tasks.

This workshop offers a space for co-construction of ideas and strategies, empowering participants to leave with a renewed vision of what it means to lead in a Montessori setting. With humility, dialogue, patience, and a spirit of collaboration, participants will gain tools to foster trust and transformation in their communities, paving the way for the leaders of tomorrow.

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In order to successfully include children with diverse learning needs in a Montessori classroom, we must always be willing to think "out of the box." This workshop focuses on practical strategies for ensuring all children can fulfil their potential within the Montessori environment. Children with language difficulties, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and motor or sensory challenges may require different forms of support, structure, and validation. Aleksandra will guide participants through discussions and hands-on activities designed to address these varied needs.

Through shared ideas and real-life case studies, participants will explore creative and effective solutions for supporting children with specific learning challenges, including dyslexia, ADHD, ASD, and other motor and sensory disorders. This workshop will empower Montessori educators to adapt their teaching methods to ensure inclusion for every child.

Fittingly, this session will take place at the iconic Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo, one of the city's must-see attractions. In this historic park, surrounded by over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, participants will experience an inspiring blend of art and nature. The sculptures, each telling a unique story of human emotion, challenge, and joy, mirror the diversity of the children we serve in our classrooms. This setting offers a perfect metaphor for understanding inclusion—each child, like the sculptures, has a story to share.

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In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore the concept of outdoor spaces as an essential extension of the Montessori classroom. Alison Zeglen will guide educators in thinking "out of the box" by embracing nature as a core part of the learning environment, aligned with Montessori's vision of education as preparation for life. Through outdoor experiences, children not only develop creativity and problem-solving skills but also form a profound connection with the Earth, laying the groundwork for a future built on sustainability and environmental care.

The workshop will focus on how to transform outdoor spaces into effective learning environments, offering practical strategies to integrate nature into daily learning activities. Participants will explore ways to bring the outdoors into the classroom and to use outdoor settings for creative arts, movement activities, nature walks, and science experiments. By the end of the workshop, educators will be equipped with the tools and inspiration to help children grow into environmentally conscious adults who embody the "out of the box" thinking essential for creating a sustainable future.

This workshop is designed to empower educators to rethink the boundaries of the classroom, seeing the great outdoors as a natural and valuable extension of their Montessori practice.

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This workshop will explore the rich intersections between Montessori pedagogy and the S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) approach, emphasising how both frameworks prioritise creativity, experiential learning, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. Iliana Morelli will guide participants through a thought-provoking discussion on how Montessori principles align naturally with S.T.E.A.M.'s focus on innovation, soft skills development, and unconventional solutions to real-world challenges.

By rethinking traditional educational structures in light of technological advancements, this workshop will encourage Montessori educators to consider the growing importance of skills such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. Participants will engage with practical examples and hands-on activities to better understand the parallels between these two approaches. Worktables will demonstrate how various disciplines - ranging from language to technology and biology to art - can be interconnected to create a holistic, integrated learning experience.

Aligned with the Congress theme, Montessori: Out of the Box, this workshop invites educators to explore how Montessori pedagogy can adapt to modern technological and interdisciplinary practices while maintaining its core values. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for integrating S.T.E.A.M. principles into their classrooms, ensuring that Montessori education continues to innovate and inspire in the 21st century.

Add to Calendar

When children engage with Montessori materials, they develop what Maria Montessori referred to as the "mathematical mind." Traditionally, these materials have been used within a framework of linear thinking, where learning follows a sequential, step-by-step approach. However, in our rapidly changing world, the ability to engage in systems thinking is becoming increasingly essential. This workshop introduces the "4th Period Lesson," a method designed to help students recognise interconnections, predict patterns, and plan actions by applying systems thinking in the Montessori classroom.

In this session, participants will explore the contrast between linear and systems thinking, and how both approaches can be integrated across Montessori’s Casa, elementary, and secondary levels. We will identify linear thinking embedded in current Montessori materials, such as in the 3rd Great Lesson, and discuss ways to expand these lessons to include systems thinking. For example, we will examine how a prehistoric timeline can be combined with a timeline of climate changes, illustrating the impact of environmental shifts on human development, tool production, and cultural evolution.

