8 Fundamental Components of the Montessori Method
This article breifly describes the concept and history of the Montessori method of child education as pioneered by italian physician Maria Montessori.
March 3, 2017
You've no doubt heard the term "Montessori" but may be clueless as to specifically what it means, and that's not unusual. In spite of its rich and long history, Montessori instruction is still not well understood.
Simply put, Montessori is a sensible substitute for a modern public schooling system that focuses on repetition and standardization: A technique that guides children to be self-sufficient, think constructively, and to foster a natural thirst for knowledge, beginning early on in life.
The Montessori approach to child education is derived from the life-spanning studies of Italian doctor Maria Montessori, who was thoroughly enmeshed with kids and their styles of learning.
The academic techniques she pioneered were founded on the concept that kids are by nature inquisitive, willful, and want to know as much as possible about their environment. These simple concepts, when tested in a skillfully organized learning environment, enabled "problem" learners to suddenly excel.
Dr. Montessori understood that every child is different and learns based on an internal rhythm. In Montessori classes, new ideas are presented to your child once he or she displays an aptitude for learning them and are tested based on ability as opposed to standardized criteria.
Dr. Montessori noted distinctive 3-year developmental stages in children during which they all share certain traits, hobbies, and habits. In her system, children are divided into mixed-age classes that reflect these specific cycles, which stimulates peer-educating, leadership skills, and a group environment.
The Montessori method presents a wide-ranging curriculum to your children, but allows them to follow their own passions and make sensible decisions for themselves. As a consequence, they will blossom into truth-driven students who are independent and eager to learn.
Dr. Montessori discovered that kids all have an inborn craving for independence, and Montessori classes are intended to bring out this tendency in your son or daughter. Child-sized furniture, low cabinets, and miniature hand tools permit pupils to care for themselves, their peers, and their surroundings with minimal adult input required.
There are no lines of desks, teachers writing on blackboards in the front of the room, or kids completing monotonous worksheets. Instead, your child works directly with engaging study materials specially made to impart a profound familiarity with abstract ideas and critical life management skills.
During her studies, Dr. Montessori came to regard children as able, fascinating people to be unreservedly recognized as worthy of respect. Practitioners of her method support this idea by connecting personally with your children and appreciating their distinctive skills, talents, and personalities.
Montessori teachers invest significant time in building a school room atmosphere your child will thrive in. Miniature tools and supplies for strengthening independence skills are cleaned and put away each day so that children can retrieve and work with them as required. Plant life, animals, cultural curios, and visually stunning art pieces facilitate a cozy, welcoming atmosphere wherein your child's desire to learn will be stimulated.
Respect and esteem for other people are demonstrated by the instructor with politeness tutoring. In these lessons, the older kids act as guides for their junior classmates to create a supportive and civilized team of learners.
Montessori learning was created to be a leading-out of a child's self-awareness. The pay-off comes in the form of your child's self-development, as opposed to letter grades or material prizes.
Your child's first few years of life involve a lot of mental and physical growth. The academic atmosphere you select will significantly influence his or her self-image, learning capacity, and perceived future impact on society. Montessori learning provides a refreshing alternative to traditional child education that values your young one's distinctive capabilities, encourages a fascination with learning, and readies him or her for the unfolding of tomorrow.