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PhD Psychologist İlbey UCAR

           Dr. Maria Montessori was one of the first female doctors in Italy in the late 1800s. she took care of the poor and children in the clinic where she worked. In one specific case she studied, she noticed that children were picking breadcrumbs because they suffered from sensory deprivation. To solve the problem Dr. Montessori began to educate children. She understood that medical education and medicines were inadequate for these children. Therefore, she gave her full attention to the philosophy of education, psychology, and anthropology. Later she was invited by the Italian state to open a nursing home in Rome for children whose parents were working. Finally, in 1907 she opened Case Dei Bambini (Children’s House) to provide education to low-income children in Rome. It didn't take long time for her work to attract attention and be heard internationally. Montessori method of education had spread to United States in early 1900s and became very popular. Dr. Maria Montessori continued her studies in the field of education until her death in 1952.

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           Dr. Maria Montessori was one of the first female doctors in Italy in the late 1800s. she took care of the poor and children in the clinic where she worked. In one specific case she studied, she noticed that children were picking breadcrumbs because they suffered from sensory deprivation. To solve the problem Dr. Montessori began to educate children. She understood that medical education and medicines were inadequate for these children. Therefore, she gave her full attention to the philosophy of education, psychology, and anthropology. Later she was invited by the Italian state to open a nursing home in Rome for children whose parents were working. Finally, in 1907 she opened Case Dei Bambini (Children’s House) to provide education to low-income children in Rome. It didn't take long time for her work to attract attention and be heard internationally. Montessori method of education had spread to United States in early 1900s and became very popular. Dr. Maria Montessori continued her studies in the field of education until her death in 1952.

            On the contrary to traditional education, Dr. Maria Montessori believes children needs freedom to develop their physical, intellectual, and spiritual parts. A freedom to be achieved through order and self-discipline is the must in Montessori philosophy. Contrary to popular belief, there are many rules in the Montessori philosophy that will benefit the child. For example, the child cannot take the presented activity outside the playground or eat standing up.

Compared to traditional education, Montessori is the only approach that fits every child because in the traditional method every single child should learn at the same time. However, Montessori method allows children to learn at their own pace. Montessori materials are placed on the shelves in order from easiest to most difficult. so that each child works at their own pace with material that is relevant to their immediate interests. Meanwhile, the teacher is in the position of an observer. if the teacher thinks the child has mastered the material, he or she will incorporate the subsequent material into the training.

While in traditional education only the adult affects the child, in Montessori education the child, the adult and the environment are in a dynamic relationship. The environment is arranged in such a way that the child can be interested, and the child learns in this way. The adult who regulates the environment observes the child and repeats the necessary adjustments.

Dr. Maria Montessori argues that the purpose of the Montessori education is not to fill the child with real information, but rather to support his natural desire to learn.

Montessori education and philosophy is not only to be applied in schools, but also in our homes we give our children specificities and set limits so that they can make discoveries.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • 1. know the brief history of montessori
  • 2. understand the definition of montessori and the difference between traditional education and montessori
  • 3. 10 basic principles of montessori
  • A. prepared environment
  • B. natural learning desire
  • C. concrete learning
  • D. observation
  • E. independence
  • F. responsibility
  • G. respect
  • H. critical periods
  • 4. montessori mobiles
  • A. munari mobile
  • B. octahedron mobile
  • C. gobbi mobile
  • D. dancers mobile
  • 5. montessori activities
  • A. language skills
  • B. hand-eye coordination
  • C. music and movement
  • D. daily life skills
  • E. art skills
  • 6. designing montessori homes
  • A. hallway
  • B. livingroom
  • C. kitchen
  • D. bedroom
  • E. bathroom
  • F. reading area
  • G. outdoor/backyard
  • 7. setting rules in the montessori approach
  • 8. teaching children about emotions
  • 9. praise and labelling
  • 10. daily routines in montessori
  • A. sleep
  • B. mealtime
  • C. brushing teeth
  • D. toilet training
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Syllabus

