SEELS Co., Ltd. SEELS Teachers Academy JapanTeacher formation for practical implementation
SEELS educators participating in practical Montessori training
Original SEELS course • Two-day early-literacy foundations

Montessori Language and Jolly Phonics Introductory Course

A practical two-day course for teachers, parents, tutorial centers, preschools, small schools and aspiring educators. Understand the child from birth to six, prepare the learning environment, strengthen oral language and literacy readiness, and connect Montessori language principles with an introductory understanding of systematic English phonics and Jolly Phonics.

First developed in Japan in 2012 Two focused training days One aligned twelve-part syllabus Child-development focus: birth to six Philippine reintegration support pathway
Request the next schedule Review the syllabus
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Two-Day Practical CourseMontessori language, phonics and teaching application
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Original SEELS ProgramDeveloped in Japan and continuously refined since 2012
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Face-to-Face in Tama CityFacilitated in Japan by Stepup English School
Course Continuity

One Original Course. Two Regional Settings.

The Japan and Philippine pages describe the same SEELS Introductory Course. The educational foundation and twelve-part syllabus remain aligned, while the expected application reflects the learners, educators and institutions in each country.

Expected Application in Japan

Participants strengthen their early-childhood and English-literacy practice and may continue to the DME pathway. The Day 2 PPP lesson-planning and teaching-demonstration activities also support preparation for Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) applications, job interviews and video demonstration lessons when requested by employers.

Past SEELS participants have also used their IC learning and Certificate of Completion to strengthen applications to hoikuen (nursery schools), yōchien (kindergartens) and other education-related workplaces in Japan.

Employment remains subject to each employer’s qualifications, recruitment procedures and hiring decisions. IC completion does not guarantee a job.

Expected Application in the Philippines

Participants apply the course foundation in preschools, tutorial centers, home-based learning, community literacy initiatives and further SEELS teacher-development pathways.

Immersion, classroom exposure and supervised teaching practicum may also be arranged through participating SEELS partner schools when suitable placements are available.

Placement is subject to available slots, partner-school approval, participant readiness, safeguarding requirements and the applicable practicum conditions. Completion of the IC does not guarantee placement.

Regional application pathways are optional and subject to the applicable program requirements, institutional arrangements and local regulations.

IC → Digital Montessori Education

IC establishes the foundation for deeper Montessori formation.

The Introductory Course develops the essential understanding of the child, prepared environment, Montessori Language and observation. Participants seeking deeper professional formation may continue to the Digital Montessori Education pathway.

Understand the Child

Explore child development, sensitive periods, readiness, movement and the importance of careful observation.

Prepare the Environment

Connect order, independence, Practical Life, Sensorial learning and language preparation.

Continue Professional Formation

Progress toward deeper study, practical application and guided Montessori classroom development through DME.

Explore the DME Diploma

The IC may also be taken as a stand-alone professional-development course. Continuing to DME is optional and subject to its current admission and completion requirements.

Who the IC serves

Designed for educators at different starting points

01

Early-Childhood and Preschool Teachers

Strengthen understanding of development, readiness, language, movement and the prepared environment.

02

Montessori Educators

Refresh philosophy, observation, language sequence, sensorial preparation and classroom integrity.

03

English, ESL, EFL and TEYL Teachers

Connect oral language, participation, movement, phonemic awareness and systematic literacy support.

04

Parents and Home Tutors

Understand how relationships, routines, stories and purposeful activity support literacy foundations.

05

Tutorial-Center Owners and Teachers

Move beyond homework assistance toward structured child-development and early-literacy support.

06

School Leaders and Aspiring Educators

Gain an introductory framework before wider teacher formation, program planning or classroom practice.

What participants develop

Clearer observation, stronger foundations and practical next steps

The IC is short, but it is designed to produce usable professional learning rather than passive attendance.

See the child more clearlyRecognize sensitive periods, developmental needs, readiness, movement and observation.
Prepare purposeful environmentsConnect order, independence, Practical Life, Sensorial work and language preparation.
Understand the literacy pathwayTrace oral language and phonemic awareness toward writing, word building and early reading.
Align phonics responsiblyIdentify responsible connections between Montessori language and systematic synthetic phonics.
Use learning science carefullyApply emotional safety, attention, movement and memory without reducing children to labels.
Plan the next professional stepChoose follow-up training or application based on learner needs and teacher readiness.
Two-day training syllabus

Twelve connected parts—from Montessori foundations to implementation

1

Day 1 — Montessori Foundations and Sensorial Readiness

Part 1

Life and Work of Dr. Maria Montessori

Reconnect with Montessori’s scientific approach and education as an aid to life.

Part 2

Child Development (0–6) and Sensitive Periods

Explore how order, movement and sensorial refinement shape behavior and readiness.

Part 3

Montessori Method and Core Principles

Revisit the prepared environment, freedom within limits, self-correction and normalization.

Part 4

Montessori Language Foundations

Trace oral language, phonemic awareness, writing and early reading progression.

Part 5

Guided Demonstration and Observation Lab

Observe Practical Life, Sensorial and Language work and connect it to literacy development.

Part 6

Grammar and Phonics Alignment

Relate Montessori grammar and phonemic awareness to systematic synthetic phonics and Jolly Phonics.