Through guided exploration, participants will learn how to support elementary and secondary students in applying thinking routines that integrate explanations, predictions, and justifications into their daily work. By fostering both linear and systems thinking, educators can create a more balanced and holistic learning environment that encourages students to see the interconnectedness of all things.

The workshop will conclude with participants drafting lesson plans that incorporate systems thinking into their teaching practice, ensuring that their students can navigate both structured and dynamic problem-solving. This approach aligns with the Congress theme, Montessori: Out of the Box, by encouraging innovative, interdisciplinary thinking that is essential for the world today.

Add to Calendar

This workshop offers a comprehensive look at how Montessori schools can create inclusive, supportive environments for neurodivergent students through collaboration and community engagement. Using a real-world case study, Robin Howe will guide participants through the process of supporting a child with significant challenges, illustrating how parents, administrators, specialists, and teachers can work together to create a successful educational experience.

The workshop will centre around the story of a student on the Autism Spectrum, whose journey from being expelled from multiple schools to thriving in a Montessori primary class highlights the power of collaboration. This student exhibited severe behavioural challenges, including violent outbursts that disrupted the classroom environment. Through the collective efforts of the entire school community, including classroom families, the student received the necessary interventions to develop essential skills. Eventually, the child transitioned into mainstream classes and excelled in an accelerated programme at a public school.

This session will equip participants with practical strategies for building inclusive communities that embrace neurodivergent students. Attendees will learn how to implement targeted interventions, collaborate effectively with families, and create a supportive classroom environment for children with substantial needs—especially those cases that many schools may find difficult to manage.

Add to Calendar

Isn’t Pi a very special number. Whoever discovered this number? Where did Pi come to life? Who has thought about it and studied it? And how can we inspire our children to study the number Pi? Which child will become a true Pi-oneer?

In this session, you will explore the origins of the number Pi and get acquainted with a completely new material to prove/reason the number Pi. It’s a wonderful resource that children in upper primary and secondary education can engage with, and it can be beautifully combined with, among other things, the geometric cabinet. This is the kind of material that, just like many other Montessori math and geometry materials, will give you that delightful “aha” experience. Let’s take Pi outside of the box!

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In this workshop, Kajsa Olsson Falk and Ronny Lyseggen will inspire participants to think outside the box when it comes to integrating geometry, art, and architecture into the Montessori curriculum. The session aims to explore ways to foster children’s creativity and appreciation for the urban environments they live in, showing them how architecture can spark wonder and imaginative thinking. From unique building designs to the interplay of geometry in construction, the workshop encourages educators to help children see their own city through a creative lens.

During the session, participants will explore the connection between basic geometric concepts and architecture, using Oslo’s modern urban landscape as a living classroom. The workshop will take place on a walk from the roof of the Oslo Opera House to the Munch Museum, a new area of the city known for its striking architecture and artistic innovation. Along the way, participants will learn how to engage children in similar explorations, prompting them to imagine what architects had in mind when creating unique structures and how geometry influences architectural design.

Back in the classroom, children can bring their ideas to life by creating art and architectural models inspired by their urban explorations, while deepening their understanding of geometry. This workshop will equip educators with strategies to prepare environments that support such creative projects, blending Montessori principles with real-world experiences.

Join Kajsa and Ronny on this walk through one of Oslo’s most inspiring districts and discover how geometry, art, and architecture can come together to ignite curiosity in the Montessori classroom.

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Students from Bærum Montessori School will present their school garden project, a living model of environmental stewardship. Through hands-on learning, these students cultivate and maintain a garden that serves as both an educational tool and a practical example of sustainable living. This initiative reflects the Montessori philosophy of connecting students to nature and their community, while fostering responsibility and care for the environment.

Drøbak Montessori School, situated in one of the world’s most sustainable educational buildings—the Powerhouse, will showcase their eco-friendly campus, designed in collaboration with renowned architecture firm Snøhetta. This "energy-positive" building not only minimises its environmental footprint, but also serves as a dynamic learning space where students engage in projects focused on resource efficiency and environmental responsibility. The students will share how their school environment encourages them to think critically about sustainability in everyday life.

