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Early Childhood Montessori Assistant Training Course

4.4 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Based on 57 ratings
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Patricia M. Hart, Ph.D.

This course has been used in over 800 Montessori schools to train assistants.

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This course has been used in over 800 Montessori schools to train assistants.

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.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The role of observation in montessori education
  • The role of the assistant in maintaining the classroom environment
  • The importance of not interrupting the teacher or the students while they are working
  • The basic elements of a montessori education - self paced learning, multiage classrooms, encouraging independence, self paced/self initiated learning

Syllabus

An overview of the early childhood Montessori classroom including basic Montessori philosophy from the perspective of educators, former students and parents.
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Prior to learning about the expectations for becoming a Montessori assistant in the classroom, it is important to have a basic understanding of what goes on in a classroom, the curriculum areas, and the basic philosophy of Montessori education.  In this video we will hear from former Montessori students about their experiences in the classroom.

LEARNING THE BASICS OF MONTESSORI.

Children strive to become independent. Montessori helps children to learn self care from hand washing, pouring, making a snack, cleaning up after yourself, and learning how to tie shoes and put on their coats.  This is the core of the Practical Life curriculum.

In Practical Life, students learn the basic skills of life.

Montessori believed children learn using all their senses.  The Sensorial curriculum has many materials that help children sharpen their senses.  Comparing and matching sound cylinders, learning the basic senses of taste, hearing the different tones of bells and learning the sense of touch through feeling rough and smooth and others.

Montessori believed that children learn best through using all their senses.

Language in a Montessori classroom begins by learning the sounds of letters, rather than the alphabet.  Tactile materials including the "sandpaper letters", the moveable alphabet, and grammar symbols help students learn language through increasingly abstract concepts.

This quiz reviews aspects of the Montessori Language curriculum

The Math curriculum uses concrete materials that allow children to feel numbers through color coded beads.  There is the single bead, the ten bar, the hundred square and the thousand cube.  Many other materials, including the Number Rods, The Spindle Box, The Ten Board, and the Hundred Board and others are used to help children teach themselves the concepts of mathematics.

Here is a practice quiz for a basic understanding of the Montessori Math curriculum

In the Cultural curriculum, students learn a variety of maps through puzzles.  They learn the flags of the world.  They learn basic art history, the anatomy of a frog and the parts of a flower.

The Cultural curriculum covers many subjects from music, to science, to geography.

Introduction Quiz

This section covers aspects of the Montessori classroom environment.

The assistant has specific responsibilities in the classroom.

Throughout the day, there are various tasks the assistant is responsible for.

The importance of getting along with your directress.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Directed by a former President of the American Montessori Society, which lends credibility and insight into established Montessori practices
Produced by Educational Video Publishing, which has been creating Montessori training videos since 1994, suggesting a deep understanding of Montessori methods
Focuses on the assistant's role in maintaining a prepared classroom environment, which is a core tenet of Montessori education
Emphasizes the importance of not interrupting the teacher or students, which is a key aspect of respecting the Montessori learning process
Covers the basic elements of a Montessori education, including self-paced learning and multi-age classrooms, providing a foundational understanding
Requires learners to understand the basics of Montessori philosophy before learning about the expectations for becoming an assistant

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Reviews summary

Practical foundation for montessori assistants

According to learners, this course provides a practical and philosophical foundation for working as a Montessori assistant. Students find the content clear and concise, making it suitable for both newcomers and those seeking a refresher. The course is highlighted as being highly relevant to the actual duties and responsibilities of an assistant role. While many appreciate the basic overview of the curriculum areas, some mention the need for additional, more in-depth study, particularly regarding the Montessori materials and specific classroom management techniques. Overall, it's seen as a valuable starting point.
Self-paced and accessible format.
"I really enjoyed being able to complete the course at my own pace."
"The online format made it easy to fit studying around my schedule."
"Accessible and well-structured for online learning."
"Appreciated the flexibility to review sections as needed."
Provides a solid introduction to concepts.
"This is an excellent first step into becoming a Montessori assistant."
"It gave me a solid foundation in the philosophy and practical aspects of assisting in a Montessori classroom."
"A very helpful course to gain basic knowledge as an assistant."
"Gives a good general understanding of what's involved."
"Provides a necessary framework for understanding the Montessori approach."
Well-explained basics of Montessori.
"I really enjoyed this class. It was easy to understand and informative."
"The course is very clear and concise, providing a good overview of the Montessori philosophy and the assistant's role."
"Excellent course, straight to the point and very helpful."
"This is a great overview of the basic understanding of the Montessori philosophy and the Assistant's role."
"I found the explanations simple to grasp, even as someone new to Montessori."
Directly applicable to the assistant role.
"The information is very useful for the assistant role, as it talks about classroom maintenance, daily routines and working relationships."
"This training gave me the confidence that I needed to become a Montessori assistant. It is straight forward and very helpful."
"Learned valuable information that is highly relevant to what I'll be doing as a Montessori assistant."
"It explains perfectly what an assistant must do and how they must help the teacher and the classroom."
"I feel more prepared to step into the role after completing this course."
Covers basics, but needs more depth.
"I think it would be very helpful to see some examples of materials and some ways to redirect children."
"While the overview was helpful, I felt like I needed more specific examples of handling behaviors or using materials."
"The course provides a good foundation, but I would recommend supplementing it with further reading or observation for a deeper understanding."
"It was a good introduction but left me wanting more detailed instruction on practical classroom scenarios."
"Could benefit from showing more 'how-to' related to the materials discussed briefly."