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Intro
Basic Principles
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the core principles of the Montessori method, offering a foundation for understanding its unique approach to child development
Details the design of Montessori-inspired homes, which can help parents create environments that foster independence and learning
Covers Montessori mobiles, which are designed to stimulate visual development in infants and young children
Discusses setting rules within the Montessori approach, which emphasizes freedom within limits to foster self-discipline
Examines daily routines in Montessori, which can help parents implement Montessori principles in everyday life
Presents a brief history of Montessori, which may be useful for learners seeking a deeper understanding of its origins and evolution

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Reviews summary

Montessori principles for parenting

According to learners, this course provides a positive and practical introduction to applying Montessori principles within the home environment. Students found the sections on designing Montessori homes and exploring various activities particularly useful, offering concrete ideas for parents and caregivers. While praised for its clear explanation of the core principles and history, some learners felt the course served primarily as a good starting point, suggesting those seeking more in-depth coverage on specific topics or age groups might need to supplement their learning.
Offers a solid overview of core Montessori ideas.
"As a beginner to Montessori, this course gave me a really clear and easy-to-understand introduction to the main principles."
"I appreciated the history and the comparison to traditional education methods; it helped me grasp the foundational concepts."
"It serves as an excellent starting point for anyone curious about Montessori but unsure where to begin."
"The course covers all the basic concepts mentioned in the objectives in a logical flow."
Provides practical ideas for home and activities.
"The sections on designing the home and suggested activities gave me so many practical ideas I could use right away."
"I found the examples for daily routines and arranging the living space incredibly helpful for applying Montessori with my child."
"This course offered concrete steps and actionable tips for bringing Montessori principles into our daily family life."
"Learning about the different Montessori mobiles and how to use them was a highlight for me; very practical content."
More of an intro; may need further study.
"While a great intro, I felt it didn't go into enough detail on certain topics, like handling specific behavioral challenges."
"For someone already familiar with the basics, some parts might feel a bit too general or introductory."
"This course provides a good foundation, but I will definitely need to find additional resources for more advanced applications or deeper dives."
"I was hoping for more in-depth examples across different age ranges, it felt a bit focused on younger children."

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 The Power of the Montessori in Raising Children with these activities:
Read 'The Absorbent Mind'
Gain a deeper understanding of the core principles of the Montessori method 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 course material.
Read 'The Absorbent Mind'
Gain a deeper understanding of the core principles of the Montessori method 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 material.
Review Child Development Theories
Strengthen your understanding of child development theories to better appreciate the Montessori method's approach.
Browse courses on Child Psychology
Show steps
  • Identify key child development theories (e.g., Piaget, Erikson).
  • Summarize the main points of each theory.
  • Compare and contrast these theories with Montessori principles.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Review Child Development Basics
Solidify your understanding of child development principles to better appreciate the Montessori approach.
Browse courses on Child Development
Show steps
  • Review notes from previous child development courses.
  • Read articles on child psychology.
  • Take a short online quiz on child development milestones.
Design a Montessori-Inspired Room
Apply the principles of designing a Montessori home by creating a plan for a specific room.
Show steps
  • Choose a room in your home to redesign.
  • Research Montessori design principles for that room.
  • Create a sketch or digital rendering of your design.
  • Write a short explanation of your design choices.
Practice Montessori Activities
Reinforce your understanding of Montessori activities by practicing them with a child or simulating the experience.
Show steps
  • Select 2-3 Montessori activities from the course.
  • Gather the necessary materials for each activity.
  • Practice presenting the activities to a child or simulate the presentation.
  • Reflect on the child's response and your presentation technique.
Create a Montessori Mobile
Solidify your understanding of Montessori mobiles by creating one yourself.
Show steps
  • Choose a Montessori mobile to create.
  • Gather the necessary materials.
  • Follow instructions to assemble the mobile.
  • Hang the mobile and observe its movement.
Explore 'Montessori: A Modern Approach'
Expand your understanding of the Montessori method with a modern perspective on its application.
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 your own life.
Share Montessori Knowledge
Reinforce your learning by explaining Montessori principles to others.
Show steps
  • Find someone interested in learning about Montessori.
  • Explain the basic principles of the Montessori method.
  • Answer their questions and provide examples.

