montessori training

[Polly2]

Is anyone on here Montessori trained? Just wondered what was involved with the training?

[sarahjane]

Hi I am

I did my training with Montessori Centre International in 2003 part time while I was working at a Montessori Nursery. I attended a training centre locally (lucky enough to have one within 1/2 hour) one day a week for a year.

It was tough, but well worth it. I was working full time 8 - 6 and had 3 young children so had many many nights up until the early hours completing the coursework etc.

There is alot involved folders to complete on each area of the Montessori environment and lots of other bits too, along with both written and practical exams at the end.

You also have the option of completing 420 hours of teaching practise too which I didn't as it cost more (but now wish I had as am having problems becoming accredited as I didn't)

I love my Montessori knowledge and use it all the time within my setting. I have lots of the equipment which I bought when the nursery/school I worked in closed down.

I think there is the option of doing the course distance learning and attending weekends in London for practise with the equipment but I personally think that many people would struggle with this way as handling the equipment is such an important part of learning. There is a very specific way of using the equipment and demonstrating to the children.

HTH's

[Jiorjiina]

I'm looking at doing this too, if you do the teaching part of the course, do you know if you have to do it full time, or if you can do if part time too?

[Polly2]

I'm looking at doing this too, if you do the teaching part of the course, do you know if you have to do it full time, or if you can do if part time too?

I have found this website http://distancelearning.montessori.org.uk/ which looks good.

I just can't decide whether to specialise in something like this or top up my fd starting in September.

[Polly2]

Hi I am

There is a very specific way of using the equipment and demonstrating to the children.

HTH's

This was my concern really - would it work with childminding if I had to have time off for this?

[sarahjane]

I'm looking at doing this too, if you do the teaching part of the course, do you know if you have to do it full time, or if you can do if part time too?

You would find it difficult part time, 420 hours is alot to fit in. You would have to find a placement at a Montessori nursery I would have thought.

[manjay]

Looks like you will just have to top up your FD Polly2

[jumpinjen]

I did it - it took me 2 1/2 years - I completed last Spring. I did two days a week in a nursery and worked the other three days to do my 420 hours teaching practice. I attended a regional centre one afternoon a week to my practical training and then did the practical exam there afterwards. I travelled to London to do the exams. the distance learning theoretical part is pretty hardcore with 15 assignments over 18 months with strict hand in deadlines every 4-6 weeks. I'm glad i did it but it was hard and cost a alot of money!

the open uni told me that it equated to a level 5 (FD) and i could get accreditation for it through them so go on to finish the degree that way - I'm not sure if other uni's would accept it as an FD though. It is classed as level four but because of the high level content the OU were pleased to accept it as such.

Your LEA might offer you some funding as it is level four.
HTH, Jen x

[Polly2]

Looks like you will just have to top up your FD Polly2

I know... can you tell I am just trying to put it off!

[Polly2]

I did it - it took me 2 1/2 years - I completed last Spring. I did two days a week in a nursery and worked the other three days to do my 420 hours teaching practice. I attended a regional centre one afternoon a week to my practical training and then did the practical exam there afterwards. I travelled to London to do the exams. the distance learning theoretical part is pretty hardcore with 15 assignments over 18 months with strict hand in deadlines every 4-6 weeks. I'm glad i did it but it was hard and cost a alot of money!

the open uni told me that it equated to a level 5 (FD) and i could get accreditation for it through them so go on to finish the degree that way - I'm not sure if other uni's would accept it as an FD though. It is classed as level four but because of the high level content the OU were pleased to accept it as such.

Your LEA might offer you some funding as it is level four.
HTH, Jen x

Wow Jen that sounds like such hard work! And are you happy with childminding now? Would you ever want to do anything else? Do you use a lot of your training in your childminding?

[jumpinjen]

Sorry for late answer, yes Polly I am very happy with childminding and I use a lot of the child development knowledge and Montessori theory in my CM'ing without being a Montessori nursery at home LOL! It has really boosted my confidence to follow the child and to understand what they are showing me through their play and although it is a teaching qualification it has convinced me even more than before that young children need less academics not more!!! Please ask if you have any specific questions - happy to answer!!

Jen x

[Jiorjiina]

I did it - it took me 2 1/2 years - I completed last Spring. I did two days a week in a nursery and worked the other three days to do my 420 hours teaching practice. I attended a regional centre one afternoon a week to my practical training and then did the practical exam there afterwards. I travelled to London to do the exams. the distance learning theoretical part is pretty hardcore with 15 assignments over 18 months with strict hand in deadlines every 4-6 weeks. I'm glad i did it but it was hard and cost a alot of money!

the open uni told me that it equated to a level 5 (FD) and i could get accreditation for it through them so go on to finish the degree that way - I'm not sure if other uni's would accept it as an FD though. It is classed as level four but because of the high level content the OU were pleased to accept it as such.

Your LEA might offer you some funding as it is level four.
HTH, Jen x

That's really helpful, thanks!

[Nix]

I started Montessori training about five weeks ago.

I attend college one day a week and do additional study at home. It's an intense course, is expensive but I feel using the method in my setting will make a huge difference to the children's learning.

[Hayley102]

I keep having a look at the distance learning and cant quite work out if I have the time to do it. I currently work full time and have 2 children of my own and time is precious as it is! But I love the ideas that I have read in relation to montessori teaching and learning. Maybe I'll have another look soon. Let me know what you decide to do.

[jumpinjen]

I started Montessori training about five weeks ago.

I attend college one day a week and do additional study at home. It's an intense course, is expensive but I feel using the method in my setting will make a huge difference to the children's learning.

Yay - glad you finally took the plunge!! Are you training with Chris?

[ajs]

Heaven scent is Montessori trained, as am I but I did my training in 1980, and have forgotten quite a lot of it. I would love to do a refresher course. May look into it now I'm not so busy

[jumpinjen]

MCI in London do training seminars every Saturday - if you join their them then you get the training for £35/day rather than £50 ( I think that still applies) and you get their magazine Montessori International free every quarter, and it is really excellent. I really recommend the seminars - I always come home exhausted but they link everything back to the core Montessori values and following the child and you come away really energised and enthused! I'll find the links and pop back on!

jen x

[jumpinjen]

Here is the training directory with the seminars in - any being done by Michaela Yagoub will be particularly good!
http://www.montessori.org.uk/__data/...ory2011-12.pdf
Here is the link to join the Montessori Schools Association:
http://www.montessori.org.uk/msa/msa
They have regional meetings and training events that are great too - although it says schools and teachers only, they are very supportive of CMs and will be happy to have you join - there are even a few accredited Montessori Minders now I believe!
HTH, Jen x

[Nix]

Yay - glad you finally took the plunge!! Are you training with Chris?

So glad you're on here. I read your blog but have never sussed out how to respond and I so wanted to get in touch!

No the Woking centre closed so I'm doing it in Winchester which is easier than London. All going well but very intense with working full time with two members of staff too!

How are you? I'd love to visit again and see how your setting has evolved!