Department &Number ECHD 127
Course Title Montessori Method and Curriculum: Language, Geography, and Social Science
Prerequisite
Co-requisite
Number of Weeks 18
Lecture Hours 54
Lab Hours
Hours By Arrangement
Challenge Policy
Advisory
Activity Hours
Units 3
COURSE/CATALOG DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to enable students to expand their knowledge of and practice in the Montessori Method. It will
focus on the Montessori language program, covering a wide range of developmentally appropriate activities leading up
to and including writing and reading. It will also cover the curriculum areas of geography and social sciences,
including activities designed to promote problem solving, cultural awareness, and peace education. Not repeatable
COURSE OBJECTIVE
At the completion of the course the student will be able to:
1. Students will be able to explain the practical implications of developing verbal and motor skills in a
language program.
2. Students will be able to explain the relationship of Practical Life and Sensorial activities to language
development.
3. Students will be able to analyze the Montessori language program in relation to cognitive and
affective development.
4. Students will be able to present basic concepts in geography and social science with the use of
materials and accurate vocabulary, so that the child is exposed to the whole view, than parts, than
details.
5. Students will be able to describe the fundamental needs of man and how they relate to the customs
of various countries.
6. Students will be able to create an atmosphere and develop materials which promote various
approaches to and methods of peace education.
7. Students will be able to demonstrate and sequence the Language, Geography, and Social Science
materials in a Montessori classroom.
8. Students will be able to develop curriculum materials and to explain the rationale behind their
creation and application.
9. Students will be able to assemble a Montessori Language Album and Geography & Social Science
Album.
COURSE CONTENT:
15 % Montessori theory and practice
50
20
10
5
% Language curriculum and materials
% Physical geography and political geography/social science
% History
% Peace Education

METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
1. Lecture/Discussion
2. Demonstrations of Montessori materials
3. Small group in-class activities
4. Videos, slides and overheads
5. Visitations to Montessori schools
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Textbook Title: The Montessori Method
Author: Maria Montessori
Publisher: Schocken Books
1964
Textbook Title: The Absorbent Mind
Maria Montessori Author:
Publisher: Delta Publishing
Edition/Date: 1967
Discovery of the Child Textbook Title:
Author: Maria Montessori
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Edition/Date: March, 1972

Textbook Title: Montessori Geography and History Manuals
Author:
Publisher:
Pamela Rigg
Montessori Research Foundation
Edition/Date: March 1972
Textbook Title:
Author:
Montessori Language Manuals
Compiled by Barbara Grillo
Publisher: Contra Costa College Reprographics
Edition/Date: 2007
COURSE EXPECTATIONS ( Use applicable expectations )
Outside of Class Weekly Assignments
Weekly Reading Assignments
Weekly Writing Assignments
Weekly Math Problems
Hours per week
3
2
Lab or Software Application Assignments
Other Performance Assignments (Observations, practice, and album consstruction)
1
STUDENT EVALUATION : (Show percentage breakdown for evaluation instruments)
30 % Written assignments
10
20
40
% Classroom observations and in-class demonstrations
% Curriculum Albums
% Quizzes, mid-term and finals
GRADING POLICY (Choose LG, CR/NC, or SC)
Letter Grade
90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
Below 60% = F
Credit / No Credit x Student Choice
70% and above = Credit 90% - 100% = A
Below 70% = No Credit 80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
60% - 69% = D
Below 60% = F or
70% and above = Credit
Below 70% = No Credit
Revised 11/07