Finally, students from daVinci Montessori School will highlight their commitment to student agency. At daVinci, learners are empowered to take active roles in shaping their educational journey. These students will demonstrate how they have been involved in decisions regarding school governance, curriculum development, and classroom dynamics, embodying the Montessori principle that students should be co-creators of their learning environments.

This workshop is not just a presentation – it is a call to action. Through their personal stories and practical examples, these adolescents will illustrate how Montessori principles can be "lived out" in innovative ways, fostering leadership, environmental consciousness, and creative problem-solving. Attendees will leave with inspiration and concrete ideas for how to implement similar projects in their own schools.

Join this unique session to witness the power of adolescent leadership and to hear directly from the next generation of changemakers who are already making a difference in their schools and communities.

Add to Calendar

What does nature mean to you? In order to inspire earth stewardship in children, we must first rediscover our own connection with the natural world. This workshop, "We Are Nature," invites participants to explore their personal relationship with the Earth through nature-based play, reflection, and hands-on activities. We will delve into the concept of nature connectedness - a profound sense of belonging within the greater ecosystem of life on Earth - and consider how to foster this awareness in ourselves and our students.

Participants will engage in creative, earth-centred activities such as building rivers, assessing soil, and developing nature-connected lessons for the classroom. Through reflection and scenario building, we will uncover our position on the "journey to nature connectedness" scale and co-create ideas for facilitating nature play that unlocks curiosity and creativity. This workshop will reawaken your inner child, invite you to get your hands dirty, and leave you inspired to guide the next generation toward a more connected, sustainable future.

Add to Calendar

Students from Bærum Montessori School will present their school garden project, a living model of environmental stewardship. Through hands-on learning, these students cultivate and maintain a garden that serves as both an educational tool and a practical example of sustainable living. This initiative reflects the Montessori philosophy of connecting students to nature and their community, while fostering responsibility and care for the environment.

Drøbak Montessori School, situated in one of the world’s most sustainable educational buildings—the Powerhouse, will showcase their eco-friendly campus, designed in collaboration with renowned architecture firm Snøhetta. This "energy-positive" building not only minimises its environmental footprint, but also serves as a dynamic learning space where students engage in projects focused on resource efficiency and environmental responsibility. The students will share how their school environment encourages them to think critically about sustainability in everyday life.

Finally, students from daVinci Montessori School will highlight their commitment to student agency. At daVinci, learners are empowered to take active roles in shaping their educational journey. These students will demonstrate how they have been involved in decisions regarding school governance, curriculum development, and classroom dynamics, embodying the Montessori principle that students should be co-creators of their learning environments.

This workshop is not just a presentation – it is a call to action. Through their personal stories and practical examples, these adolescents will illustrate how Montessori principles can be "lived out" in innovative ways, fostering leadership, environmental consciousness, and creative problem-solving. Attendees will leave with inspiration and concrete ideas for how to implement similar projects in their own schools.

Join this unique session to witness the power of adolescent leadership and to hear directly from the next generation of changemakers who are already making a difference in their schools and communities.

Add to Calendar

In this workshop, Kajsa Olsson Falk and Ronny Lyseggen will inspire participants to think outside the box when it comes to integrating geometry, art, and architecture into the Montessori curriculum. The session aims to explore ways to foster children’s creativity and appreciation for the urban environments they live in, showing them how architecture can spark wonder and imaginative thinking. From unique building designs to the interplay of geometry in construction, the workshop encourages educators to help children see their own city through a creative lens.

During the session, participants will explore the connection between basic geometric concepts and architecture, using Oslo’s modern urban landscape as a living classroom. The workshop will take place on a walk from the roof of the Oslo Opera House to the Munch Museum, a new area of the city known for its striking architecture and artistic innovation. Along the way, participants will learn how to engage children in similar explorations, prompting them to imagine what architects had in mind when creating unique structures and how geometry influences architectural design.

Back in the classroom, children can bring their ideas to life by creating art and architectural models inspired by their urban explorations, while deepening their understanding of geometry. This workshop will equip educators with strategies to prepare environments that support such creative projects, blending Montessori principles with real-world experiences.

