The Elementary I program prepares adults for a successful career as a Montessori guide in a lead position in an Elementary classroom of a Montessori school.

Program Format

The Program format consists of two delivery methods.

Onsite training consists of:

Lectures, discussions, material presentations, small and large group projects,supervised practice with materials and a range of other hands on activities. In most cases, modules are designed to deliver 4 hours of learning.

Online training will use the Google Classroom platform.

Module Structure

Each module will consist of a Zoom class with the Instructor and follow up content.

Follow-up content includes; lesson presentations, reading, videos, reflection papers, group discussion,  practice with materials, material-making, project preparation, project presentations and a variety of other activities, and will be clearly explained by the Instructor. 

Attendance and participation are mandatory.

The Elementary Practicum

The function of the practicum phase is to provide the student with a supervised teaching/learning experience and a period of observation, internalization, and further study to bring together the theory and practice of Montessori education.  The Elementary practicum is defined as lasting a minimum of 1080 hours completed over a nine-month period with the adult learner working at the practicum site, in the classroom full time, five days a week for nine consecutive months.  The practicum may begin the September following the first summer academic phase or after the second summer of the academic phase. The practicum lasts a full academic year. Students must do their practicum phase in an approved Montessori elementary program. Locating a practicum site is the responsibility of the student. All practicum sites must be approved by PCTE prior to the beginning of the practicum phase.
There are two practicum models: The Supervising Teacher and the Self-Directed.

Supervising Teacher Model

This model is one in which the adult learner teacher works in the classroom under a qualified Supervising Teacher at an approved school site.  A minimum of three field consultant visits are required. To best support the growth of the adult learner, the consultations/evaluation visits must be spread throughout the practicum phase.

Self-Directed Model

In some circumstances, there is not an opportunity for an adult learner to work under a Supervising Teacher.  In that case, adult learners may do a self-directed practicum.
All the requirements for the supervised practicum apply to the self-directed practicum.

The practicum may extend over a period of two academic school years.

Credentials Granted

AMS Elementary Full Credential is awarded to those who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and have satisfactorily completed the Elementary teacher education program.

Course Descriptions

Math

The focus of the course is on the presentation of Montessori math materials to teach the following concepts:  symbol and quantity, linear counting, decimal system, four operations, memorization of facts, laws of arithmetic, problem solving, and measurement.  Also included is the history of mathematics. The course includes lectures, group discussions, presentation of materials, practice and student presentations.  

Geometry

The focus of the course is on the presentation of Montessori geometry materials to teach plane and solid geometry. This course will include lectures, lesson demonstrations, group discussions, and practicum experiences.

Language & Reading

The Montessori Language Arts course includes the study of grammar, parts of speech, sentence analysis, and word study. 

Adult learners will be introduced to pedagogy and materials for teaching reading and spelling to beginning and advanced readers. Adult learners will learn how to weave reading and comprehension throughout the Montessori curriculum. This course will give multiple tools to teach and assess reading and spelling skills in the Montessori classroom.

Physical Sciences

Geography:

The course focuses on the study of the development of the child’s concept of geography.  The content of the course includes the knowledge of the earth, globes, atlases, maps (physical and political), flag study, landforms, classified nomenclature, biomes of the world, and the interconnected nature of geography to human development on each continent.

History:

 The course focuses on the study of the development of the child’s concept of history.  The content of the course includes time; the age of the Universe, history of life on earth, fundamental needs of people, and geologic eras and periods. The structure of the course will include lectures and demonstration of lessons, readings, discussions, the practice of creating lessons or projects and album preparation.

Biology:

The Biological Sciences course is made of two parts:  Botany and Zoology. Botany topics include concept of living/nonliving, the Kingdoms of life, plant/animal, external parts of the plant, function of the parts of the plant, plant stories and plant physiology experiments.  Zoology includes Living/nonliving, kingdoms of life, the animal kingdom, classification of the animal kingdom into its major phyla, external parts of the animals of the major phyla, the way animals meet their fundamental needs, first knowledge of animal kingdom (animal stories), animal classification charts, main characteristics of vertebrates.  Also studied are the literature, art, and music connection.

