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(Unit 5) Topic 5: Incorporating Montessori Elements in Program Planning

1 Clock Hour of Early Childhood Education

Montessori Program Planning

Topic 5 Page 5

To become a Montessori accredited school or child care program, there are many complex steps. This course does not aim to describe those steps and processes. Instead, we will examine some simple ways to incorporate Montessori elements into child care programs for children of all ages.

Independence
Children are often capable of more than they are allowed. Certain preconceived notions may inhibit a teacher’s comfort level with independence for the children in his or her care. One of the simplest ways to incorporate Montessori elements in program planning is to first begin with setting children up for success with independent habits.

Some examples:

Adapt the environment
Place coat hooks near the door and at eye level for the children. Provide step stools for hand washing. Ensure that learning materials are easily accessible for all children.

Create routines
Teach the children to take their coats off and hang them up themselves each time they enter the classroom. Do not do it for them. If they forget, simply give them a gentle reminder. Create consistent routines for all children to adhere to. They will know what comes next and how to adapt and will make positive choices.

Facilitate
Give students small crumb sweepers and dust pans to clean up their mess. Keep scissors and sponges on the lunch table for older children for cutting bags of snacks and cleaning up lunch spills.

Invitations
Provide materials as an invitation for independence. A tray with a small bowl of pistachios and an empty bowl creates an invitation for children to crack the nuts and place the shells into the empty bowl. Guide children in proper hand washing and clean up techniques, but give them invitations that are simple enough for them to do independently but complex enough for bigger goals.