Career center

Learners who complete The Power of the Montessori in Raising Children will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Montessori Teacher
A Montessori Teacher guides children's learning using the Montessori method. They prepare the learning environment, observe students, and introduce materials based on individual needs and interests. This career focuses on fostering independence, self-discipline, and a love of learning, all central to the Montessori philosophy. A course that covers Montessori principles, activities, and designing Montessori homes would be directly applicable to the daily responsibilities of a Montessori teacher. The course's focus on practical application, such as daily life skills and setting rules in the Montessori approach, would further help one refine their teaching methods. For anyone hoping to become a Montessori Teacher, this course provides a solid framework for understanding and implementing the Montessori method.
Homeschool Teacher
A Homeschool Teacher takes on the responsibility of educating their children at home. The Montessori method offers a structured yet flexible approach to homeschooling, focusing on individualized learning and a prepared environment. This course explains Montessori principles, activities, and designing Montessori homes, and provides practical guidance for implementing the Montessori method in a home setting. The course's modules on Montessori activities, designing learning spaces, and teaching children about emotions all offer practical skills that can be implemented into a homeschool setting. Homeschool teachers interested in the Montessori approach will find this course to be an invaluable resource for creating an enriching and effective learning environment for their children.
Parenting Coach
A Parenting Coach guides parents in developing effective strategies for raising their children. The Montessori approach offers unique insights into fostering independence, respect, and a love of learning in children. A course that covers Montessori principles, activities, and designing Montessori homes can equip a parenting coach with valuable tools and knowledge. The course’s modules on setting rules, teaching children about emotions, and establishing daily routines such as sleep, mealtime, and toilet training provides specific guidance for addressing practical parenting challenges. For parenting coaches seeking a holistic, child-centered approach, this course offers a pathway to understanding and applying Montessori principles in the home.
Nanny
A Nanny provides childcare services in a family's home, ensuring the well-being and development of the children in their care. A comprehension of the Montessori method helps a nanny create a stimulating and enriching environment for children. This course examines Montessori principles with a focus on activities, home design, and implementation, all while equipping a nanny with valuable insights for nurturing a child's growth. The course’s modules on setting rules, teaching children about emotions, and establishing daily routines provide a framework for addressing daily challenges. Nannies who wish to enhance their approach to childcare may find this course to be particularly insightful.
Early Childhood Educator
An Early Childhood Educator works with young children in various settings, promoting their social, emotional, and intellectual development. While not exclusively Montessori-focused, understanding Montessori principles can greatly enhance an educator's toolkit. This course emphasizes the importance of a prepared environment, observation, and respecting a child's natural learning desire, which are beneficial to any early childhood setting. The course's modules on Montessori activities, designing learning spaces, and teaching children about emotions all offer practical skills that can be implemented in any early childhood classroom. Early Childhood Educators considering implementing Montessori principles into their current practices may find this course to be particularly insightful.
Childcare Provider
A Childcare Provider cares for children in a variety of settings, ensuring their safety and well-being. Incorporating Montessori principles into childcare practices can create a stimulating and enriching environment for children. This course explores Montessori principles, activities, and designing Montessori homes, which provide valuable ideas for creating a child-centered space. The course's focus on practical applications, such as daily life skills and setting rules in the Montessori approach, ensures a safe and conducive learning environment. Childcare providers who want to enhance their approach to childcare may find this course to be beneficial.
Educational Consultant
An Educational Consultant advises schools and families on educational practices and strategies. Knowledge of various educational philosophies, including Montessori, can enhance a consultant's ability to provide comprehensive recommendations. This course provides an overview of Montessori history, principles, and activities, equipping consultants with a valuable framework for understanding and evaluating Montessori programs. The course's discussion of the differences between traditional education and Montessori, coupled with its exploration of practical applications, provides insights that can be shared with clients. Educational Consultants looking to deepen their understanding of the Montessori method will find this course to be illuminating.
Curriculum Developer
A Curriculum Developer designs educational materials and programs. Understanding different educational philosophies like Montessori is valuable in creating well-rounded and effective curricula. This course's exploration of Montessori history, principles, and activities provides a foundation for developing curricula that cater to diverse learning styles. The course's modules on Montessori activities, designing Montessori homes, and setting rules in the Montessori approach all offer practical skills that can be applied to the development of curriculum. Curriculum Developers eager to incorporate child-centered approaches into their work will find the insights from this course compelling.