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Day 2 — Learning Science and Teaching Context

Part 7

Reflection, Jolly Phonics Consolidation and Jolly Classroom Introduction

Review Jolly Phonics purpose, progression and skills, then introduce Jolly Classroom as a teacher-led resource for structured reading and writing.

Part 8

Multiple Intelligences as a Conceptual Lens

Use the framework carefully for observation and planning without labeling children.

Part 9

Brain-Based Learning Foundations

Explore serve-and-return, emotional safety and the impact of stress on learning.

Part 10

Brain-Based Teaching and Learning

Apply practical strategies for attention, movement, memory and engagement.

Part 11

PPP Lesson Planning and Teaching Demonstration

Plan and demonstrate a one-hour lesson integrating speaking, listening, reading and writing through presentation, practice and production. Participants also examine how to prepare for ALT interviews and video demonstration lessons when required for employment applications.

Part 12

Pathways Forward and Next Steps

Map appropriate next steps in teacher development, literacy training, practicum, classroom implementation and institutional support.

After the two-day IC

Choose the next step that fits your goal

The IC may stand alone. Continue only according to your role, learner readiness and actual implementation needs.

Use IC as a stand-alone foundation

Apply the learning in your classroom, home, tutorial setting or professional development without entering another program.

Ask about IC only

Continue to the DME Pathway

Build deeper knowledge of Montessori philosophy, child observation, prepared environments and practical classroom application.

Explore the DME Diploma

Access Philippine Reintegration Support

IC completers returning to the Philippines may access available SEELS Training Center Corp. guidance, assistance, services and education-related opportunities.

Explore Reintegration Support
Philippine Reintegration Pathway

Support for Your Next Chapter in the Philippines

IC completers returning to the Philippines may request access to available SEELS Training Center Corp. guidance, assistance, services and education-related opportunities.

Ask About Reintegration Support

Support is subject to applicable requirements, assessment, program availability and Philippine regulations. IC completion does not guarantee employment, funding or authorization to operate a school or learning center.

Course scope and integrity

Clear expectations protect participants and partner institutions.

What the course provides

A structured introduction connecting Montessori philosophy and child development, prepared environments and sensorial readiness, oral language and phonemic awareness, early writing and reading, introductory Jolly Phonics alignment, learning science and practical teaching application.

What the course does not automatically provide

It is not an AMI diploma or AMI orientation certificate, does not by itself qualify someone as a Montessori teacher, does not grant official Jolly trainer status, and does not guarantee employment, promotion, clients, income or authority to operate a SEELS program.

International presentation

Montessori education in the Society 5.0 context

SEELS presented “Marrying Montessori Education and Society 5.0” as a breakout session during the 29th International Montessori Congress, held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok from August 2–5, 2023. The IC translates that continuing inquiry into an accessible professional foundation.

Frequently asked questions

Direct answers about alignment and certification

Do I need prior Montessori experience?
No. The IC is designed for both new and experienced educators. Experienced participants use it as a structured refresher; beginners use it as a foundation.
Is the Philippine course different from the Japan course?
The educational foundation, intended audience, learning outcomes and twelve-part syllabus remain aligned. Regional schedules, fees, classroom examples, partner institutions and continuation pathways may differ.
What recognition do I receive?
Participants who complete both days and the required activities receive the SEELS IC Certificate of Completion. This is separate from the full DME Diploma.
Is this an AMI diploma or official Jolly Learning course?
No. It is a SEELS-developed introductory professional-development course. It does not provide an AMI diploma, AMI orientation certificate, official Jolly trainer status or a standalone Jolly Learning qualification.
Must I continue into another SEELS program?
No. The course may be taken as a stand-alone introduction. Further training, practicum or institutional development is optional and should match teacher readiness, learner needs and the requirements of the next program.
Does the IC authorize me to operate a SEELS program?
No. The IC provides professional foundations. SEELS program authorization, implementation agreements, quality requirements and applicable local permissions are separate stages.
Are schedules and fees the same in every country?
No. Delivery arrangements, fees and available pathways may differ by country, campus and cohort. Request the current schedule for your location.
Japan Course Delivery

Learn Face-to-Face at Stepup English School

The SEELS Montessori Language and Jolly Phonics Introductory Course is delivered in Tama City with local scheduling, participant support and face-to-face facilitation provided by Stepup English School.

The course curriculum, completion requirements and quality standards remain under SEELS Co., Ltd. Stepup’s Japan facilitation role does not automatically authorize other SEELS programs or qualifications.

Regular Japan Training Venue

Stepup English School, Tama City

Face-to-face SEELS Introductory Course training in Japan is regularly conducted at Stepup English School.

Training Center Address

Minamino 2-31-17
Hagyuda Building 202
Tama-shi, Tokyo 206-0032
Japan

Telephone: +81 70-9110-5025

View Location Map

Training dates, reporting time and venue-access instructions are confirmed with registered participants before each course.

Japan Course Inquiry

Ask About the Next Stepup-Facilitated IC

Inquiries concerning Japan schedules, enrollment and face-to-face participation are coordinated by Stepup English School as the SEELS-authorized course facilitator.

Regular face-to-face training is held at Stepup English School, Hagyuda Building 202, Minamino, Tama-shi, Tokyo.

Email Course Inquiry info@seels.co.jp

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