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Patricia M. Hart, Ph.D.
Montessori education has been a leading philosophy since Maria Montessori first did her research over 100 years ago. She believed in a hands on approach to learning, where students were independent learnings, structuring their own learning.
Read more
Montessori education has been a leading philosophy since Maria Montessori first did her research over 100 years ago. She believed in a hands on approach to learning, where students were independent learnings, structuring their own learning.
Read more
Montessori education has been a leading philosophy since Maria Montessori first did her research over 100 years ago. She believed in a hands on approach to learning, where students were independent learnings, structuring their own learning.
Every Montessori teacher needs a trained assistant to manage her classroom. However, to be a successful assistant, you need to have a good understanding of Montessori philosophy. In a Montessori classroom, students should not be disturbed when they are engaged in their work. Montessori students should be encouraged to be independent in all aspects of self-care. A Montessori teacher should not be interrupted during a materials presentation. Montessori classrooms are beautiful, with well maintained materials. A good assistant ensures that the classroom is always beautiful.
A Montessori assistant has many responsibilities including: Keeping the classroom neat and well supplied, monitoring the classroom noise level, taking care of individual student needs, and managing classroom conflicts, greeting students and parents as the day begins, helping students to prepare to go home at the end of the day, and ensuring safety on the playground.
In this program, you will learn how to achieve all these objectives as well as gain a general understanding of Montessori philosophy and how a Montessori class functions.
Produced by Educational Video Publishing – a leader in Montessori video production since 1994. Directed by Paulyne Holten-Sinder, former President of the American Montessori Society.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/507xk0/elementary
What's inside
Learning objectives
- Identify what the role and responsibility of an elementary montessori assistant is
- Obtain a basic understanding of how an elementary montessori classroom functions
- Understand the legal and confidentiality issues an assistant must be aware of
- Understand how to model behavior of the head teacher and be a model for the students
- Identify what the role and responsibility of an elementary montessori assistant is
- Obtain a basic understanding of how an elementary montessori classroom functions
- Understand the legal and confidentiality issues an assistant must be aware of
- Understand how to model behavior of the head teacher and be a model for the students
Syllabus
Introduction
Download and print out, “Elementary Pause Screens” and “Elementary Notes.” The “Elementary Notes” provides you with a list of the 39 Text Screens that appear throughout the videos to emphasize key points. The “Elementary Pause Screens” provide you with a print out of the reflection points for each section. By recording your thoughts on the “Elementary Notes” pages, you will have a thorough record of your learning experience.
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction
Download and print out, “Elementary Pause Screens” and “Elementary Notes.” The “Elementary Notes” provides you with a list of the 39 Text Screens that appear throughout the videos to emphasize key points. The “Elementary Pause Screens” provide you with a print out of the reflection points for each section. By recording your thoughts on the “Elementary Notes” pages, you will have a thorough record of your learning experience.
Read more
An 80% test score represents successful course completion
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Provides a foundational understanding of Montessori philosophy, which is essential for effective classroom support
Covers practical aspects of classroom management, such as maintaining order and supporting student needs
Directed by a former President of the American Montessori Society, which lends credibility to the course content
Includes downloadable notes and pause screens, which facilitates active learning and reflection
Emphasizes the importance of modeling behavior and maintaining consistency, which are crucial for a positive learning environment
Requires an 80% test score for successful completion, which may pose a challenge for some learners
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Reviews summary
Foundation for elementary montessori assistants
According to learners, this course provides a useful foundational understanding of the elementary Montessori assistant role. Many find it a practical guide to classroom responsibilities, safety, and daily routines. Students appreciate the overview of basic Montessori philosophy relevant to their position. Some reviewers mention that while it covers the essentials clearly, the course may lack in-depth coverage on specific pedagogical aspects or complex scenarios, suggesting it serves best as an introduction that may require supplemental learning or hands-on experience.
Introduces relevant philosophy.
"Gave me a good overview of the Montessori philosophy relevant to my role."
"Helped me see the bigger picture of how the classroom functions."
"Understand the core principles behind the assistant's responsibilities."
Provides a good basic overview.
"Provided a solid foundation for understanding the assistant's place."
"I gained a good overview of what is expected in this role."
"Helped me understand the core principles of the Montessori classroom from an assistant's perspective."
Focuses on practical classroom duties.
"It really gave me a clear picture of my daily tasks as an assistant."
"The information provided is very practical for working in a Montessori classroom."
"Gave me useful tips on managing the environment and helping students."
"I learned practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."
May need supplementation for detail.
"Could use more in-depth coverage on specific curriculum support."
"Wish it went deeper into managing challenging student behaviors."
"Felt it was just an introduction; requires more advanced training or experience."
"This course provides me with a strong foundation, but I feel I will need additional resources for specific situations."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Elementary Montessori Assistant Training with these
activities:
Read 'The Absorbent Mind'
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the Montessori philosophy by reading Maria Montessori's seminal work.
View
The Absorbent Mind
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Obtain a copy of 'The Absorbent Mind'.
