This course will focus on helping students understand the philosophy which guides the Montessori Method. A historical and comparative perspective of leading Early Childhood theorists will allow for a deep understanding of how Maria Montessori formulated her philosophy and classroom materials. (3 credits)
- ECE 101: Introduction to Early Childhood Education
- ENG 101: English Composition 1
- ENG 102: English Composition 2
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Become familiar with the life and work of Maria Montessori within the historical context of her time.
- Correlate Montessori’s philosophy with other theorists in the field of Early Childhood Education.
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of the Montessori Philosophy and related concepts such as absorbent mind, sensitive periods, independence, freedom within limits, prepared environment, normalization, respect, etc.
- Explain how the Montessori Method helps each child develop within himself the foundations for a lifetime of creative learning.
- Clearly define the role of a teacher in a Montessori classroom (relationships with the children, care of self, care of environment, preparation of materials, sequencing, observation, record-keeping, classroom management, etc).
General Education Outcomes (GEOs)
Please check the applicable GEOs for this course, if any, by outcomes at GEO Discipline Search.
Course Activities and Grading
Midterm Exam (Week 4)
Five Reaction Papers
Final Paper (Week 8)
Final Exam (Week 8)
Available through Charter Oak State College's online bookstore
- Lillard, Paula Polk. (1972) Montessori: A Modern Approach. Shocken Books; New York. ISBN: 0-8052-0920-4
- Montessori, Maria. (1964) The Montessori Method Shocken Books; New York. ISBN: 0-8052-0922-0
- Mooney, Carol Garhart (2013) Theories of Childhood: An Introduction to Dewey, Montessori, Erickson, Piaget & Vygotsky. 2nd. edition. Redleaf Press. ISBN-13: 9781605541389
- Standing, E.M. (1998) Maria Montessori: Her Life and Her Work. Plume-Penguin Group Publishing. ISBN: 0-452-27989-5
Readings and Exercises
Topic: Maria Montessori: The Person
1, 2, 3, 4
Topic: Montessori: The Philosophy
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Topic: The Method
1, 2, 3, 5
Topic: The Teacher
1, 3, 4
Topic: The Child
1, 3, 4
Topic: Discipline in a Montessori Classroom
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Topic: Montessori Today
COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.