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Introduction to Early Childhood Montessori Education

Patricia M. Hart, Ph.D.

This course, developed by Patricia M. Hart, Ph.D., in partnership with Educational Video Publishing, draws upon beautifully filmed scenes of children in Montessori classrooms, engaged in all five areas of the Montessori curriculum; including Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math and Cultural. Dr. Hart taught early childhood Montessori for nine years at Gloria Dei Montessori School in Dayton, OH prior to becoming a faculty member at the University of Dayton's School of Education. Educational Video Publishing has been producing Montessori videos since 1994, including co-producing six DVDs with the American Montessori Society. Each curriculum area includes a separate lecture based on interviews with Anna Perry, the Executive Director of the Seton Montessori Institute in Chicago.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Students will gain a basic understanding of montessori philosophy and materials covering all five curriculum areas.
  • See examples of dozens of montessori materials being used within classrooms
  • Draw upon the expertise of several leading montessorians and visit montessori schools from all over the country.

Syllabus

Introduction

A brief overview of Montessori Philosophy and the concepts behind the materials.

Three short review questions.

Students will gain an understanding of the Practical Life curriculum and see examples including: dressing frames, hand washing, pouring, care of the environment and control of movement.
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The story of how the Practical Life Curriculum builds independence through the practice of life skills from using a zipper to serving a snack, to grace and courtesy.

Practical Life Curriculum Perspective from Anna Perry

A couple of quick questions to review the content of this section

Students will gain an understanding of the curriculum, materials and purpose of the Sensorial area.

Students will gain a basic understanding of some of the materials and objectives of the Sensorial Curriculum.

Sensorial Curriculum Perspective from Anna Perry

How does the Sensorial curriculum encourage cognitive growth?

Students will gain a basic understanding of some of the materials and objectives of the Montessori Language Curriculum.

An introduction to the early childhood Montessori Language Curriculum

Language Curriculum Perspective from Anna Perry
Language Curriculum Review
An introduction to the early childhood math curriculum.
Math Curriculum
Math Curriculum Perspective from Anna Perry
Math Curriculum Review
The Montessori Cultural Curriculum covers areas as broad as geography, botany, flags, world cultures and more.
Cultural Curriculum
Cultural Curriculum Perspective from Anna Perry
Culture Curriculum Review
Conclusion

