8 CPDs, Estimated to take 6 hours to complete
Writing begins long before children put pencil to paper. In the Montessori Early Childhood environment, writing develops through movement, oral language, sensorial exploration, practical life, phonological awareness, and meaningful opportunities for expression. This self-guided course invites Montessori Early Childhood teachers to examine writing development through the Science of Reading, the Writing Rope, and the Montessori approach.
Learners will explore connections between penmanship and composition, as well as the many ways writing can be supported across the curriculum and within the prepared environment. The course will offer practical strategies for creating intentional writing opportunities, strengthening independence, and supporting children at varied developmental stages. Special attention will be given to inclusive classroom practices that help all learners access writing with confidence, purpose, and joy.
The class will take approximately six hours to complete with no homework assignments. Each of the six lessons includes a short introduction, content for the participant to review, a game or activity related to the content, and a required discussion post. Each lesson is estimated to take approximately one hour to complete. You will have 180 days (approximately 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 computer, but content can also be accessed on mobile devices. Certificates will only be awarded for full completion of the class.
Learner Outcomes
- Understand writing development through the Science of Reading, the Writing Rope, and the Montessori approach.
- Incorporate intentional writing supports that connect penmanship, composition, curriculum areas, and the prepared environment.
- Implement inclusive classroom practices that support independent writing for all learners.
Related AMS Resources
- Expand your literacy expertise. Explore the Early Childhood Reading Certificate to deepen your understanding of reading development and language arts in Montessori education for children ages 3-6.
By registering for this class, you are agreeing to AMS Terms of Service.
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Introduction Discussion [5 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
This discussion offers an opportunity to introduce yourself, share where you are from, and what brings you to this class. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 1: The Science of Writing [1 hour]
Lesson 1: The Science of Writing
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
This lesson introduces what research tells us about the knowledge and skills children need to become fluent and competent writers using Joan Sedita's Writing Rope.
Lesson 1 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
The Lesson 1 Discussion invites you to reflect on how you see your current teaching practice supporting the development of the writing strands shared in this lesson. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 2: Montessori and Writing - Developing the Foundation for Transcription and Text Generation [1 hour]
Lesson 2: Montessori and Writing - Developing the Foundation for Transcription and Text Generation [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
This lesson reviews Dr. Montessori's view on writing in Early Childhood and the traditional lessons designed to cultivate the skills needed for transcription and text generation.
Lesson 2 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
The Lesson 2 Discussion invites you to identify practices in your current environment that align with Montessori practices for developing transcription and text generation. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 3: Oral Language - The Foundation for Quality Writing [1 hour]
Lesson 3: Oral Language - The Foundation for Quality Writing [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
This lesson focuses on oral language development as well as strategies that can deepen our instruction and target specific writing skills.
Lesson 3 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
The Lesson 3 Discussion invites you to explain how you can use interactive book reading to scaffold for high-level writing skills. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 4: Transcription - Building Automaticity for Skilled Writing [1 hour]
Lesson 4: Transcription - Building Automaticity for Skilled Writing [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
This lesson focuses on transcription and how to effectively support students as they develop handwriting mechanics and spelling fluency.
Lesson 4 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
The Lesson 4 Discussion invites you to share one scope and sequence for explicit instruction in handwriting and one for irregular words. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 5: Text Generation - Producing and Organizing Quality Writing [1 hour]
Lesson 5: Text Generation - Producing and Organizing Quality Writing [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
This lesson focuses on strategies to support the development of text generation as well as writing skills beyond transcription.
Lesson 5 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
The Lesson 5 Discussion will invite you to explain how you plan to bring together strands of the Writing Role to foster development of foundational text generation skills. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 6: The Prepared Writer - Working Memory and the Writing Environment [1 hour]
Lesson 6: The Prepared Writer - Working Memory and the Writing Environment [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
This final lesson focuses on the role of working memory and executive function in the development of skilled writing as well as the importance of both the seen and unseen Early Childhood Montessori environment.
Lesson 6 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
The Lesson 6 Discussion will invite you to imagine the ideal writer's space for an Early Childhood environment. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Survey & Certificate [5 minutes]
Cultivating Writers in Early Childhood Survey [5 minutes]
5 Questions
5 Questions
Completion of this survey is required before receiving a certificate of completion.
Please take a moment to answer a few quick questions to help us improve our short class offerings.
Certificate of Professional Development
8.00 CPD credits | Certificate available
8.00 CPD credits | Certificate available
A certificate for 8 professional development hours will release within 30 minutes of completion of all components of the class.
Additional Resources
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
This downloadable pdf offers resources from each lesson of this self-guided class. We hope you’ll explore these resources and continue learning was to cultivate writing in Early Childhood.
Erin Hardin
Erin Hardin has more than 25 years of experience as a Montessori educator and currently serves as a Primary Lead Teacher at Montessori By the Sea in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Since 2022, she has also been a facilitator for the American Montessori Society (AMS) Early Childhood Reading Certificate Course. Throughout her career, she has served as a field consultant, supervising teacher, and practicum evaluator for Montessori interns, and has presented at both local and national conferences on evidence-based literacy practices.
Erin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Biology, as well as an Early Childhood Credential from the American Montessori Society. She has trained as a Orton-Gillingham Therapist, holds a Montessori Applied to Children at Risk credential, and has earned a Certificate of Mastery from Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS K–5).
Throughout her career, Erin has successfully guided schools in implementing evidence-based literacy instruction across multiple grade levels while continuing to develop curriculum through a Montessori lens. She is deeply committed to collaborating with educators to ensure that all children have equitable opportunities to develop strong reading and writing skills.
Inspired by Dr. Maria Montessori’s philosophy, Erin remains dedicated to following both the child and the science, integrating research-based practices with child-centered education to support every learner’s success.
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$150 |
$120 |
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