How Montessori Education Works

Explore the Foundations of Montessori Education: A Comprehensive Introduction

Discover how Montessori education fosters capable and independent children in today's world. This free course provides a detailed introduction to the Montessori approach, suitable for parents, educators, and anyone interested in child development. Learn practical strategies to support young people from birth to 18 years old.

Course Goals:

• Understand the core principles of Montessori education from infancy through adolescence.
• Observe formative moments in Montessori classrooms and grasp the underlying learning environment.
• Develop a deep understanding of child development and how to nurture it throughout childhood and adolescence.

Course Outline:

This course is structured into 5 sections, offering engaging lectures and resources to illuminate the Montessori method:

• Section 1: Welcome to the Course! – An introduction to the course structure and resources.
• Section 2: What Happens in a Montessori Classroom? – Explore the focused goals of children in Montessori environments and how adults can facilitate their achievement. Delve into the history of Montessori through the story of its founder.
• Section 3: The Child, the Environment, and the Adult – Uncover the crucial relationship between the child, learning environment, and guiding adult. Explore foundational concepts like the Four Planes of Development, Absorbent Mind, and Sensitive Periods. Learn about the prepared environment and the role of the prepared adult in fostering holistic child development.
• Section 4: The Montessori Equation – Discover practical steps to support growth within a prepared environment and how these steps contribute to overall child development. Understand how all aspects of the Montessori approach work together.
• Section 5: Why Montessori Matters – Recognize the broader impact of your involvement in children's lives and how it shapes their future and the future of the world.

Course Resources:

Enhance your learning with downloadable resources, including:

• Infographics:
  • Four Planes of Development Infographic
  • Montessori’s Sensitive Periods of Early Childhood Infographic
  • Montessori Trifecta Infographic
  • Montessori Equation Infographic
• Montessori Materials and Activity Highlights
• Documents and reflection questions to deepen your understanding.

Your Course Instructor:

Led by Emily Daggett, a seasoned Montessori Mentor at the Prepared Montessorian Institute. Emily's extensive background includes personal experience as a Montessori child and over a decade dedicated to the Montessori movement. She has worked as a Montessori guide, administrator, and volunteer, and has recently supported families and educators with innovative applications of Montessori principles.

Ways to Take the Course:

The lectures are designed to be viewed sequentially, totaling 1 hour and 45 minutes. Choose from these time-efficient paths:

• 20-Minute Path: (Sections 2, 3, & 4)
• 30-Minute Path: (Section 4)
• 45-Minute Path: (Sections 2, 3, & 4)
• 45-Minute Path: Montessori History and Child Development (Sections 2 & 3)