I
Understanding Montessori
How classrooms are organized, the prepared environment, grace and courtesy, and the areas of the room.
For Montessori Assistants & the Schools Who Support Them
Walk into your Montessori Primary classroom confident, prepared, and clear on your role.
Practical support for Montessori Assistants that explains both the why behind Montessori and the how of the Assistant role.
Digital download · Created by Laura Lee, AMI-trained Primary Guide
Does This Sound Familiar?
Many Assistants begin wondering…
“Am I helping, or interfering?”
“I don't want to annoy the Guide.”
“What am I supposed to do when there’s no obvious task?”
“Why do the other adults seem to know what to do?”
Often Assistants are never formally taught the role. They are learning on the job, picking up the unspoken rhythms of the classroom as they go.
Who is this for?
Created for Montessori Assistants, Guides, and schools who recognize that Assistants play an essential role in the success of the classroom.
Montessori Assistants
New to the role or years in — anyone who wants to feel prepared and confident in the classroom.
Guides & Lead Teachers
Support your Assistant with a shared language and a consistent reference you can point to.
Schools & Training Programs
Onboard Assistant teams with one trusted resource across your campus or organization.
Here's the Montessori Assistant Companion
Why this companion exists
Designed to replace uncertainty with understanding. Across 85+ pages, the companion blends Montessori principles with practical guidance so you understand the why behind the environment and the how of your day.
The Assistant's role is too important to leave to trial and error. Many Assistants receive little formal training and learn as they go. This companion was created to provide guidance, context, and practical support that busy classrooms don't always have time to cover.
Included with Every Purchase
Every Companion purchase includes access to The Montessori Assistant Community, a private Facebook group where Assistants and Guides can connect, ask questions, share ideas, and support one another throughout the school year.
Access details will be included in your confirmation email.
A Look Inside the Companion
The why behind Montessori — and the how of your day
Everything the busy classroom never has time to explain — across seven parts and 85+ pages, from understanding the environment through the daily flow, observation, and caring for yourself in the role, plus a materials reference and glossary to return to all year.
II
The Role of the Assistant
How the role differs from the Guide's, supporting the classroom, and what to do when there's a substitute.
III
The Daily Flow
From before children arrive through arrival, the work cycle, snack, lunch, rest, and dismissal.
IV
Health, Safety & Care
Toileting support, illness and cleaning, injury response, and caring for the materials.
V
Observation & Stepping In
How to observe with intention, and knowing when to step in and when to hold back.
VI
Communication & Practice
Working with your Guide, talking with children and parents, boundaries, and behavior.
VII
Sustainability & You
Staying well in the role, what to keep at school, and caring for yourself.
+
Reference, sketch pages & glossary
A materials reference, room-sketching pages, and a Montessori glossary to keep close.
A Peek at the Pages
See inside the companion
Practical pages to reach for — classroom references, checklists, reflection prompts.
The Story Behind the Companion
The guidance I wish I'd had on my first day.
On my first day as a Montessori Assistant, I walked in eager and confident, ready to teach the children. By mid-morning I'd been gently asked to interact less, to rethink my clothing, and to walk around the outside of the room rather than straight through it.
Nothing I was doing was wrong, exactly — Montessori simply wasn't intuitive to me yet, and no one had the time to explain the small details that mattered.
Later, as an AMI-trained Primary Guide, I saw my own thoughtful Assistants learning the same way. I also realized that even when I wanted to offer more context, there was rarely enough time in a busy classroom day to cover all the details.
I created this companion to be the practical reference I wish someone had handed me at the start.
— Laura Lee, AMI-Trained Primary Guide & Former Montessori Assistant
What Educators are Saying
“Your posts have helped me so much! I'm a first year Montessori Assistant and your posts help me stay inspired to teach.”
“I LOVE your account!!! I share it with my staff all the time.”
“I love your page!! I am in AMI training right now to be a Guide but have worked as an Assistant for 5 years.”
“This book will save a lot of working relationships in any Montessori community.”
“I wish I had your Montessori Assistant Guide when I was working in environments with non-Montessori-trained adults… Everything you post is so incredibly inspiring and valuable, and I hope new Guides, directors, and schools buy your digital and hard copy — it is a delicate matter guiding Assistants to feel that their work is vital too. I am sure it will help any class team.”
“Thank you for this work, it is really lovely!”
Turn the Companion into a real onboarding tool
In addition to an individual-use option, school and multi-campus licenses are available for programs that would like to share the Companion with their teams.
School licenses include bonus resources
School licenses include two ready-to-use resources: a Team Engagement pack for staff development, plus Crystallization, a family guide filled with practical Montessori-inspired summer activities.
✓
Bonus Resource
Montessori Team Engagement Pack
Designed to bring fresh ideas to staff meetings, this collection includes reflection questions, staff bingo, a scavenger hunt, and team-building activities that encourage discussion, connection, and professional growth.
✓
Bonus Resource
Crystallization: A Summer Guide for Families
A ready-to-share summer resource for families, featuring Montessori-inspired ideas for independence, responsibility, and meaningful participation at home. Perfect for printing or emailing to your school community.
✓
Multi-Campus License only
First Week Reflection Journal for Montessori Assistants
A guided reflection journal designed to support new Assistants through their first week, helping them process experiences, identify questions, and build confidence. Included only with the Multi-Campus License — not the Individual or School license.
Choose the License That Fits
Same companion. Three ways to use it.
The Companion itself is the same in all three options. The difference is how it may be used and shared, along with the additional resources included with each purchase.
Introductory pricing through August 31 — prices rise after launch.
Individual Use License
$39 $47
For one Assistant or Guide.
✓Full Montessori Assistant Companion
✓Digital download
✓1 user license
✓Access to The Montessori Assistant Community
Best for: One Assistant, Guide, or educator using the companion for personal professional development.
Choose Individual License
Most popular for schools
Single School License
$149 $199
For one school location and staff team.
✓Full Montessori Assistant Companion
✓Digital download
✓All Assistants & substitutes at one campus
✓Team Engagement & Family Resource Bundle
✓Access to The Montessori Assistant Community
Best for: Schools providing a consistent onboarding and support resource for their Assistant team.
Choose Single School License
Multi-Campus License
$349 $499
For programs, school networks, and organizations — up to 10 classrooms.
✓Full Montessori Assistant Companion
✓Digital download
✓Unlimited staff licenses
✓Multi-campus use — up to 10 classrooms
✓Substitutes included org-wide
✓Team Engagement & Family Resource Bundle
✓First Week Reflection Journal (Exclusive Bonus)
✓Access to The Montessori Assistant Community
Best for: Organizations supporting Assistants across multiple schools, campuses, or training programs.
Choose Multi-Campus License
Need a larger license? For organizations, school networks, or programs serving more than 10 classrooms, please contact us for custom licensing.
Not sure which license you need?
Individual Assistant?
Choose the Individual license.
One school location?
Choose the Single School license.
Program or organization?
Choose the Multi-Campus license.
A note about licensing: The companion content is identical across all three; the difference is how it may be used and shared, along with the additional resources included with each purchase.
Ready When You Are
Ready to feel more confident in your Montessori classroom?
Whether you're preparing for your first day, supporting children in a new environment, or strengthening years of practice — the companion is here to help.
Get the CompanionDigital download · Secure checkout via Stripe