Early Intervention Specialist
An Early Intervention Specialist works with infants and young children who have developmental delays or disabilities. They design and implement programs to support their development. The Montessori method emphasizes individualized learning and catered to diverse learning styles, which can be incredibly valuable in early intervention settings. This course explores Montessori principles and focuses on its activities, home design, and the implementation of the method that supports development in the home. The course’s emphasis on observation, independence, and concrete learning equips early intervention specialists in tailoring an approach that meets each student’s unique needs. Early Intervention Specialists who wish to explore alternative teaching methods will find this course helpful.
Educational Psychologist
An Educational Psychologist applies psychological principles to understand and improve learning and teaching. Understanding different educational philosophies, such as the Montessori method, is essential for a comprehensive approach. This course explores Montessori history, principles, and activities, and can enhance a psychologist's knowledge base. The course's emphasis on observation, critical periods, and the child’s natural learning desire offers insights into child development and learning processes. Educational Psychologists interested in the psychological underpinnings of different educational approaches may find this course to be informative.
Special Education Teacher
A Special Education Teacher works with students who have special needs, adapting teaching methods to meet their individual requirements. The Montessori method focuses on individualized learning and caters to diverse learning styles, which can be beneficial for special education settings. This course highlights Montessori principles, activities, and designing Montessori homes, and provides insights into creating a supportive and adaptable learning environment. The course's emphasis on observation, independence, and concrete learning can assist special education teachers in tailoring their approach to each student’s unique needs. Special Education Teachers interested in exploring alternative teaching methods may find this course helpful.
Elementary School Teacher
An Elementary School Teacher educates children in the early years of schooling, fostering their academic and social development. The Montessori approach is often used in early education. This course explores Montessori principles, activities, and designing Montessori homes, and offers a framework for understanding and implementing aspects of the method in their classrooms. The course's modules on Montessori methods of teaching various skills such as language skills, hand eye coordination, music and art may allow teachers to find an activity that resonates with them. Elementary School Teachers who want to expand their educational toolkit will find this course attractive.
Play Therapist
A Play Therapist uses play as a therapeutic tool to help children address emotional and behavioral issues. An understanding of child development philosophies like Montessori may inform a therapist's approach to play therapy. This course explains Montessori principles with discussions on activities, home design, and implementation, all while equipping therapists with valuable insights into a child's educational development. The course’s modules on teaching children about emotions, setting rules, and establishing daily routines provide a framework for addressing common emotional and behavioral challenges. Play Therapists looking to deepen their understanding of child development may find this course to be beneficial.
Family Therapist
A Family Therapist provides counseling and support to families, addressing issues that affect their relationships and well-being. Understanding child development philosophies like Montessori can inform a therapist's approach to working with families. This course provides an overview of Montessori principles, activities, and designing Montessori homes, which assists therapists in understanding the impact of educational approaches on child development. The course's modules on teaching children about emotions, setting rules, and establishing daily routines provide a framework for addressing common family challenges. Family Therapists looking to deepen their understanding of child development may find this course to be insightful.
Children's Librarian
A Children's Librarian fosters a love of reading and learning in children. Knowing the Montessori method may help a librarian in designing and conducting programs that cater to diverse learning styles and needs. This course provides insight into Montessori principles, activities, and home design, which may assist librarians in curating collections and activities that promote independence, exploration, and a love of learning. The course’s emphasis on language skills, concrete learning, and critical periods can guide librarians in creating engaging and developmentally appropriate programs. Children’s Librarians seeking to enhance their understanding of child development may find this course to be insightful.

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 The Power of the Montessori in Raising Children.
Another key work by Maria Montessori, this book delves into the developmental stages of children and how they learn. It explains the concept of the 'absorbent mind,' which is central to the Montessori philosophy. provides a deeper understanding of the child's learning process and how to create an environment that supports it.
Offers a comprehensive overview of the Montessori method, from birth to adulthood. It explores the underlying principles of Montessori education and provides practical guidance for implementing them in various settings. It's a valuable resource for understanding the breadth and depth of the Montessori approach.

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