Unlocking the Mysteries of Child Development Course (online)

The Story

Montessori Continuing Education Course

“Like getting a Parenting Manual”

What You Learn in the Unlocking the Mysteries of Child Development Course:

How to nurture the whole child
Discover the true needs of the child
How to manage/avoid toddler temper tantrums or at any age!
How to help your child find peace, harmony and purpose
How to avoid power struggles
Discover the essential knowledge you need to guide a child’s spirit and mind
How to make learning time more productive

Don’t miss your child’s opportunities for growth – Release your child’s full potential!

“This is the best online parenting course I’ve ever taken. It’s like getting the Parenting Manual that didn’t come with my child. Getting to know the cycles of growth and how they learn and absorb information is priceless. Well worth my money!”

“Wow, I wish I had known this before when I first had my children!”

The Early Years are Critical for the Young Child

Child Development online course, like a parenting manual

The first three years of life are the most important for the development of trust, self-esteem, intelligence and so much more. It is the period Montessori called “The Absorbent Mind” because the child learns without being taught. He takes in everything in his environment without effort and without discrimination in a process that allows for a great explosion of learning.

“…if we compare our ability as adults to that of the child,
it would require us 60 years of hard work to achieve
what a child has achieved in these first three years.”

from The Absorbent Mind, p.6. by Maria Montessori

For Teachers, Daycare Providers and Early Childhood Educators

Build on your existing knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of early childhood development. Experience the deep insights and awareness that Dr. Maria Montessori taught through her personal discovery of the child. Recent brain research and child psychology studies support her teaching on the importance of the first years of the child’s life. And you will be inspired as well.

For Parents and Grandparents

We all wish there was a great manual for perfect parenting. How do we equip ourselves to support the incredible burst of development that happens in the first three years of life?

Some of the developmental work of the child can be incredibly frustrating and maddening for parents who do not understand the task of the child. When a parent understands the child’s cycles of development, everything is so much easier. Let us help you understand these critical cycles of development so you can experience your child’s miraculous growth with awareness and joy.

6 Week Course Outline

Unit 1: Introduction to Your Online Course

I observed little children; I sensed their needs; I tried to fulfill them; they call that the Montessori Method. – Maria Montessori

The course is designed to be highly interactive, so you will be reading, watching videos, and discussing what you are learning online. You will experience the following features throughout the course:

Information about what to do in each unit
Online and offline text to read
Online video excerpts to watch
Assignments to be submitted online for evaluation
Forum discussions, which allow you to have living, dynamic dialogue with others about the unit topics

Unit 2: Putting Your Learning in Context

The activity of the child has always been looked upon as an expression of his vitality. But his activity is really the work he performs in building up the man he is to become. It is the incarnation of the human spirit. – Maria Montessori

In Unit 2, you will watch two videos. A Day in the Life of a Montessori School was filmed in spring of 1981, and Observing in a Montessori Classroom in the fall of 2013. Because both classroom environments were designed with the developmental needs, of the child in mind, and the adults have been trained to permit the maximum amount of choice and independence, the children in these environments function successfully in their development of self as well as in the development of a functioning community. You see genuine choices, a solid work ethic and deep learning through direct experience.

After watching these videos you will post your impressions and respond to other students and begin reading Maria Montessori Her Life and Work.

Unit 3: Human Tendencies

Respect all the reasonable forms of activity in which the child engages and try to understand him. – Maria Montessori

In this unit you will learn about the universal human tendencies Montessori described and how they manifest in the behavior of young children and continue readings in Maria Montessori Her Life and Work and Discovery of the Child.

Unit 4: Sensitive Periods and the Brain

Man’s true nature lies hidden within himself. And this nature, which was given him at conception, must be recognized and allowed to grow. – Maria Montessori

In this unit we will explore Montessori’s ground-breaking discovery of “sensitive periods” in development, affirmed by 21^st century brain research, and learn what these special neurological periods of spontaneous, easy learning are. We will review brain research on the subject of early learning and have the opportunity to watch a video of Dr. Elisabeth Caspari, friend and student of Dr. Maria Montessori talk about this fascinating subject.

Unit 5: Stages of Development – Conception through Age Six

The child’s development follows a path of successive stages of independence, and our knowledge of this must guide us in our behavior towards him. – Maria Montessori

In this unit we delve more deeply into the stages of development, from prenatal period to the unconscious absorbent mind of the first three years, the conscious absorbent mind from three to six and then the reasoning mind that takes precedence after the age of six or seven. We will look at the characteristics of each stage all the way up through teens and examine the implications of each in the preparation of the environment and your teaching practice. We also include some great supporting resources for your further study.

Unit 6: Stages of Development – Age Six through Early Adulthood

By helping the child, we become servers and collaborators with that nature which is creating him and we find that his whole program of studies has already been laid down. – Maria Montessori

In Unit 6, we discuss the sensitive periods and the expansive mind of the six- to twelve-year-old, the vision of the universe we offer as curriculum and a brief examination of the mind of the twelve- to eighteen-year-old.

We are pleased to welcome you to this journey of examining the stages of development of the young child. Maria Montessori’s profound understanding provides us with a clear and sure path to follow as we accompany the child in his development. We know this information will prove of practical use to you.

What Teachers and Parents Are Saying…

“This is a really great course, a great refresher for teachers and a wonderful resource for parents. I especially liked the glimpse into the 6-12 and the 12-18 year olds. …I have a young class this year and it has been a bit challenging. This course really helped me realize I do know what I’m doing and to have faith and patience in the whole process. Thanks!” — Rachelle, Montessori teacher

Attendees Answer “What was most enlightening in this course?”

“The videos really transported me and inspired me to to develop new ideas in the classroom.

“I feel inspired to be a facilitator of positive and natural growth in young children! Every unit strengthened this inspired feeling. I feel confident in explaining the Montessori Method now too.”

“I loved the selection of readings and the videos.”

“I now understand the sensitive period of development and the brain.”

“I so appreciated the emphasis on the importance of structure.”

“I am ready to practice all what I learn in my home.”

Attendees Answer “What is the most valuable thing you take way from this course?”

“To put myself in the child’s place and try to understand what they are trying to say. I now understand better why they act the way they do.”

“This course, for me, has reaffirmed the value of the importance of the adult’s understanding of the child, as a whole. When the adults understand how a child learns and develops, it will make a big difference in a child’s life, and in the whole society.”

“I now understand how important it is to respect the child and understand his actions. This new understanding is key for me to start my career on this field.”

“WOW! The concept of the child leading their own learning.”

How the child’s needs change as they grow. It’s amazing!”

Next Course Starts: August 11
+ October 13

Child Development Course Sign-Up

Cost: $469

After purchasing, you will receive a confirmation email containing the information you need to access the Child Development Course, materials and forum.