Join Kajsa and Ronny on this walk through one of Oslo’s most inspiring districts and discover how geometry, art, and architecture can come together to ignite curiosity in the Montessori classroom.

Add to Calendar

Isn’t Pi a very special number. Whoever discovered this number? Where did Pi come to life? Who has thought about it and studied it? And how can we inspire our children to study the number Pi? Which child will become a true Pi-oneer?

In this session, you will explore the origins of the number Pi and get acquainted with a completely new material to prove/reason the number Pi. It’s a wonderful resource that children in upper primary and secondary education can engage with, and it can be beautifully combined with, among other things, the geometric cabinet. This is the kind of material that, just like many other Montessori math and geometry materials, will give you that delightful “aha” experience. Let’s take Pi outside of the box!

Add to Calendar

This workshop offers a comprehensive look at how Montessori schools can create inclusive, supportive environments for neurodivergent students through collaboration and community engagement. Using a real-world case study, Robin Howe will guide participants through the process of supporting a child with significant challenges, illustrating how parents, administrators, specialists, and teachers can work together to create a successful educational experience.

The workshop will centre around the story of a student on the Autism Spectrum, whose journey from being expelled from multiple schools to thriving in a Montessori primary class highlights the power of collaboration. This student exhibited severe behavioural challenges, including violent outbursts that disrupted the classroom environment. Through the collective efforts of the entire school community, including classroom families, the student received the necessary interventions to develop essential skills. Eventually, the child transitioned into mainstream classes and excelled in an accelerated programme at a public school.

This session will equip participants with practical strategies for building inclusive communities that embrace neurodivergent students. Attendees will learn how to implement targeted interventions, collaborate effectively with families, and create a supportive classroom environment for children with substantial needs—especially those cases that many schools may find difficult to manage.

Add to Calendar

When children engage with Montessori materials, they develop what Maria Montessori referred to as the "mathematical mind." Traditionally, these materials have been used within a framework of linear thinking, where learning follows a sequential, step-by-step approach. However, in our rapidly changing world, the ability to engage in systems thinking is becoming increasingly essential. This workshop introduces the "4th Period Lesson," a method designed to help students recognise interconnections, predict patterns, and plan actions by applying systems thinking in the Montessori classroom.

In this session, participants will explore the contrast between linear and systems thinking, and how both approaches can be integrated across Montessori’s Casa, elementary, and secondary levels. We will identify linear thinking embedded in current Montessori materials, such as in the 3rd Great Lesson, and discuss ways to expand these lessons to include systems thinking. For example, we will examine how a prehistoric timeline can be combined with a timeline of climate changes, illustrating the impact of environmental shifts on human development, tool production, and cultural evolution.

Through guided exploration, participants will learn how to support elementary and secondary students in applying thinking routines that integrate explanations, predictions, and justifications into their daily work. By fostering both linear and systems thinking, educators can create a more balanced and holistic learning environment that encourages students to see the interconnectedness of all things.

The workshop will conclude with participants drafting lesson plans that incorporate systems thinking into their teaching practice, ensuring that their students can navigate both structured and dynamic problem-solving. This approach aligns with the Congress theme, Montessori: Out of the Box, by encouraging innovative, interdisciplinary thinking that is essential for the world today.

Add to Calendar

This workshop will explore the rich intersections between Montessori pedagogy and the S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) approach, emphasising how both frameworks prioritise creativity, experiential learning, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. Iliana Morelli will guide participants through a thought-provoking discussion on how Montessori principles align naturally with S.T.E.A.M.'s focus on innovation, soft skills development, and unconventional solutions to real-world challenges.

By rethinking traditional educational structures in light of technological advancements, this workshop will encourage Montessori educators to consider the growing importance of skills such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. Participants will engage with practical examples and hands-on activities to better understand the parallels between these two approaches. Worktables will demonstrate how various disciplines - ranging from language to technology and biology to art - can be interconnected to create a holistic, integrated learning experience.

Aligned with the Congress theme, Montessori: Out of the Box, this workshop invites educators to explore how Montessori pedagogy can adapt to modern technological and interdisciplinary practices while maintaining its core values. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for integrating S.T.E.A.M. principles into their classrooms, ensuring that Montessori education continues to innovate and inspire in the 21st century.

