The AMS Elementary Writing Certificate Program is designed to enhance your foundational understanding and shift the teaching of writing in a way that promotes collaboration and curiosity in the learning environment. At the same time, it will significantly increase your elementary students’ interest in writing. Participants will develop an understanding of the essential role of writing in recognizing students’ identity and intellect. The writing continuum and the Six +1 Traits of Writing framework, integrated with the Elementary Montessori curriculum make writing individualized, fun, and meaningful for each child. Participants will take on a child-centered approach to teaching writing as well as experiencing the writing process themselves throughout the course. Upon completion of the class, you will have effective tools and lessons that empower children by strengthening their writing creativity.
The program consists of 6 modules of self-guided study and 6 90-minute live experiences held via Zoom. The class offers tools to explore student-centered writing strategies that are centered in Montessori theory and your own environments. There will be assignments that are designed to be reflective and to enhance your understanding of the essential role of writing for Elementary, both in theory and in action. You will be expected to do some personal writing during the live sessions. A culminating project will be designed to fit the needs of your classroom. This class meets for six weeks this summer and has additional assignments due in September and October when teachers are back in the classroom.
For: Elementary I (6 – 9) and/or Elementary II (9 – 12) Montessori-credentialed teachers, school leaders, and interventionists
Format: A blend of live (synchronous) experiences held via Zoom and on-demand (asynchronous) content. Recordings of the live sessions are made available to participants.
Time Commitment: 36 – 40 hours total (please see timelines below)
CPD Hours: 36 - A certificate of AMS Professional Development hours will be emailed upon completion. An opportunity to purchase a CEU certificate for 3.6 CEUs will also be made available upon completion of the class at a cost of $28.
Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded an AMS Elementary Writing Certificate attesting to your mastery of the program.
Program Modules & Outcomes
Using a Continuum
Adult learners look at connections among self, children, and the curriculum using the writing continuum.
Making Writing Engaging
Adult learners experience personalized writing practice as a way of understanding how to increase children’s writing engagement in their classroom.
The Six Traits of Writing Part 1
Ideas, Voice, Word Choice—Adult learners create a plan to bring fun, hands-on writing into their classroom using the Six Traits of Writing framework.
Writing Continuum and Assessment
Adult learners look at student-centered assessment data (self-assessment, peer feedback, individualized teacher conference) to connect it back to the writing continuum.
The Six Traits of Writing Part 2
Sentence Fluency, Organization, Conventions—Adult learners explore how to differentiate the use of the traits for each child.
Writing and the Arts
Adult learners explore writing through the Great Lessons, as well as using the arts to support the writing process.
Cohort 3 (Summer/Fall)
Schedule
Modules 1 – 6
June 17 – July 28, 2024
Live Sessions held on Mondays, 7:00 – 8:15 PM (ET)
Live Session Dates: June 17, June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15, and July 22.
October 7, 2024, Capstone Project Support Live Session: 8:00 – 9:00 PM (ET)
October 21, 202, Capstone Project Presentation Live Session: 7:30 – 9:30 PM (ET)
Closing up for all assignments being due on October 31, 2024.
Timeline
Registration Deadline: June 12 or until cohort is full.
Program Begins: June 17, 2024
Program Ends: October 31, 2024
Live sessions will be held via Zoom on Mondays, 7:00 – 8:15 PM (ET).
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Meet the Facilitator
Kim Anh Anderson
Kim Anh Anderson is a leading writing expert and has taught for almost two decades to help students find their excitement in creative writing. She has a MEd in Literacy and Curriculum Design and is AMS-credentialed (Early Childhood, Elementary I – II).
Looking for more Elementary professional development?
The AMS Elementary Reading Certificate Program is designed for Montessori teachers who are interested in applying the science of reading by engaging the most recent research-based strategies for teaching reading in their Montessori classroom.
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