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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 Introduction to Early Childhood Montessori Education with these activities:
The Absorbent Mind
Deepen your understanding of the core 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 the concepts relate to the course materials.
Review Child Development Theories
Strengthen your understanding of child development theories to better grasp the Montessori approach.
Browse courses on Child Development
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  • Review notes from previous courses on child development.
  • Research key figures like Piaget, Erikson, and Vygotsky.
  • Consider how these theories align with Montessori principles.
Discuss Practical Life Activities
Reinforce your understanding of Practical Life activities by discussing them with peers.
Show steps
  • Organize a virtual meeting with classmates.
  • Share examples of Practical Life activities.
  • Discuss the benefits of each activity.
  • Brainstorm new activity ideas.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Sensorial Materials Presentation
Solidify your knowledge of Sensorial materials by creating a presentation to teach others.
Show steps
  • Choose a few Sensorial materials to focus on.
  • Research the purpose and use of each material.
  • Create a presentation with visuals and explanations.
  • Practice delivering the presentation.
Montessori: A Modern Approach
Explore a modern interpretation of the Montessori method to see how it applies to contemporary education.
View Montessori in the Classroom on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Montessori: A Modern Approach'.
  • Read the book, focusing on the modern applications.
  • Compare and contrast the traditional and modern approaches.
Design a Montessori-Inspired Learning Space
Apply your knowledge by designing a learning space that incorporates Montessori principles.
Show steps
  • Research the key elements of a Montessori classroom.
  • Choose a space to design (real or virtual).
  • Create a floor plan and select materials.
  • Justify your design choices based on Montessori philosophy.
Volunteer at a Montessori School
Gain practical experience by volunteering in a Montessori classroom.
Show steps
  • Find a local Montessori school.
  • Contact the school and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Assist the teacher with classroom activities.
  • Observe children using Montessori materials.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Early Childhood Montessori Education will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Montessori Teacher
The role of a Montessori Teacher involves guiding children through self-directed activities within a prepared environment. A deep understanding of Montessori philosophy and materials is essential, and this course directly provides that foundation, covering all five curriculum areas. The course's focus on Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, and Cultural studies aligns perfectly with the daily activities of a Montessori Teacher. Observing examples of Montessori materials in use and gaining insights from leading Montessorians, as offered by this course, helps build the practical skills necessary for successfully implementing the Montessori method in the classroom. The course's lectures and perspectives from experts enhance pedagogical approaches, making it an asset for aspiring Montessori teachers. The curriculum reviews at the end of each section helps reinforce learned concepts for Montessori Teachers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Montessori Teacher
Assistant Teacher
As an Assistant Teacher in a Montessori setting, you'll support the lead teacher and help maintain a productive learning environment. This course provides a valuable overview of Montessori philosophy and materials, equipping you with the knowledge to understand and assist in activities across the five curriculum areas. The course's filmed scenes of children engaged with Montessori materials offer a practical understanding of classroom dynamics. Knowing the purpose and application of each material will help in supporting the students. Understanding the Practical Life curriculum, as detailed in the course, is particularly useful for an Assistant Teacher, as it focuses on building independence and life skills, which are integral to the Montessori method. The interviews with Anna Perry also provide helpful context.
See salaries and explore the career path for Assistant Teacher
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developers in the field of Montessori education design and refine educational materials and programs. This course may be useful as it can provide a comprehensive overview of the existing Montessori curriculum, covering Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, and Cultural areas. The course presents examples of various Montessori materials used in classrooms, offering insights into their application and effectiveness. Observing the Practical Life curriculum builds a foundation for designing activities that develop independence. This course's filmed examples of classes can help inform your design process for Montessori materials. The curriculum reviews at the end of each section may also be useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer
Early Childhood Educator
Early Childhood Educators work with young children to foster their intellectual, social, and emotional development. Though this role is broad, this course may be helpful in providing specialized knowledge of the Montessori method. The course's coverage of Montessori philosophy and materials, spanning Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, and Cultural areas, offers a comprehensive introduction to this educational approach. Early childhood educators often adapt different educational philosophies to the needs of students. The course's lectures and perspectives from experts enhance pedagogical understanding and can inform approaches to early childhood education. Seeing examples of Montessori materials used in classrooms can broaden teaching techniques.
See salaries and explore the career path for Early Childhood Educator
Education Consultant
Education Consultants advise schools and educational organizations on best practices, curriculum development, and program implementation. This course can be valuable as it can provide insights into the Montessori method, a distinct approach to early childhood education. The course's focus on Montessori philosophy and materials, including Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, and Cultural areas, enables consultants to understand its key principles and applications. Understanding the practical application of these techniques helps inform the advice given to schools. Consultants can use this specialized knowledge to help schools implement or improve their Montessori programs. The discussions with Anna Perry can also add value to this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Education Consultant
Homeschool Teacher
Many parents choose to be Homeschool Teachers. This course may be useful for parents who wish to homeschool by using Montessori methods. This course provides an introduction to the Montessori philosophy, and covers the five key curriculum areas. Viewing filmed scenes of children using Montessori materials can also help to illustrate how the Montessori method works. The course helps build an understanding of the Practical Life curriculum, which focuses on independence. The curriculum reviews may also be useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Homeschool Teacher