Add to Calendar

This workshop dives into the heart of Montessori’s experiential learning philosophy by connecting social entrepreneurship with the development of critical 21st-century skills in adolescents. Designed for educators seeking to inspire creativity and responsibility in their students, this session encourages participants to think "out of the box" and embrace real-world problem-solving as a core element of Montessori education.

Through a combination of interactive discussions and hands-on group activities, participants will explore how social entrepreneurship can foster essential skills such as collaboration, innovation, and problem-solving. By drawing on real-world examples of successful social projects, this workshop highlights the powerful role entrepreneurship can play in nurturing adolescents’ autonomy, creativity, and sense of responsibility. Small group activities will allow educators to design and present entrepreneurial solutions to hypothetical challenges, from initial problem identification to reflecting on outcomes.

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Are you ready to infuse your classroom with the transformative power of music and movement? In this engaging and interactive workshop, Gillian will show you how to harness the power of musicality to inspire self-expression, build trust, and foster a deeper sense of community in your Montessori classroom. Drawing on Maria Montessori’s belief that music is for everyone, Gillian offers practical strategies to incorporate rhythm and melody into daily learning, helping both educators and students tap into the emotional and cognitive benefits of music.

This workshop will explore the profound impact of music and movement on emotional regulation, self-awareness, and classroom harmony. You will discover how musical activities can strengthen essential cognitive skills such as memory, focus, and decision-making, while also providing a space for spontaneous creativity and self-expression. Through a series of hands-on activities, participants will experience how rhythm and movement build collaboration and enhance social connections within the classroom.

Gillian’s workshop is ideal for educators working in Children’s House and Elementary classrooms, but it also provides adaptable guidance for toddlers and adolescent students. No formal musical experience is necessary to participate, just an openness to explore how music can transform your teaching practice and connect with your students on a deeper, more harmonious level. Leave this session with practical tools and renewed inspiration to integrate music and movement into your Montessori practice.

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In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore the concept of outdoor spaces as an essential extension of the Montessori classroom. Alison Zeglen will guide educators in thinking "out of the box" by embracing nature as a core part of the learning environment, aligned with Montessori's vision of education as preparation for life. Through outdoor experiences, children not only develop creativity and problem-solving skills but also form a profound connection with the Earth, laying the groundwork for a future built on sustainability and environmental care.

The workshop will focus on how to transform outdoor spaces into effective learning environments, offering practical strategies to integrate nature into daily learning activities. Participants will explore ways to bring the outdoors into the classroom and to use outdoor settings for creative arts, movement activities, nature walks, and science experiments. By the end of the workshop, educators will be equipped with the tools and inspiration to help children grow into environmentally conscious adults who embody the "out of the box" thinking essential for creating a sustainable future.

This workshop is designed to empower educators to rethink the boundaries of the classroom, seeing the great outdoors as a natural and valuable extension of their Montessori practice.

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In order to successfully include children with diverse learning needs in a Montessori classroom, we must always be willing to think "out of the box." This workshop focuses on practical strategies for ensuring all children can fulfil their potential within the Montessori environment. Children with language difficulties, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and motor or sensory challenges may require different forms of support, structure, and validation. Aleksandra will guide participants through discussions and hands-on activities designed to address these varied needs.

Through shared ideas and real-life case studies, participants will explore creative and effective solutions for supporting children with specific learning challenges, including dyslexia, ADHD, ASD, and other motor and sensory disorders. This workshop will empower Montessori educators to adapt their teaching methods to ensure inclusion for every child.

Fittingly, this session will take place at the iconic Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo, one of the city's must-see attractions. In this historic park, surrounded by over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, participants will experience an inspiring blend of art and nature. The sculptures, each telling a unique story of human emotion, challenge, and joy, mirror the diversity of the children we serve in our classrooms. This setting offers a perfect metaphor for understanding inclusion—each child, like the sculptures, has a story to share.

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What does leadership in Montessori truly look like? While Montessori philosophy encourages us to follow the child, the question remains: how do we, as educators, collaborate effectively and work alongside other adults? This workshop invites participants to rethink leadership within the Montessori framework and explore how we can evolve as leaders to shape the future of our Montessori communities.

