Montessori Myths or Mandates?
Jana Morgan Herman
What if some of the most common practices in Montessori classrooms aren’t actually what Maria Montessori envisioned?
Did you know that the oft-cited “three-hour work cycle” originally referred to the length of the school day, not a single uninterrupted period of work?
Or that Dr. Montessori's schedules emphasized gardening, practical life, and outdoor play in the afternoons, rather than academic rigor?
In this thought-provoking course, Jana Morgan Herman invites educators to explore the origins, context, and flexibility of Dr. Montessori’s approach by going back to her actual writings and historical schedules from 1912 and 1946.
Through careful research and practical insight, this course sheds light on long-held assumptions about Montessori environments and equips you with the knowledge to make more informed, responsive decisions in your own classroom.
In this course, you will:
▶︎ Explore the origins of the "three-hour work cycle" and what Montessori actually said about it
▶︎ Clarify the concept of “false fatigue” and its role in the work cycle
▶︎ Examine the importance of outdoor play, practical life, and interdependence in Montessori’s vision
▶︎ Learn how to adapt traditional practices to modern classroom realities while staying grounded in core Montessori principles
A certificate of completion for 1 hour is provided. Learn more about certificates here.
This course is for you if:
▶︎ You want to better understand the historical roots of Montessori classroom practices.
▶︎ You’ve heard certain routines are “required” and want to explore what Montessori actually wrote.
▶︎ You’re looking for ways to align your classroom with Montessori principles without being rigid.
▶︎ You’re a guide, assistant, or school leader aiming to create responsive, child-centered environments.
▶︎ You’re curious about how to adapt your Montessori practice to the real needs of today’s learners.
Jana Morgan Herman
Jana Morgan Herman (she/her) has been involved in Montessori education since 1992, first as a parent substitute teacher then as a teacher, school director, teacher trainer, director of training for VMAT, a MACTE teacher education program in Vietnam, and currently as National Director of Montessori Education with Endeavor Schools. She travels internationally, presenting, training teachers, and working with parents. Jana has a Master’s Degree in Montessori and is a co-founder of The Kentucky Montessori Alliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this course for?
This course is perfect for Montessori guides, assistants, and school leaders who want to ground their practice in historical understanding, honor the child’s whole development, and create Montessori environments that move beyond dogma to support true independence, interdependence, and joy in learning.
When does the course start and finish?
This course consists of pre-recorded video. You will gain access to all the videos as soon as you register. You have access for one year and you may watch at your convenience, as often as you wish, during that time.
Will I receive a Certificate of Attendance?
You can get a certificate of attendance for 1 hour by request. You will need to fill out a feedback form found at the end of the course. You will receive a PDF certificate via email.
IMPORTANT: We recommend confirming with your local licensing agency prior to registering if you are relying on having the certificate approved. Read more about certificates of attendance here.
Is this appropriate for parents?
The principles in this course can certainly be applied by parents. However, most of the examples used will be for a classroom setting and will reflect the student-teacher dynamic. We will not be addressing parents' needs specifically.
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