The Montessori Early Childhood Curriculum I course is a 4-month hybrid series designed to explore and compare child development theory and early childhood education from birth to age 6. The course introduces two core Montessori curricula – Practical Life and Sensory Education – while providing a comprehensive background of the foundational principles of the Montessori Method.
The course consists of 120 hours of instruction with learners expected to complete a series of teaching albums, portfolios, and presentations showing their mastery of the Montessori Method and their ability to create learning activities for the two core Montessori curricula.
Course Objectives:
- Discuss the historical development of the Montessori Method.
- Explain the foundations, key concepts, and principles of the method, providing a philosophical framework.
- Demonstrate culturally responsive interaction and communication techniques.
- Demonstrate classroom management skills through an integrated, multi-disciplinary curriculum.
- Describe the purpose and psychological importance of practical life, sensory education, art, music, and movement for the young child.
- Create a collection of art, music, and movement activities.
- Explain the aims and rationale for each activity, including knowledge of scope and sequence.
- Relate the developmental level of the child to each piece of learning material.
- Explain how practical life and sensory exercises are related to other areas of the classroom.