8 CPDs, Estimated to take 6 hours to complete
In this self-guided class, we will define what Montessori education means by Spontaneous Activity—a hallmark of our practice that is often misunderstood, conjuring up notions that children and adolescents are impulsively doing what they want, when they want, in our classroom environments. We will revisit Dr. Montessori’s vision of Spontaneous Activity and look at its importance in relation to the work of the child, the role of the teacher, and the significance of the environment. We will also explore ways observation supports Spontaneous Activity and explore how our approach to mistakes and redirection can influence Spontaneous Activity in our environments and help us understand the development of the whole child. This class highlights the voices and experiences of several of our AMS community members, who will share with you how they have developed a classroom or school environment where the learners' interests are encouraged, and where students have the ability to express their learnings in their own way. With videos, additional reading, interactive activities, discussion, and resources, this class will allow you to expand your understanding of Spontaneous Activity and renew your connection to what it really means to "Follow the Child."
The class will take approximately six hours to complete with no homework assignments. Each of the six class lessons/modules of this dynamic multimedia course includes a short introduction, content for the participant to review (including videos, podcasts, readings, resources, etc.), 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
- To further understand the interplay between child development, the teacher, and the Montessori environment.
- To understand the importance of Spontaneous Activity in the learning experience.
- To recognize the factors that allow for a culture of Spontaneous Activity through observation.
By registering for this class, you are agreeing to AMS Terms of Service.
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Welcome & Introduction [10 minutes]
Welcome to Spontaneous Activity in the Montessori Environment [2 minutes]
Open to view video. | Closed captions available | 2 minutes
Open to view video. | Closed captions available | 2 minutes
Watch this short welcome video for a brief introduction to the this self-guided class.
Introduction Discussion [8 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: Introduction and Overview of Spontaneous Activity [1 hour]
Lesson 1: Introduction and Overview of Spontaneous Activity [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
This lesson will offer an overview of Spontaneous Activity.
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 what you've learned about Spontaneous Activity. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 2: The Work of the Child [1 hour]
Lesson 2: The Work of the Child [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
This lesson will explore the connection between the human hand and life experiences as well as examine Spontaneous Activity within Montessori's Planes of Development.
Lesson 2 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
The Lesson 2 Discussion invites you to reflect on how you connect the human hand and the brain. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 3: The Role of the Teacher [1 hour]
Lesson 3: The Role of the Teacher [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
This lesson explore the connection between the teacher and Spontaneous Activity.
Lesson 3 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
The Lesson 3 Discussion invites you to reflect on how Spontaneous Activity connects to the joy and adventure of teaching. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 4: The Prepared Environment [1 hour]
Lesson 4: The Prepared Environment [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
This lesson will explore how the Prepared Environment contributes to and impacts Spontaneous Activity in Montessori settings.
Lesson 4 Discussion [15 minutes]
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
Make 1 discussion post to continue.
The Lesson 4 Discussion will ask you to think critically about how the design of Montessori environments supports Spontaneous Activity. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 5: Spontaneous Activity and Observation [1 hour]
Lesson 5: Spontaneous Activity and Observation [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
This lesson examines how observation is fundamental to understanding and supporting Spontaneous Activity in Montessori environments.
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 the difference between perceiving and observing. Click "Participate in the Discussion" to begin. The prompt will be provided at the top of the discussion space.
Lesson 6: Mistakes and Redirection [1 hour]
Lesson 6: Mistakes and Redirection [45 minutes]
Begin self-paced component package.
Begin self-paced component package.
In this final lesson, we will explore how mistakes and redirection impact Spontaneous Activity.
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 how mistakes, redirection, and Spontaneous Activity are connected and why it is important to know when to intervene.
Closing Comments [1 minute]
Open to view video. | Closed captions available | 1 minute
Open to view video. | Closed captions available | 1 minute
This short video will offer some final thoughts related to Spontaneous Activity in the Montessori Environment.
Survey & Certificate [5 minutes]
Spontaneous Activity in the Montessori Environment 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 Spontaneous Activity.
Plant Observation Practice
Open to download resource.
Open to download resource.
A plant observation activity was introduced in Lesson 5 of the class. This template is available to download for as long as you have access to the class (180 days from date of purchase).
Jana Morgan Herman
Jana Morgan Herman has more than 30 years of experience in Montessori education (public and private) and has been a teacher educator since 2001. She is National Director of Montessori Education for Endeavor Schools. She writes and presents on Montessori topics and hosts the Montessori Bookclub Podcast. AMS-Credentialed (Early Childhood), Certified: Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE), Montessori & Dementia Care, Montessori Applied to Children at Risk (MACAR), and Trauma-Informed Teaching.
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$150 |
$120 |
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