Curriculum Design

This course will cover ways to add extensions to the Montessori curriculum while maintaining the integrity of the philosophy.  It will also incorporate ways to integrate technology and ways to help teachers utilize technology for curriculum enhancement.  Additionally, this course will cover the need to provide real life “going out”  learning experiences and community service opportunities to elementary children to further their sense of responsibility and independence. 

Classroom Leadership

This course is a study of classroom management systems that will help adult learners create a classroom climate that enhances learning.  Our discussions will include elements of the Montessori philosophy that facilitate the children’s academic and spiritual growth. Adult learners will learn communication skills that encourage positive interactions between teachers and parents, coworkers, and administrators.  They will learn the importance of having a broad repertoire of teaching strategies to accommodate varied learning styles.

Additionally, this course will cover ways to add extensions to the Montessori curriculum while maintaining the integrity of the philosophy.  It will also incorporate ways to integrate technology and ways to help teachers utilize technology for curriculum enhancement. 

Philosophy

The focus of this course is on principles of the Montessori philosophy as found in the primary works of Maria Montessori and works of various contemporary authors who describe the implementation of American culture today.  Topics include the study of Dr. Montessori’s life, development of the method, preparation of the environment, observation, role of the adult, the nature of the child, discipline, spiritual preparation and personal development of the teacher.

Child Development

This course serves as a study of basic theories of child development according to the major contemporary child developmentalists. Stages of development related to the social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and spiritual growth of the 3 -12 yr old child are examined along with current research. This class includes discussion, videos, lecture, and small group projects and presentations.

Practical LIfe

The study of Practical Life will include presentation and activities in the areas of self- care, care of the environment, gardening, cooking and IT topics for the Elementary age student.  Adult learners will participate in applying Montessori principles to daily practical life activities, preparing both indoor and outdoor environments. They will become competent in preparing, teaching and managing hands- on activities for their students.

Movement

Through participation of group exercises and discussion, students will develop an understanding of the way movement is essential to the development of the child. The students will expand their knowledge of how to direct children through a variety of physical activities that are relevant, meaningful and enjoyable that promote coordinated movement, flexibility and creative movement.

Art

This course includes a discussion of Maria Montessori and the creative process and definitions of Arts Integrations and applications in the Montessori Classroom.  Adult learners will explore art mediums and ways to apply them in the classroom including photography, architecture, watercolor, oil pastels, collage, weaving, landscape art, movie making and sculpture. We will explore ways to use technology to create art and present art in the classroom. Different artists and explore ways to integrate these artists in all areas of the Montessori classroom will also be explored. Adult learners will discuss ways to create lesson plans to integrate arts into their classroom.

Music

This class is designed to give adult learners the tools they need to incorporate music into every area of the Elementary I curriculum regardless of prior experience.  Creating a cultural experience across the curriculum serves a strong foundation for this class. Adult learners will learn such topics as; rhythm, singing, instrumental skills, and music appreciation.

Practicum Seminar & Year Long Project

The Practicum phase includes 1080 hours of in-class experience to be fulfilled by attending class 6 hours a day, 5 days a week, over 9 consecutive months in the same classroom.  The Practicum also includes assignments, Field Consultant visits and seminar contact hours. A minimum of 3 Field visits are conducted. Additional mentorship and visits are required, depending on Practicum model, experience, and circumstances. Yearlong project consists of Reflective Journals.

3-6 Overview (Prerequisite for El)

 The purpose of this course is to give an overview of the early childhood philosophy and curriculum. It’s focus is the history of Montessori education and the principles of Montessori philosophy and practice, including: Planes of Development, Spontaneous activity and self-directed learning, Preparation of the Environment, Preparation of the Adult, Montessori lessons and materials for Early Childhood, characteristics of Montessori materials, and the 3-Period lesson. Class observation is included in this course.  It is a foundation upon which the Elementary course is based. The methods of instruction includes lecture, presentations, and practice.

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Princeton Montessori School

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487 Cherry Valley Road
Princeton, New Jersey 08540

609-924-4594