A Joyful Approach To Reading

A Joyful Approach To Reading

How do we make reading joyful and what do we do differently when a child does not respond well to our language training? 

This workshop is perfect for Children's House and Lower Elementary guides with learners that require early reading strategies.   

Unlike speaking, reading is a skill that has to be taught. Incorporating materials and discussion, together, we will explore strategies and discuss questions you may have about your literacy program. This workshop will discuss ways to ensure children are immersed into language throughout their Children's House years in Montessori. Practical information will be presented that will allow children to receive daily lessons as well as many fun activities that will help develop and encourage foundational language skills. As children transition from Children's House to Lower Elementary, how do we ensure their needs continue to be met? This question will also be addressed.

More About Elizabeth Flenniken

Elizabeth has been involved with Montessori Education since she first stepped into a primary classroom to observe in 1985. She earned her A.M.I. primary diploma between 1989-1991 in Ohio under the direction of Hildegard Solzbacher. Since that time, Elizabeth has worked in various Montessori schools in Ontario as a head directress and administrator.  

In 1994 Elizabeth opened her own school, Absorbent Minds Montessori School, fulfilling a dream to provide authentic Montessori to children between the ages of 2.5 - 6 years of age. Her school operated for 19 years and became a fully certified school under the guidelines of CCMA (Canadian Counsel of Montessori Administrators).  

Elizabeth currently acts as a consultant to CCMA. Schools that wish to become affiliated with this organization, go through an accreditation process and Elizabeth acts as one of the visiting consultants to assist them with this process. Elizabeth has also worked with CAMT (Canadian Association of Montessori Teachers) presenting a curriculum based workshop titled “A Joyful Approach to Reading”. Throughout her career, Elizabeth has attended many Montessori workshops and conferences (The AMI conference in Prague, 2017 was a highlight). She is also passionate about working with struggling students and has attended additional workshops that deal with dyslexia, autism, ADHD and behaviour differences. Elizabeth is certified to observe a classroom using the developmental research of DERS (Developmental Environmental Rating Scale).  

In addition to her passion for Montessori Education she is also dedicated to health and fitness. She has run many marathons, long distance team relay events, practices daily yoga, and loves to cook.