3-6 Workshops & Events

3-6 WORKSHOPS

Preparing Ourselves | Polli Soholt | August 20, 2025
Rol del Assistente | Ieda Torres Holyoak | 25 de agosto de 2025
Preparing the Environment | Polli Soholt | August 27, 2025
From the Collective Stage to Normalization Series | Sarah Werner Andrews & Rochelle Holmberg | starts September 8, 2025
AMI 3-6 Orientation Course | Jess Fraley | starts September 8, 2025
Observación para Assistentes | Ieda Torres Holyoak | 15 de septiembre de 2025
3-6 Zoom In…Series: The Forgotten Trio | Sarah Werner Andrews | starts September 16, 2025
Montessori & the Science of Literacy Series | Jess Fraley | starts September 25, 2025
Montessori & Inclusion Series: Using PTR-YC to Support Children with Complex Behaviors | Sarah Werner Andrews & Guests | starts September 30, 2025
AMI 3-6 Refresher Course: Freedom and Discipline | Polli Soholt | starts November 12, 2025
The Bells and Beyond: Exploring Music as an Aspect of Culture Series | Sarah Werner Andrews | starts January 13, 2026
AMI 3-6 Orientation Course | Jess Fraley | starts April 7, 2026

Workshops online unless noted

PREPARING OURSELVES

Wednesday, August 20, 2025 | 4:00-5:30 pm PT / 7:00-8:30 pm ET | Polli Soholt | $65

This workshop will help guides spiritually and practically prepare for the upcoming year, with a focus on integrating new children and supporting returning ones.

Topics covered include:

  • Life balance for guides

  • Key Montessori readings for navigating initial transitions

  • The child’s universal developmental potential

  • The guide’s role in learning

  • Planning collective stage activities

  • Collaborating with assistants

  • Observation and individualized planning, and record keeping

  • Discovering new children’s interests

  • Introducing and adapting environment guidelines

  • Engaging quiet or non-verbal children

We’ll also explore how returning children can support new peers through example and understanding. A spirit of benevolence from adults will help set the tone. Time will be provided for questions and discussion.

Attendees from Oregon can earn hours for ORO(Set I). Attendees from Washington can earn STARS credit.

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2520

ROL DEL ASSISTENTE

Lunes 25 de agosto de 2025 | 4:00-5:30 pm PT / 7:00-8:30 pm ET | Ieda Torres Holyoak | $65

El taller de una hora y media, presentado en español, proveerá información y herramientas para los adultos interesados en conocer sobre el Rol del Asistente. Se dará una introducción sobre la importancia del desempeño del asistente como parte crucial en un entorno Montessori. Se discutirá las responsabilidades del asistente que incluyen apoyar al maestro, comunicación positiva, observación, rutinas en un salón de clases, preparación de materiales y entre otras. Por medio de este taller, el asistente estará preparado para facilitar y apoyar la independencia del niño, creando un entorno de máximo aprendizaje y experiencias. El taller es orientado para el beneficio y apoyo a los niños de 3 a 6 años de edad.

Las asistentes de Oregon pueden recibir ORO horas (Set I). Las asistentes de Washington pueden recibir STARS credíto.

BIPOC 10% Código de descuento: BIPOC2521

PREPARING THE ENVIRONMENT

Wednesday, August 27, 2025 | 4:00-5:30 pm PT / 7:00-8:30 pm ET | Polli Soholt | $65

This workshop focuses on preparing the environment for the new children joining the group, with an emphasis on engaging their interests as they adapt to the environment.

Topics covered include:

  • Preparations to help new children feel welcome

  • Orientation approaches for phasing in new children

  • Cultural awareness and inclusion through materials

  • Examples of transitional materials

  • The 3-part work cycle and gentle guidance for new learners

  • Using spoken language to build vocabulary in natural, spontaneous ways

  • Temporary removal of certain materials, and why

  • Guiding assistants in supporting new children

Preparations will vary based on the way children are oriented to the environment, and transitional materials will be phased out as children adjust. The timeline of this process will vary in different environments. Time will be set aside for questions and discussion.

