Montessori Teaching

Course description

Are you interested in becoming a Montessori practitioner? Portobello Institute’s QQI Level 6 Minor Awards in the Montessori method will allow you open your own Montessori or work in the Montessori classroom as a Montessori practitioner. During this course you will acquire a thorough knowledge of the theory behind and use of the Montessori method and materials to create a positive learning environment for children.

This course is delivered online with supporting practical workshops and webinars, focusing on the minor awards that deliver learning in the Montessori method and pedagogy. There is an easy payment plan designed to make this programme affordable. These factors, together with the one to one tutorial support, offer you a course that is accessible, affordable and achievable.

Montessori Pedadogy Curriculum
Children become excited and energised in the Montessori school environment as opposed to bordered, burdened and fatigued as frequently occurs in the environment of the conventional classroom.
In order to ensure the natural early learning ability of children aged 3 – 6years under your direction, through the 4 modules of this Montessori Method programme, you will learn how to guide a child towards enjoying their natural curiosity without putting outside demands on them.

Module 1 – Early Learning Environment
Children work for the joy of the process rather than for the end result. They have a need to repeat activities over and over until an inner need is fulfilled. You will learn & come to understand the history of Maria Montessori and her philosophy & reasoning behind “Learning By Doing”. This module includes practical life skills and sensorial education.  The module teaches you how to use the Montessori materials in life skills and sensorial education to encourage children to learn how to care for themselves, others and their environment. These skills help the child to gain the greatest confidence and independence through the early learning process. The sensorial equipment designed by Maria Montessori  lays the foundations for academic learning by developing and refining a child’s senses. This in turn enhances their perceptions and increases their concentration.

Module 2 – Literacy & Numeracy
Maria Montessori believed children have naturally mathematical minds & she revolutionised the manner in which maths were taught and this module is dedicated to Montessori Maths and Montessori Language acquisition. These areas  will teach you how to guide a child through the complexities of reading & writing using the Montessori didactic materials designed over a hundred years ago . The Montessori materials were designed to develop children’s language grammar skills both written and spoken using the Montessori approach. The maths didactic materials revolutionised the manner in which maths is taught to children. Problem solving becomes a challenge that is enjoyed without stress or strain at a young age . You will learn through using a variety of Montessori materials how to not only teach a child to calculate but also to give them a lifelong understanding of how numbers function. Montessori materials also contain an inbuilt control of error that allows the child to discover and correct his or her own mistakes and work independently from his class mates and teachers alike.

Module 3 – Early Childhood Arts and Culture
Children have an inborn curiosity about the trees & the plants, animals & insects, their bodies, the planets etc. and this module focuses on two key areas of the Montessori pedagogy, Arts and Culture.  Montessori children frequently astonish adults with their in-depth knowledge of subjects such as biology, geography, simple science and history. During this module, you will be introduced to the Montessori didactic materials and activities that will allow you to  guide children to an appreciation of the world they live in.

Module 4 – Work Placement Programme
As the philosophy of Montessori was “Learning by Doing” then it is only natural that work experience in an approved Montessori school, under the guidance of a qualified and experienced Montessori directress, be an integral part of your learning journey. During the placement programme of 50 hours, you will have the opportunity to put into practice the exercises and skills you will have learned during the programme. You will have the opportunity by using these skills to stimulate, develop and guide the children under your direction to develop to their full potential. Our tutors and programme management team are available to help you secure a suitable work placement during your studies.   Reflective learning nature of this the programme makes up 20% of every module. The assessment strategy for the programme allows the learner to reflect on all aspects of their academic and practical learning journey.

Assessment Criteria
Collection of work, Practical Skills Demonstration, Modular Exams