Class At-a-Glance:
Class Length: 6 Hours
Time Commitment: 6 hours
Delivery Method: On-Demand Modules
CPD Hours: 8
Audience: Early Childhood, Elementary
Cost: Members $120 | Non-Members $150
Spontaneous Activity in the Montessori Environment
In this self-guided class, we will define what Montessori education means by Spontaneous Activity—a hallmark of our practice that is often misunderstood, conjuring up notions that children and adolescents are impulsively doing what they want, when they want, in our classroom environments.
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Program Description
In this self-guided class, we will define what Montessori education means by Spontaneous Activity—a hallmark of our practice that is often misunderstood, conjuring up notions that children and adolescents are impulsively doing what they want, when they want, in our classroom environments. We will revisit Dr. Montessori’s vision of Spontaneous Activity and look at its importance in relation to the work of the child, the role of the teacher, and the significance of the environment. We will also explore ways observation supports Spontaneous Activity and explore how our approach to mistakes and redirection can influence Spontaneous Activity in our environments and help us understand the development of the whole child. This class highlights the voices and experiences of several of our AMS community members, who will share with you how they have developed a classroom or school environment where the learners’ interests are encouraged, and where students have the ability to express their learnings in their own way. With videos, additional reading, interactive activities, discussion, and resources, this class will allow you to expand your understanding of Spontaneous Activity and renew your connection to what it really means to “Follow the Child.”
The class will take approximately six hours to complete with no homework assignments. Each of the six class lessons/modules of this dynamic multimedia course includes a short introduction, content for the participant to review (including videos, podcasts, readings, resources, etc.), a game or activity related to the content, and a required discussion post. Each lesson/module is estimated to take approximately one hour to complete. You will have 180 days (approx. six months) from the date of purchase to complete the class and download the certificate that grants eight hours of professional development. For the best user experience, we recommend using a desktop/laptop, but content can also be accessed on mobile devices. Certificates will only be awarded for full completion of the class.
Class Overview
Key Takeaways
- To further understand the interplay between child development, the teacher, and the Montessori environment.
- To understand the importance of Spontaneous Activity in the learning experience.
- To recognize the factors that allow for a culture of Spontaneous Activity through observation.
Cost
AMS MEMBER
$120
NON-MEMBER
$150
With an AMS membership, our professional development is free or at a significantly reduced rate. Find out how you can save on PD by exploring AMS membership.
Meet the Expert
Jana Morgan Herman
Jana Morgan Herman has more than 30 years of experience in Montessori education (public and private) and has been a teacher educator since 2001. She is National Director of Montessori Education for Endeavor Schools. She writes and presents on Montessori topics and hosts the Montessori Bookclub Podcast. AMS-Credentialed (Early Childhood), Certified: Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE), Montessori & Dementia Care, Montessori Applied to Children at Risk (MACAR), and Trauma-Informed Teaching.
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