Attendees from Oregon can earn hours for ORO(Set I). Attendees from Washington can earn STARS credit.

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2522

FROM THE COLLECTIVE STAGE TO NORMALIZATION SERIES

September 8, 22 & October 8, 2025 | 4:00-6:00 pm PT / 7:00-9:00 pm ET | Sarah Werner Andrews & Rochelle Holmberg | $250

Description & Registration Coming Soon!

Attendees from Oregon can earn hours for ORO(Set I). Attendees from Washington can earn STARS credit.

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2523

AMI 3-6 ORIENTATION COURSES

Two Course Options | $950

This AMI Orientation Course is designed to support adults by providing an orientation to the Montessori approach for 3-6 year olds. This course is ideal for 3-6 Montessori classroom assistants, or any other adult who is interested in gaining more knowledge about Montessori. The course will cover an introduction to the theoretical foundations of Montessori education and practical tips to bring the theory into practice.

This 60-hour course includes online instructor lead sessions with independent student work between class meetings, and 9 hours of observation. Each cohort will be offered an overview of Montessori developmental theory including: the history and framework of Montessori education, goals of anti-bias education, young children's cognitive, physical, and language development, preparation of the adult, prepared environments for learning, the importance of observation, supporting independence, and the development of self-discipline and the will. The online class sessions will be a combination of lecture/discussion, small group work, videos. The additional independent work will consist of readings, reflections, classroom observations, videos, and online discussions. ln addition, participants will learn and practice spoken language activities and songs to enjoy with 3 -6 year olds. The depth of information will provide participants with a clear overview of Montessori’s revolutionary concept of education.

Participants completing all required aspects of the course can earn the AMI 0-3 Orientation Course Certificate. Attendees from Oregon can earn hours for ORO(Set I). Attendees from Washington can earn STARS credit.

COURSE OPTION #1
September 8 - October 15, 2025
Mondays & Wednesdays
4:00-7:00 pm PT / 7:00-10:00 pm ET
Jess Fraley

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2530

COURSE OPTION #2
April 7 - May 12, 2026
Tuesdays & Thursdays
3:30-6:30 pm PT / 6:30-9:30 pm ET
Jess Fraley

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2541

OBSERVACIÓN DE ASSISTENTES

Lunes 15 de septiembre de 2025 | 4:00-5:30 pm PT / 7:00-8:30 pm ET | Ieda Torres Holyoak | $65

El taller de una hora y media, presentado en español, proveerá información y herramientas para los adultos interesados en conocer sobre el Rol del Asistente. Se dará una introducción sobre la importancia del desempeño del asistente como parte crucial en un entorno Montessori. Se discutirá las responsabilidades del asistente que incluyen apoyar al maestro, comunicación positiva, observación, rutinas en un salón de clases, preparación de materiales y entre otras. Por medio de este taller, el asistente estará preparado para facilitar y apoyar la independencia del niño, creando un entorno de máximo aprendizaje y experiencias. El taller es orientado para el beneficio y apoyo a los niños de 3 a 6 años de edad.

Las asistentes de Oregon pueden recibir ORO horas (Set I). Las asistentes de Washington pueden recibir STARS credíto.

BIPOC 10% Código de descuento: BIPOC2524

Multiple Workshop Dates | Sarah Werner Andrews | $190 for Series / $65 per workshop

3-6 ZOOM IN…SERIES: THE FORGOTTEN TRIO

Are you looking for a little inspiration? This series of “micro-refreshers” for 3-6 Montessori teachers will focus on one key activity each session:

Entire Series

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2525

Grace & Courtesy Lessons
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
4:00-5:30 pm PT / 7:00-8:30 pm ET

Description & Registration Coming Soon!

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2511

Walking on the Line
Tuesday, October 29, 2025
4:00-5:30 pm PT / 7:00-8:30 pm ET

Description & Registration Coming Soon!

