Montessori education is a child-centred approach that emphasises hands-on, experiential learning and self-directed activity, developed by Dr Maria Montessori in the early 20th cen- tury. This method is grounded in the belief that children learn best through exploration and interaction with their environment at their own pace, with respect for each child’s individual needs and developmental stages.

Central to Montessori education are principles such as the “prepared environment,” where thoughtfully designed spaces and materials promote independent learning, hands-on experiences that engage the senses, and self-directed learning that fosters independence and responsibility. Mixed-age classrooms and the role of the teacher as a facilitator rather than a traditional instructor further support this approach

This seminar offers an exploration of these elements, including an in-depth examination of the Montessori philosophy, the historical context of Maria Montessori’s work, the design and organisation of the learning environment, the dynamics of the Montessori classroom, and the role of the educator. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to implement Montessori principles effectively, enhancing their ability to support holistic child development in various educational settings, such as early childhood classrooms, primary and secondary school environments, and at home.

The target audience for this seminar includes professionals working with children, nursery owners and educators, psychologists, special education teachers, speech therapists, early childhood development consultants, childcare centre administrators, homeschooling par- ents, recreational and after-school program leaders, community service workers focused on children, professional development trainers for educators, and occupational therapists specialising in children, unemployed persons who may wish to explore an education in early years.

*Persons not eligible for ANAD subsidies will be entitled to discount
*Including coffee and lunch breaks

• Introduction to Montessori Education: Overview of the Montessori method, including its origins, core principles, philosophy, and key terms participants should know.
• Current Theories and Research in Child Development: Examination of contemporary theories and research, including The Four Planes of Development.
• Understanding the Prepared Environment and Comparing Montessori Materials with Traditional Tools: Analysis of the Prepared Environment, Montessori materials, and tradi- tional educational tools.
• The Role of Montessori Teacher/Caregiver: Understanding the responsibilities and teaching strategies within the Montessori framework.
• Observing Children¹s Interactions with the Environment: Practical skills for observing and interpreting children’s interactions with materials.
• Designing a Montessori Learning Environment: Developing a learning environment that supports holistic child development.
• Selecting and Organizing Montessori Materials: Skills for choosing and arranging materials to enhance learning.
• Esamining Movement, Social, and Emotional Development: Techniques for fostering movement, social, and emotional growth in children.
• Collaborating with Educators to Create Supportive Environments: Strategies for building a positive learning environment.
• Summary and Conclusions/Reflections: Reflecting on learnings and committing to a personal action plan.