ECE 450: Montessori Literacy Model

Course Description

This course will focus on comparing the traditional Montessori Method of teaching language and literacy with the current public school system's method based on best practices. Students will critically and systematically examine comparable components of reading instruction in the public sector based on current research as contrasted with Montessori practices. This examination will not only look at reading instruction, but also the appreciation of literature. (3 credits)

Prerequisites

  • ECE 101: Introduction to Early Childhood Education
  • ECE 350: History of Montessori 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:

  1. Discuss the components required to teach reading as determined by current research and accepted by the US Board of education as current best practices.
  2. Describe numerous components of reading instruction in accordance with the Montessori Method as presented by major Montessori education associations and Maria Montessori’s own writings.
  3. Compare and analysis the two methods.
  4. Describe current methods for appreciation of literature as described and accepted by the National Institute for Literacy.
  5. Describe Montessori Method for teaching an appreciation of literature.
  6. Distinguish quality reading instruction.

Course Activities and Grading

AssignmentsWeight

Discussions (Weeks 1-8)

15%

4 Summary/Reaction Papers (Weeks 1, 2, 4 and 5)

40%

2 Observations (Weeks 3 and 6)

20%

Final Paper/Presentation (Week 7)

20%

Lesson Plan (Week 8)

5%

Total

100%

Reading Materials are available on line. Rubrics are available for each assignment. 10 points are deducted for each day an assignment is submitted late.

Required Texts

  1. Child of the World: By Susan Mayclin Stephenson
  2. The Montessori Method by Maria Montessori Chapters 15-18
  3. Montessori'’'s Own Handbook by Maria Montessori

Additional Resources

Video

Web Sites

Recommended Texts

  1. Stephenson, Susan Mayclin. Child of the world: Montessori, Global Education, age 3-12 years, 2000-2001. Arcata, CA: Michael Olaf, 2013
  2. Stephenson, Susan Mayclin. The Joyful Child: Montessori, Global Wisdom Birth to 3 years, 2000-2001. Arcata, CA: Michael Olaf, 2015

Course Schedule

Week

SLOs

Readings and Exercises

Assignments

1

1, ,4

Overview of Language & Literacy

Nation Reading Panel Report

  • Read Put Reading First
  • Participate in the 3 Discussions
  • View the PowerPoint Lecture
  • Write Summary/Reaction Paper

2

1,4

Emergent Literacy

Joint Position Paper from NAEYC and IRA

  • Read: Position Paper
  • View BIG IDEAS website
  • Participate in 3 Discussions
  • View the PowerPoint Lecture
  • Write Summary/Reaction

3

1,4 & 6

Observation

Reading Instruction in Practice

  • Observe Reading Instruction
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Complete and submit Observation Form

4

2,5

Montessori & Montessori Language Overview

AMS Video

  • Read: Montessori’s Own Handbook
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • View the Lecture material
  • Write Summary/Reaction

5

2,5

Montessori Language and Literacy

  • Read Montessori Method: Chapters 15-18.
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • View the Lecture Power Point
  • Write Summary/Reaction

6

2, 5, 6

Observation

Montessori Reading Instruction in Practice

  • Observe Montessori Reading Instruction
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Complete and submit Observation Form

7

3

PRESENTATIONS

  • View Peer Presentation
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Post Your Paper/Presentation

8

6

Lesson Plan

  • Post Original Lesson Plan
  • Participate in Discussions

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.