The Montessori Method of Education is both a philosophy and a rational for guiding a child’s growth. It’s based on the child’s need for freedom with limits, and a carefully prepared environment, which guarantees exposure to materials and experiences, through which intelligence is developed as well as physical and social abilities.
Children need adults to expose them to the possibilities of their lives, but children themselves must direct their response to those possibilities.
With the belief that a child, given the freedom to experience and experiment, will be the best gauge of his/her own readiness for academic, social and physical activities, The Montessori Method is a child centred programme which integrates all aspects of the child’s development.
The Montessori Method of Education is both a philosophy and a rational for guiding a child’s growth. It’s based on the child’s need for freedom with limits, and a carefully prepared environment, which guarantees exposure to materials and experiences, through which intelligence is developed as well as physical and social abilities.
Children need adults to expose them to the possibilities of their lives, but children themselves must direct their response to those possibilities.
With the belief that a child, given the freedom to experience and experiment, will be the best gauge of his/her own readiness for academic, social and physical activities, The Montessori Method is a child centred programme which integrates all aspects of the child’s development.
Montessori is implemented in the following ways:
The Classroom
The typical classroom consists of five areas: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics and Cultural. Interaction with the natural world is also encouraged. The classroom is set up so that all the material can be accessed by the children. All shelves and presses are open and of child height. Table and chairs, and washroom fixtures are all child appropriate and allow the children the freedom to move about the class room unhindered.
This creates an environment which is child-centered and child-friendly. It leads to the child becoming self sufficient. The average class age range is three to six years of age. The intent is to establish a non-competitive atmosphere in the classroom. Older children take on the role of mentoring the younger ones, helping them to learn the different ways in which the materials can be used.
Pedagogical Materials
Every activity has its place in the classroom and is self-contained and self-correcting. The original didactic materials are specific in design, conforming to exact dimensions, and each activity is designed to focus on a single skill, concept or exercise. It is in this way that the child absorbs the material and from there uses that knowledge to make associations and connections to new work.
Lessons & Material
Teacher (Directress) or older child demonstrates a piece of work.
Each lesson forms the basis of the next one and a new level of thinking. Vigotsgy refers to this scaffolding work within the zone of proximal development. Generally, a child repeats the activity over and over until they have mastered the work. They then move on to new and more challenging activities and the child develops at his/her own pace. A Montessori teacher, by means of observation, provides the child with the appropriate lesson.
Montessori aids the child’s natural senses and ability to learn. The child develops his/her ability through exploration and touch. This method enhances the child’s self-esteem and self-confidence.