Preschool Director
Preschool Directors oversee the operations and educational programs of preschool facilities. This course may be useful for directors who wish to implement or enhance Montessori programs within their schools. The course's coverage of Montessori philosophy and materials, including Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, and Cultural areas, allows directors to understand the method's key principles and applications. Understanding the application of these principles helps make decisions about program implementation. The discussions with Anna Perry may also be useful in this role. Reviewing the filmed examples of classrooms can also illustrate how the Montessori method can function in practice.
See salaries and explore the career path for Preschool Director
Childcare Provider
Childcare Providers look after children in a variety of settings, including daycare centers and private homes. This course may be useful as it can help childcare providers incorporate Montessori principles into their care practices. The course provides an introduction to the Montessori philosophy, and covers the five key curriculum areas. The course helps build an understanding of the Practical Life curriculum, which focuses on independence. This supports a childcare provider's efforts to nurture independent growth. The course's filmed scenes of children can also illustrate how the Montessori method functions in practice.
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Special Education Teacher
Special Education Teachers adapt teaching methods and materials to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. The Montessori method is an approach that can be beneficial for some special needs students. The course provides insight into the Montessori philosophy. The course may be helpful in informing teaching methods. Gaining insight into Montessori materials across areas like Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, and Culture, may provide tools to individualize learning plans. The course's filmed scenes of classrooms can also illustrate how the Montessori method functions in practice.
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Early Intervention Specialist
Early Intervention Specialists work with infants and young children who have developmental delays or disabilities. This course may be useful as it can help specialists understand and apply Montessori principles to support early childhood development. Gaining insight into Montessori materials across areas like Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, and Culture, may help Early Intervention Specialists find methods to assist development. The course's filmed scenes of classrooms can also illustrate how the Montessori method functions in practice. Understanding the Practical Life curriculum helps in building independence.
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Educational Therapist
Educational Therapists work with students who have learning difficulties to develop strategies and skills for academic success. This course may be useful in providing an understanding of the Montessori method. Gaining insight into Montessori materials across areas like Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, and Culture, may help educational therapists find methods to assist students. The course's filmed scenes of classrooms can also illustrate how the Montessori method functions in practice. Understanding the Practical Life curriculum helps in building independence skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Therapist
Play Therapist
Play Therapists use play as a therapeutic medium to help children address emotional and behavioral challenges. This course may be useful. Gaining insight into Montessori materials across areas like Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, and Culture, may help Play Therapists structure play therapy sessions. The course's filmed scenes of classrooms can also illustrate how the Montessori method functions in practice. Understanding the Practical Life curriculum helps in building independence.
See salaries and explore the career path for Play Therapist
Behavioral Therapist
Behavioral Therapists work with individuals to address behavioral issues through various therapeutic techniques. This course may be useful in providing an understanding of the Montessori method. The course's filmed scenes of classrooms can also illustrate how the Montessori method functions in practice. The course may inform behavioral therapy. Gaining insight into Montessori materials across areas like Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, and Culture, may also be useful. Reviewing the filmed examples of classes can also illustrate how the Montessori method can function in practice.
See salaries and explore the career path for Behavioral Therapist
Camp Counselor
Camp Counselors supervise children in recreational activities. This course may be useful to camp counselors who work with younger kids. Gaining insight into Montessori materials across areas like Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, and Culture, may also be useful. The course's filmed scenes of classrooms can also illustrate how the Montessori method functions in practice. The practical life curriculum focuses on independence and could be particularly applicable.
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Museum Educator
Museum Educators develop and deliver educational programs and exhibits for museum visitors. This course may be useful. The course's filmed scenes of classrooms can also illustrate how the Montessori method functions in practice. Gaining insight into Montessori materials across areas like Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Math, and Culture, may also be useful. Reviewing the filmed examples of classes can also illustrate how the Montessori method can function in practice.
See salaries and explore the career path for Museum Educator

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 Introduction to Early Childhood Montessori Education.
Cover image
The Absorbent Mind
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Is Maria Montessori's foundational work, outlining her observations of child development and the principles of the Montessori Method. It is essential reading for understanding the core philosophy behind the Montessori approach. The book provides a deep dive into the concept of the 'absorbent mind' and how children learn through their environment. It is highly recommended as a reference text for this course.
The Absorbent Mind
Paperback
Check
The Absorbent Mind
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Montessori in the Classroom
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Provides a contemporary perspective on the Montessori method, demonstrating its relevance in today's world. It bridges the gap between traditional Montessori principles and modern educational practices. It offers practical advice for implementing Montessori techniques in various settings. This book is valuable as additional reading to broaden your understanding of the method.
Montessori in the Classroom
Paperback
Check
Montessori in the Classroom
Kindle Edition
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