-
Read the book, taking notes on key concepts.
-
Reflect on how these concepts apply to the assistant's role.
Review Child Development Principles
Show steps
Strengthen your understanding of how children learn and develop, which is essential for supporting their learning in a Montessori classroom.
Browse courses on
Child Development
Show steps
-
Review notes from previous child development courses.
-
Read articles or watch videos on child development milestones.
-
Reflect on how these principles relate to Montessori practices.
Role-Play Classroom Scenarios
Show steps
Practice responding to common classroom situations in a Montessori environment with other students.
Show steps
-
Find a partner or small group of fellow students.
-
Develop a list of common classroom scenarios.
-
Take turns role-playing the assistant and student roles.
-
Provide constructive feedback to each other.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Montessori Classroom Checklist
Show steps
Develop a checklist to ensure the classroom is well-maintained and conducive to learning, reinforcing your understanding of the assistant's responsibilities.
Show steps
-
Review the course materials on classroom management.
-
Create a checklist of tasks for maintaining the classroom.
-
Organize the checklist into categories (e.g., materials, cleanliness, safety).
-
Share the checklist with other students for feedback.
Explore 'Montessori: A Modern Approach'
Show steps
Gain a modern perspective on Montessori education by reading Paula Polk Lillard's insightful book.
View
Montessori in the Classroom: A Teacher's...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Obtain a copy of 'Montessori: A Modern Approach'.
-
Read the book, focusing on practical applications of Montessori principles.
-
Reflect on how these applications can be implemented in the classroom.
Volunteer in a Montessori Classroom
Show steps
Gain practical experience by assisting in a real Montessori classroom, solidifying your understanding of the assistant's role and responsibilities.
Show steps
-
Contact local Montessori schools to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Schedule a time to volunteer in a classroom.
-
Observe the teacher and assistant, and offer assistance where needed.
-
Reflect on your experience and identify areas for improvement.
Develop a Presentation on Montessori Principles
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of Montessori principles by creating a presentation to share with others.
Show steps
-
Research key Montessori principles and practices.
-
Create a presentation outline.
-
Develop slides with clear and concise information.
-
Practice delivering the presentation.
Read 'The Absorbent Mind'
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of the Montessori philosophy by reading Maria Montessori's seminal work.
View
The Absorbent Mind
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain a copy of 'The Absorbent Mind'.
- Read the book, taking notes on key concepts.
- Reflect on how these concepts apply to the assistant's role.
Review Child Development Principles
Show steps
Strengthen your understanding of how children learn and develop, which is essential for supporting their learning in a Montessori classroom.
Browse courses on
Child Development
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review notes from previous child development courses.
- Read articles or watch videos on child development milestones.
- Reflect on how these principles relate to Montessori practices.
Role-Play Classroom Scenarios
Show steps
Practice responding to common classroom situations in a Montessori environment with other students.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a partner or small group of fellow students.
- Develop a list of common classroom scenarios.
- Take turns role-playing the assistant and student roles.
- Provide constructive feedback to each other.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Montessori Classroom Checklist
Show steps
Develop a checklist to ensure the classroom is well-maintained and conducive to learning, reinforcing your understanding of the assistant's responsibilities.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the course materials on classroom management.
- Create a checklist of tasks for maintaining the classroom.
- Organize the checklist into categories (e.g., materials, cleanliness, safety).
- Share the checklist with other students for feedback.
Explore 'Montessori: A Modern Approach'
Show steps
Gain a modern perspective on Montessori education by reading Paula Polk Lillard's insightful book.
View
Montessori in the Classroom: A Teacher's...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Obtain a copy of 'Montessori: A Modern Approach'.
- Read the book, focusing on practical applications of Montessori principles.
- Reflect on how these applications can be implemented in the classroom.
Volunteer in a Montessori Classroom
Show steps
Gain practical experience by assisting in a real Montessori classroom, solidifying your understanding of the assistant's role and responsibilities.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Contact local Montessori schools to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Schedule a time to volunteer in a classroom.
- Observe the teacher and assistant, and offer assistance where needed.
- Reflect on your experience and identify areas for improvement.
Develop a Presentation on Montessori Principles
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of Montessori principles by creating a presentation to share with others.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research key Montessori principles and practices.
- Create a presentation outline.
- Develop slides with clear and concise information.
- Practice delivering the presentation.
Career center
Learners who complete Elementary Montessori Assistant Training will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Classroom Aide
Classroom Aide
The Classroom Aide provides support to teachers in the classroom environment. This includes assisting with lesson preparation, supervising students, and maintaining classroom organization. This course is directly applicable to the role of classroom aide in a Montessori environment. This course discusses the role and responsibilities of an assistant.
Educational Assistant
Educational Assistant
An Educational Assistant works closely with teachers to provide support to students in elementary school settings. This includes assisting with classroom activities, providing one-on-one support, and helping to manage classroom behavior. Since it offers an overview of elementary education, this course is particularly useful for one who wishes to become an Educational Assistant. The course focuses on the role and responsibilities of an assistant.