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2512

The Silence Game
Tuesday, October 29, 2025
4:00-5:30 pm PT / 7:00-8:30 pm ET

Description & Registration Coming Soon!

Participants completing all required aspects of the course can earn the AMI 0-3 Orientation Course Certificate. Attendees from Oregon can earn hours for ORO(Set I). Attendees from Washington can earn STARS credit.

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2513

Multiple Workshop Dates | Jess Fraley | $190 for Series / $65 per workshop

MONTESSORI & THE SCIENCE OF LITERACY SERIES

This three-part series connects Montessori’s 3–6 classroom practices with the Science of Reading, offering a clear framework for understanding how reading develops. From building foundational skills to fostering fluent, joyful readers, participants will gain tools to support every stage of early literacy.

Entire Series

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2531

Understanding Phonemic & Phonological Awareness
Tuesday, September 25, 2025
4:00-5:30 pm PT / 7:00-8:30 pm ET

In this foundational session, guides will develop a strong understanding of the essential role phonemic and phonological awareness play in learning to read. Participants will explore how children build sensitivity to sounds in language-rich environments and how to recognize and support this developmental progression. Drawing from both literacy research and Montessori practice, educators will learn to approach key materials—such as sound games and sandpaper letters—with renewed insight and purpose.

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2532

The Discovery of Reading
Tuesday, November 6, 2025
4:00-5:30 pm PT / 7:00-8:30 pm ET

This session deepens guides’ understanding of the cognitive processes behind decoding and orthographic mapping. Participants will explore how Montessori materials like the Moveable Alphabet and early phonetic reading exercises support these processes. By connecting the neurological underpinnings of early reading to classroom practice, guides will strengthen their ability to individualize instruction during the crucial phonological stage of reading development.

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2533

The Path to Total Reading
Tuesday, January 8, 2026
4:00-5:30 pm PT / 7:00-8:30 pm ET

In the final session, educators will expand their understanding of what it means for a child to become a fluent, confident reader. We’ll examine how vocabulary development, comprehension, and a love of language grow over time, and what role the teacher plays in cultivating these capacities. By connecting Montessori’s concept of “total reading” with current literacy science, guides will be better equipped to observe reading development, adapt their support, and guide children toward independent, joyful, and meaningful reading.

Participants completing all required aspects of the course can earn the AMI 0-3 Orientation Course Certificate. Attendees from Oregon can earn hours for ORO(Set I). Attendees from Washington can earn STARS credit.

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2534

THE BELLS & BEYOND SERIES: EXPLORING MUSIC AS AN ASPECT OF CULTURE

January 13, 2026-February 3, 2026 | Tuesdays | Sarah Werner Andrews | $330 for Series / $85 per workshop

This four part series explores how singing, movement and rhythm, the sensorial work with the bells, and writing music all combine to make music a joyful part of the children's daily life. Each session will bring new songs to sing, true stories of music and musicians, rhythm, and movement activities to share with the children the very next day. Along the way, you'll gain confidence with the bells, develop your understanding of the elements of music, learn how to prepare your environment for music, and have a great time in the process!

Entire Series

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2536

Singing & the Elements of the Scale
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
3:30-5:30 pm PT / 7:30-8:30 pm ET

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2537

Listening, Pairing & Grading
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
3:30-5:30 pm PT / 7:30-8:30 pm ET

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2538

Rhythm & Movement
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
3:30-5:30 pm PT / 7:30-8:30 pm ET

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2539

Appreciation & Composing Music
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
3:30-5:30 pm PT / 7:30-8:30 pm ET

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2540

Attendees from Oregon can earn hours for ORO(Set I). Attendees from Washington can earn STARS credit.