In this interactive session, participants will collaborate to identify the qualities and characteristics essential for true Montessori leadership. Together, we will examine the needs of our communities, think "outside the box" to foster transformation, and explore how to navigate both the challenges and opportunities of leadership. Through discussion, dialogue, and practical activities, we will work collectively to redefine leadership as a practice rooted in collaboration, humility, and understanding.

Participants will explore traits needed to revolutionise Montessori leadership, reflecting on how these traits align with the core Montessori values of trust, patience, curiosity, and love. In addition, the workshop will introduce protocols that can be used within Montessori communities to foster greater collaboration and communication. As we reflect on our own cosmic task - the unique role we play in the world - participants will be encouraged to consider how they can support others in their journey toward fulfilling their own cosmic tasks.

This workshop offers a space for co-construction of ideas and strategies, empowering participants to leave with a renewed vision of what it means to lead in a Montessori setting. With humility, dialogue, patience, and a spirit of collaboration, participants will gain tools to foster trust and transformation in their communities, paving the way for the leaders of tomorrow.

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Technology is an unavoidable part of our lives, and ignoring its presence in the Montessori classroom can be counterproductive. In this hands-on workshop, Sarah will guide participants through a variety of creative technology tools and concepts, demonstrating how these can be seamlessly integrated into the Montessori curriculum.

As technology should be seen as an extension of Montessori materials, not a replacement, this workshop is designed to encourage educators to step "outside the box" and explore new ways to embrace technology without compromising Montessori principles.

Sarah will show how to approach technology with respect to Montessori’s core philosophy, offering practical examples and ideas for integrating creative technology into different stages of learning—exposure, experience, evolution, and expression. From using technology as a practical life skill to incorporating it within cosmic education, participants will gain a fresh perspective on how to make technology an asset in their classrooms.

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This presentation attends to what was agitated in a research methods workshop that invited adult participants ‘to child’ – that is to take seriously materiality, movement, bodies and affect. This provided a starting place to explore how pedagogies might become more capacious and creative through processes of unlearning and attunement. It contemplates how generating knowledge - about education and worldly relationalities to environments – might be pursued in less familiar ways.

Following a brief introduction to the praxis of ‘childing’ (Kohan & Kennedy, 2008; Osgood, 2023; Osgood, et al 2023) that encourages a willingness to embrace uncertainty, speculation and curiosity – this presentation explores how a ‘pedagogy of refusal’ can actively displace more recognisable conventions that tend to prioritise representation, knowability, linearity and solutions. Working with feminist theories and philosophies - most notably Haraway’s (1991) invitation to: 'serious play' and ‘go visiting’ - reorients both thought and practice. This lecture dwells upon and amongst what is agitated by refusing to be boxed in, and how embracing more speculative modes of being, thinking and doing shifts what might be understood as ‘child’, ‘environment’, ‘sustainability’, and ‘pedagogy'.

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We hope that you will join Barbara Isaacs and the Montessori Europe Board Members for a celebration of togetherness at the Tapas and Wine function this evening before you enjoy the sights of Oslo by night!

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Montessori herself was a radical “out of the box” thinker.  Let us continue that journey without losing the essentials of her core principles that will never go out of date.

This presentation explores core Montessori principles, emphasising their relevance from infants to elders. They promote holistic development, joyful learning, and peace but require innovative, "out of the box" thinking to apply effectively in today's overstimulated and technologically advanced world.

Montessori emphasised the importance of spiritual/psychic preparation, which we need to nurture in modern times. Educators observe, listen to, and respond to the unique needs of each child, and, at the same time, navigate the challenging skill of self-awareness. The support of experienced practitioners is an invaluable support on this journey.

The prepared environment serves as a foundational structure for independent learning. It must evolve to meet the needs of today’s children, incorporating creative ideas while maintaining Montessori's core principles.

Montessori materials, though essential, are not the whole philosophy. Educators should present them flexibly, considering each child's progress, which is not always linear.

By revisiting and reinterpreting Montessori principles in the light of modern developments, educators can protect the essential aspects of the method whilst innovatively carrying it forward.

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