Teacher Assistant
Teacher Assistant
A Teacher Assistant supports lead teachers in various educational settings. This involves tasks such as preparing materials, assisting with instruction, and providing individual attention to students. This course has particular relevance to the Teacher Assistant role. The course helps build an understanding of how a classroom functions, how to model teacher behavior, and how to support students.
Paraprofessional Educator
Paraprofessional Educator
A Paraprofessional Educator works under the supervision of a teacher to provide instructional and classroom support. This includes assisting with lesson delivery, working with small groups, and providing individualized attention to students. This course prepares one for the role of Paraprofessional. The course covers the importance of understanding the function of a classroom, and maintaining student safety.
Instructional Aide
Instructional Aide
The role of an Instructional Aide is to provide support to teachers and students in the classroom, often working with small groups or individual students who need extra help. This course, with its emphasis on classroom management and understanding the functions of a classroom environment, is very relevant training for someone interested in being an Instructional Aide. The course covers topics that involve classroom conflict management.
Montessori Teacher
Montessori Teacher
The role of Montessori Teacher involves guiding children through self-directed learning experiences within a prepared environment. This work includes presenting lessons, observing student progress, and fostering independence. This course provides an overview of Montessori philosophy and classroom management techniques, which helps build a foundation for those interested in teaching. The course emphasizes the importance of understanding how a Montessori classroom functions, which is particularly useful for aspiring teachers who may later lead classrooms of their own.
Preschool Teacher
Preschool Teacher
A Preschool Teacher fosters the social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children. The work of a preschool teacher involves planning activities, supervising play, and creating a nurturing environment. This course discusses basic educational principles, which may be useful for those interested in preschool education. The course's insight into Montessori philosophy can enhance one's approach to early childhood education.
Homeschool Teacher
Homeschool Teacher
A Homeschool Teacher is responsible for educating children within a home environment. The work involves curriculum planning, instruction, and assessment. This course's emphasis on creating a structured learning environment may be particularly useful for those interested in homeschooling. The insight into Montessori philosophy can enhance one's approach to homeschooling.
Childcare Provider
Childcare Provider
As a Childcare Provider, one fosters a safe and stimulating environment for children's development. The work involves supervising activities, ensuring safety, and helping children develop social and emotional skills. This course's emphasis on creating and maintaining a structured environment may be useful for those interested in providing childcare. Learning about Montessori philosophy can enhance one's approach to child development and classroom management.
Elementary School Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
An Elementary School Teacher is responsible for educating children in a variety of subjects, fostering their academic and social development. This work includes lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment. This course covers basic educational principles, along with classroom management techniques, which may be useful for those entering the field of elementary education. This course's discussion of how a Montessori classroom functions aligns with classroom management principles.
Youth Program Coordinator
Youth Program Coordinator
The work of a Youth Program Coordinator involves planning, organizing, and implementing programs for children and adolescents. Responsibilities include developing activities, managing staff, and ensuring a safe and enriching experience. This course's emphasis on creating a structured learning environment may be useful for those interested in youth program coordination. The course's insights into classroom management may be applicable to managing youth programs.
Education Administrator
Education Administrator
An Education Administrator oversees the operations of a school or educational program. The work involves managing staff, developing policies, and ensuring a positive learning environment. An understanding of Montessori principles and classroom dynamics, as provided by this course, helps build a foundation for those interested in administration. This course may enhance one's understanding of the educational environment.
Special Education Teacher
Special Education Teacher
The work of a Special Education Teacher involves adapting teaching methods and materials to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. Responsibilities include developing individualized education programs, providing support, and collaborating with other professionals. This course may be useful for those interested in special education because it emphasizes the importance of individualized instruction and adapting to student needs within a classroom setting. The course introduces techniques that may be useful in special education environments.
Educational Consultant
Educational Consultant
Educational Consultants provide expert advice and guidance to schools and educational organizations. The work involves assessing needs, recommending improvements, and implementing strategies to enhance educational outcomes. This course's overview of Montessori philosophy helps build a foundation for those interested in providing consulting services to Montessori schools. This course's insights may make someone a more informed consultant.
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developers design and create educational materials and programs. This work includes researching best practices, developing lesson plans, and evaluating curriculum effectiveness. This course's insight into Montessori educational philosophy may be useful for curriculum developers. This course may inform the creation of educational materials.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/507xk0/elementary
Reading list
We've selected two books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Elementary Montessori Assistant Training.
Save
Cornerstone of Montessori philosophy, detailing Maria Montessori's observations of children's learning processes. It provides essential background on the core principles that guide Montessori education. Understanding these principles is crucial for an assistant to effectively support the teacher and students. This book is highly relevant and foundational for anyone working in a Montessori environment.
Provides a broad overview of the Montessori method across different age groups. It offers insights into the developmental stages of children and how to adapt the Montessori approach to meet their needs. This book is useful for assistants who want to understand the continuum of Montessori education. It provides a comprehensive framework for supporting student learning.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/507xk0/elementary
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