MONTESSORI & INCLUSION: USING PTR-YC TO SUPPORT CHILDREN WITH COMPLEX BEHAVIORS

September 30-November 4, 2025 | Tuesdays | 4:00-6:00 pm PT / 7:00-9:00 pm ET | Sarah Werner Andrews & Guests | $490

Prevent, Teach, Reinforce for Young Children is an excellent inclusion model for supporting children with complex behaviors, and it aligns beautifully with Montessori best practices. Presented by AMI Director of Training Sarah Werner Andrews, with special education and behavior specialists from the Multnomah Early Childhood Program (MECP), this 6 week series will introduce the Pyramid Model and help participants learn how PTR-YC can be used effectively in Montessori settings for 3-6 year olds.

Session 1: Introduction and Understanding Complex Behaviors and Your Own Responses
Learn about the Pyramid Model, the foundation for PTR-YC, and how inclusive settings support healthy social development. Learn that complex behaviors are communicative, maintained by their consequences, and occur in context. Reflect on your own responses to complex behaviors, and identify how your attitudes and beliefs can be obstacles to children’s development.

Session 2: Preventative Classroom Practices - “The Big Five”
Learn about five foundational preventative classroom practices that have a significant impact on behavior and the positive energy of a Montessori classroom. Learn how to assess your classroom-wide fidelity to these practices and uncover areas for improvement.

Session 3: Goal Setting and Observation
Learn to set goals for resolving complex behaviors through teaching replacement behaviors, and how to use observation strategies to measure and monitor progress.

Session 4: Functional Behavior Assessment
Discover when undesirable behaviors are most likely to occur, what the child gains through these negative behaviors, and how they might be unintentionally reinforced. Learn how to help the child meet their needs in socially appropriate ways.

Session 5: Developing Individualized Interventions
Learn how to use the information gathered through observation and assessments to make individualized interventions that prevent the negative behaviors, teach replacement behaviors and reinforce the positive behaviors. Learn how to make sure your interventions can be implemented effectively, and what to do if progress is not what you hoped.

Session 6: Intervention Strategies to Prevent, Teach, and Reinforce
Learn an array of intervention strategies compatible with Montessori principles and practices from the three categories of preventing, teaching, and reinforcing. Learn which strategies work best in which situations, as well as key steps and considerations for implementation.

Attendees from Oregon can earn hours for ORO(Set I). Attendees from Washington can earn STARS credit.

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2529

Who Should Take This Course?

  • All Montessori teachers and school leaders working with Preschool for All, and Preschool Promise - These are the models they use with children and families

  • Guides looking for more effective strategies for complex behaviors in all children

  • School Leaders who want to better support their guides and families

  • Guides who want to inclusion strategies for children with high-incidence disabilities such as emotions/behavior disorders, autism, and ADHD, that really work in Montessori classrooms

FREEDOM & DISCIPLINE - AMI 3-6 REFRESHER COURSE

November 12-December 10, 2025 | Wednesdays (no meeting 11/26) | 4:00-6:30 pm PT / 7:00-9:30 pm ET | Polli Soholt | $400

This online refresher consists of four sessions, plus four hours of observation with written reflections. Reflections are due after the sessions conclude and may be completed concurrently. Each session will explore Montessori theory and philosophy related to Freedom and Discipline, with a focus on supporting the development of self-discipline and include time for discussion, questions, and participant reflections.

Topics covered include:

  • Activities for children with emerging self-discipline

  • Benevolent techniques to foster discipline

  • The child/guide relationship

  • Montessori definitions of freedom, discipline, and obedience

  • The three levels of obedience and practical support for each

  • Establishing and introducing environment guidelines organically

  • Using positive, consistent, and clear language

  • Flexibility and benevolence in guiding behavior

  • Synchronizing the roles of guide and assistant.

Supporting theory includes:

  • The Absorbent Mind

  • Social development

  • Observation

  • Freedom of choice

  • Sensitive period for movement

  • Development of the will

  • Normalization and deviations

  • Control of error

AMI Diploma Holders completing all required aspects of the course can earn the AMI Refresher Course Certificate. All other attendees will earn a Certificate of Attendance.
Attendees from Oregon can earn hours for ORO(Set I). Attendees from Washington can earn STARS credit.

BIPOC 10% Discount Code: BIPOC2535