Montessori inspirational weekend – Developing social-emotional competence

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Ticket selection:

• Two-day ticket with lunch 89 euros (from March 26th 109 euros)*

• Two-day ticket without lunch 69 euros (from March 26th 89 euros)*

• One-day ticket with lunch 65 euros*

• One-day ticket without lunch 55*

Elina Malleus-Kotšegarov

Friday, May 2nd, 12:00-13:00

Social-emotional competence – content and development. (Presentation will be in Estonian)

Social-emotional competence includes skills that help people understand and manage their emotions, create positive relationships and make responsible decisions. These skills are important for learning, mental well-being and social coping. Research shows that developing social-emotional skills supports children’s academic success, reduces behavioural problems and promotes a positive school climate. Conscious and consistent development of competences in the school environment contributes to the comprehensive development of children and young people.

Elina is an associate professor of educational psychology at Tallinn University. Both her applied and research interests are related to the field of thinking development, but also to social-emotional processes that affect learning.
She has participated in several research and applied projects that deal with the conceptualisation, assessment and development of general competences in the school environment. Together with colleagues, they have created and developed the program Our World https://www.tlu.ee/hik/MeieMaailm, which supports social-emotional competence for primary school students.

Kristiina Treial

Friday, May 2, 13:00-14:00

These overwhelming feelings and how to regulate emotions. (Presentation will be in Estonian)

Simone Davies

Friday, May 2, 16:00-18:30

10 tips to support our child’s social & emotional development: a Montessori approach at home

We hear a lot about independence in Montessori and following the child. But how do we balance this with living with others in society?

Simone Davies will explore with us how we can support our child to be themselves and live in community with others. We will look at how social and emotional development looks in our Montessori child through the planes of development and you will walk away with information you can put into practice in your home straight away. We’ll cover observation, how we can use the physical environment to support us, our work as the adult, and much more.

10 tricky situations & how to be our child’s guide

We want to be able to support our child. Yet situations arise where we find it difficult to know how best to guide them.

In this session, we will cover the most common tricky situations that arise and learn ways to be a kind and clear guide to our child. From hitting and biting, to managing relationships with peers, and dealing with conflicts, after the session you are sure to feel more confident to deal with even the most uncomfortable situations.

There will also be time at the end for you to ask Simone any of your other questions.

Ita Puusepp

Saturday, May 3, 10:00-10:30

Mindsets in the context of learning (Presentation will be in Estonian)

Ita Puusepp is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Helsinki and a visiting researcher at the Center for Educational Psychology at Tallinn University. Her research focuses mainly on the study of motivational processes, especially mindsets, in the context of learning.

The presentation will discuss mindsets, or ability mindsets. What are mindsets and how do they manifest themselves in the context of learning? How do mindsets develop? How can we support the development of a mindset that supports learning?

Simina Şerban

Saturday, May 3, 10:35-13:00

Emotional Independence: The Foundation of the Prepared Adult.

What does it truly mean to be emotionally independent as a Montessori guide? In this session, we’ll explore the inner landscape of the adult, uncovering how emotional patterns shape our relationships with children, parents, co-workers, and ourselves. With a focus on self-awareness and the principles of universal laws, this talk offers a clear framework for beginning the journey toward inner balance — the foundation for truly following the child. As Dr. Maria Montessori reminds us, “It is not enough for the teacher to love the child. She must first love and cultivate herself.”

Simina Șerban is an AMI Montessori guide (6-12; 12-18) and Trained Demartini Method Facilitator. A Montessori parent and former school co-founder, she blends universal laws, coaching, and Montessori wisdom to guide adults on a journey of emotional clarity and inner balance — essential steps to truly follow the child for who they are, not who we expect them to be.

Lubov Lepkina

Saturday, May 3, 14:00-15:15

Emotional intelligence.

At the conference, Lubov will speak about the development of emotional intelligence in the first three years of life, the influence of genes and the environment on unlocking a child’s potential, and the role of the adult in this process.

Key Points to Highlight:

• The child in the 0–3 age group
• Intellectual and emotional intelligence
• What are emotions and how are they made?
• Nature and Nurture regarding IQ and EQ.
• Components of EQ and how Montessori approach 0-3 can support them
• Prepared environment for EQ foundation

Lubov Lepkina is a Montessori pedagogue with extensive experience in both the 0–3 and 3–6 age groups. Since 2012, Lubov has worked as a guide in both 0–3 and 3–6 Montessori classrooms, led various trainings, lectures, and workshops, and advised parents and adults working with children. Under the guidance of the esteemed trainer Patricia Wallner, she has now become an AMI trainer for the 0–3 age group.

Bo Mynett

Saturday, May 3, 15:45-17:00

Social Development and our approach to the 6 –12 year old child

The presentation will address practical aspects of how the Montessori environment and methodology support the child’s social development, helping them to become confident, responsible, and empathetic individuals. We will explore the unique needs of the 6–12 age group in forming relationships, developing a moral compass, and their journey towards independence. Understanding how children grow socially during this period is crucial for both educators and parents.

Key Points to Highlight:

• The Impact of the Social Environment: How the Montessori environment fosters collaboration, peer learning, and a sense of community.
• Developing a Moral Compass: How children learn to distinguish right from wrong, develop a sense of fairness, and navigate complex social situations.
• The Formation of Independence and Responsibility: How the Montessori approach supports the child’s ability to think for themselves, make decisions, and take social responsibility.

Simina Şerban

Saturday, May 3, 17:00-18:00

The Spiritual Journey of the Adolescent – a plan and study work around emotional development

Adolescence is a time of transformation—not just physical or intellectual, but deeply spiritual. In this talk, we’ll explore the inner journey of the adolescent as they seek purpose, belonging, and

identity. Drawing from Montessori principles and real-life experiences, I’ll share how this stage of life holds a profound invitation: to connect with something greater than oneself and begin asking, “Who am I in the world?”

We’ll also touch on a practical framework that supports this spiritual development—a study and work plan centered around emotions. Because when adolescents understand and manage their inner world, they’re better prepared to find meaningful work, build authentic relationships, and contribute to their communities with confidence and compassion.

Together, we’ll reflect on how we can nurture not just academic or social success, but a sense of wholeness and inner direction.