Video Topic Index
Explore a topic further through this index. Find out which videos touch upon the subject you are investigating.
Active Learners
Montessori environments aim to encourage the growth of active learners. Children make discoveries, explore concepts and master skills through joyful hands on learning at all age levels.
Healthy bodies and healthy minds work together for optimal child development. Montessori emphasizes movement, hands on activity, repetition and focused engagement over time in a manner that develops cognitive thinking and strengthens critical neurological networks. As a brain-based method of working with children, the Montessori approach can support the growth of executive functioning abilities, facilitate the acquisition of basic skills and nurture a healthy perception of self.
ASSESSMENT& Curriculum
Montessori education is designed to identify and meet the needs of children at every stage of development from the earliest years to the adolescent. This cohesive approach supports the child in acquiring the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s world.
Keeping track of children’s progress and growth over time are critical tasks for Montessori teachers and deeply intertwined with the work of guiding children through the breadth of the Montessori curriculum.
In Montessori, continual assessment is organically built into the essential functioning of an authentic classroom. The daily use of observation combined with the ability of the learning materials to reveal a child’s understanding along with rigorous record keeping enable Montessori teachers to closely follow their students’ development.
In the elementary class there are additionaltools, such as daily recording of activities by the child and regular one-on-one conferences withchild that contribute to the teacher’s effort to assess every child’s progress.
Assistants to Infancy (0-3)
Working with the youngest children requires patience and a deep understanding of the path of human development. Assistants to Infancy practitioners are trained to support families and children through the stages of pregnancy and birth and to work with children during the earliest years. Two distinct Montessori environments, the Nido and the Infant Community, emerge as settings where the constantly changing needs of this age group can be met. The guide’s role requires acquiring a healthy respect, knowledge and recognition of nature’s design for development, an understanding of the usefulness of collaborative relationships with both family and the child, and the vital importance of providing a setting filled with enriched language and movement opportunities for the child. The most profound period in a child’s life, this is the foundation for all to come. View Videos
Development of Independence
The journey to independence begins the day we are born. Dependence precedes successful individual agency. Understanding the interdependence of us all underpins the capacity to fully function as an empowered individual in our world. These concepts and more accompany each child as they move through the stages of development. View Videos
Elementary Education
The Montessori elementary child enters a prepared learning environment designed to address the psychological characteristics and developmental needs of his age group. Earlier experience in the primary classroom has laid the foundation of a basic skill set that allows him to function in this new setting. Collaborative learning and a natural attraction to group work cultivate interest and drive incredible intellectual inquiries. The deep ecology of cosmic education creates a social dynamic that supports the growth of community. View Videos
Elements of a Learning Community
Successful Montessori learning communities provide an inclusive atmosphere and actively nurture the social-emotional development of every child. In order to learn, a child must first feel safe. An emotionally safe environment allows for exploration and discovery, including the vital experience of making mistakes. Nested communities of multi-aged groupings allow deep bonds between teacher and child to develop while fostering the ability to live in harmony with others. View Videos
Observation
One of the most vital teaching tools available to Montessori teachers is observation. Scientifically applied observation skills allow the practitioner to assess situations, children and strategies without judgment. Observation is a critical component of lesson planning and management of the classroom. View Videos
Role of the Adult
The role of the adult in Montessori is drastically different than that of a traditional teacher. The Montessori teacher is better understood as a guide who establishes, maintains and utilizes a prepared environment run on child rather than adult time. Her mandate is to use her expertise to create, inspire and direct a learning community that meets the needs of the children. Highly trained, she follows a clearly articulated approach including nurturing a culture of work that takes into account the psychological characteristics of the children of the age group involved. Other adults in the environment share this deeply respectful approach to the children and aim to work as a team supporting the program. Families and caregivers round out the necessary circle of support for the child. View Videos