Guidelines for Early Childhood Overview

AMS requires 40 overview hours as a pre-requisite to Elementary training.

This may be divided between discussion/practice and a maximum of 12 hours of observation in an Early Childhood classroom environment. Practice with materials for familiarity under the supervision of a certified teacher is an important element of an overview. Mastery of all aspects of the materials is naturally desirable but is not possible within the context of an overview.

Documentation required for our records:

1. Date(s) of overview
2. Location of observations
3. Topics covered. This list may be reproduced or attached with a statement by the individual conducting the overview.
4. A photocopy of the presenter’s Early Childhood credential from a MACTE-accredited program and a resume showing a minimum of three years of classroom experience as a head teacher at that level.
5. The following scheme is suggested but may be adapted by overview presenters. Recommended hour counts are given in parentheses. ​ ​  

Recommended Readings  used for discussion:
Montessori, Maria:  The Absorbent Mind
                                The Secret of Childhood 
Kramer, Rita:           Maria Montessori: A Biography






    



 
  
 

Theory topics (5)
Life of Maria Montessori
The Casa Dei Bambini
The Planes of Development (Emphasis on the first plane.)
The Prepared Environment for 3-6
The Role of the Teacher as an Observer
Spiritual Preparation of the Teacher

​Practical Life 
Theory and practice (6)
Sensorial 
Theory and practice (6)

Language (6)
Language Development and the importance of oral language activities
Direct and indirect preparation of the hand for writing
Language Activities leading to Functions of Words

​Arithmetic  (8)
Theory of Mathematics
Numeration and Linear Counting
Four operations with the Decimal System Material


Cultural Subjects 
including the Botany Cabinet and early Geography (2)

Observation of classrooms with follow-up discussion (12)