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 Early Childhood Montessori Assistant Training Course with these activities:
Review Child Development Theories
Reviewing child development theories will provide a strong foundation for understanding how children learn and interact in a Montessori environment.
Browse courses on Attachment Theory
Show steps
  • Read summaries of key child development theories.
  • Compare and contrast different theoretical perspectives.
  • Reflect on how these theories relate to Montessori principles.
Read 'The Absorbent Mind' by Maria Montessori
Reading 'The Absorbent Mind' will provide a foundational understanding of Montessori philosophy and child development.
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 the concepts relate to the course material.
Create a Montessori Practical Life Activity
Creating a practical life activity will help you understand the purpose and design of these activities in a Montessori classroom.
Show steps
  • Choose a practical life skill to focus on.
  • Design an activity that teaches the skill in a Montessori way.
  • Gather the necessary materials.
  • Document the activity with photos and instructions.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Classroom Observation Skills
Practicing observation skills will improve your ability to identify student needs and maintain a supportive classroom environment.
Show steps
  • Watch videos of Montessori classrooms.
  • Take notes on student behavior and teacher interactions.
  • Identify areas where an assistant could provide support.
Explore 'Montessori: A Modern Approach' by Paula Polk Lillard
Reading 'Montessori: A Modern Approach' will provide a contemporary perspective on Montessori education.
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.
  • Consider how the ideas can be implemented in a classroom.
Volunteer in a Montessori Classroom
Volunteering provides hands-on experience and allows you to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting.
Show steps
  • Contact a local Montessori school.
  • Offer to volunteer as an assistant.
  • Observe and assist the teacher with classroom tasks.
  • Reflect on your experience and identify areas for improvement.
Answer Questions in Online Montessori Forums
Answering questions in online forums reinforces your understanding and helps others learn.
Show steps
  • Find online forums related to Montessori education.
  • Read questions from other students and educators.
  • Provide thoughtful and helpful answers based on your knowledge.

