Monthly Workshops in Berkeley, Ca

Come join a fun, innovative and progressive parenting class! We will share in the wisdom and knowledge of the Montessori Method while benefiting from cutting edge information on neuroscience, psychology, mindfulness and child development.

This will be an interactive, supportive group with rich discussions focused on parenting issues. Doug Lerch, an experienced play therapist and father, and Carmen Gamper will be leading and supporting the group.

When: Start October 28th, then every second Thursday of the month 6.30-8:00pm

Where: At the "Montessori Familiy School", El Cerrito, 94530 MAP

Cost: $20 online / $25 at the door


OCTOBER 28: The Foundations of the Montessori Method and Mindfulness Practice

Learn about the origins and applications of Maria Montessori's humanistic approach to education, and how mindfulness practice can support us in our parenting challenges. $20

NOVEMBER 11: Creating Competent and Confident Children

In this class you will learn practical ways of setting up the home environment according to your children's needs for independence. More independence helps reduce tension and supports children in building confidence. $20

DECEMBER 9: Ideas for Meaningful Educational Toys As Gifts and The Significance of Pretend Play

Come discover a few great teaching toys and browse through various catalogs to get inspired!

We will also talk about the significance of pretend play: Many children process emotions and experiences through pretend play - learn how to hold space when these emotions come to the surface.

Our Holiday Gift For You, 50% off this workshop: $10 and cookies will be waiting for you when you come :-)

January 20: Children's Genuine Needs on the Physical, Emotional, Intellectual and Spiritual Level

We will explore what children need to be happy, healthy, and to learn with ease, and how we can fulfill basic needs as well as possible in each individual situation.
E.g. We can provide space for movement, give time and space for tears, inspire intellectual growth and let children follow inner guidance within healthy boundaries. $20

MARCH 10: Supporting Emotional Growth

How can we nourish the intelligence of self-motivation and facilitate the joy of self-motivated activities. How can we accompany sadness, fear, and temper tantrums in respectful ways, and how can we help solve conflicts between children. $20

APRIL 14: The Importance of 'No'
 
In this class we will look at healthy and unhealthy boundary settings, and explore how to set boundaries respectfully. This workshop will help becoming aware of personal boundaries in relation with children. We will explore ways to say 'no' respectfully, and we will discuss alternatives to punishment and reward methods. E.g. Instead of time-outs, we can talk with children and stand up for our own wishes;$20

MAY 12: The Science Behind Joyful Learning

In this workshop we explore cutting-edge research that confirms the importance of self-directed and relaxed learning. We will look into the research of epigentics ("The environment is a determining factor in growth processes") and neuro-cardiology ("Positive emotions build the foundation of empowered intelligent learning processes"): Learning progress is directly affected by two different states of being: "I am relaxed-mode" vs. "I feel pressure mode". $20

JUNE 8: Hands-on Learning Materials for Children

Enjoy an introduction to manipulatives for basic math, beginning writing / reading, and practical life. Explore the Montessori learning tools. Learn simple ways to craft them together with children. Learn basic teaching skills developed by Montessori, Steiner, Froebel, which can become additional tools for your interactions with children. $20