Montessori teachers working with children make extensive use of manipulative materials to give children concrete experiences. Children’s exploration with these materials leads them to “ah-ha” moments that forever shape the way they relate to concepts.

Teaching with these materials is different! It requires more of the teacher than merely having an abstract understanding of the underlying academic principle. The teacher must fully understand the concrete experience and how it contributes to the child’s overall understanding. Nothing better prepares the teacher than manipulating these didactic materials himself as he practices delivering lessons to students.

“Brick and Mortar” training allows adult students to experience the materials just as their children will in the classroom, under the watchful eye of a Master Montessorian.

Brain-Based Learning theory is one of the most rapidly expanding fields of study in education today. This field relates authentic, natural learning to brain and body function, and says that, among other things, learning is a physiological process – it involves not just in the mind, but the entire body including all senses and emotions – – it is a social process.

“Brick and Mortar” training is a multi-sensory experience. It is a social, physiological encounter utilizing, not only manipulative materials, but also movement, discussion, collaboration, and creation. It engages both focused attention and peripheral perception of lessons and peers, as well as tactile (touch) and sometimes gustatory (taste) experience! These rich encounters enhance the learning experience as much for adults as for children.

The best learning occurs when you get immediate feedback that leads you discover and correct an error for yourself. Think about trying to assemble a puzzle. When the piece doesn’t fit, you generally know right away and are able to remove the puzzle piece and try again. What is more, you learn not only that the piece doesn’t fit, but also what you need to look for to find the piece that does fit! Many Montessori materials are designed to be self-correcting, to give just this kind of immediate feedback to the user.

Most things in life are not self-correcting; learning effective teaching techniques is among those that benefit from repeated cycles of instruction, experimentation and practice, and feedback.

“Brick and Mortar” training places you in a collaborative learning environment with highly trained, caring instructors. This allows you to give and receive immediate feedback from peers and from Master Montessori Educators, shaping your lesson delivery as well as your paradigms about how children learn.

“Brick and Mortar” training affords you a precious intangible: a cohort. These fellow travelers will cheer you on when you are discouraged and celebrate victories with you as you achieve. They will be a sounding board and a measuring stick. They will be the beginnings of a professional network that may serve you in many wonderful and unexpected ways over the course of your career.

Learn about the call to make a difference through revolutionary ideas of holistic education in “Purpose.”

Learn what MECR has to offer in “MECR is…”

Learn about the specifics of the program level that you are considering by reading the Information packet under “Prospective Students”

Contact us! We are waiting to hear from you!