Career center

Learners who complete Early Childhood Montessori Assistant Training Course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Montessori Teacher
A Montessori Teacher guides children's learning and development within the prepared environment. This professional introduces lessons, observes student progress, and fosters independence. This course helps build a foundation for understanding Montessori philosophy and classroom management. It emphasizes the role of observation, maintaining a prepared environment, and supporting student independence. A prospective Montessori Teacher benefits from this assistant course, gaining insights into daily routines, classroom environment expectations, and the relationship between teacher and assistant.
See salaries and explore the career path for Montessori Teacher
Homeschooling Parent
A Homeschooling Parent educates their children at home, tailoring curriculum and teaching methods to meet their individual needs. They design lesson plans, assess student progress, and create a stimulating learning environment. This course helps provide an understanding of the Montessori philosophy. It will come in handy when creating a home environment and choosing learning materials. The Montessori approach emphasizes independence, self-paced learning, and a prepared environment which can benefit a Homeschooling Parent.
See salaries and explore the career path for Homeschooling Parent
Early Childhood Educator
An Early Childhood Educator promotes children's cognitive, emotional, and social development through play-based learning. Typically, they design curriculum, assess student progress, and communicate with parents. This course may be useful for understanding specific approaches to early childhood education, especially the Montessori method. Since this course focuses on the classroom environment and daily routines, it may offer helpful insights. The syllabus offers a glimpse into basic philosophy from the perspective of educators, former students and parents.
See salaries and explore the career path for Early Childhood Educator
Special Education Teacher
A Special Education Teacher provides tailored instruction and support to students with diverse learning needs. This role requires developing individualized education programs, adapting teaching methods, and collaborating with parents and specialists. This course may be useful because of its emphasis on the classroom environment and individual student needs. The program's focus on independence and self-paced learning could be particularly relevant for those supporting students with learning differences.
See salaries and explore the career path for Special Education Teacher
Educational Consultant
An Educational Consultant advises schools and organizations on improving educational practices and outcomes. Their tasks often include assessing program effectiveness, recommending strategies for improvement, and providing professional development. This course may provide a foundation in Montessori education, which could be valuable for consultants working with Montessori schools. The overview presented in the syllabus may provide knowledge that helps an Educational Consultant in their role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Consultant
Childcare Center Director
A Childcare Center Director manages the daily operations of a childcare facility, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for children. This role involves supervising staff, managing budgets, and communicating with parents. This course may be useful for understanding different approaches to early childhood education. Since the course focuses on classroom environment, management, and student needs, it may give a Childcare Center Director useful advice.
See salaries and explore the career path for Childcare Center Director
Elementary School Teacher
An Elementary School Teacher instructs students in various subjects, fostering their academic growth and critical thinking skills. They develop lesson plans, assess student performance, and manage the classroom environment. This course may be useful for understanding alternative teaching methodologies. The course can help one become familiar with a classroom setting. It covers basic routines and some teaching methods that could be useful for an Elementary School Teacher.
See salaries and explore the career path for Elementary School Teacher
Curriculum Developer
A Curriculum Developer designs and implements educational programs and materials, ensuring alignment with learning objectives and standards. This role involves researching best practices, creating engaging content, and evaluating program effectiveness. This course may be useful for gaining insight into the Montessori philosophy and its practical application in the classroom. The course offers a glimpse into the curriculum areas, and the basic routines and could be useful for a Curriculum Developer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer
Instructional Designer
An Instructional Designer creates engaging and effective learning experiences using various technologies and pedagogical principles. This professional designs online courses, develops multimedia content, and assesses learning outcomes. This course may provide insights into specific educational methods, such as the Montessori approach. The Instructional Designer may find useful the curriculum content presented in the syllabus, which could inform the design of educational materials.
See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer
Child Psychologist
A Child Psychologist assesses, diagnoses, and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. Typically, this role requires conducting therapy sessions, administering psychological tests, and collaborating with families and schools. This role generally requires a doctoral degree. This course may be useful for understanding different educational philosophies and their impact on child development. The course's focus on classroom environment and student needs might provide additional context for a Child Psychologist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Child Psychologist
Social Worker
A Social Worker supports individuals and families facing social, emotional, and economic challenges. This position usually requires assessing client needs, connecting them with resources, and advocating for their well-being. This course may be useful for understanding the educational context in which children develop. The course's emphasis on student independence and classroom environment may help a Social Worker.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker
Children's Librarian
A Children's Librarian promotes literacy and a love of reading among children. This role involves selecting and organizing books, conducting storytimes, and developing library programs. This course may be useful because it emphasizes student independence, classroom environment, and engagement. The course's discussion of Montessori philosophy may help the Children's Librarian.
See salaries and explore the career path for Children's Librarian
Early Intervention Specialist
An Early Intervention Specialist works with young children who have developmental delays or disabilities, providing support and interventions to promote their growth. This professional develops individualized plans, collaborates with families, and monitors progress. This course may be useful because it focuses on the importance of not interrupting the teacher or the students while they are working and the basic elements of a Montessori education. The overview presented in the syllabus may help an Early Intervention Specialist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Early Intervention Specialist
Museum Educator
A Museum Educator develops and delivers educational programs for visitors of all ages. This may involve creating interactive exhibits, leading tours, and designing workshops. This course helps build a foundation for understanding how children learn through hands-on experiences, observation, and self-directed activities. A Museum Educator can benefit from the course's focus on fostering independence, maintaining a stimulating learning environment, and supporting individual learning styles.
See salaries and explore the career path for Museum Educator
Camp Counselor
A Camp Counselor supervises and engages children in recreational activities at a summer camp or similar program. This role involves planning and leading activities, ensuring camper safety, and fostering a positive group dynamic. This course may be useful for understanding basic principles of child development and classroom management. The course's focus on student independence and classroom environment may provide useful insights for a Camp Counselor.
See salaries and explore the career path for Camp Counselor

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 Early Childhood Montessori Assistant Training Course.
Cover image
The Absorbent Mind
Save
Cornerstone of Montessori philosophy, detailing the developmental stages of children from birth to age six. It provides essential background for understanding the Montessori approach to education and the role of the assistant in supporting the child's natural learning process. Reading this book will give the assistant a deeper appreciation for the 'absorbent mind' and how the prepared environment caters to it. It foundational text for anyone working in a Montessori setting.
The Absorbent Mind
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Montessori in the Classroom
Save
Provides a broad overview of the Montessori approach across different age groups, offering insights into the developmental needs of children at various stages. It helps assistants understand the long-term goals of Montessori education and how their role contributes to the child's overall development. It offers a holistic perspective on Montessori education, from early childhood to adulthood. This book is valuable for understanding the continuum of Montessori education.
Montessori in the Classroom: A Teacher's Account of...
Paperback
$$
Montessori in the Classroom: A Teacher's Account of...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Rating
4.4 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Effort
38 total mins
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Patricia M. Hart, Ph.D.
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Directed by a former President of the American Montessori Society, which lends credibility and insight into established Montessori practices
Produced by Educational Video Publishing, which has been creating Montessori training videos since 1994, suggesting a deep understanding of Montessori methods
Focuses on the assistant's role in maintaining a prepared classroom environment, which is a core tenet of Montessori education
Emphasizes the importance of not interrupting the teacher or students, which is a key aspect of respecting the Montessori learning process
Covers the basic elements of a Montessori education, including self-paced learning and multi-age classrooms, providing a foundational understanding
Requires learners to understand the basics of Montessori philosophy before learning about the expectations for becoming an assistant
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