Description

The AMI Assistants Course Adjunct for Ages 6–12 can be offered to supplement the AMI Orientation Course for Ages 6–12. It provides practical experience regarding the Role of an Adult as an Assistant in a Montessori Prepared Environment for ages 6–12. Receipt of the AMI Orientation Course Certificate of Completion for Ages 6–12 is required to participate in the AMI Assistants Course Adjunct for Ages 6–12.

 

Successful participation in all Assistants Course Adjunct Requirements for Ages 6–12 leads to award of the AMI Assistants Course Certificate of Completion for Ages 6–12.

 

When all course participants are seeking both the Orientation and Assistants Course certificates of Completion, and at the discretion of the AMI Trainer, Assistants Course content may be presented either in full after completion of the AMI Orientation Course, or Assistants Course content may be integrated throughout the Orientation Course schedule. When the courses are fully integrated, the AMI Orientation Course Certificate of Completion and the AMI Assistants Course Adjunct Certificate of Completion will both be awarded upon completion of both sets of course requirements. Please note, that the integrated Course would be a total of 80 hours, with the additional 9 hours for Observation.

 

These AMI Certificates of Completion do not qualify an individual to lead a Montessori Prepared Environment for ages 6–12.

 

1. Course Objective

AMI Assistants Course Adjunct for Ages 6–12

• To explore the Role of an Assistant in a Montessori Prepared Environment for ages 6–12 under the

direction of an individual holding an AMI 6–12 Diploma

• To develop skills to create a successful partnership with the lead adult in the Montessori Prepared Environment for ages 6–12 and with other adults associated with the Environment

• To explore ways to develop relationships of mutual respect and trust with 6–12-year-old children in the Montessori Prepared Environment

• To understand the pedagogical techniques employed in the Montessori Prepared Environment for ages 6–12

 

2. Course Requirements

It is recommended that individuals planning to participate in the Assistants Course Adjunct complete all Observation Hours in AMI Montessori 6–12 environments.

 

AMI Assistants Course Adjunct for Ages 6–12

• Award of the AMI Orientation Course Certificate of Completion for Ages 6–12 (prerequisite)

• Twenty (20) Hours of practical engagement, to include

o Presentation and Practice of Course Content

o In-Class Discussions and Activities, including discussions based in Required Readings

o Supplementary: Self-guided Learning Activities and Assigned Readings with interactive

assignments

o A minimum of twelve (12) hours dedicated to practical onsite components in a prepared

environment, with children, at a Training Centre or a school (as approved by the Director of

Training), possibilities include situations whereby a student can be:

â–ª Onsite at a Training Centre with a Trainer onsite

â–ª Onsite in their own classroom, with an experienced Diploma holder, or students can submit

videos of themselves to be reviewed by the Director of Training/a Trainer/an experienced AMI

Diploma Holder

â–ª Onsite in an approved school environment where the lead guide is an AMI Diploma Holder with a Trainer/experienced AMI Diploma Holder onsite, or students can submit a video of themselves to be reviewed by the Director of Training/a Trainer/an experienced AMI Diploma Holder

• Additional Assignments as determined by the Trainer

• A minimum of 90% attendance for student engagement plus satisfactory completion of all other requirements

• Students have 90 days from the end of the course to complete all course work

• Students who have been unable to achieve 90% attendance must either make up these sessions within 90 days (at the discretion of the Trainer) OR must attend these sessions in a subsequent course within 12 months of completion of the original course.

 

3. Course Content

AMI Assistants Course Adjunct for Ages 6–12

• Overview of the Montessori 6–12 Prepared Environment: Tangible and Intangible Elements

• The Role of the Lead Adult in the Montessori 6–12 Prepared Environment

• The Role of an Assistant in the Montessori 6–12 Prepared Environment

• Exploration of Activities Appropriate to the Assistants Role for ages 6–12, including but not limited to:

o Observation to support the work of children and adults during the Second Plane

o Appropriate Interactions with the 6–12-year-old child, including manner of speaking; appropriate direction; appropriate redirection

o The Organisation and Importance of ‘Going Out’ to Implement the child’s Self-Construction;

Accompanying children on ‘Going Out’

o Modeling appropriate behaviours in the 6–12 Environment, including aspects of language,

movement, and general activity

o Maintaining Supplies for the 6–12 Environment

• Supporting Intellectual Independence

• As appropriate for the 6–12 level: Sample activities and materials – design; techniques for

presentation; material maintenance; material making

• Maintaining the Indoor and Outdoor Environments for ages 6–12

• The Importance of Regular Meetings with the Lead Adult in the Environment

• The Importance of Confidentiality in the Assistant’s Role