Elementary Montessori Assistant Training

Name: Elementary Montessori Assistant Training
Rating: 4.4 (12 reviews)

Playing a Significant Role in the Success of the Classroom

Created byPatricia M. Hart, Ph.D.

Last updated 4/2023

English

English [Auto],

What you'll learn

Identify what the role and responsibility of an elementary Montessori assistant is
Obtain a basic understanding of how an elementary Montessori classroom functions
Understand the legal and confidentiality issues an assistant must be aware of
Understand how to model behavior of the head teacher and be a model for the students

Course content

1 section • 10 lectures • 30m total length

Introduction2:11
Download and print out, “Elementary Pause Screens” and “Elementary Notes.” The “Elementary Notes” provides you with a list of the 39 Text Screens that appear throughout the videos to emphasize key points. The “Elementary Pause Screens” provide you with a print out of the reflection points for each section. By recording your thoughts on the “Elementary Notes” pages, you will have a thorough record of your learning experience.
Respect in the Montessori Community5:47
Observe how elementary assistants align with the lead teacher to model respectful communication and problem solve with children. Practice reflective listening and I statements to support learning in Montessori environments.
Discipline4:59
Model careful movement and a low voice to keep the classroom safe and orderly. Use positive, consistent discipline and student-led problem solving to resolve conflicts and promote peaceful, noncompetitive play.
Role in the Classroom4:25
Assistants keep the classroom tidy and beautiful, prepare the environment, float during independent work to help with materials and recordings, monitor students, and document observations for teacher collaboration.
Safety Procedures2:05
Practice and review basic safety procedures, including fire and tornado drills, designated exits, whistle signals, head counts, and post-drill reflection, while ensuring clear dismissal with walkie talkies and identity checks.
Montessori Curriculum and Community4:01
Explore how the Montessori community uses first-, second-, and third-level mentoring within multi-age groupings to support independence and learning plans.
Community and Adult Consistency2:12
Professionalism1:42
Uphold absolute confidentiality within the school. Discuss only with the teacher, director, or other staff who need to know, and never share outside the school or on social media.
Personal Care1:15
balance urgent personal tasks during lunch break while staying focused on students and classroom readiness, then end the day with meditation, mindful breathing, and quiet time to center and rest.
Conclusion1:43
Observe a calm, prepared Montessori elementary classroom where a dedicated assistant maintains order with low voices and one-on-one attention, keeping students happy, safe, successful, and supporting the teacher's goals.
Final

Requirements

An Introduction to Montessori Philosophy and Materials is suggested but not required.

Description

Montessori education has been a leading philosophy since Maria Montessori first did her research over 100 years ago. She believed in a hands on approach to learning, where students were independent learnings, structuring their own learning.

Every Montessori teacher needs a trained assistant to manage her classroom. However, to be a successful assistant, you need to have a good understanding of Montessori philosophy. In a Montessori classroom, students should not be disturbed when they are engaged in their work. Montessori students should be encouraged to be independent in all aspects of self-care. A Montessori teacher should not be interrupted during a materials presentation. Montessori classrooms are beautiful, with well maintained materials. A good assistant ensures that the classroom is always beautiful.

A Montessori assistant has many responsibilities including: Keeping the classroom neat and well supplied, monitoring the classroom noise level, taking care of individual student needs, and managing classroom conflicts, greeting students and parents as the day begins, helping students to prepare to go home at the end of the day, and ensuring safety on the playground.

In this program, you will learn how to achieve all these objectives as well as gain a general understanding of Montessori philosophy and how a Montessori class functions.

Produced by Educational Video Publishing – a leader in Montessori video production since 1994. Directed by Paulyne Holten-Sinder, former President of the American Montessori Society.

Who this course is for:

Persons who wish to be employed or assist in an elementary Montessori class.