Program
This program is based on the scientific methodology to support child development structured by Dr. Maria Montessori and research on development of the personality, cognitive function, emotional and social intelligence in the early childhood.
It provides in-depth/thorough knowledge of the child’s sensitivities and a methodology to nurture the holistic development.
Practically oriented, the program provides a structured methodology for working with children up to 6 years and the development of independence, life skills, preparatory skills for lifelong learning.
The program provides detailed guidelines for methodical construction of the educational environment so that it is an incentive and not an obstacle to the development of the child’s overall personality.
The main component of the program is providing tactics and approaches/strategies to support the development of social and emotional intelligence in early childhood, supporting the development of self-regulation and identifying individual needs and approaches to each child.
Participants will have the opportunity to build a deep knowledge of the importance of the development of independence, refinement of senses, the language and logical thinking on the overall development of personality, decision-making skills and lifelong learning. Knowledge of science-based methodologies and techniques to support the development of independence, self-control, decision-making skills, language skills, basics of abstract and mathematical thinking will be developed. Participants will master the skills to identify the specific needs of each child and prospective student and the ability to plan activities for individual work and to support the development of life skills.
Certification
Participants who have passed the program receive a Certificate of Completion.
Number of qualification credits: 3
Montessori Society Bulgaria owes a certified quality management system in accordance with international standards ISO 9001: 2015 and training is in the register of the Ministry of Education and Science and provides credits to teachers.
Goals of the program
- to provide a practical structured methodology on how to support the child in the development of his / her social skills and preparation of lifelong learning skills.
- to give tactics on how to support the child in the development of his language skills and the basics of mathematical thinking in relation to the key moments of hisher development
- to obtain and upgrade the knowledge and practical skills how to support the development of the child’s independence in relation to the natural stages of development, methods to support children to develop social competencies in early childhood, to make the transition from concrete to abstract thinking, to be encouraged to use social and emotional language so that they are welcome wherever they are.
- to provide a structured linear approach and methodology that allow them to adapt to the individual personality of each child.
- to enable the acquisition of competencies for working with children and their parents to promote the child’s independence at home and the development of skills to involve children and give them age-appropriate responsibilities.
- to provide in-depth knowledge of the philosophy and psychology of human development of Dr. Maria Montessori and research on brain development, cognitive functions, emotional and social intelligence.
- to provide a field for exercise in a simulated and real environment, preparation of materials and development of observation skills.
Content of the program
Unfolding the child’s personality in the context of developmental theory and Montessori methodology
This component of the program presents the philosophy and psychology of human development of Dr. Maria Montessori, focusing on early learning and child development from 0 to 6 years. Includes knowledge of the research of E. Erickson, J. Piaget, J. Bowlby and what is an informational approach to the psyche – sensory register-working memory-long-term memory – central executive memory; attention.
Scientific knowledge about brain development, cognitive functions, emotional and social intelligence
This component of the program presents the leading scientific discoveries about neuroplasticity, the development of executive function, self-regulation.
Acquisition of fundamental skills for further learning
This component of the program presents the exercises from everyday life. These exercises promote coordination of movement, functional independence, social culture, self-confidence, impulse control, empathy, attention and concentration through the integration of mind and body. These exercises prepare for academic success in the following periods of development. The program includes preparation for school age – understanding of emotions, emotional self-regulation, self-awareness, empathy, self-control; peer relationships.
Development and refinement of the senses as a doorway for exploring the world
This component of the program presents the activities known in training, known as Exercises for Education of the Senses. They are designed to lead the child to an intelligent and abstract exploration of the world. The content includes identifying the child’s process of classifying his world, solving problems, making decisions and thinking critically. This area includes extensions to music, geometry, geography and botany.
Preparation for functional literacy
This component of the program introduces exercises for the development of spoken and written language, readiness to read, reading and reading skills, suitable for children up to 6 years. The content includes a focus on the competencies of self-expression within a social setting. There is also an emphasis on spoken and written language in the areas of everyday life, storytelling, composition, literature, geography, history, biology, science, music, art, as well as the functional aspects of grammar, syntax and reading analysis.
Development of basics for mathematical thinking
This component of the program is designed to explore the way a young child develops their “mathematical mind” and to demonstrate through a demonstration and lecture the activities that provide a sensory basis for geometry, quantitative thinking and arithmetic.
The role of the learning environment
The purpose of this topic is to gain an in-depth understanding of the qualities and characteristics of the educational environment, which supports the development of the child’s personality and the function of educational materials as aids to child development.
The importance of observation
The purpose of this component is to develop skills for monitoring and guiding children in the classroom. Emphasis is on assessing the role of observation as a major source of information for the child. Through experience, educators will realise the role of objective and detailed observations to facilitate a better understanding of the theory of children’s growth and development. An additional goal is to raise awareness of the importance and nature of interactions between the child, the adult and the learning environment.
Supervised practice
The program includes 48 hours of supervised practice in an authentic Montessori classroom. The purpose of this component is to provide an opportunity to work under the guidance of a qualified and experienced educator, to apply acquired theoretical knowledge about the growth and development of children in practical situations in the established classrooms.
Observation
The program includes 16 hours of observation and practice in the classroom. Participants observe in classes conducted by a primary school teacher who has undergone AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) training. Participants write reports of their observations, which are reviewed and discussed with the instructors.
Materials making
Being supervised, the participants are engaged in making materials. This component is included in the supervised practice and consists of handmade materials, game situations and other materials for use in the classroom. All such materials are checked by the instructors.
Reports and notes taking
Each participant compiles a portfolio for each area of the program. This portfolio includes notes, written work, produced materials.
Duration of the program
64 hours of theoretical training, 48 hours of supervised practice and 16 hours of observation and practice in the classroom. Observations are made in classrooms led by AMI 3-6 guides. Specific instructions for observations will be given during the course.
Obligatory reading
Selected parts of the books The Secret of Childhood, The Absorbent Mind, The Child in the Family will be read and discussed during the course.
Are you interested?
If you want to sign up for this training program or have other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!
Contact us
E-mail: office@imontessori.bg
Telephone: +359 878 832 823