8 CPDs, Estimated to take 6 hours to complete
This self-guided class serves as an introduction to the Montessori principle of "freedom within limits" and its application to student behaviors at each of the four planes of development. Participants will gain insight into the teacher’s essential role in preparing themselves and the classroom environment. Through opportunities to share strategies and reflect, educators will learn to cultivate an environment that respects children’s autonomy while providing the supportive boundaries they need to thrive.
This class is an introduction, and the recommended audience is new teachers (EC, EL, SEC), assistants, and specialists. The class will take approximately six hours to complete with no homework assignments. Each of the six lessons/modules in this dynamic multimedia course includes a short introduction, engaging content including videos, podcasts, readings, and resources, a game or activity related to the content, and a required discussion post. Each lesson/module is estimated to take approximately one hour to complete. You will have 180 days (approx. 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 desktop/laptop, but content can also be accessed on mobile devices. Certificates will only be awarded for full completion of the class.
Learner Outcomes
- Explain the principles of freedom within limits at each plane of development.
- Recognize the teacher's role in facilitating freedom within limits.
- Identify strategies to foster a balanced environment of freedom within limits.
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Welcome & Introduction [6 minutes]
Welcome to Freedom Within Limits: Guiding Student Behavior [1 minute]
Open to view video. | Closed captions available
Open to view video. | Closed captions available
Watch this short welcome video for a brief introduction to the this self-guided class.
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: Freedom Within Limits - Montessori Philosophy [1 hour]
Lesson 1: Freedom Within Limits - Montessori Philosophy [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
This lesson offers a review of Maria Montessori's views on freedom within limits as well as an opportunity to identify essential limits for the age group you teach.
Lesson 1 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
The Lesson 1 Discussion invites you to explain freedom within limits and identify the key limits for your learning environment. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 2: Freedom Within Limits Across the Planes of Development [1 hour]
Lesson 2: Freedom Within Limits Across the Planes of Development [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
This lesson focuses on Montessori's planes of development and how freedom limits is fostered as the teacher prepares an environment and opportunities for children based on their development needs.
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 the most important freedoms for the age group you teach and how those connect to sensitive periods. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 3: Teacher Preparation and Intentionality [1 hour]
Lesson 3: Teacher Preparation and Intentionality [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
This lesson focuses on teacher preparation and its connection to creating environments where children can exercise freedom within limits.
Lesson 3 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
The Lesson 3 Discussion invites you to share connections you see between self-care and fostering freedom within limits. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 4: Teacher Observation and Action [1 hour]
Lesson 4: Teacher Observation and Action [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
This lesson focuses on how teacher observation is at the core of taking actions that will promote healthy freedom within limits in various planes of development and offer tools to enhance your own practice in this area.
Lesson 4 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
The Lesson 4 Discussion invites you to identify observation tools you use in your work and actions you take to ensure children can maximize freedom within limits. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 5: The Prepared Environment and Freedom Within Limits [1 hour]
Lesson 5: The Prepared Environment and Freedom Within Limits [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
The lesson looks at the importance of the prepared environment in establishing boundaries so real freedom can occur.
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 consider how you can inspire your students to be changemakers around sustainable development goals. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 6: Examples of Freedom Within Limits [1 hour]
Lesson 6: Examples of Freedom Within Limits [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
In this final lesson, you will explore scenarios related to freedom within limits and identify strategies to promote the restoration of a learning 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 share or create your own “real-life scenario” based on a difficult experience and consider how you might now prepare and take actions differently based on what you have learned in this course.
Closing Comments [2 minutes]
Open to view video. | Closed captions available | 2 minutes
Open to view video. | Closed captions available | 2 minutes
This short video will offer some final thoughts related to freedom within limits.
Survey & Certificate [5 minutes]
Freedom Within Limits: Guiding Student Behavior 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 about freedom within limits.
Event Sample Observation Tool
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
This downloadable pdf offers an event sample observation tool for use in your classroom.
Observation Reflection Resource
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
This downloadable pdf offers prompts to help you reflect on freedom within limits in your observations.
Pricing
Non-Members
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$150 |
$120 |
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