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About the method
Montessori Education is based on a lifetime of observation and study on the part of Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman doctor in Italy (born 1870, died 1952), who became an eminent educationist.
Dr. Montessori revealed the true nature of how children develop and learn, and sought to meet their needs by providing appropriate activities, opportunities and environments.
She defined Four Stages of Development which roughly correspond to the current school system.
0-6 years Early Childhood
6-12 years Primary
12-18 years Secondary
18-24 years Tertiary
Each stage has particular characteristics and needs, and the environment, activities and programmes vary accordingly.
The children are given freedom to choose from a wide range of specially designed activities which help them to acquire concepts, knowledge and skills.
The children develop competence, self esteem, self discipline, and caring, and show a deep interest and enjoyment in learning, socially, mentally and spiritually.
Worldwide the Montessori Method has been operating since early this century, in families and private and state schools.
In New Zealand there have been Montessori Schools since before 1920, with a considerable upsurge of interest since the 1970's. there are now over 100 schools throughout New Zealand involving about 3,000 children.
It is a well tried and proven method applicable to children of all cultures, nationalities and social and economic groups, and can lay the foundation for a happy, fruitful and stable society.
About the course
The Course is administered by the Aperfield Montessori Trust.
Status
This course is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under provisions of the Education Amendment Act 1989, and the Aperfield Montessori trust is accredited to teach it. The course has been allocated 50 points on the Early Childhood points system for licensing purposes.
Author
Binda Goldsbrough M.B.E
Scope
Covers the First Stage of Development, 0-6 years, expanding in detail on activities for children 3-6 years.
Format
Designed as a Self Study (Correspondence) Course, but can be used as a contact course through a training establishment. It is presented in four compound books.
Content
Book 1: Basic Theory, Practical Life and Sensorial Activities.
Book 2: English Language, Maori Language, Mathematics.
Book 3: Environmental Studies.
Book 4: The Arts, Special Needs, Class Management.
Students may enrol for the whole course or for one book at a time but they must be taken in sequence.
Duration
Students are allowed one year to complete each book. Correspondence students may commence the course at any time.
Requirements
Study from the text in each book and other books as recommended. Exercises interspersed throughout the text. Assignments (essays, observations etc.) At the end of each subject area.
Supervised practice with the apparatus. Practical and written tests.
Staff
Director, administrator, secretary and treasurer who oversee the total course. Tutors (experienced Montessori Teachers) who mark assignments and generally assist students.
Diploma
Students satisfactorily performing all the requirements will be awarded an Aperfield Montessori diploma (Early Childhood Education).
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