participants in the IMS workshop- Edmonton, AB Canada April 2009

On April 18-19, 2009, parents and educators from western Canada met in Edmonton, Alberta, to learn and develop skills in using the IMS technology of Montessori teaching. Dawn Burgess, Edmonton Montessori educator, provided the local coordination for this first-ever IMS 'Creating the New Education' workshop in the province of Alberta. In addition to presenting the technology, this event also offered a rare opportunity for local Montessori educators to get acquainted with each other and develop relationships for closer mutual support in the future.

At the workshop, Lee Havis showed how to use the IMS technology with children to bring about their true natural development. The format included lecture, discussion, role-play drama, and a slide-show presentation that was first introduced at the Pasadena workshop in February, 2009.

Group discussion emphasized especially using the protocol least amount of adult involvement to help control detrimental tendencies in the adult personality towards abandonment and negativity with children. Lee also highlighted the value of the technique eye contact in following the least amount protocol. He said, "Eye contact is ideal interaction with children because it follows so closely various key protocols, such as least amount and basis of interest. Using it from a single stationary position keeps your activity and involvement to a minimum while resolving small issues of inattention before they become major misbehavior scenarios."

While in Edmonton, Lee visited a number of the schools participating in the workshop. He applauded the efforts of so many who were experimenting with the workshop technology in their actual classroom situations. He also encouraged teachers to continue these efforts by meeting together for further learning and study as often as possible.